Local News
Transforming Anna: A comprehensive look at the city's roadway improvements
By Frances La Rue, Public Affairs Manager, City of Anna, Texas
Jul 14, 2024
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Anna, Texas -- The City of Anna is in the midst of a significant transformation with multiple roadway projects designed to enhance safety, improve connectivity, and prepare for future growth. Supported by a combination of city funds, county bond funds, developer contributions, and state grants, these projects reflect Anna's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. Here's an in-depth look at the ongoing developments and the recently completed Pavement Condition Index (PCI) assessment and what they mean for residents and the future of the city.

 

Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Overview

 

The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is a crucial tool the City of Anna uses to assess the condition of road pavements. It provides valuable insights into the overall health and performance of road surfaces, aiding in effective maintenance and rehabilitation strategies and detailing areas of greatest need. The assessment, completed bi-annually, was recently conducted in consultation with Nexco Highway Solutions of America.

 

The PCI involves four components: distress identification, assignment of severity ratings, assessment of distress density, and evaluation of the overall condition for each pavement section. Distress identification includes evaluating various distress types, such as cracking, rutting, surface texture, and patching. Severity ratings are based on the extent and magnitude of these distress types. The overall condition rating for a pavement section is then derived from the collective evaluation of distress types and their severity.

 

Trained inspectors use automated equipment to survey pavement sections, identifying and documenting distress types and their severity. Each section is assigned a score between 1 and 100, with higher numbers indicating better condition and lower numbers indicating more severe need for repair or replacement. The PCI aids in prioritizing maintenance and rehabilitation projects based on pavement condition and available resources and helps allocate budgets efficiently by identifying critical areas needing immediate attention.

 

The results of the 2024 PCI show that the majority of city roads score within the good condition category. Streets in the worst condition categories are primarily asphalt streets in downtown and rural streets the city has annexed. The full PCI report will be available on the city website in mid-July.

 

Timeline and Progress

Several key projects are well underway, with estimated completion dates ranging from later this year to 2025:

  • Leonard Avenue – Southern Extension
    • Lead: City Project
    • Details: A 70/30 funding match with Collin County Bond Funds. Construction is ongoing with utilities nearly complete, paving work starting soon. Expected completion by August 2024.
  • East Foster Crossing: This developer-led project is progressing steadily, with substantial completion anticipated by Q4 2024.
    • Lead: Developer Project (ETJ)
    • Details: Construction is ongoing, with substantial completion anticipated by Q4 2024.
  • Ferguson Parkway – Southern Extension: With environmental clearance 75% complete and design efforts ongoing, this project is moving toward the right-of-way acquisition phase. Completion is expected in the coming years.
    • Lead: City Project
    • Details: This project has an 80/20 funding match with NCTCOG and TxDOT oversight. Environmental clearance is 75% complete, with design underway. Public feedback has been received, and the next steps include completing the design and beginning right-of-way acquisition.

 

Additional Active Roadway Projects

  1. Finley Boulevard Widening
    • Lead: City Project
    • Details: Ongoing construction with rough grading underway. Expected completion is between August and September 2024.
  2. Finley Boulevard – Eastern Extension
    • Lead: Developer Project
    • Details: Construction of two lanes of a future four-lane road is ongoing. Substantial completion is projected for Q2 2025.
  3. Leonard Avenue – Northern Extension
    • Lead: Developer Project
    • Details: Ongoing construction with rough grading nearly complete. Expected completion by Q3 2025.
  4. Downtown Streets
    • Lead: City Project
    • Details: Concrete streets with on-street parking and a trail, free for public use. Construction is ongoing with substantial completion estimated by August 2024.
  5. Hackberry Drive Western Extension
    • Lead: Developer Project with PID Funding and City Assistance
    • Details: Construction is ongoing with the eastern portion's rough grading complete. Expected completion is Q4 2025.
  6. Ferguson Parkway Northern Extension
    • Lead: Developer Project with PID Funding
    • Details: Ongoing construction with partial completion of western lanes. Further construction will coincide with future phases of the Meadow Vista Subdivision.
  7. Buddy Hayes Blvd. – Northern Extension
    • Lead: Developer Project with PID Funding
    • Details: The southern half of eastern lanes is complete. The project will proceed with future development phases.

 

Proposed and Upcoming Projects

  • Downtown Streets – Phase II: Construction of Interurban as a pedestrian street.
  • Rosamond Parkway – Widening: Construction of southern lanes through Buddy Hayes intersection.
  • Buddy Hayes Blvd. at Rosamond: Construction of southern lanes south of Rosamond Parkway.
  • West Crossing Blvd. – Northern Extension: Developer project with PID funding, part of the Rockhill project.
  • CR371/Mantua Pkwy Improvements: Developer project with PID funding, part of the Rockhill project.
  • Standridge Parkway: Developer project with PID funding, part of the Liberty Hills project.

 

Future Projects (FY25-26+)

  • Rosamond to FM 2862 Connection: City/TxDOT project to remove the curve in FM 2862 and install turn lanes.
  • Railroad Crossing Improvements: Paving improvements at various railroad crossings using Zone 2 Impact Fees.

 

TxDOT Projects Impacting Anna

  • SH 5 at Finley Traffic Signal: Recently completed.
  • SH 5 Reconstruction & Widening – Phase I: Design complete.
  • FM 455 at Oak Hollow Traffic Signal: Underway.
  • US 75 Widening: Underway.
  • SH5 at Rosamond Traffic Signal: In design.

     

    The City of Anna remains committed to enhancing transportation infrastructure to ensure safety and improved mobility for all residents. Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress.

 

FAQ:

Impact on Residents

While these projects promise long-term benefits, there will inevitably be some short-term inconveniences. Construction zones may lead to temporary traffic disruptions and detours. The city is working diligently to minimize these impacts, ensuring that residents and businesses can continue their daily routines with as little interruption as possible.

 

Community Involvement and Feedback

Community input has been a vital part of the planning process. Public meetings for projects like the Ferguson Parkway – Southern Extension have provided valuable feedback, which is being incorporated into the final designs. The city's transparent approach ensures that residents' voices are heard and considered.

 

Safety and Accessibility

Safety is a top priority in all of Anna's roadway projects. New roads and extensions are being designed with modern safety features, including improved lighting, pedestrian pathways, and better signage. These enhancements will make the roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

 

Environmental Considerations

Environmental assessments are a critical component of these projects. For example, the Ferguson Parkway project includes TxDOT oversight to ensure environmental standards are met. The city is committed to mitigating any negative environmental impacts through careful planning and sustainable construction practices.

 

Economic Impact

These roadway improvements are expected to have a significant positive impact on Anna's economy. Improved infrastructure will attract new businesses and developments, boosting local employment and economic growth. Projects like the Downtown Streets initiative are designed to support local businesses by improving access and aesthetics.