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Consultants outline three FM 407 alignments and multi-million-dollar cost estimates
Summary
0.5 Associates presented three options for FM 407 and Unity Park connections: Option 1 sidewalk gap fill (~$2.2M turnkey total), Option 2 12-foot shared-use path (~$4.67M total), and Option 3 Unity Park connection (~$2.715M); consultants said Option 2 scores best for federal grants but raises maintenance questions.
Consultants from 0.5 Associates described three distinct alignment alternatives for the FM 407 corridor and a Unity Park connection, providing conceptual opinions of probable construction cost (OPCC) and turnkey budget estimates. Kevin Grumwalt (speaker 7) said Option 1, which fills sidewalk gaps with a 6-foot sidewalk from Market Trail to Highland Village Road (roughly 3,700 linear feet), had an OPCC of about $1,775,000 and turnkey design/survey/construction services estimated near $425,000 (grand total roughly $2.2 million).
Option 2 was presented as a 12-foot shared-use path (about 5,200 linear feet) intended for multi-modal use (pedestrians and bicycles). Consultants estimated an OPCC of roughly $3.8 million with turnkey services near $870,000, yielding a grand total near $4.67 million. "The full shared use path for FM 407 is gonna be the best option if you want to bring federal funding in to help offset dollars," Liz Range Pendle (speaker 9) told the board, noting that wider, multi-use facilities score higher under NCTCOG and TxDOT programs.
Option 3 would create a Unity Park trail connection from Briar Hill Boulevard to Highland Village Road (3,900 linear feet) with OPCC estimated at about $2.19 million and turnkey costs around $525,000, for an overall conceptual total near $2.715 million. Consultants cautioned Option 3 requires easement acquisitions from Highland Forest HOA and a private property owner and noted the railroad (CPKC) will not allow a trail in its right-of-way.
Consultants also emphasized that costs shown assume FY29/30 inflation adjustments and that federal funding options introduce NEPA, H&H and other requirements that increase both schedule and some budget line items. The board asked that the city be provided with more detailed maintenance and lifecycle cost estimates before selecting a preferred alternative.
