Under the bright lights of Forney's city hall, community members gathered for an open house meeting on January 30, 2025, to discuss a pivotal infrastructure project: the proposed new bridge over the railroad. The evening began with Carl Zook, the assistant city manager, outlining the meeting's purpose and introducing Mayor Jason Robertson, who provided a historical context for the discussions.

Mayor Robertson recounted the formation of a bond committee in 2021, which included community members and council representatives. This committee identified key projects for the city, ultimately leading to the approval of a roadway project as part of the Proposition E bond program in 2022. The mayor emphasized the importance of transparency in the decision-making process, noting that while no council member had publicly advocated for a specific bridge location, the community's input was crucial in evaluating the options presented.

Carla Easton, a consultant from WSB, took the stage to explain the feasibility study for the new bridge. She highlighted that the project was allocated nearly $30 million from the total $52.7 million budget for Proposition E. Easton detailed the study's objectives, which include assessing environmental impacts, community effects, and construction considerations for six proposed bridge locations. The goal is to narrow down these options to identify the most suitable site for the new overpass.

As attendees reviewed the options laid out before them, they were encouraged to provide feedback through comment sheets, ensuring their voices would be heard in the ongoing planning process. This open house not only served as a platform for information sharing but also as a vital step in shaping the future of Forney's infrastructure, reflecting the city's commitment to community engagement and thoughtful development.