(Seguin) — The City of Seguin has been awarded a $2.0 million federal grant that will be used to develop safer pedestrian and bicycle access to the Koennecke Elementary School and Jim Barnes Middle School campuses, playgrounds and ball fields.
The grant monies will fund sidewalk improvements, including crosswalks, crosswalk markings and pedestrian signage at the two school campuses to improve safe crossings at Joe Carrillo Boulevard.
Currently, sidewalks in this area are limited for transporting students and their bicycles. During school arrival and dismissal times, Seguin ISD currently closes the road to ensure the safety of students crossing the street.
Specifically, the project will include the construction of a 10-foot shared-use path along the east side of Countryside Boulevard from FM 466 to Joe Carrillo Boulevard, and along the south side of Joe Carrillo Boulevard from SH 123 to east of Lantana Gate.
“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide improved walkability and increased safety for students at these schools,” said Melissa Reynolds, Director of Engineering at the City of Seguin. “In the future, these shared use paths will connect to the planned TxDOT improvements at Eastwood and FM 466, further increasing our goal of transportation for all modes of traffic.”
On October 26, 2023, the Texas Transportation Commission (the Commission) approved funding for 83 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program projects from across the state, including the project in Seguin.