The Texas Transportation Commission has awarded a contract for the construction of nearly two miles of sidewalk for the south side of Aldine Mail Route from US 59-Eastex Freeway to one-half mile west of JFK Boulevard.
The 1.8 miles of new sidewalk will connect MacArthur Senior High (AISD), the Harris County’s High Meadows Branch Library and Hambrick Middle School (AISD). MacArthur Ninth Grade (AISD) will also be connected to the new sidewalks.
“It has taken a team effort to make this possible and I really appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved,” State Representative Kevin Bailey said. “We have worked a long time with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and community leaders. These sidewalks will provide more safety for our school children and pedestrians.”
A county roadway, Rep. Bailey had requested assistance from TxDOT to build sidewalks adjacent to FM 525 because Harris County has a policy dating back to the early 1980’s of not building sidewalks. TxDOT applied for a Hazard Elimination Grant in response to a request made by Rep. Bailey after a meeting in his office in 1997.
“Grants of this type create an opportunity for districts like Aldine to leverage their funds and stretch the dollars available for community projects,” Bailey added.
He went on to say that representatives from TxDOT, Harris County Precinct One, and the Aldine Improvement District negotiated an arrangement to utilize grant funds. Bailey concluded, “At last it is going to happen. This is exciting news.”
“This represents the most significant infrastructure project undertaken by the Aldine Improvement District to date,” said Clyde Bailey, board chairman. “The Aldine Mail Route corridor is a vital component for mobility and development within the district. But more importantly, it is a safety concern in its current configuration.”
The project will install new five-foot wide sidewalks and incorporate existing four-foot wide segments. Where the existing sidewalk cannot be integrated into the new walkway, the old sidewalk will be replaced. Pedestrian ramps will be installed at all curbs and, where needed, new storm water sewers and pavement markings and signals will be constructed.
Pedko Paving, Inc., was awarded the $852,568.31 contract. Construction can begin as early as October 1, 2004; all construction will be completed within eight months.