Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Request the Release of Spur 359 from the State Highway System from US 75 to SH 5
Summary
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2014
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Gary Graham, P.E., PTOE, CIP and Transportation Engineering Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution authorizes the Interim City Manager to request the release of Spur 359 from the state highway system from US 75 to SH 5.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Spur 359 runs concurrent with Virginia and Louisiana Streets from US 75 to SH 5. Because this is two roadways, there is approximately 13,900 feet of centerline miles.
• Virginia Street and Louisiana Street each are currently carrying about 4,500 vehicles per day.
• Spur 359 was created in the 1950’s to connect the new US 75 to the old US 75 now SH 5. Through the City’s research the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) purchased the right-of-way and constructed the portion of Spur 359 from US 75 to Graves Street. TxDOT then placed the label of Spur 359 on city streets.
• The City of McKinney has always maintained Spur 359 from Graves to SH 5, a distance of 11,300 feet of centerline miles. TxDOT has always maintained Spur 359 from US 75 to Graves, a distance of 2,600 feet of centerline miles.
• This roadway provides access to the Historic Downtown Square as well as residences along the corridor.
• There are various intangible benefits associated with removing the roadway from the state highway system, including:
o flexibility with roadway design elements;
o flexibility with setting speed limits and school zones;
o flexibility with access management for adjacent properties; and
o improved responsiveness to citizen concerns.
• TxDOT will conduct a pavement rehabilitation on the section from Graves to US 75 before the roadway is turned over to the City of McKinney.
• City Staff will use the “Turnback” of these roadways to leverage additional investment of the state roadway system in McKinney by TxDOT.
• In April of 2014, TxDOT, the Texas Municipal League (TML), and the Association of Texas Metropolitan Organizations (TEMPO) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding TxDOT’s Turnback Program.
• As part of the MOU, TxDOT agreed to invest up to $100 million statewide on mobility, safety, and reservation projects within the same city that accepts the responsibilities for a turned back road. These dollars are offered on a first come/ first serve basis.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Maintenance of the portion of the roadway not currently maintained by the Utilities and Infrastructure Department will be absorbed into their operating budget.
• The Utility and Infrastructures Department budgets approximately $3,000 per mile of roadway. For the additional length of the road not currently maintained by TxDOT, the cost would be approximately $1,500 per year.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A