After six months of construction, much-needed renovations of Texoma Drive are coming to an end, with city officials hoping for a completion date of mid-May.
Initial groundbreaking for Texoma Drive first began in the late 1960’s. Built one block at a time, the road was completed in the early 1970’s. The opening of Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Company brought an adjacent housing development. Local builder John “Bit” Sanders assisted in the development and built most of the homes on Texoma and Red River Drives.
After 55 years, Texoma Drive was in need of major renovations. Due to drainage issues and years of service, there were numerous problem areas on the street. After engineering research, a plan was constructed to address the road’s problems, while also resolving some deficiencies with drainage and improving water service to the homes on the street.
On May 21, 2024, a contract was awarded by the City of Whitesboro for $1,229,049.66 to 03 Concrete Contractors LLC DBA Mustang Excavation. Prior to beginning, the City hosted a meeting with residents of the two affected streets and the contracting officials to give information and answer questions. Including engineering costs of $75,137.82, a total of $992,170.91 has been paid on the project to date.
Project construction began in early August 2024. In addition to renovating the street, the project includes upgrades to water distribution lines. A new 8-inch water line replaced a more than 50-year-old, 6-inch waterline, improving service to residents. Additionally, extra fire hydrants were installed on Texoma and in the 300 block of Red River Drive for additional fire protection for the neighborhoods.
A new water line connecting Texoma and Red River Drives was added. New approachments and sidewalks to homes were installed, as well as new curbing to allow for improved water flow. City crews also upgraded the storm drain at the cul-de-sac of Texoma to a 16-inch drainage system to help remove excess storm water.
The equipment to install asphalt was delivered mid-February, and as soon as weather permits, crews will begin laying asphalt. The critical temperature for asphalt work is 50 degrees. Any attempt at a lesser temperature can result in faulty installation of the material, creating an opportunity for future failure. The installation process will be accomplished in three, 8-foot-wide strips, one block at a time, so the road will never be closed to traffic. This will provide the least disruption to residents.
Following the asphalt installation, a concrete flume will be installed in the 300 block of Texoma to Red River to assist in storm water drainage. Officials are hopeful that the project will be complete in mid-May, securing the revitalization of these neighborhoods for the future.
