Cameron Avenue (US 79) will undergo a major renovation, including sidewalk projects, in upcoming months and years, but several streets in residential areas of Rockdale already have projects started.
Work is well underway on Burleson and San Andres Street projects and a new water line is targeted for Rice, according to City Manager Chris Whittaker.
HARVEY—One of those projects dates back to damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in August, 2017, at a spot that’s been a problem for decades.
A culvert carries water from a Ham Branch drainage area under Burleson Street north of San Andres.
“Harvey substantially damaged that culvert,” Whittaker said. “We applied for a Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) grant to repair it.”
Whittaker said the city was approved for an $11,000 grant but the project low bid came in at $80,000.
“We decided to go ahead and fix it, because of the need, and we will seek reimbursement at a later date,” he said.
He said a new concrete culvert is being re-set, with depth gauges and reflective signs.
“It’s going to be much easier to see at night,” Whittaker said.
‘UNDRIVEABLE’—San Gabriel Street between Bell and Thrall Avenues is undergoing a “rip it out and start over” project.
“Portions of that old concrete street have become essentially undriveable,” Whittaker noted.
San Gabriel has been the topic of many conversations at city council meetings and restoration of the street has been at the top of priority lists for city planners.
There are barricades in the affected area and the contractor is working with area residents on traffic flow situations.
For those passing through its better to avoid San Gabriel between Bell and Thrall Streets. It will be limited to “local traffic only.”
Whittaker said asphalt topping will replace the old concrete.
WATER LINE—One block to the east, Rockdale’s newest water line will traverse Rice Street between US 79 and the Texas Street water plant.
Whittaker said the 12-inch is a major carrier between the Texas Street plant and western portions of Rock-dale.
The city has applied to the Texas Water Development Board for $45 million in grants and/or loans to essentially replace Rock-dale’s entire water system.
Whittaker said the Rice Street project, which is being funded by the city, will also feature street improvements after the water line is completed.
Concrete streets in the San Gabriel-Rice area are some of the oldest in the city, dating back to the later 1920s.
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