Balch Springs EDC OKs $18,500 to replace bus shelter damaged in crash

The Balch Springs Type B EDC approved funding not to exceed $18,500 to replace a bus shelter at 3117 Hickory Tree Road after staff described a December 2025 crash that destroyed the shelter. Staff said the shelter had not been covered by insurance at the time of the incident and that the city is now ensuring assets are properly added to the insurance program.

Staff described the planned replacement and the coordination with a longer-term Hickory Road redesign, which is at 60% design and whose construction is not scheduled until 2028; staff said they are coordinating with engineers so the new shelter will not be adversely affected when roadway construction begins. On the procurement question, staff said they used the original manufacturer to match existing shelters and did not put the work to competitive bid because the intent was to preserve uniformity using the original provider. A board member asked, “Do we know how often the stop is used?” and staff replied the shelter is on a fixed route and is heavily utilized because it connects to DART; staff offered to provide ridership numbers in a future meeting.

A motion authorizing funding for the replacement in the amount not to exceed $18,500 was made and passed by roll call.