DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council Districts 3 and 5
SUBJECT: Traffic Signal Intersection Improvements
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the award of a construction contract for the Traffic Signal Installation Package B, a 2018 Tax Notes funded project, in the amount of $591,989.00 and authorizing payment to D&G Energy Corporation to construct three traffic signals located in Council Districts 3 and 5.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Traffic signals improve the efficiency and safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at an intersection and provide for the orderly movement of vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. New traffic signal projects also include construction of sidewalks and curb ramps when necessary ensuring pedestrian signals are accessible to all users of the transportation system. In general, the following metrics are reviewed when determining if a signal is an appropriate traffic control device:
• Traffic volumes approaching the intersection
• Crash history and contributing factors
• Land use characteristics such school crossings
• Proximity of nearby signals
• Approach speeds and sight distance
• Intersection configuration and design
If the signal is warranted and recommended for installation based on the above mentioned metrics, funds will be requested through the annual capital project budget process. Typically, the installation of a traffic signal takes approximately 18 months to complete the survey, design, environmental review, utility coordination and relocation, bidding and construction. Traffic signals are also sometimes installed as part of new development.
Procurement of Services
This project was advertised for construction bids on August 24, 2018 in the San Antonio Hart Beat, the City of San Antonio Bidding and Contracting Opportunities website, CIVCAST electronic bidding site, Texas Electronic State Business Daily, and on TVSA, The City's Government access channel. Bids for this project were opened on September 25, 2018. Of these, D&G Energy Corporation submitted the lowest responsive bid.
This contract will be awarded in compliance with the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program, which requires contracts be reviewed by a Goal Setting Committee to establish a requirement and/or incentive unique to the particular contract in an effort to maximize the amount of small, minority, and women-owned business participation on the contract. The Goal Setting Committee set a 10% Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) subcontracting goal and D&G Energy Corporation has committed to meeting this subcontracting goal.
This construction contract was developed utilizing the low bid process; therefore, a Discretionary Contracts Disclosure Form is not required.
ISSUE:
This ordinance for the Traffic Signal Installation Package B accepts the lowest responsive bid and awards a construction contract in the amount of $591,989.00 to D&G Energy Corporation for traffic signals at the following three intersections:
• Ada Street and S. New Braunfels Avenue (Council District 3 - new traffic signal)
• Goliad Road and Kate Schenck Avenue (Council District 3 - new traffic signal)
• N. Frio Street and Ruiz Street (Council District 5 - reconstruction of existing traffic signal)
These three locations are included in the eight new traffic signals and three traffic signal rebuilds recommended and funded in FY 2018.
Since the beginning of FY 2018, TCI has completed the survey, design, environmental review, and utility coordination. Relocation of conflicting utilities is currently on-going. The bidding and traffic signal construction schedule is designed to allow the utilities to be cleared prior to starting construction to prevent delays.
Construction for the Traffic Signal Installation Package B is anticipated to begin in December 2018 and is estimated for completion by May 2019. During construction, the contractor will use daily lane closures when necessary and police officers to assist with traffic control during the hours that the new signals are being constructed.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to award this contract and require staff to re-advertise this project. Considering the additional time required for another solicitation process, this would adversely affect the timely completion of the project and funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is one-time capital improvement expenditure in the amount of $591,989.00 payable to D&G Energy Corporation. Funds are available from 2018 Tax Notes and are included in the FY 2019 -2024 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance, accepting the lowest responsive bid and awarding a construction contract in the amount of $591,989.00 payable to D&G Energy Corporation for construction of new traffic signals at three intersections.