Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2023-077 supporting the City's application to the Texas Department of Transportation 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Call for Projects, and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The residential development on the west side of Farmers Branch is nearing completion. Connecting the residents in this part of Farmers Branch to various City amenities is critical. City staff and consultants are attempting to finalize design, right-of-way and easement agreements, and construction timing with Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for Phase I of the Westside Art Trail. In addition, the John Burke Nature Preserve recently completed renovations to improve the user experience of the park. These two projects are on opposite sides of a major thoroughfare, Valley View Lane. There is no existing crosswalk at Valley View Lane and Mercer Parkway to allow safe pedestrian passage across Valley View Lane. Connecting these spaces aligns with the Strategic Plan to plan for, build, and maintain high quality public assets (CB04), and to execute sustainability initiatives (CB07).
DISCUSSION:
In December 2022, TXDOT opened a Call for Projects for Transportation Alternatives for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Based on the criteria provided in the Call for Projects, staff identified Valley View Lane pedestrian crossing as a possible project, because it would provide connectivity between the John F. Burke Nature Preserve and the future Westside Art Trail. As previously stated, there is not a designated pedestrian crossing at this location. For the 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Call for Projects, TXDOT implemented a two-step application process. In January 2023, the City submitted a Preliminary Application for the TXDOT 2023 TA grant application program for a pedestrian crossing located at the intersection of Valley View Lane and Mercer Parkway. This was step one of the appl...
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