City outlines two‑phase Highway 5 crossing plan; TxDOT to lead first phase, city plans complementary enhancements

Gary Graham, McKinney’s director of engineering, briefed the council on a two‑phase approach to improvements along State Highway 5. He said TxDOT will lead the first phase and plans to let the project next June with construction to follow, and the city will pursue a separate phase 2 with streetscape and median landscaping work. "We're gonna have a phased approach to the improvements along Highway 5," Graham told the council, emphasizing coordination between the TxDOT schedule and the city’s later work.

Graham outlined funding changes and cost estimates: a previously proposed $15,000,000 federal reconnection community fund was rescinded, leaving about $22,000,000 that the regional COG still holds and that staff are discussing pulling back onto this project. He said stamped‑concrete aesthetic treatments are estimated at about $2,000,000 and staff are targeting "just over $8,000,000 of improvements" to be funded by federal dollars rather than city funds. On pedestrian safety, Graham said TxDOT denied requests for additional rectangular rapid flashing beacons at some locations because the sites did not meet TxDOT’s pedestrian volume thresholds, and staff will continue pursuing two‑stage staged crossings and other safety measures where feasible.

Staff answered council questions about timing and access, noting utility and drainage constraints under the corridor and that TxDOT’s letting schedule will largely determine when city work can occur; Graham said the city hopes to start its phase 2 work around 2030 but would look for opportunities to advance limited elements sooner if TxDOT’s work allows it.