Indian Trail projects under way
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 6 2009 05:07 AM
By Mason W. Canales
Killeen Daily HeraldHARKER HEIGHTS – The city flung soil on Thursday morning to kick off the construction of two projects on Indian Trail between Osage Trace and Farm-to-Market 2410.
The city is reconstructing nearly a one-mile stretch of Indian Trail into a 29-foot-wide road with curbs and gutters, a storm water drainage system, and sidewalks on both sides of the street, Public Works Director Mark Hyde said. An 18-inch water main also will be constructed along the road.
"This road was a design about 40 years go. ... It is unsafe for the children that live here," Mayor Ed Mullen said during the groundbreaking ceremony. "It is appropriate that we bring it into the modern age."
Mullen and Hyde praised the work of the City Council to bring the road reconstruction under budget by about $1.3 million.
Mullen also lauded former Councilmen Pat Christ and Bobby Hoxworth for their efforts in the planning process for the projects.
"Bobby, you are going to get the praise or the blame, however it works out," Mullen said, jesting about Hoxworth taking a lead role in the planning process.
Hoxworth and Christ were proud to see the construction get under way.
"It is great to see this project finally come to fruition," Hoxworth said. "This is one of the first things I was confronted about. As we have grown, this street has become very important."
The construction on Indian Trail should start within the next few days.
Construction is expected to be finished in nine months.
During the construction, the city is replacing parts of driveways and mailboxes along the one-mile stretch of road.
"I don't see any heavy equipment, and I would like to see this road started today," Mullen joked before sticking his shovel into the dirt for the groundbreaking.
Contact Mason W. Canales at
mcanales@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7554.