Council briefed on major downtown reconstruction projects and Stonebridge Drive funding

Gary Graham updated council members on the street reconstruction program, highlighting completed projects, projects under construction and those programmed to start in FY2027. He said the city has set a target of approximately $20 million per year for street reconstruction and that the program has ramped up in recent years using bond funding and general-fund transfers.

Graham said staff expects to bring two downtown reconstruction contract awards—together about $40 million—to council in the coming three to four months and noted the city's strategy to prioritize low-performing pavement segments. Trevor Meanyard and others also briefed the council on capital project sizing and noted $146 million dedicated to downtown road construction improvements within the CIP, with up to $15.9 million in FY27 available to advance those improvements.

Council members asked about the likely start and funding schedule for the Stonebridge Drive extension north of US 380; staff said preliminary design is underway and anticipated construction start is currently expected in 2028 with construction completion obligations by March 2030, with private developer contributions and debt issuance part of the funding mix.