At a combined Denton Independent School District and Denton City Council meeting on Oct. 13, the city’s director of capital projects and street operations, Seth Garcia, provided a detailed update on four key roadway improvements that directly affect school travel routes. The city emphasized its commitment to keeping walking and driving routes to schools open and safe for students and parents.
Riney Road East – Completed and Open
The Riney Road East project, which widened the corridor from west of Hardaway Road to US 77, is now substantially complete. The roadway is fully open to traffic, with final striping in progress and a flashing pedestrian beacon being installed at the crosswalk near Anita Reeves Elementary School. In addition, a concrete hike‑and‑bike trail now connects the elementary school to the North Lakes Park trail system, giving families a safe, non‑vehicular option for recreation and school‑related travel.
Bonnie Brae Street – Phase Six Nearing Full Completion
The sixth phase of construction on Bonnie Brae Street extends from US 380 to US 77. This phase widens the road and adds new sidewalks, drainage, traffic signals and street lights. The southbound lanes are finished, and demolition of the northbound lanes will wait until a new southbound sidewalk is installed. That sidewalk will serve students walking to and from Anita Reeves Elementary and Denton High School, ensuring a protected path for young commuters.
Westgate Drive – Planning for Future Expansion
Upcoming work on Westgate Drive will extend the roadway to Windsor Drive, widen the street, improve pedestrian facilities and install new utilities and drainage. The city has pledged to work closely with Denton High School to minimize disruption for students and families traveling from the west side of town.
Safe Routes to Schools – Design Phase Underway
In partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, Denton is advancing a Safe Routes to Schools initiative around Newton Rayzor Elementary and Calhoun Middle School. The project will add new sidewalks and bike paths to create safer, more walkable routes for children. Design work is 30% complete and currently under review. When construction begins, the city will coordinate closely with the schools to limit any impact on daily travel.
Community Impact
These projects reflect Denton’s proactive approach to infrastructure that supports families and upholds the community’s values of safety, mobility and parental choice in how children get to school. By prioritizing pedestrian safety, expanding bike infrastructure and maintaining open roadways, the city is reinforcing the essential role of local government in safeguarding the daily lives of its residents.
Garcia reiterated that the city will continue to communicate with school officials and keep parents informed as each phase progresses. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged through city council meetings and the Denton ISD website for the latest updates on construction schedules and traffic detours.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Denton — read the source article.
