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HomeMy WebLinkAboutColleyville Communicator-City Publications-1/2/2015� .� � , .,. � � SH 26/COLLEYVILLE BOULEVARD UPDATE After more than a decade on the North Central Texas Council of Governments' (NCTCOG) Transportation Improvement Plan, decisions about how to reconstruct SH 26/Colleyville Boulevard are still under consideration. A lack of funding for transportation projects at the state and federal levels, as well as construction problems in Phase I (Pool Road/Brumlow Avenue to south of John McCain Road), have hampered the project. In addition, funding amounts established in 1999 proved to be insufficient to cover reconstruction through Colleyville as originally designed, leading to a City Council decision to change the scope of the project from six lanes to four, to stretch the limited resources. SH 26 is a state highway and the project is being administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The next phases of the project are anticipated to begin in 2015. Some of the biggest concerns are related to lane configurations, funding, and medians. FourLanes/Six Lanes In 2013, the City Council voted to change the scope of the SH 26 project from six lanes, as originally designed, to four lanes, and shift funding to the section of road from Hall-Johnson Road to Brown Trail. This was done aker consideration of a NCTCOG presentation that showed SH 26 traffic counts had not kept pace with projections done in 1999, when the project was first scheduled. The change in scope allowed for reconstruction through the central business district and the sections of the corridor where traffic volumes at intersections are highest. TxDOT agreed to accept the change. Acwrding to NCTCOG, keeping a four-lane configuration, while constructing the intersections to their final configuration for six lanes, would be sufficient to handle curren[ and future ([hrough 2030 or later) traffic volumes. The change in scope stretched the allocated funds over a greater expanse of SH 26. The plan called for a wide median to allow for expansion to six lanes in the future, if traffic volumes warrant. Those lanes would be built inside the wide median to minimize disruption to drivers and businesses. At the City Council meeting on Dec. 16, the Council passed a resolution to seek an agreement with TxDOT to build the roadway to six lanes from ]ohn McCain Road to Brown Trail, preferably in the initial reconstruction. The resolution further requests that the NCTCOG allocate the extra funding necessary for the additional lanes, which is estimated at $6 million. Funding At the same meeting, the City Council also voted to accept TxDOT's turn-back funding option, called turn-back because it "turns back control of the road to the city." This option does not require additional upfront capital from Colleyville to cover reconstruction msts. Under the turn- back option, TxDOT incurs all costs for reconstruction of SH 26 through Brown Trail, including a third phase that is currently unfunded (John McCain Road to Hall-Johnson Road). This third phase includes realigning Tinker Road and Oak Pointe Drive into a single signalized intereection. (An alternate funding option provided the capital for reconstruction of this phase, but required the city pay the costs for reconstruction upfront, with reimbursement from TxDOT over time-up to 80% of the costs.) ��� Once reconstruction is completed, TxDOT will take SH 26 "off line" and the city will assume control of this section of the road, including decisions about speed limits, traffic For a comolete listina. lights, and street lighting. It would also assume msts for visit the ciN calendar at maintenance, anticipated to be about $90,000 for annual Collevville.com. signal maintenance and $120,000 every S-7 years for pavement marking maintenance. The turn-back funding option allows reconstruction of SH 26 through most of Colleyville. Any reconstruction south of Brown Trail would necessitate coordination and shared funding responsibilities with Hurst, since the road traverses between the two cities. Medians More than 350 businesses are located on or adjacent to SH 26, making it the city's primary business corridor. Some have expressed concerns about the impact of inedians on businesses. SH 26 is a state road, so TxDOT controls the decision about medians. City leaders have asked about liRing the state's mandate on medians for SH 26, but the state has declined to do so, citing safety concerns. According to TxDOT, all new projects with 20,000 or more vehicles per day require medians and note that medians improve safety and reduce overall crashes, including the worst kind of crashes-head-on collisions, by at least 40%. Next Steps The city's resolutions regarding building SH 26 to six lanes and accepting the turn-back funding option will go to the NCTCOG for review and funding decisions. Once the City Council and city staff receive a response from the NCTCOG, the Council will likely revisit the SH 26 project for a final decision by the city. Changes to the project scope are still subject to approval by TxDOT. BRIDAL OPEN HOUSE Colleyville Center will host a Bridal Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The award-winning center will open its doors for an evening of ideas and inspiration. The Open House is designed to allow prospective brides and grooms a one-stop-shopping opportunity for all their wedding needs. The Bridal Open House is free and open to the public. Hours are 5:00-8:00 p.m. Colleyville Center is located at 5301 Riverwalk Drive in Colleyville. For more information, call 817.503.1330 or visit CollevvilleCenter.com. STAGE 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS PENDING Tarrant County has been in Stage 1 water restrictions since 2013. In December, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) advised area cities that Stage 2 restrictions, including once-per-week watering, were pending. As of Jan. 5, the total Tarrant Regional Water District reservoir capacity was at 61.21%, up 0.5% with the recent rains. At 60%, TRWD can trigger the move into Stage 2 water restrictions. With no significant rainfall in the forecast, TRWD has projected that their reservoirs will continue to decline. The agency now thinks that area reservoirs could drop to 60% of capacity at some point this winter. Drouaht Staaes & Water Use Restrictions COMPREHENSIVEPLAN A final public review meeting for the city's new comprehensive plan will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Colleyville Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The final draR of the plan will be presented to the public for review and comment. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Feedback from this meeting will be incorporated into the final plan before being forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for adoption in March and April 2015, respectively. A copy of the final draft will be posted on the city's website at Colleyville.com for review by the public approximately two weeks prior to the public review meeting. During the past 18 months, citizens have weighed in on the plan at large public meetings, as well as at smaller neighborhood gatherings. That input has been incorporated into the drak. Colleyville Center is located at 5301 Riverwalk Drive. For further information, visit Colleyville.com and select the Comorehensive Plan "button" from the homeoaae. ROAD CONSTRUCTION TxDOT SH 26 RECONSTRUCTION PRO]ECT Please send any questions, concerns, or comments to 26Ca1collevville.com. },.I=� �� �-F`" ' f� � � � ';�� .,.�.i n / ,� �' '�� ,&:;' �, i f Mii�� '.�Ay 1^ •'� T ��� ' � �.. �I `�� � % � Y � �` ✓ � � � : . �_t'. W � r� \ { . 4 ' � j �- ,. �.s.<s� � � / Retaining wall at eig eear Creek eridge TxDOT is planning to close the southbound right lane from the Brumlow Avenue/Pool Road intersection to Longwood Drive starting Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The lane will be used as a staging area to offload beams to complete the Big Bear Creek Bridge. In an effort to resolve and mitigate the issues drivers have experienced attheJohn McCain Road/SH 26 intersection, the city has worked with TxDOT to escalate the schedule for a traffic signal upgrade at this location. Installation of a radar-equipped detection signal will begin near the end of the week. Radar detection better "sees" cars stopped at or approaching the signal light so tha[ the lights function to most e�ciently move traffic--and offers significant improvement over the current video detection system. The upgraded signal should be fully functional by the end of January. Other signal lights on SH 26 through Colleyville will be upgraded at a later date. SH 26 UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT (City of Colleyville/utility franchises) Please send any questions, concerns, or comments to 26falcollevville.com. The city continues to relocate water and sewer lines along SH 26 in preparation for the next phase of TxDOT's reconstruction project. This work will be primarily accomplished in the rights-of-way adjacent to the roadway, but at times, some limited lane closures may be necessary. For the most part, crews will bore horizontally along the roadway to provide a new location for the water and sewer lines. Franchise utilities, such as Atmos Energy (gas lines) and AT&T (communications) are also relocating their respective utilities. There will be a couple of late night and early morning water line tie-ins at Glade Road and Old Glade Road this week. Affected businesses will be notified in advance. The city is working all utility franchises and affected businesses at these locations to minimize the impact to their business. Lane closures from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. are possible this week, from Little Bear Creek south toward Brown Trail, as a new sanitary sewer line is being installed. Lane closures are also anticipated from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from north of Cheek-Sparger Road to Felps Drive, to allow installation of a new sanitary sewer line on the east side of SH 26. Lane closures are possible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from south of Little Bear Creek to Church Street, so the contractor can set manholes in the area. Lane closures from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. are possible this week at the SH 26/Hall-Johnson Road intersection and at the SH 26/Church Street intersection.Atmos will be boring across SH 26 at those locations. All affected businesses have been notified. Atmos will also be working on the west side of SH 26, from Pleasant Run Road to Bransford Road. Any impact to traffic should be minimal and all affected businesses have been notified. Oncor has finished relocating their lines. Time Warner continues to move overhead cable on both sides of SH 26 at various locations. They also be boring across SH26 at Old Glade Rd. All businesses affected by the relocation work have been notified. CHEEK-SPARGER/]ACKSON ROAD ROUNDABOUT On Monday, Jan. 12, a lane shift is planned for the south leg of the intersection. The shik will accommodate construction of the next section of Central Drive and mostly will affect drivers using the northbound lane of Central Drive. It is planned to start about midday (contingent on concrete testing). These types of lane shiks are necessary for us to keep the intersection open to traffia The alternative is to close the intersection to all traffic and require drivers to take alternate routes. We are building the roundabout in sections so as to accommodate traffic. We're using a special type of concrete that sets up and strengthens more quickly than standard materials so that vehicles can be on it sooner. We're working to have construction of the roundabout complete, and final lane configurations in place, in February. TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT BROWN TRAIL AND CHEEK- SPARGER ROAD On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the traffic signal at Brown Trail and Cheek-Sparger Road will be upgraded to include flashing yellow left-turn arrows. Work will begin at 9:00 a.m. and should be completed before the akernoon rush hour. The signal will be taken out of service to effect the upgrade. This means temporary stop signs and flagmen for traffic control when needed. Be prepared for delays moving through the intersection. NOTE: A similar upgrade is slated for the intersection at Glade Road and Heritage Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 21. PLEASANT RUN ROAD PROJECT - Veranda Lane/Mission Lane to Bogart Drive Reconstruction of Pleasant Run Road, from Veranda Lane/Mission Lane to Bogart Drive, is slated to begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. During the first few weeks, the road will remain open to traffic. However, work on the storm drains is slated to start in February, at which time this section of the road will be closed to thru traffic for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to take 270 days to complete. (Drivers should note that the road will remain open in one direction throughout construction to allow access to reach homes or businesses on or adjacent to this section of the road. All others should plan to use alternate routes: SH 26 to Hall- Johnson Road then to Bogart Drive or SH 26 to Glade Road, west to Bransford Road.) This is an extensive project requiring not only complete reconstruction of the road and construction of sidewalks and trails, but also constructing a new drainage system under Pleasant Run Road. This is a two-lane road that is being rebuilt as a two-lane road--so that construction has to take place on existing lanes with little room to maneuver--thus the extended road closure. However, the condition of Pleasant Run Road necessitates that the road be reconstructed. Once done,reconstructed roads done to the standards planned for this project have a lifespan of 40-50 years, with only minimal maintenance such as asphalt resurfacing, which may take 2-3 days and requires minimal disruption to traffic. The Pleasant Run Road and Trail Improvements Project involves reconstructing a[wo-lane asphalt street with concrete curbs and gutters, constructing a five-foot sidewalk on the west side of the road and a 10-foot hike/bike trail along the east side, and new street lighting. The city has completed a portion of the project-widening Mission Lane, east of Veranda Lane, from one lane to two, to allow for two-way traffic in that section. Proiect Details TRAIN QUIET ZONES Instituting the quiet zones at Colleyville's three railroad crossings has been delayed until sometime in February, while TxDOT reconstructs the median at SH 26 and John McCain Road. The comple[ion notice required by the Federal Railroad Administration cannot be filed until the median divider east of the railroad tracks on John McCain is finished. Once all construction work is completed, a Notice of Establishment (NOE) will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, which then notifies all railroads. Typically, 21 days aRer the NOE is submitted, the quiet zones go into effect. CITY NOTES Coffee with a Cop -]an. 22 The Colleyville Police Department invites everyone to Coffee wi[h a Cop on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 8:30 a.m. in the coffee shop at Market Street (5605 Colleyville Blvd.). This is an informal event for people to get to know the police officers who serve them, over coffee and conversation. There are no agendas and no speeches. We hope you'll plan to be there. State of the City - Jan. 29 The 6th Annual State of the City meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, at Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk Drive. Designed as a one-stop information resource for residents, the State of the City will be preceded by an open house with city departments and community organizations. The open house begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the State of the City at 7:00 p.m. Winter Ball - Jan. 30 The Winter Ball, now in its second year, is designed as a celebration of fathers and their daughters, and mothers and their sons. The wintry gala is open to girls and boys, ages 4-12. This year's event is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, at Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk Drive. Hours will be 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per mother/son or father/daughter duo. An additional daughter or son is $10. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office, 2512 Glade Rd., or online here through Jan. 23. Space is limited, so plan to purchase Winter Ball tickets soon. READING & RECREATION SENSATION For details about recreation programs, call 817.503.1180 or view the winter brochure here. Registration can be done online (service fee applies) or through the recreation department. The recreation department is housed at the Colleyville Senior Center, 2512 Glade Road. For information on programs at the library, call 817.503.1150 or view the winter brochure from the link provided above. The library is located at 110 Main Street, next to Colleyville City Hall. For information on programs for those 50+, call the Colleyville Senior Center at 817.503.1195. The Senior Center also offers a full slate of activities. It is located at 2512 Glade Road. Che<k out the classes and a<tivities s<heduled for this winter. Upcoming classes and activities: Vision � Cataract Screenings A mobile unit from the Carter Eye Center will be on-site to perform complimentary screenings. SeniorCenter Tue., Jan. 13, 50:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Live Creatively (Ages 10-18) Live Creatively features a monthly crak project just for teens and tweens. Each moMh offers a different project that will encourage participants to let their creativity shine. Public Library Tue., Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Young Living Essential Oils Essential can aid in achieving great awareness of physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Experience new beginnings and travel the path to greater wellness. SeniorCenter Fri., Jan. 16, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Educate DFW Learn financial information about how to get back on track, plan for the future, and create a positive financial future for generations to come. SeniorCenter Tue., Jan. 13, 2:30 p.m.-Social Security Personal & Professional Development Workshops- Skills for Life! Workshops designed to help young people build a solid foundation of pereonal and professional skills that assist in achieving success in their academic and professional futures. The workshops include topics such as: goal setting, presentation skills, professional etiquette, time management, and financial budgeting and saving strategies. McPherson Park Ages 9-13: Tue., Jan. 13- Feb. 17, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Ages: 14-18: Tue., Jan. 13- Feb. 17, 5:15-6:15 p.m. You Can Oil Paint Learn basic color mixing, brushstrokes, and perspective in this fun and easy class taught by master artist and award- winning instructor, Robert Garden. All supplies; canvas, paint, brushes, medium, easel, detailed lesson plan and instruction provided. SeniorCenter Wed., Jan. 14, 9:00 a.m. - noon, "Winter White Birch Trees" Winstar World Casino Transportation leaves from the Senior Center. A free breakfast is offered at the casino for those 50+. SeniorCenter Wed., Jan. 14, 8:00 a.m. Late Edition Book Club (Ages 18 & up) The library offers an evening book club for working adults and night owls. Public Library Thu., Jan. 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Sst & 3rd Friday Metroport Meals on Wheels Come enjoy coffee, treats, and games in the morning. Complimentary blood pressure checks are available on the first Friday courtesy of Woodridge at Grapevine. Lunch at noon-followed by bingo. SeniorCenter Fri., Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m. AARP Smart Driver Course Improve driving skills and be more aware of other drivers to ensure greater safety on the road. This course may be used to qualify for insurance discounts, however, it cannot be used for dismissal of a ticket. SeniorCenter Mon., Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 3rd Wednesday Breakfast-in-a-Bag We've got breakfast literally...in the bag. Join us for an assortment of omelets with all your favorite add- ins...prepared in a bag. SeniorCenter Wed., Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. 2nd & 4th Friday Lunch ffi Learn Come for a complimentary meal and stay for an educational presentation from a local organization. Topics include medicine, finances, senior housing, senior services, and much more. SeniorCenter Fri., Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Book to Movie Club (Ages 10-18) Each month we will read a new book that has recently been made into a movie. When we meet, we will watch the movie and then discuss both the book and the film. Times may vary depending on the length of the movie. Snacks will be provided. Parental permission required for those under 13 years of age, as some movies will be rated PG- 13. Public Library Sat., Jan. 31, Noon-2:00 p.m.