Fulshear staff shares feasibility study showing underpass through downtown is possible but more costly than overpass

At Tuesday’s council meeting, City Manager Zach Goodlander summarized a feasibility study, paid for by local economic development corporations and conducted by Gannett Fleming, evaluating whether the Westpark Tollway could be routed below grade through downtown without pumps.

Goodlander said the study concluded an underpass option is “feasible, from an engineering perspective,” and that a concept estimate for one downtown intersection — including construction contingency, schematic right‑of‑way, environmental surveying and geotechnical work but excluding detailed utility relocation costs — is roughly $51.8 million. He contrasted that to a standard overpass cost of approximately $41.8 million for an average intersection, and noted the study did not include potential utility relocations or final right‑of‑way acquisition costs.

Goodlander emphasized the city does not own the tollway right‑of‑way and that the Toll Authority would ultimately decide and build the project. Councilmembers expressed support for pursuing the underpass concept and asked staff to explore a resolution or memorandum of support to present to the Toll Authority as the project advances.

Ending: Staff will continue coordination and share the full feasibility report with the Toll Authority; councilmembers asked staff to keep any further design refinements transparent and to avoid shifting unexpected costs to the city.