TEXARKANA — The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has awarded over $5 million for sidewalk improvements as part of the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program.
Texarkana will get a total of $5,152,402 to improve sidewalks along College Drive and North Robison Road. Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2023.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved funding for 16 TA program projects across the state valued at $25.7 million.
TXDOT and its public transportation division will work locally with the Atlanta District along with the city of Texarkana, Texas, to implement the grants. Construction is expected to start in
The first award includes bike and pedestrian sidewalk infrastructure improvements along College Drive from Robison Road to U.S.-71 (State Line Avenue). This project will also include bike and pedestrian signalization improvements at Texas Boulevard.
Project two has pedestrian sidewalk infrastructure improvements along both sides of North Robison Road from Bright Street to Richmond Road. The proposed improvements will include crosswalks and improvements to multiple existing signals allowing pedestrians to safely cross heavily trafficked roadways. Additional improvements include sidewalks along West 15th street and Milam Street, from Robison Road to Theron Jones Elementary.
Interim city manager David Orr says the city is excited to have the funding to improve the pedestrian infrastructure in the city.
“We are excited to receive this funding and partner with TXDOT to improve the pedestrian infrastructure in our community,” Orr said. “The fact that Texarkana received two of the sixteen awards statewide is a testament to our incredible staff and consultants that worked on these projects.”
Interim Planning & Community Development Director, Vashil Fernandez, is looking forward to the infrastructure upgrades as well.
“As part of the public feedback process for the City’s neighborhood planning efforts, improved sidewalks have consistently scored as a top priority,” Fernandez said. “We look forward to the impact this funding will make for our community.”
