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KCI says Iturbide street project is a month ahead; brick pavers delayed but due soon
Summary
KCI told the Texas IRZ No.1 board that work on Iturbide (Blocks 5–9) is largely complete, sidewalks will be widened in spots to 6–8 feet, intersections are being raised to street level for improved walkability, and pedestrian brick pavers delayed by supplier issues were reported as expected for delivery the next day.
KCI Technologies told the Texas Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 board on May 12 that the Iturbide street-improvement project is progressing and that several major elements are in place.
Edward Ochoa, representing KCI, said the contractor has completed most work on Blocks 7–9 and is currently working on Block 5 at the intersection near the Veterans Museum. He said the contractor had “probably about a month ahead of schedule” despite rain delays and that crews have installed curbs, bump-outs, and the foundations for decorative lighting and festoon string lighting that will crisscross the street.
Ochoa described design elements intended to improve pedestrian safety and comfort: raised intersections that put the crosswalk at the same level as the street, curb bump-outs to shorten crossing distances, widened sidewalks on the north side of Iturbide (in places expanding to 6–8 feet), bollards to protect sidewalks, and tree bump-outs with bubblers for irrigation.
Board members raised material and aesthetic questions. Ochoa acknowledged repeated delays in delivery of brick pedestrian pavers and said the contractor had been pressing the supplier; he reported to the board that the bricks were expected to be delivered the following day, which would allow crews to finish the intersection work and replace temporary cold-mix patches at other locations. “The contractor just told me that, they told him the bricks were here, and they would be delivered tomorrow,” Ochoa said.
The board asked about existing utility poles and inlet alignments near a manhole. Ochoa said the poles on the north side of the street are staying in place and that some inlet boxes were converted to manholes as grading changed; brick installation will be coordinated so final surfaces are even and intentional.
The board also reviewed progress photos showing new sidewalks, curb inlets and staging areas; Ochoa credited the contractor for traffic control practices that keep traffic flowing while work is underway. He said remaining fine-tuning work (sealants, tree placement, bubbler hookups) is expected to take place over the coming weeks as crews return to earlier blocks.
The board and staff noted the project includes an illuminated “it” sign at Santa Ursula and Iturbide. Staff reported the sign’s foundation and power connection are in place and that the sign installation was scheduled for May 18.
The board heard no change to the project scope or contract award at the meeting; staff said outstanding items will be handled from contingency and returned to future agendas if further action is needed.
