HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 25-0088INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0088
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
August 5, 2025
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: COST OF GRAVELING ALLEYWAYS IN THE CITY
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an estimate of the cost to install gravel in
unimproved alleys in Fort Worth and consider the feasibility of graveling. This exercise showed
that graveling is significantly more expensive than the current mowing program and would not
eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance.
Cost Estimate
The Park & Recreation Department (PARD), in collaboration with the Transportation & Public
Works Department (TPW), developed a cost estimate to purchase, deliver, and install six inches
of gravel by a contractor. For this analysis, a unit price of $3.90 per square foot was used.
An average alley size of 12 feet wide by 536 feet long was used for following estimated costs.
Item Estimated Cost
Gravel one alley block $ 25,085
Gravel 1,235 alleys in the $30,979,975
unimproved alley program
Gravel all 2,300 unimproved $57,695,500
alley blocks
Budget Context
For comparison, the FY2025 annual budget for the Unimproved Alley Mowing Program (U-AMP)
is $806,318. Of this, $741,599 is allocated for mowing services. The remaining funds support a
contract compliance technician responsible for inspecting alleys and responding to resident
concerns. The current budget provides resources to mow approximately'/2 half of the
unimproved alleys in the city.
Ongoing Maintenance Needs
While graveling alleys may reduce the frequency or need for mowing, it would not eliminate
ongoing maintenance requirements. Regular upkeep would still be necessary, including:
• Gravel replenishment over time
• Weed control (spraying/mowing)
• Illegal dumping removal
• Tree trimming
Graveled surfaces increase impervious areas, potentially worsening stormwater runoff. Over time,
traffic can cause ruts and potholes that retain water, leading to mosquito breeding and drainage
issues. Because of these concerns, TPW only maintains paved alleys, and the City's Subdivision
Ordinance requires concrete paving for alleys.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0088
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
August 5, 2025
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: COST OF GRAVELING ALLEYWAYS IN THE CITY
PARD Pilot Program 2023
In FY2023, PARD tested graveling on one alley block. Despite full-length gravel installation, the
material subsided quickly, and ruts, potholes, and vegetation returned within months.
Need for Flex Base and Engineering
To improve durability, a compacted flex base is necessary beneath the gravel. Proper
engineering is also needed to design effective stormwater drainage and prevent runoff from
affecting nearby properties. These requirements would add costs beyond the graveling estimates
provided.
Residents may report alley -related concerns through any of the following methods:
• MyFW App
• Email:1234@fortworthtexas.gov
• Phone: (817) 392-1234
Once a report is submitted, a work order is generated by the City Call Center and routed to the
appropriate staff for follow-up and resolution.
For additional information regarding alley mowing, see IR 25-0076 or contact Dave Lewis,
Director, Park & Recreation Department, at (817) 392-5717.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS