Weatherford board authorizes $548,250 design agreement to move Palo Pinto utilities underground

The Weatherford Municipal Utility Board voted to authorize the city manager to execute Task Order 2 with CEC Corporation, a not-to-exceed $548,250 design contract to convert overhead utilities along Palo Pinto Street to underground.

City staff said the effort is driven by a TxDOT roadway reconstruction that will repave US 180 and requires utilities to be relocated out of the way of the planned cross-section. James McGill, who presented the item, said the scope includes easement identification, subsurface engineering, coordination with franchise utilities (including telecom providers), and design of a joint duct bank to avoid repeated future street cuts.

"TxDOT would like all utilities to have a design in place prior to construction," McGill said, outlining a schedule that targets 30 percent design by August, 60 percent by November and 90 percent complete by Jan. 1, 2027. He emphasized that construction is not funded and the city will not move forward to build underground facilities until TxDOT's schedule and funding are confirmed.

Board members pressed staff on TxDOT's timeline and funding. Mr. Marbella said TxDOT plans multi-year programs and can accelerate projects as funds become available but that there is currently no urgency to proceed to construction. "We just need to be prepared to do it if they do access those funds," Marbella said.

Lindsay Hester moved to approve the task order; Ken Davis seconded the motion. The board voted to approve the design authorization.

The city will proceed with the design phase under the CEC task order and later develop a construction estimate; staff said any construction would require additional funding and coordination with TxDOT and franchise utilities.