Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Supporting the Texas Department of Transportation Project Related to the Reconstruction of US 75 from Spur 399 to US 380
Summary
MEETING DATE: October 19, 2010
DEPARTMENT: Development Services/Engineering
CONTACT: Jack Carr, P.E., Director of Engineering
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution provides support for the reconstruction of US 75 from Spur 399 to US 380.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The interchange of US 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SRT) is scheduled to be completed in January 2011 and the construction of the interchange of US 75 and US 380 is scheduled to be completed in February 2011.
• The Texas Department of Transportation is currently preparing for the construction of the section of US 75 between these two projects.
• The bids for the construction of this project are scheduled to be opened in March 2011 with construction beginning shortly thereafter.
• The environmental clearance for this project requires a TxDOT public hearing where interested parties are given an opportunity to present comments during the public comment period.
• Governmental entities typically consider approval of resolutions of support of TxDOT construction projects to enter official comments into the environmental clearance records.
• The following is a summary of the elements of the proposed US 75 project:
Proposed Roadway
o Eight main lanes - four in each direction.
o Three-lane service roads in each direction.
o Frontage roads crossing Wilson Creek will be elevated out of the flood plain.
o The configuration of the ramps will generally place entrance ramps in advance of the cross streets and exit ramps will follow the cross streets.
o The median will have space for future concurrent HOV lanes.
Eldorado Parkway Interchange
o In 2008, during the evaluation of the SRT-US 75 interchange, a computer simulation identified a significant capacity concern at the US 75 - Eldorado Parkway interchange.
o It was evident the Eldorado Parkway interchange originally proposed for the US 75 project would not have the capacity required to handle the future traffic volume, resulting in significant daily peak-hour congestion.
o Options to increase the capacity were evaluated and it was determined the best option was to incorporate a single point urban interchange (SPUI), similar to the interchange TxDOT is currently constructing in Plano on US 75 at Parker Road.
o A SPUI includes ramps for motorists to move between the level of the cross street and the level of the service road. A second set of bypass lanes crosses under the cross street allowing motorist to continue on the service road without stopping at the cross street. A single traffic signal located in the center of the bridge will control the traffic movements through this interchange.
o Ramp configurations were evaluated to identify the combination that will provide the best access to and from adjacent properties. It was determined that moving the bypass lanes to be adjacent to the main lanes (instead of being adjacent to the properties) provided the best overall access for the adjacent properties.
o City Staff has met with multiple property owners to discuss the US 75 project and the proposed SPUI. After consideration of the alternatives, they have concurred that the chosen configuration has the least impact on their respective properties.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• No City funding is required for this project.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A