Denton road projects reshape routes near four schools

DENTON, Texas — City road and sidewalk projects near several Denton ISD schools are at different stages, and officials say they are coordinating with the district to keep student travel routes open. Denton's capital projects director gave an update at a joint city and school meeting Oct. 13. Riney Road is fully open after widening between Hardaway Road and U.S. 77. A new trail links the Anita Reeves Elementary area to North Lakes Park, and final striping and a flashing pedestrian beacon are still being completed. The city lists that work at about $1.9 million, Community Impact reported. On Bonnie Brae Street, southbound lanes in the current phase are complete. The city plans to keep the new southbound sidewalk available before demolishing the northbound lanes, a step meant to protect walking access for Anita Reeves Elementary and Denton High students. The roughly $37 million phase between U.S. 380 and U.S. 77 is expected to finish in spring 2027. Construction dates can shift. Westgate Drive is a later project. The city expects to begin widening toward Windsor Drive and adding pedestrian facilities, drainage and utilities near the end of 2027. Officials said they will coordinate with Denton High on the effects for families. That project is listed at about $1.4 million. A separate safe-routes effort would add sidewalks and bike paths near Newton Rayzor Elementary and Calhoun Middle School. Design was 30% complete at the October update, with construction expected to start near the end of 2027. The $5.7 million project uses TxDOT grant funding, according to the city update. Families should use current school and city traffic notices for day-to-day detours. The October presentation describes project status and plans, not a guarantee that every route will stay unchanged during construction.