Texas Safe Routes to Schools Trail Buda, Texas

KSA assisted the City of Buda and Hays Consolidated ISD with the completion of sidewalk and pedestrian bridge improvements connecting four local schools with surrounding neighborhoods, civic institutions, and parks. Beginning with the grant application, KSA developed a Safe Routes to School Plan that reviewed all project aspects in detail and was used to gather public input and support from residents, businesses, and community leaders.

Ultimately, community support helped achieve the project’s award by TxDOT through the federally-funded Safe Routes to School program. KSA then worked closely with the TxDOT Austin Division and City staff to achieve environmental clearance and complete the preliminary and final design, bidding, and construction of the project. Improvements included a 150-feet span and 10-feet wide multi-use bridge over the Garlic Creek floodplain and over 4,000 linear feet of new sidewalk. The bridge connected two large subdivisions and allowed pedestrian and bicycle access to Elm Grove Elementary for hundreds of students and parents. All improvements were constructed in accordance with the Texas Accessibility Standards and were completed under the project budget.

Two components of this project were critical to its success: public involvement and a familiarity with the TxDOT staff and processes. KSA’s project manager participated in numerous council meetings, public hearings, parent/teacher meetings, one-on-one resident meetings, and media interviews to keep all stakeholders informed throughout the project. Public concerns were addressed immediately and KSA’s staff personally managed any resident questions or complaints during construction. The project’s success was also due in part to KSA’s familiarity with TxDOT administrative processes and staff. Since TxDOT required review and approval of project design documents and records at all major milestones, the project manager’s familiarity with TxDOT and FHWA requirements helped to reduce regulatory review times and keep the project on schedule through completion. An audit of project records was performed by FHWA at project closeout, and KSA’s diligent compliance with all program rules ensured final grant funding to the City.