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1. What is the study area?

The study limits generally include portions of State Highway 5 (S.H. 5/McDonald Street) adjacent to Downtown McKinney between Anthony Street to Walker Street.

S.H. 5 Downtown Pedestrian Connection Study Area Map - PDF

2. Why is the city studying this?

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to begin a full reconstruction of S.H. 5 generally between Spur 399 and U.S. 380 in early 2025. As currently planned, very minor improvements would be made to improve pedestrian crossing safety near Downtown McKinney by TxDOT. As areas east of S.H. 5 are undergoing redevelopment, the city is evaluating alternatives to improve crossing safety, strengthen connections between communities currently divided by the highway, and further enhance the Historic Downtown McKinney Cultural District.

Find out more about redevelopment projects in East McKinney

3. How would the proposed improvements be paid for?

These improvements may qualify for Federal or regional grant funding. The city could also fund these improvements through grant opportunities or partnerships with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholder groups. At this stage of project development, only high-level cost estimates are being developed. Further project development will include more detailed cost estimates and specific identification of funding strategies.

4. Will the city need to acquire private property?

All proposed improvement options, except Option 3 (improving the existing crossing), would require some level of property acquisition to create the physical connection east and west of S.H. 5. All property acquisitions are conceptual at this time, and as the study progresses, more precise levels of property acquisition needs will be developed. The city is required to follow all guidelines related to property acquisitions for public improvements.

5. How do I learn more about the study efforts?

Individuals interested in the study effort may visit the study webpage at McKinneyTexas.org/PedCXN

6. When will this study be complete, and what are the next steps?

City staff will seek initial public input in July 2022. Following this initial public input period, city staff will report findings to City Council in late Summer 2022 and seek guidance on progressing the study into “Phase 2” which would include a much more robust study and preliminary design of the alternatives being considered. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has committed to fully fund Phase 2 study efforts.

7. I thought TxDOT was making improvements to S.H. 5. Is this study part of that project?

No. This is a separate study underway by the city. The city will work with TxDOT to determine how these improvements may impact TxDOT's planned roadway improvements in the area. If you have questions regarding the TxDOT S.H. 5 improvements, please visit: https://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/SH5

8. What is the schedule for the construction of these improvements?

Construction of these improvements will require partnerships with multiple local, state, and federal agencies. Construction timelines for implementation will be considered as part of subsequent phases of this and future studies. This timeline will be dependent upon what option is selected (if any), funding sources, and partnership opportunities with local and state agencies.