Title
Resolution - A Resolution Authorizing Funding in an Amount not to Exceed $140,000.00 and Approval of a Contract, Including Halff Associates, Inc. for Preliminary Engineering Design Services for the Major Collector Roadway Between N. Main Street (US Business Hwy 287) and FM 157 (Street Bond Fund)
Requested Action
Consider the authorization of funding and approval of the contracts.
Recommendation
The Engineering Staff recommends the authorization of funding in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00 and the approval of contracts including Halff Associates, Inc. for preliminary engineering design services for the Main/157 Connector Roadway.
Description/History
When North Main Street (US Business Hwy 287) was realigned with FM 157 the realignment created a sharp 90 degree curve close to the intersection with FM 157. The sharp curve makes it difficult for large trucks to maneuver around the turn. Furthermore, the sharp curve has been a location of numerous accidents. With the creation and adoption of the 2006 Master Thoroughfare Plan, an east-west major collector roadway was added at a location approximately 2,100 feet north of the N. Main Street/FM 157 intersection. The intent of the collector roadway is to reduce traffic and truck volumes around Legacy High School and at the N. Main Street/FM 157 intersection to avoid the sharp curve.
This project will prepare a schematic design that will provide an alignment for the 4-lane undivided major collector roadway (70 feet of right-of-way) that will connect N. Main Street with FM 157. The project will also investigate the realignment of Russell Road at FM 157 to eliminate the existing angled intersection and the undersized drainage crossing of Watson Branch.
The scope of the project will include preliminary design survey, a traffic study which will investigate the anticipated benefits and impacts of this roadway, a drainage study of Watson Branch, Coordination with TxDOT (Concept approval required for connections to US Business Hwy 287 and FM 157), schematic design and preparation of right-of-way documents.
The requested funds are for a preliminary engineering design contract with Halff Associates, Inc. in the amount of $119,500.00, an additional 5% design fee contingency for potential design scope changes, property appraisals and other miscellaneous services to move this project toward final design and right-of-way acquisition. These services will be accomplished within a budget of $140,000.00. A contract for final engineering design will be brought back to Council at a later date.
Justification
This project will reduce traffic on N. Main Street in the vicinity of the 90 degree curve and Legacy High School along with the potential to increase stream capacity on Watson Branch. The project is included in the 2017 Street Bond Fund Capital Plan.
Funding Source
Street Bond Fund
Prepared By
David Boski, P.E.
Assistant Director of Public Works - Transportation