City of Coleman awarded $5.1M for pedestrian, bicycle safety improvements

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The City of Coleman has announced that it has been awarded a grant totaling over $5.1 million to be put toward improving pedestrian and bicycle safety conditions throughout the town.

According to the City, it was given a $5,115,313 grant “dedicated to enhancing bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout key areas of the community.” It said the grant is federal- and state-supported, meaning that no local matching funds will be required.

The project will include “the installation of new sidewalks along Fifth Avenue and 15th Street,” which the City described as “critical routes used by students traveling to and from school and the football field.” Also included in the project are changes to the downtown Coleman area, such as “upgraded lighting and redesigned center medians.”

“The project will deliver well-lit, ADA-compliant sidewalks, improved visibility downtown, and safer pedestrian crossings,” the City said. “Redesigned medians will include designated ‘safety zones’ where pedestrians can pause while waiting for traffic to pass — particularly helpful for families with children, seniors, and individuals with limited mobility.”

The City stated that the project has entered its design phase “after nearly three years of planning and public discussions.” As part of this phase, survey work “to assess existing conditions” is being conducted. Final designs are pending approval.

“The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working closely with the City to finalize the design based on the concepts outlined in the original grant application and refined through ongoing community input,” the City said.

In compliance with accessibility standards, areas affected by the project will be updated to meet ADA requirements. However, the changes for compliance may result in the permanent removal of downtown Coleman’s decorative light fixtures.

“Due to these constraints, the existing decorative light poles in the downtown medians may not be reinstalled,” the City said.

The City assured citizens that it has “requested their inclusion” in the project and “is exploring alternative placements” such as at local parks, including the new District 1876 Park that is under development. It also said that the families who donated the light poles “will be contacted to provide input or reclaim them, if desired.”

The City stated that updates will be shared as progress is made on the project.

“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Coleman — one that emphasizes safety, accessibility, and community pride,” the City said.