West Lake Hills approves engineering work to move road, drainage bond projects forward

Sarah Asch, Austin American-Statesman
·3 min read

The road and drainage infrastructure bond package that West Lake Hills voters approved in November is moving forward on schedule, and the City Councilon Wednesday night voted to approve engineering work by K Friese and Associates, the firm that is managing the projects.

K Friese and Associates will oversee all the work necessary to ensure the six road and drainage projects are ready to go out to bid for construction early next year. This includes surveying, environmental analysis and design work. The council approved $1.8 million out of the $11.8 million bond toward this early engineering work.

K Friese Associate Vickie Ortega, who will be overseeing the work, will be managing three teams that have split up the six projects to make the engineering process faster.

The projects on the bond include improvements for several low-water crossings on Camp Craft Road and Eanes School Road that frequently flood, making it more difficult to access Westlake High School and several housing subdivisions.

The bond also funds improvements to the areas where waterways cross Laurel Valley Road, causing flooding and sometimes property damage because of insufficient drainage ditches and erosion. Roadside ditches and potholes also will be improved on Yaupon Valley Road, and improvements will be made to reduce flooding on Terrace Mountain Drive.

More: Everything you need to know about West Lake Hills' infrastructure bonds in the new year

The bond also pays for improved paving and flood-reduction measures on two of the city’s main thoroughfares — Redbud Trail and Westlake Drive.

As the engineering work gets underway, the city is putting its bonds out to bid on Feb. 9. Mayor Linda Anthony said the city received a Triple A bond rating, the highest possible.

Interim City Administrator Ashby Grundman said city staff is working diligently to stay on track and deliver the bond projects quickly.

“We are getting this done as efficiently and effectively as possible, trying to get these projects off the ground sooner rather than later,” he said. “We want to show the people who voted for the bond that we’re not just sitting on them.”

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Anthony also took a moment at Wednesday’s meeting to recognize the Westlake High School football team for winning its third consecutive state championship, as well as coach Todd Dodge for being chosen as the 2021 National Coach of the Year by High School Football America.

Westlake defensive lineman Colton Vasek (91) celebrates a sack during the Class 6A Division 2 State Championship against Guyer at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 18, 2021. Westlake defeated Guyer 40-21.
Westlake defensive lineman Colton Vasek (91) celebrates a sack during the Class 6A Division 2 State Championship against Guyer at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 18, 2021. Westlake defeated Guyer 40-21.

“These (achievements) would be outstanding in any set of normal circumstances but the ones they took place under just begged for a lot of recognition, applause and congratulations. You all have been outstanding members of the community,” she said. “No more superlatives can go to our Westlake High School football team. Three state championships in a row. ... It’s just amazing. Congrats to all of you.”

The council also voted to call an election on May 7 for the positions of mayor and council seats 2 and 4, which are held by Brian Plunkett and Darin Walker, respectively. The last day for candidates to file is Feb. 18 and early voting starts April 25.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: West Lake Hills approves engineering work to move road, drainage bond projects forward