At a workshop and special meeting held July 25 and 26 the City of Tomball discussed the possibility of adopting of a project to construct new sidewalks.

The sidewalks were proposed as a safer way for residents walking to and from the hospital, particularly the downtown sidewalk. Tomball Police Chief Rob Hauck said he has seen people in wheel chairs going along the main roads.

One proposed sidewalk route would be from Cherry Street to Market Street which flows to Malone Street, Malone to South Magnolia Street continuing to James Street and then James Street to School Street.

The sidewalk would be approximately 3,100 feet in length.

The second proposed sidewalk would start on Quinn Road where a sidewalk already exists and travel east on Zion Road to Ulrich Road stopping at the railroad tracks on Ulrich.

The sidewalk would be approximately 6,500 feet in length.

The sidewalks would be 5 feet wide to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, according to Acting City Engineer Lori Lakatos.

Lakatos presented rough estimates on July 26, saying the downtown sidewalk would cost between $155,000 and $185,000. The Zion Road sidewalk would cost between $323,000 and $390,000.

She said those numbers do not include moving water or sewer lines, purchasing easements, open ditches or possible land acquisition.

“These are really rough numbers,” she said.

Hauck said the city may be able to use red light camera funds to pay for the sidewalk construction. He said the use of the red light camera funds must connect to mobility and traffic safety.

He suggested sidewalks in areas such as schools, HEB, city hall and the depot along with the hospital.

Councilman Preston Dodson said council should look at more information, other alleyways and roads, feasibility and costs before making a firm decision.

Although no decision was made, council members and city staff are working to find the most feasible route for the sidewalks before adopting the project.

Lakatos said she is working to get more defined cost estimates to present to council.

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