Allen city leaders announced that more than $7 million has been spent so far in 2024 on repairing aging roads and sidewalks, a move aimed at preserving quality of life for residents and avoiding costlier fixes later, according to Community Impact.
Mayor Chris Schulmeister noted that over 60% of Allen’s roughly 110 neighborhoods are at least 25 years old, prompting a focus on rehabilitation rather than new development. The city has already allocated $2.2 million for work in two of its older neighborhoods, while a $123,248 slurry‑seal project covering about 20,500 square yards in the Hillside Village area was completed in June.
The 2026 Street and Alley Rehabilitation Project, budgeted at $4.87 million, is slated to finish in spring 2027. Since 2022, Allen has invested more than $12 million in streets and alleys as part of a broader initiative to keep the roadway network in good condition.
In the Greengate neighborhood, a $2.15 million effort will replace 109 ramps, 50 alley approaches and 63% of sidewalk panels along Allen Heights Drive, with work expected to wrap up by winter 2027, per city documents.
City Manager Eric Ellwanger explained that with less than 8% of undeveloped land remaining, the city is shifting resources toward maintaining existing assets. Funding for these projects comes from a mix of bonds, the general fund—largely supported by sales and property taxes—and savings from earlier projects. Local property and sales taxes together account for about 68.9% of Allen’s general‑fund revenue in the FY 2026‑27 budget.
Engineering Director Chris Flanigan emphasized that proactive repairs extend roadway lifespan and reduce future expenses. The city used federal funds in 2022 to assess over 600 miles of pavement, a systematic approach that guides cost‑effective improvements. A next condition assessment is planned for 2028.
Looking ahead, Allen will apply asphalt overlays to extend the life of major streets. McDermott Drive received an overlay in summer 2025, and an overlay for Bethany Drive is scheduled for the near future.
What’s next: The Street and Alley Rehabilitation Project aims for completion in spring 2027, Greengate work should finish by winter 2027, and a new roadway condition assessment is set for 2028. Residents can expect continued construction activity as the city prioritizes long‑term infrastructure health.
Sources: communityimpact.com
