November/December 2024 Update
We know many of you have been frustrated by the delays to the Merritt Road reconstruction and realignment project. This update provides a detailed explanation of the challenges we’ve faced and the progress we’ve made to move this critical project forward. For answers to common questions regarding this project, please see the FAQ section at the end of this update.
Why Has the Merritt Road Project Been Delayed?
Several factors have contributed to the delays, including:
1. Federal and State Funding Requirements
The Merritt Road project is funded primarily through state and federal grants, covering approximately two-thirds of the cost. This funding was developed in 2017 to reduce the burden on local taxpayers due to the high cost of the project. However, meeting the requirements tied to these grants has introduced additional steps and delays.
The design approval process, involving coordination with the USDA and the Dalworth Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD), has been particularly complex. Below is a timeline of key milestones in this process:
2020: Project reviews suspended during COVID-19 federal shutdowns.
March 2021: Initial design submitted for DSWCD approval.
July 2021: Design #1 presented at a DSWCD Board meeting.
December 2021: NRCS (a division of the USDA) responded with conflicting design criteria, NRCS took 6 months to clarify.
November 2022: Revised submittal (Design #2) sent to NRCS/DSWCD.
May 2023: NRCS recommended the DSWCD Board not approve the project due to changes they made in previously communicated criteria from 2021.
2023: The DSWCD Board failed to meet quorum throughout the year due to inability to find board candidates who met the qualifications to serve, causing additional delays. City of Sachse requested Board meeting action and did not receive response for 6 months.
December 2023: Meeting with NRCS held, and further revisions were made to the design.
June/July 2024: Substantially revised designs (Design #3) submitted to provide additional lake storage excavation, which received NRCS approval with additional conditions.
July 2024: DSWCD tabled the matter due to the absence of NRCS representation at the meeting.
September 2024: DSWCD provided conditional approval for the project.
Despite these challenges, the City has continued working diligently to meet all requirements and move the project forward. We are also grateful to Congressman Lance Gooden’s office for advocating on behalf of the project and helping to underscore its importance and urgency.
2. Right-of-Way Acquisition Delays
Acquiring the right-of-way (ROW) for this project required navigating complex negotiations with approximately 40 property owners. Some owners opted for eminent domain proceedings, which extended timelines significantly. Changes in ownership and administrative delays also added to the challenge.
We are pleased to report that ROW acquisition was finalized in December 2024.
3. Why Have Other Projects Moved Faster?
Other projects in our community, such as those funded by the Bond 2021 program, have moved forward more quickly because they rely on local funding. Merritt Road’s funding structure, developed in 2017, relied on state and federal grants along with a City match due to the significantly higher cost of the project.
The total estimated $30 million cost of the Merritt Road project far exceeds any individual Bond 2021 project. For comparison, the entire Bond 2021 program—funding several major road reconstructions and the new animal shelter—amounts to just over $54 million. This is why it was crucial to secure funding from state and federal sources for this project so the City would not be responsible for the total cost of the project.
What’s Next for the Project?
We’re making progress and have reached key milestones:
Utility Relocations: Scheduled to begin in early 2025. Staff, Halff & Associates, and Dallas County are working closely with utility companies to address the 80 conflicts identified along the corridor. Monthly coordination meetings are being held with utility representatives to ensure the relocation plans are finalized as quickly as possible. This work is vital because TxDOT requires all utilities to be cleared before the project can move forward.
TxDOT Approval: After utility relocations are completed, final designs will be submitted to TxDOT for review in mid-2025. This process includes addressing any additional comments and securing a Letter of Authority from TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This approval will allow us to proceed with advertising the project for construction bids.
Construction: Once approvals are secured, construction will begin. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
What About the Change Orders?
Throughout the project, the City has approved change orders to cover the cost of additional work required by state and federal entities. These include costs for:
Revisions to designs and technical studies to meet evolving requirements.
Additional work due to project delays.
Right-of-way acquisition costs, including negotiations and eminent domain proceedings.
At the City Council meeting on November 18, 2024, a change order of $428,400 was approved to address these factors. All costs covered by change orders will be submitted for reimbursement in accordance with the funding agreements for this project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Merritt Road been delayed for so long?
Delays have primarily been caused by the complex requirements of state and federal funding, federal project reviews being suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 shutdowns, challenges in the design approval process, and the time-intensive right-of-way acquisition process.
Why were other projects completed before Merritt Road?
Other projects, funded locally through the Bond 2021 program, were not subject to the same federal and state requirements as Merritt Road.
Why wasn’t Merritt Road included in the Bond 2021 program?
When the Bond 2021 program was proposed, Merritt Road’s funding was already secured through grants and City match, so there was no need to include it.
What steps are being taken to complete the project?
We’ve nearly finalized right-of-way acquisition, completed significant federal and state design reviews, and scheduled utility relocations for early 2025.
When will construction begin?
Construction is expected to begin after final design approvals in 2025.
Will there be any repairs on Merritt in the interim?
Funding has been set aside in the budget for maintenance in 2025 to address immediate needs.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this vital project. The safety and mobility improvements it will provide are well worth the effort and time.
If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.