DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT:
Advanced Funding Agreement: Hoefgen Avenue Improvements
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and authorizing acceptance of funds from TxDOT in the amount of $150,000 and from UPRR in the amount of $150,000 for infrastructure improvements along Hoefgen Avenue, Fern Court and Carolina Street, located in Council District 2.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On May 21, 2015 City Council authorized the permanent closure of Hoefgen Avenue at the railroad crossing near Essex Ordinance 2015-05-21-0438 in order to provide safe roadways and secure the rail crossings at this location. Over the last several years, the railroad crossing along Hoefgen near Essex presented challenges for vehicles trying to cross the railroad tracks. Due to the elevation of the tracks being higher than the roadway approaches, vehicles with low wheel clearances were becoming lodged and could not move off the tracks as trains were approaching. The closure was essential to ensure the safety of the residents and to prevent any additional incidents in the future.
As part of the closure, TxDOT and UPRR agreed to provide funding for improvements to the vicinity surrounding the crossing. Transportation & Capital Improvements has prepared design documents and will implement the construction of the improvements when the agreement has been executed by TxDOT.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and authorizing acceptance of funds from TxDOT in the amount of $150,000 and from UPRR in the amount of $150,000 for infrastructure improvements along Hoefgen Avenue, Fern Court and Carolina Street, located in Council District 2.
The planned improvements for the area surrounding the crossing are as follows and included in the map attached to this agenda item:
• Hoefgen Avenue: A section of the roadway, in the vicinity of the railroad tracks, will be reconstructed to modify the grade to allow for better drainage. Additionally, repaving will take place from Carolina to the tracks. Curbs, sidewalks and driveways will be improved in this section.
• Access Roadway: A new access roadway will be built between Fern and Hoefgen to provide an area for trucks to maneuver the roadway. It will be located on the property that is adjacent to the CPS facility.
• Fern Court: Fern Court will be repaved to provide a connection to the new access roadway between Fern and Hoefgen.
• Carolina Street: The roadway will receive an overlay treatment and new pavement markings from IH 37 to Cherry Street.
Construction of the improvements is intended to begin when the agreement has been executed by TxDOT. Transportation and Capital Improvements is working to develop a construction schedule and is evaluating using an existing task order contract to complete the construction. It is anticipated that the project will have duration of approximately three months.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to approve the execution of this Advanced Funding Agreement to accept the funds; however that action would reject funding from TxDOT and UPRR. Any construction improvements would then be the fiscal responsibility of the City. Not implementing the improvements would have an adverse affect on drainage and mobility in the area.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will receive funds from Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the amount of $150,000 and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) in the amount of $150,000. There is no fiscal impact to the City in relation to this agreement because local monetary match is not required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement and the acceptance of funds from TxDOT in the amount of $150,000 and from UPRR in the amount of $150,000 for infrastructure improvements in District 2.