City of Center to Share in $76 Million for Transportation Enhancement Projects - July 29, 2010
Submitted by Chad Nehring

Monies to be used for Roughrider Dr. & Hwy 96 Sidewalks/Trails

(CENTER) The City of Center learned Thursday that the Texas Transportation Commission has approved a project that will provide $955,627 of federal transportation enhancement funds for construction of a series of concrete sidewalks and asphalt trails to link downtown Center with Center High School, Hwy 96 commercial development, and the new John D. Windham Civic Center. The City’s project was one of 54 approved by the Transportation Commission out of more than 200 nominated by local jurisdictions throughout the State and one of only two in East Texas.

According to Mayor John D. Windham, “This is another great opportunity for Center and we are glad TXDoT chose our project.” Windham further stated, “This will tie all of the recent retail development on Hurst St. with our historic downtown and new school campuses in an attractive way that our citizens and visitors to our community will appreciate.”

The project proposes developing major streetscape pedestrian system improvements to include construction of 12,500 LF of concrete sidewalks, 3,000 LF of HMAC pedestrian/bicycle path, and 3,000 SF observation deck/boardwalk with retaining walls. In addition to the direct pedestrian infrastructure, 30 curb ramps, 3 pedestrian bridge structures, benches, trash receptacles, path lighting and landscaping will be constructed. Construction will take place at the following locations:

Concrete Sidewalk

• Along Tenaha St (BUS 87) – From Church St. to Timpson St.;
• Along Timpson St. – From Tenaha St. to Hurst St. (HWY 96);
• Along Hurst St (Hwy 96) from Timpson to Express Drive
• Along Roughrider Drive – From Hurst St (HWY 96) to Elementary School and High School driveway;
• Along High School driveway – from Roughrider Drive to stadium/track, including crosswalks;
• Connecting to Center Park, which adjoins High School driveway;
• Adjoining hotel properties crossing Express Drive to Observation Deck/Boardwalk;
• From Express Drive to HMAC Pedestrian Bike Path;

HMAC Pedestrian/Bicycle Path

• From stadium/track to Civic Center/Shelter;
• From Civic Center to Observation Deck to commercial properties/Wulf shopping center parking lot

The project will be carried out under an Advance Funding Agreement between the City and TxDOT. The City expects to receive the TxDOT paperwork sometime this fall, and estimates the project will be completed sometime in late 2012.

Related press releases:
State approves funding for transportation enhancement projects
EXHIBIT A; Projects Selected for Transportation Enhancement Program Call