CBE-Tsc Recommendation University Drive Improvements.2009.1012.Signed

8/14/2019 CBE-Tsc Recommendation University Drive Improvements.2009.1012.Signed

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Council for the Built Environmenttechnical subcommittee

October 12, 2009

MEMORANDUM

To: Mr. Charles A. SippialVice Chair, Council for the Built EnvironmentVice President for Administration

Subject: Proposed University Drive Improvements

GENERALThe Council for the Built Environments technical sub committee (CBE-tsc) provides the following as areport to support the discussion and final recommendation(s) of the CBE regarding the proposedimprovements to University Drive. The subcommittee members concurred that once theimprovements were in place, the pedestrian safety in the area should be greatly improved. Therewas however concerns related to the sufficiency of funding, the lack of input from the university

community (i.e. students, faculty, and staff), traffic flow issues and other various features asoutlined below. It is recommended that the project be given the universitys conceptual approval andproceed as the specific points are resolved in the final design processes.

SCOPEThe CBE-tsc met this morning to consider the proposed safety improvements to University Drive in thearea generally between Wellborn Road and Asbury Street. The multi-phase projects goal is to improvethe pedestrian safety of those traversing the area. The improvements will include, among other items,

changes to the interchange connecting University Drive and Wellborn Road, raised medians alongUniversity Drive, signalization of the Boyett Street intersection to include a relocated driveway on thecampus, proposed closure of College Main by the City of College Station, redesigning Houston Street asa one-way street and various other improvements meant to improve the safety and aesthetics of the area.This is generally the first phase of the multiphase project which will ultimately include upgrades alongUniversity Drive throughout the area from Wellborn Road to Old College Street.

The change to Houston Street to a one-way street is meant to provide a physical pedestrian link to thecontemplated closure of College Main on the north side of University Drive. Creating a pedestrianfriendly zone on both sides of the street, along with the improvements to the signalized intersection andthe raised medians are important features to facilitating the high volume of street crossings whichcurrent occur in the area.

The budget for the project is currently $2 million , which is to be funded by the City as part of amulti-project cooperative, related to the availability and timing of funding, between the University,


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University Drive ImprovementsCBE-tsc ReportOctober 12, 2009Page 2

CONSTRUCTION and TIMINGDue to logistical reasons, the Wellborn Rd-University Drive interchange and the changes at Boyett arenecessary first steps in the project. Other facets of the project are not necessary co-dependent on eachother. Important project features which are not directly under the control of the University include theclosure of College Main between University Drive and Patricia Street and the resolution of theownership/use of parking which currently exist on the north side of university drive between CollegeMain and Boyett Street.

TimingIt is estimated that once the design and other related aspects of the project are finalized, that thetotal construction time should be approximately 6 months .

ANALYSISPhysical Plant & Facilities

The traffic flow to and from the Post Office in the plan allows for the traffic from the parking lotthrough Campus via Hogg and Asbury. This will increase traffic on Asbury and will require

modifications to the traffic signal timing at University as well as changes to lane designation.Asbury is a major exit for the North Side Parking Garage with a short distance to University.Consider adding an exit from the postal parking lot directly to University. The right turn onlyexit could be located at the current proposed Houston Street entrance.

UtilitiesThere are three major project components which will affect Texas A&M University Utilitiesservice and they include:

1. University Dr Interchange at Wellborn Rd . will provide a perpendicular interface fortraffic coming on/off Wellborn at University Drive. It appears that A&M utilities that willnot be affected in this area.

2. New entrance into PA 30 across from Boyett Street A new entrance will be created intothe PA30 and the existing drives to the east and west will be closed. The new entrance drivewill cross an existing 6" Domestic Water line installation, circa 1941, its depth is unknown

and it is recommended that the section of line under the construction being replaced. It willalso cross an existing 8" Sanitary Sewer line (depth shows to be approximately 11 feet). Theconstruction in this area should not be a problem.

3. Houston Street modification (University drive to Hogg Street) Houston intersection withUniversity Drive is moved to the west - past the post office parking lot. Houston Street will


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Telecommunications/ Computing & Information ServicesA portion of the Citys fiber network loop is located east of Wellborn Road and will likely beimpacted by the proposed realignment of the University Drive-Wellborn Road interchange. Sincethe University also benefits from the use of the network, special concern should be given to theproject design and construction in this area. There is also computer network fiber in the area of Blocker which could be affected by the proposed upgrades.

Traffic FlowQuestions remain regarding the project design and the overall traffic flows were discussed.

The points made include:1. Will north bound traffic on Wellborn back up due to the slowing down of traffic exiting

east to University Drive?2. Will east bound traffic on University Drive be negatively impacted by the desire for north

bound exiting traffic off of Wellborn attempting to cross all east bound traffic lanes toturn left at Boyett?

3. Access to the Post Offices parking area will be limited to a right turn from the east

bound lane of University Drive. West bound traffic will not have direct access to thePost Office.4. Currently, deliveries being made to Northgate merchants facing University Drive are

accomplished by delivery vehicles parking on University Drive, which blocks a lane ormore of traffic. There are no loading zones included in the current design to address thecurrent problem. A potential solution is to include a loading zone on the north end of theCollege Main closure near Patricia Street.

Project FundingThe budget for the project is currently $2 million and is proposed to be constructed by the TexasDepartment of Transportation (TxDOT) and funded by the City of College Station. Given thatthe final design of the project is not yet complete, there are questions by all partners as towhether the current budget will be sufficient to accomplish the project. Depending on the finalscope of the project, there may be additional questions from the Finance Division regardingthe source of the funds for this project, especially if there is any change in theexpectation/agreement for the University to participate financially.

Procurement & Logistic ServicesBased on the current plan for the area, no problems are foreseen by the Universitys Procurement& Logistical Services.

Transportation ServicesT t ti S i t th d d t i d bik f t i t j t t


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ParkingThe current proposal does not contemplate any changes in the number of parking spaces. ThePost Office parking will be maintained with access by a one-way portion of Houston Street. ThePostal drive-up mail boxes will be maintained. The final design should allow access to collectthe mail left in the boxes without hindering the flow of traffic and endangering Postal employees.

Security and SafetyEnvironmental Health and Safety has no concerns with the proposed project and the upgradesincluded in this project are recommended to proceed.

Public and University Community Review/Input

Community InputThe Texas Department of Transportation has held two public input sessions. The sessions wereheld in the Northgate area and while public at large was invited, the participants were largelyNorth Gate merchants and others with special interests in the district.

University Community InputAt this point there is concern that the University Community has not had a chance go voice theirfeelings about the project. A future meeting, meant to solicit the input from the UniversityCommunity, primarily from students and faculty will be held before the final design of theproject is complete.

U.S. Post Office Input

The management of the Post Office has been contacted and is supportive of the current plan tochange Houston Street to one-way southbound. The design for access to the drive-up mail boxeswas endorsed.

The CBE-tsc is pleased to offer this report. The general consensus was that the project be given the universitysconceptual approval and proceed to implementation as the specific points are resolved in the final designprocesses. The subcommittee members would welcome further inquiries related to this analysis.

Sincerely,


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University Drive Improvements

October 2009 S o u r c e :

T x D

O T

Project OverviewProject OverviewPedestrian SafetyPedestrian Safety

PartnersPartnersTexas Dept ofTexas Dept ofTransportationTransportation

City of College StationCity of College StationTAMU*TAMU*

RightRight --ofof --WayWay

Acquistition(sAcquistition(s ))

Budget: $ 2 millionBudget: $ 2 million

ScopeScopeWellborn Rd to AsburyWellborn Rd to AsburyBoyettBoyett IntersectionIntersection

Houston St ChangesHouston St ChangesCollege Main ClosureCollege Main Closure

Campus Traffic FlowCampus Traffic FlowStakeholder InputStakeholder Input

*Approved by the TAMUS BOR


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University Drive Improvements

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M a i nChurch Ave

Patricia St

H o gg

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CBE-Tsc Recommendation University Drive Improvements.2009.1012.Signed

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