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Fulshear board hears drainage progress and Westpark Tollway underpass study; public‑works chief pledges closer oversight
Summary
The Downtown East Side drainage project’s timeline was updated (staff cited an added ~61 days and an updated schedule putting work about 70% complete under the new plan, with an estimated completion around April 1). Engineers also provided preliminary pricing for an underpass and overpass option at Westpark; staff said the Toll Road Authority would have final decision-making authority.
Board members received updates Nov. 17 on two infrastructure matters: progress and schedule changes for the Downtown East Side drainage project and preliminary engineering and pricing for a potential Westpark Tollway underpass or overpass through downtown.
On the drainage project, staff and the contractor reported substantial progress on surface work — sidewalk paving, colored concrete and sanitary sewer installation for phase 1 and much of phase 2 — but noted an updated schedule that adds roughly 61 days (described in the meeting as about 8–9 months total effort). Staff said that, based on the new schedule, the project stood at roughly 70% complete. The project team said change orders totaling an amount discussed in meeting notes were being covered by the contingency. "So based on the the updated schedule... that puts us about 70% complete," a presenter said.
David Lequon, who introduced himself as the city’s new assistant director for public works (CIP), described stepped-up oversight: more frequent contractor communications, at least two or three engineers visiting the site more often, and coordination with nearby stakeholders (including a church) as the work approaches sensitive areas. He singled out a water pump at a detention pond as a remaining key item to be resolved and said the team would report back next month.
Separately, staff reported that engineers have provided schematics and preliminary pricing estimates for both underpass and overpass options at the Westpark Tollway downtown crossing. Staff said the Toll Road Authority is the ultimate decision-maker and that the city and EDC could prepare economic-impact narratives or consider cost offsets to influence the preference. A board member asked how funding shortfalls would be handled; staff suggested the city and EDC could explore contributions or partnerships but that authority rests with the Toll Road Authority.
Next steps: staff will continue project oversight and return with updated schedules and the detention-pond pump status; staff also will refine cost and impact information for the Westpark study should the board decide to pursue advocacy or funding options.
