Friends,
During the TXDoT/James Construction meeting Tuesday, the following news was distributed:
1. The 50 MPH Speed limit signs are posted at the dangerous part of the Salado construction. TXDoT is requesting that a State Trooper be at future meetings and one frequently be present at the entrance and/or exit of that section.
2. The west side of the frontage road bridge over Salado Creek will be completed in February. Once that is done the west side frontage road from Thomas Arnold south will be open to traffic.
3. The new Salado Plaza Bridge will be completed by 15 March. Permanent I-35 Traffic will be going north and south by April. Once this is done, the north bound frontage road will be completed.
4. The Thomas Arnold Bridge will be completed by end of this year. However, the railing will have to be installed before the new part of the bridge will be opened.
5. Workers for the last two weeks in December will work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday they will have the opportunity to return to their home in Mexico. This is only for the weeks before Christmas and New Years. They will begin working a full schedule the first week in January. Last Christmas, 14 Dec, workers were off the entire week of December. This is a significant change from last year. There is also talk of bringing in an additional crew after the new year.
6. TXDoT is trying to not to have any lane closures from 23 Dec through 3 January. They want Holiday traffic to flow as smoothly as possible. With the new speed limits, hopefully, there will be no accidents.
7. Thomas Arnold bridge was hit by a truck carrying transformers. Fortunately, no damage was done the bridge. The truck did not have the proper permit and was stacked too high. Two transformers were displaced. Damage occurred to the transformers. AGAIN, DAMAGE WAS NOT DONE TO THOMAS ARNOLD BRIDGE.
8. Lighted box signs will be placed at the North and South side of Salado Village announcing that food, gas, and lodging are available at the next exits. This will encourage travelers to stop in Salado for their needs.
9. The major construction will end by May. Sixty day later complete clean-up will be completed and the total construction will be over. As anyone can see, much progress is being made. However, the project will be watched carefully and pressure will be applied when necessary.
VR/Skip
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Sanctuary Town Hall Monday evening
Monday, 14 December, Sanctuary Town Hall, Municipal Building, 6:30 P.M. is a Town Hall on Sanctuary. In this Town Hall, Alderman Frank Coachman will give a Power Point overview of the Agreement with Sanctuary. To answer legal questions, our city attorney will be in attendance. To answer Engineering questions our Engineer will be present. Our special guest of the evening is Dr. Billie Hanks who will share his vision and thoughts about Sanctuary.
This Town Hall will give you the opportunity to understand the agreement, listen to plans, and ask questions. In everyone's private life, there are Christmas schedules, shopping, and events to attend, however, this is one of the most important Town Halls we will have. It is worth your time.
VR/Skip
This Town Hall will give you the opportunity to understand the agreement, listen to plans, and ask questions. In everyone's private life, there are Christmas schedules, shopping, and events to attend, however, this is one of the most important Town Halls we will have. It is worth your time.
VR/Skip
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Your Village in 3 minutes Tuesday, 8 Dec
Friends,
A tremendous first-week stroll. "Thank you" to everyone who worked to make it so successful. According to those who worked last year's stroll, this one was bigger and better.
The Parade was the largest yet -- over 60 floats. It was great to see the support of so many. "Thank you" for the participation.
Stagecoach. Kim met with Clark Lyda, new owner, and received an update on the Stagecoach Inn project. Potential investors have been touring the property with positive results. Clark is planning on "beginning renovations of the restaurant and related meeting space in February and completing that portion of the project in June."
I-35. Monday evening, Rick Lewis took gave a tour of the Construction site. There was no place that was not visited. Here are a few reflections beginning with the west side of the 2484 Bridge.
1. The work on 2484 Bridge will be completed mid-January. The beams on the west side are in place and the deck plates are being placed this week.
2. Asphalt beginning at 2484 and going south toward Austin is going to be the new frontage road. The one that is driven on now will eventually be torn out.
3. The grading for the permanent I-35 going south is well underway. Still more to do but it is progressing faster than it appears.
4. Notice all the walls around the bridges -- close to completion.
5. The wreck that occurred under Thomas Arnold bridge did not damage the bridge. The driver fell asleep and hit the center barrier which will is being replaced. It did not any part of the bridge. To slow people down, 60 MPH speed limit signs are being placed on the north and south Village limits.
6. The exit off I-35 South by the CEFCO where the pillars are poured is very high. On top, the panaromic view of Salado is spectacular. When it is completed and drivable, you will experience a bird's-eye view of Salado.
7. The exit from the permanent I-35 to the Holland Bridge is complete but not open.
8. Immediately past the Holland Bridge, I-35 going south is COMPLETE with the exception of sweeping and stripping. Rick drove down the new Highway toward Jarrell -- very nice.
Read carefully -- the Salado portion of I-35 going North and South from the Holland Bridge to the 2484 bridge is being graded for completion. In some of that area, the metal rods are being laid for the pouring of concrete. Drainage boxes are being connected. It is 3 months from total completion.
9. The Salado Plaza Bridge and the Salado Creek frontage road bridge on the south side of Thomas Arnold are the last Major construction phases underway. Both are expected to be completed by 15 March. Yes . . . Yes . . . Yes "we've heard this before." However, what is seen in the footprint of the construction is much different from what can be seen from the road.
10. James Construction is paying a $8800 fine each day for being late in completing the project. The fine is divided into 2 categories: Liquidation Damages -- $2800 dollars and Road Usage -- $6000. A letter is being drafted to the Governor asking that the accumulating $2800 fine be given to Salado for damages. It will be presented to the BOA for approval.
11. Rick gave an informative tour with much insight. The project is moving forward. There is talk of using double shifts to complete the project. This will depend on available manpower. Thus far, the wet weather has not altered the completion schedule.
Sanctuary Town Hall, Monday 14 February, 6:30 P.M., Municipal Building. Dr. Bill Hanks will be our guest along with our Village Attorney and Engineer. Alderman Coachman will explain the agreement, Dr. Hanks will share his vision with you as well as give you information on what is currently happening, and our Attorney and Engineer will answer your questions. This Town Hall is for information and answering questions.
A great week. Thank you for all you are doing.
VR/Skip
A tremendous first-week stroll. "Thank you" to everyone who worked to make it so successful. According to those who worked last year's stroll, this one was bigger and better.
The Parade was the largest yet -- over 60 floats. It was great to see the support of so many. "Thank you" for the participation.
Stagecoach. Kim met with Clark Lyda, new owner, and received an update on the Stagecoach Inn project. Potential investors have been touring the property with positive results. Clark is planning on "beginning renovations of the restaurant and related meeting space in February and completing that portion of the project in June."
I-35. Monday evening, Rick Lewis took gave a tour of the Construction site. There was no place that was not visited. Here are a few reflections beginning with the west side of the 2484 Bridge.
1. The work on 2484 Bridge will be completed mid-January. The beams on the west side are in place and the deck plates are being placed this week.
2. Asphalt beginning at 2484 and going south toward Austin is going to be the new frontage road. The one that is driven on now will eventually be torn out.
3. The grading for the permanent I-35 going south is well underway. Still more to do but it is progressing faster than it appears.
4. Notice all the walls around the bridges -- close to completion.
5. The wreck that occurred under Thomas Arnold bridge did not damage the bridge. The driver fell asleep and hit the center barrier which will is being replaced. It did not any part of the bridge. To slow people down, 60 MPH speed limit signs are being placed on the north and south Village limits.
6. The exit off I-35 South by the CEFCO where the pillars are poured is very high. On top, the panaromic view of Salado is spectacular. When it is completed and drivable, you will experience a bird's-eye view of Salado.
7. The exit from the permanent I-35 to the Holland Bridge is complete but not open.
8. Immediately past the Holland Bridge, I-35 going south is COMPLETE with the exception of sweeping and stripping. Rick drove down the new Highway toward Jarrell -- very nice.
Read carefully -- the Salado portion of I-35 going North and South from the Holland Bridge to the 2484 bridge is being graded for completion. In some of that area, the metal rods are being laid for the pouring of concrete. Drainage boxes are being connected. It is 3 months from total completion.
9. The Salado Plaza Bridge and the Salado Creek frontage road bridge on the south side of Thomas Arnold are the last Major construction phases underway. Both are expected to be completed by 15 March. Yes . . . Yes . . . Yes "we've heard this before." However, what is seen in the footprint of the construction is much different from what can be seen from the road.
10. James Construction is paying a $8800 fine each day for being late in completing the project. The fine is divided into 2 categories: Liquidation Damages -- $2800 dollars and Road Usage -- $6000. A letter is being drafted to the Governor asking that the accumulating $2800 fine be given to Salado for damages. It will be presented to the BOA for approval.
11. Rick gave an informative tour with much insight. The project is moving forward. There is talk of using double shifts to complete the project. This will depend on available manpower. Thus far, the wet weather has not altered the completion schedule.
Sanctuary Town Hall, Monday 14 February, 6:30 P.M., Municipal Building. Dr. Bill Hanks will be our guest along with our Village Attorney and Engineer. Alderman Coachman will explain the agreement, Dr. Hanks will share his vision with you as well as give you information on what is currently happening, and our Attorney and Engineer will answer your questions. This Town Hall is for information and answering questions.
A great week. Thank you for all you are doing.
VR/Skip
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