by Nicole Bradford
The widening of Smith Ranch Road from two to four lanes is set to begin in December after Pearland City Council approved a $6.6 million construction contract on November 18.
Expected to take about a year, the project will span from north of FM 518 to Hughes Ranch Road.
“Much needed, long overdue,” Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole commented. “This is a product of going through the federal system — which is cumbersome and takes a long time — but you and I locally don’t pay near what we would if we did this alone.”
Federal funding is covering roughly 80 percent of the expansion, which has been in the works since 2015.
“Later on, as some of the project cost increased, we were able to secure some additional funds through (Houston Galveston Area Council) and $2 million was secured by Congressman (Troy) Nehls for community projects in our jurisdiction,” City Manager Trent Epperson said.
The contract was awarded to Texas Sterling Construction Co. While the lone bidder, the company’s bid was under forecasted costs for the project.
The Smith Ranch project is expected to be completed before a planned expansion of FM 518 gets underway.
“That’s a doughnut hole in our city where some good development could happen once the roadway is done,” Cole said.
