30-month project to start in early February
The two-mile stretch of Frontier Parkway from Preston Road to the Dallas North Tollway will undergo complete reconstruction starting on Wednesday, February 10 with completion expected in the fall of 2023.
The reconstruction of this portion of Prosper’s northern boundary has been discussed for several years as the predictions of major increases in the populations for both Prosper and Celina are bearing out, making the reconstruction a critically important part of the area’s transportation infrastructure.
Collin County is the primary agency with Prosper and Celina as associate partners. Speaking on behalf of the Town Council, Mayor Ray Smith shared the excitement of the start of the long-awaited construction. “Collin County has done an outstanding job taking the lead on managing the design of this essential project with Prosper and Celina as close partners. It’s a tremendous project that we have anticipated for quite some time. We’re all very pleased,” he said.
The three-way cooperative project will create a divided, concrete, four-lane roadway with a separated grade at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks. The separated grade will be only the second track overpass for Prosper which has a number of growing and thriving neighborhoods and subdivisions on its west side. Should the need arise in the future, the roadbed can be expanded to accommodate six lanes of traffic.
“The Frontier Parkway overpass will be a key element in ensuring better mobility across the tracks as well as improved safety for motorists and reduced response time for emergency vehicles,” said Hulon Webb, Director of Engineering Services for Prosper and the staff person who has been involved with the project from its inception. “The critical importance of the reconstruction of Frontier Parkway with an overpass at the BSNF tracks cannot be overstressed. It has been part of Prosper’s Comprehensive Plan from the very start and the stakeholders are excited to see this project begin.”
The construction firm of Mario Sinacola and Sons will manage and construct the road project, including the overpass, at a cost of almost $22 million. Total cost of the project including engineering and right-of-way acquisition is $31.5 million. Funding is shared by the county, the two municipalities and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
A video illustrating the finished project can be viewed at Construction Updates | Town of Prosper, Texas (prospertx.gov).
In addition to Children’s Health Stadium, Frontier Parkway borders the campus of Prosper High School and allows access to the Town’s signature park, Frontier Park. During construction, entries to Frontier Park may be limited by construction. Town officials have pledged to provide constant updates on detours, street closings, and other impediments to Frontier Parkway and the amenities surrounding it.
