By Megan Wehring
KYLE — Construction is inevitable as city populations continue to skyrocket. Several capital improvement program (CIP) and road projects in the city of Kyle are ongoing.
Lehman Road is in the project closeout phase. Burleson Street is nearing completion at 93%, waiting for punch list items to be addressed by the contractor and work quantities to be finalized.
“There is a pressure to get this contractor to complete that list,” said Leon Barba, city engineer. “We are sitting on retainage which is about 5% of the contract, which is about $300,000, so there is an incentive for him to wrap it up and get on to the next project.”
Construction for the Windy Hill Street and Drainage Project began on Monday, Nov. 30, and the deadline for completion is Nov. 15, 2021. The project is part of a 2015 Community Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program for communities impacted by the floods in 2015. Barba said despite consistent discussion with the General Land Office, the city must complete the project next year.
“We went back and forth with the General Land Office and told them that it’s difficult to build a project in two years,” Barba said. “Especially when you have engineering, environmental and if you need to buy right-of-way or easements.”
The Southside Wastewater Improvement Project is 71% complete with crews working on the Post Road lift station, reclaimed water lines and bores. The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is 20% complete with no deviations between the construction progress and schedule.
While the roundabout at Casetta Ranch was originally supposed to begin construction in the summer, it started on Nov. 4 due to issues with the water line and is now at 40% completion. Council member Michael Tobias expressed his concerns with the delayed construction progress that has caused excessive traffic.
“I’m trying to keep in communication with our residents that live in that area,” Tobias said. “They’ve been very patient but it gets frustrating for them and I hear them. We really need to get this completed on time.”
Residents can now view updated information and timelines for city projects .
