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Study finds Westpark Tollway downtown underpass feasible but roughly $10 million costlier than overpass
Summary
A recently completed Westpark Tollway study shows a downtown underpass is feasible but could cost about $10 million more than an overpass because of a required railway easement; the study has been sent to the Tollway Authority and county to explore funding or easement options.
Staff told the board that the completed Westpark Tollway study shows an underpass through the downtown area is feasible and would not require pumping, but that including a railway easement adds roughly $10,000,000 to the cost compared with an overpass option. The study was funded by the board and has been shared with the Tollway Authority and the county for further discussion about funding or whether an easement allowance is possible.
"The underpass option is largely more expensive due to the inclusion of a railway easement that is required for the underpass," staff said, noting the railway easement runs along the entire length of the Westpark Tollway. Staff said either an underpass or overpass would improve connectivity to downtown and to adjacent corridors such as FM 359 and Wallace.
Because the county and the Tollway Authority are involved in right-of-way and funding considerations, staff said follow-up conversations are ongoing and the city is exploring creative funding options. The board did not take action; staff said the completed study will inform further conversations with partners and future project planning.
