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Willow Park hears multi-jurisdiction plan to extend Bankhead Highway; full build estimated at roughly $4–5M plus utilities
Summary
Landowner and city engineers presented a statement of intent and cost estimates for a Bankhead Highway westward extension, outlining options for a 36-ft arterial (~$4.18M), a 24-ft partial build (~$3.14M) and about $1.16M for water/sewer; bridge reconstruction is a county responsibility and a coordinated funding approach will be needed.
Ryder Scott, a Parker County resident and landowner, and Derek Turner, the city’s project engineer, presented a statement of intent Sept. 23 outlining a plan to extend Bankhead Highway across the Clear Fork of the Trinity River and reconnect a historic segment of the route.
Scott described the project as a multi-jurisdiction initiative that would require coordinated roles: the county would rebuild the bridge, the city would build the roadway, and a landowner could donate right of way. "The county doesn't want to build a bridge if there's no road. The city doesn't want to build a road if there's no bridge," Scott said, explaining why the statement of intent was needed to divide responsibilities.
Turner presented engineering cost estimates: a full 36-foot-wide concrete arterial with drainage is estimated at about $4.18 million, while a 24-foot two-lane partial build is estimated at roughly $3.137 million; an 8-inch water line and gravity sewer to tie the west end to existing facilities are estimated at about $1.16 million. He stressed drainage could be budgeted separately and estimated 8–12 months for construction after design.
Council members discussed historical-designation considerations and potential funding sources, including local bonds, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and limited Texas Department of Transportation programs. No motion was made to accept the statement of intent; council members said additional detail about funding mechanisms would be needed before committing city funds or signing an agreement.
Turner noted that if development follows the roadway, a full build could be justified now; otherwise a phased approach could spread costs and reduce near-term expenditures. Staff and proponents agreed to continue coordination with Parker County and landowners.
