Title
Discuss and Provide Direction for Mayor’s I35 Betterments Task Force Recommendation
Body
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this agenda item is for City Council to review the recommendation made by the Mayor’s I35 Betterment Task Force and to provide direction to staff. The direction provided will allow the advanced funding agreement, including the final cost and scope of enhancements, to be finalized. For intersection enhancements to be implemented, City Council will need to approve TxDOT’s advanced funding agreement (on September 21, 2021) and staff will subsequently transfer required funds to TxDOT following approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
With the demolition of private property improvements within TxDOT right-of-way having already begun, phase two of the IH-35E widening is nearing the construction. TxDOT has conditionally awarded the design build-contract for such and is expected to execute the final agreement in September 2021. The construction phase is anticipated to occur over a four-year period, beginning in 2022 and ending in 2026. As part of the phase two highway widening, the Valley View Lane and Valwood Parkway at IH-35E intersections will both be rebuilt providing an opportunity to enhance these intersections and create gateways into Farmers Branch. Currently, $2.5M has been approved by City Council for intersection enhancements within the approved FY20-21 capital improvements budget.
DISCUSSION:
On August 23, 2021 the Mayor’s IH-35E Betterments Task Force met to review the actual costs for enhancements at the Valley View Lane and Valwood Parkway at IH-35E intersections as provided by TxDOT through their design build RFP process. The Task Force recommended that City Council move forward with hardscape enhancements, lighting (including lighting standards) and pedestrian safety wall at the Valley View Lane at IH-35E intersection; and lighting (including lighting standards) and the pedestrian safety wall at the Valwood Parkway at IH-35E intersection (not originally contemplated in budget). The total cost of these enhancements is approximately $1.7M. The balance of these funds would remain in the Pike Street Bond Fund for future Station Area development.
ACTION:
Seeking Council direction to staff to finalize the advanced funding agreement for enhancements at Valley View Lane and Valwood Parkway at IH-35E intersections as recommended by the task force, totaling approximately $1.7M.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Information Memorandum
2. Staff Presentation