SL 121 (CSJ: 2502-01-024)

TxDOT District: Waco is widening State Highway 121 in Belton from two lanes to four, adding a raised median to the roadway. The project, filed as CSJ: 2502-01-024, covers a linear stretch of public land from IH 14 to IH 35 in Bell County. With an estimated cost of $1,309,324 and a measured area of 144,371 sq ft, the work represents a significant infrastructure investment for the region.

The scope of work involves new construction to improve traffic flow and safety along this major corridor. Gauge Engineering is the design firm of record for the project. Frank Fonseca is the registered accessibility specialist associated with the filing. The project is funded through public funds and involves Federally funded roadway improvements, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards for public infrastructure.

Timeline and Status

TDLR completed plan review in August 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and is scheduled to finish in January 2030. This timeline reflects a build window of 1094 days, which is longer than the county median of 242 days for similar new construction filings. The TDLR status is listed as Review Complete, indicating that the planning phase has been successfully concluded before ground-breaking.

The estimated cost per square foot is $9, which is below the Bell County median of $150 per square foot for new construction projects. However, the total estimated cost of $1,309,324 is above the county median of $850,000 for comparable filings. This discrepancy highlights the difference between linear roadway projects and building-based construction in terms of cost density and scale.

Regional Context

Bell County has seen 211 TDLR-registered new construction projects in the last 24 months. TxDOT District: Waco has six other registered projects totaling $4,432,834 in the region, including work in Belton, Clifton, Waco, and Killeen. Gauge Engineering has also been involved in six other projects totaling $9,215,300, with work in League City, Houston, and other areas. This project fits within a broader pattern of infrastructure development across the state, driven by both local needs and federal funding opportunities.

The surrounding area, ZIP 76513, has a population of about 44,855 with a median household income of $82,366. The housing market is mostly owner-occupied, with a median home value of $260,200. These demographic and economic factors provide context for the community impact of the highway widening project.