Seguin ISD hires contractor for McQueen Elementary deceleration lane; board raises school-zone safety concerns

The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees voted 7–0 to award the general-contractor recommendation for construction of a deceleration and turn lane at the new McQueen Elementary to DND Construction.

District staff described the planned roadway work—adding a center lane and a separate deceleration lane with an approximate 1,100-foot taper—and said the design follows TxDOT guidance. Staff said the project includes coordination with TxDOT and an initial traffic signal; however, TxDOT’s process likely means the campus would open without an immediate school-zone designation, and a subsequent speed-study after several months of operation would determine whether a formal school zone is warranted.

Trustees pressed staff on traffic flow at arrival and dismissal, the width of proposed lanes (12-foot target), how left turns and northbound traffic will be handled during peak times, and whether the design anticipates projected development across the road. Staff said two qualified contractors responded to the bid and that DND Construction scored well and was recommended; neither contractor had prior district project experience but both had strong references.

After approving the contractor selection, trustees requested that staff provide a traffic-flow presentation showing A.M. and P.M. patterns and the district’s plan for safely moving students during pickup and dropoff before the building opens, including whether crossing guards, temporary signage, or other mitigations will be in place. Staff agreed to return with a pre-opening traffic plan and to coordinate further with TxDOT prior to occupancy.