At a joint Denton Independent School District and Denton City Council meeting on Oct. 13, the city’s director of capital projects and street operations, Seth Garcia, briefed the council and school officials on the status of four street‑improvement projects that directly affect school travel routes. The updates matter to Denton families because the city is coordinating construction to keep walking and driving routes to schools open and safe.
Riney Road East – The project, which widened Riney Road from west of Hardaway Road to US 77 and added a concrete hike‑and‑bike trail linking Anita Reeves Elementary School to the North Lakes Park trail system, is now substantially complete. The roadway is fully open, final striping is in progress, and a flashing pedestrian beacon is being installed at the crosswalk, according to Community Impact.
Bonnie Brae Street – Phase six of construction along Bonnie Brae, extending from US 380 to US 77, includes roadway widening, new sidewalks, drainage, traffic signals and street lights. The southbound lanes are finished, but demolition of the northbound lanes will not begin until a new southbound sidewalk is installed for students walking to and from Anita Reeves Elementary and Denton High School, Community Impact reported.
Westgate Drive – Upcoming work will extend the roadway to Windsor Drive, widen the street, add pedestrian facilities and install new utilities and drainage. The city pledged to work closely with Denton High School to lessen any impact on students and families traveling from that direction, the outlet noted.
Safe Routes to Schools – In partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, Denton plans new sidewalks and bike paths around Newton Rayzor Elementary and Calhoun Middle School. The design phase is 30% complete and under review. When construction begins, the city will coordinate with the schools to minimize disruption for students, Community Impact said.
What’s next – Final striping and the pedestrian beacon on Riney Road East are slated for completion in the coming weeks. The southbound sidewalk on Bonnie Brae must be installed before demolition of the northbound lanes can start. The Safe Routes to Schools design will move beyond the 30% review stage later this year, after which construction timing will be announced. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through city updates and school communications.
Sources: communityimpact.com, communityimpact.com
