Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Request that TxDOT Not Demolish the Existing US 75 Northbound Frontage Road Bridge Over Wilson Creek and Instead Allow it to Remain for City Use as a Hike and Bike Trail
Summary
MEETING DATE: September 2, 2014
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Gary Graham, PE, CIP and Traffic Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Approval of Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
· The existing US 75 northbound frontage road bridge over Wilson Creek is set to be demolished as part of the current TxDOT project to reconstruct US 75 in McKinney.
· The Parks and Open Space Department would like to keep the bridge for city pedestrian and bicycle use only. This will provide an alternate access route from the Community Center area on the south side of the creek to the trail system on the north side of the creek.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· This bridge was built in the mid-1960's. It is 30' wide with a concrete surface and metal railing intended for vehicular traffic on both sides.
· According to a bridge inspection report dated December 23, 2013, the various components of the bridge are in satisfactory to very good condition. No part of the bridge was deemed to be in fair condition or worse. The bridge inspection report includes the following maintenance recommendations:
o Consider repairing or replacing the damaged guardfence rail.
o Consider adding erosion prevention measures along both channel banks.
o Repair approach guardfence.
· TxDOT is not expected to make the erosion protection improvements mentioned in the bridge inspection report, even though this request will be included in the letter from the city. City staff is aware of the current level of erosion under the bridge and understands that it will need to be addressed at some point in the future. This is not unlike all other city owned bridges in McKinney. The benefit of this trail crossing is thought to outweigh the future maintenance costs that the city will take on.
· TxDOT has not yet demolished the bridge based on discussions with the city.
· Based on a cursory inspection of TxDOT construction activities, it does not appear that current construction has damaged the bridge.
· Based on a preliminary hydraulic analysis done by the City, leaving the bridge in place is not anticipated to contribute to increased flooding.
· Minor modifications are needed to convert the bridge to pedestrian use, including the addition of removable bollards at either end to prohibit vehicular traffic and the installation of pedestrian rails along the sides of the bridge.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· The city does not need to purchase the bridge from TxDOT.
· Initial city costs are estimated to be less than $50,000 to convert the bridge to pedestrian/bicycle traffic only. Funding is available in the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space budget.
· Long-term maintenance would primarily consist of the removal of debris brought by flooding. This would vary from year to year, but is estimated to cost up to $10,000 per year.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
· N/A