Construction on the $9. 6 million Coll Street Drainage Improvement Project broke ground earlier this week as part of Phase 1 of the overall South Castell Avenue Visioning Plan.

The project is designed to improve drainage, upgrade utilities and enhance pedestrian access along Coll Street between Castell Avenue and the Comal River, according to a press release from the city of New Braunfels.

The project is a joint contract between New Braunfels Utilities and the city, with the city's approximately $8. 2 million portion being funded through the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation.