Turtle Creek Phase 2 nearing completion

A street rehabilitation project is currently underway in the Turtle Creek subdivision, situated at the northwest corner of West Houston Street and South Aspen Avenue.

This project is part of a larger initiative that includes 16 subdivision road projects, with a total estimated cost of $16.8 million. These projects are expected to be opened for public bidding in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

The Turtle Creek Phase 2 project involves replacing 5,700 square yards of concrete roadway panels, along with miscellaneous concrete work, including sidewalks, curbs, driveways, storm sewers, and ADA ramps.

City Manager Michael Spurgeon signed the $525,489 construction contract with Gober Construction LLC, in December, following the City Council's approval, and it will be paid from the Street Sales Tax fund.

Gober Construction began their work in March.

Streets and Stormwater Director Tim Wilson provided an overview of the construction timeline.

"It takes a lot before the construction shovels actually hit the ground," Wilson said. "Once the Council approves it, it goes into design with the Engineering and Construction Department."

Next, the project is posted for public bid, and pre-work conferences and public meetings follow, all of which occur before the start of construction.

Turtle Creek Phase Two was initially estimated to take 90 days to complete. However, due to over 30 inches of rain falling in recent weeks, the timeline had to be extended. Wilson says that the contractor is now expected to finish the project within the next couple of weeks.

The Turtle Creek subdivision was selected for the maintenance project based on the City's Pavement Condition Index (PCI). During this process, an outside contractor scans every street in the City over a three-month period and grades it accordingly with the PCI Index. They look for street cracks, potholes, crumbling sidewalks, curbs and more.

The PCI Index helps the City scientifically prioritize street projects based on the greatest need. The PCI Index data is collected every five years.

"They rate the streets in seven different categories, all the way from poor, very poor, to in the median range, to excellent, good to excellent, like that," Wilson said.

The Turtle Creek Phase 2 PCI rating was graded in the 40-45 range, which falls within the poor range. Wilson concluded by saying he is excited for the residents because everyone deserves to drive on smooth, safe streets.