A new road connecting Marketplace Avenue at the Burleson Street Roundabout to the southbound Interstate 35 access road moved a step closer to reality Feb. 20.
Kyle city leaders approved a purchase agreement for property that could house the new connector.
The purchase agreement, which was signed by Mayor Travis Mitchell, allows the city to obtain right-of-way to build the extension.
The city has been working with property owners Janice and Jerry Mattox, who own the flea market on the property, for over two years to secure the easement access.
With the new addition, Marketplace Avenue will have a seamless extension from FM 1626 to Interstate 35.
The end of Burleson Street, south of the low water crossing and a cul-de-sac will be put in its place.
While acquisition of right-of-way was completed, the city is choosing to wait before starting construction on the road.
City officials are waiting to hear back from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) regarding potential federal funding on the project.
In December, the city submitted several proposed transportation projects for the CAMPO Fiscal Year 2019-2022 funding.
Other projects submitted for funding include the Lehman Road improvement project and a proposed relocation of the Center Street rail siding.
The construction for the Marketplace Avenue extension would cost $9.2 million. The project is a “bid alternate” to the city’s $8 million Burleson Street improvement project, which was approved by voters in the city’s 2013 bond.
Leon Barba, Kyle city engineer, said the city hopes to hear from CAMPO on the status of its application by the end of March or beginning of April.
Once funding has been identified and construction can proceed, the road is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
