Title
Discuss and Provide an Update on the Laud Howell Parkway Alignment Study from Trinity Falls Parkway to FM1461/Lake Forest Drive
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic Growth
MEETING DATE: March 14, 2016
DEPARTMENT: Development Services/Engineering
CONTACT: Gary Graham, PE, CIP and Transportation Engineering Manager
Nick Ataie, PE, CIP Engineer
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Discuss and Provide Direction
ITEM SUMMARY:
• City Staff is working with a consulting firm, Halff Associates (Halff), to evaluate potential changes to the approved alignment of Laud Howell Parkway from Trinity Falls Parkway to FM1461/Lake Forest Drive.
• Three different alternative alignments of Laud Howell Parkway have been developed for consideration based on previous studies and recent developer discussions.
• During the evaluation process, Halff is considering a wider right-of-way section than the minimum for a P6D as show in the design manual. This decision is being influenced by the recently completed Northwest Sector Study and the ongoing Comprehensive Plan Update and Parks Master Plan Update.
• The Northwest Sector Study calls for a gateway bridge structure to be constructed over Honey Creek. Halff prepared four gateway bridge concepts (Laud Howell Parkway at Honey Creek) for consideration. Staff has reviewed the four concepts and eliminated two based on costs. Each concept provides a functional bridge structure with unique features complementing the natural surroundings and goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Each concept has a varying cost and right-of-way need that will be considered and further developed as part of the alignment study.
• Staff is planning a public meeting at the end of March to gain input from the residents surrounding the area.
• After the public meeting and the alignment alternatives have been evaluated, Staff will present the results to Council. After Council has provided their input, Staff will bring the item back for formal approval by Council.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• In 2009, the City Council approved an alignment for Laud Howell Parkway from US 75 to FM 1461/Lake Forest Drive.
• Over the past six years, the City has developed a sector plan for the northwest sector and property ownership along the approved alignment has changed.
• In an effort to provide the most appropriate location for this principal arterial with regard to development within the northwest sector as well as crossing the Honey Creek flood plain, a comprehensive review of alignment alternatives is needed.
• The alignment study will evaluate three possible alignments for Laud Howell Parkway from Trinity Falls Parkway to FM1461/Lake Forest Drive. The length of the roadway is approximately 3.5 miles.
• The alignment study will evaluate each of the proposed alignments using a decision matrix. This includes project costs, impacts to property owners along the corridor, environmental impacts, and maximizing the land use in the area.
• Laud Howell Parkway will require the crossing of Honey Creek. The Northwest Sector Study calls for a gateway structure to be developed at this crossing. The study will prepare multiple concepts for the gateway structure.
• Laud Howell Parkway from Trinity Falls Parkway to FM1461/Lake Forest Drive has been designated in the City of McKinney On-Street Bicycle Transportation Master Plan as having designated bike lanes. The roadway is classified as a Principal Arterial (P6D).
• Halff Associates, Inc. (Halff) is currently under contract as of January 2016 to provide consulting engineering services for an alignment study of Laud Howell Parkway from Trinity Falls Parkway to FM1461/Lake Forest Drive.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A