Agenda

Back to Calendar Return

11.

City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

06/25/2019

BACKGROUND

Over past years, both the City of Schertz and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have explored the possibilitiy of and need for improvements to FM 3009 at its intersection with FM 78 and its extension from that intersection south to IH 10. Since 2002, the extension of FM 3009 has been part of the City's adopted Master Thoroughfare Plan due to a demonstrated need for the additional north-south arterial connection in that vicinity.

The purpose of having a planned future roadway on the City's Thoroughfare Plan is to preserve a feasible alignment from development so that the connection can be made when needed without. One of the biggest challenges with respect to the extension of FM 3009 is the identification of the specific alignment and right of way that needs to be preserved through dedication for an interchange that includes a grade separation from the railway that parallels FM 78.

Several owners and developers of property in proximity to the intersection of FM 3009 and FM 78 have indicated an intention to entitle and develop the property. Staff has recognized that these properties are likely impacted by a need for right of way for the potential interchange. In order to not unduly further delay decisions regarding the development process, right of way needs must be identified. Due to the technical complexity of such a project, assistance and expertise of other sources is also needed.

Based on the magnitude of expected costs associated with an extension of FM 3009 (or a grade separation from the railroad alone), the majority of funding will need to come from state and federal sources. In order to be eligible for various types of funding, it is important that this potential project be added to TxDOT and AAMPO long range plans. The first step toward that end is for the City to officially reach out to the organizations to request assistance.

City Staff has sought direction from Council regarding the right of way dedication requirements for a potential overpass structure on FM 3009 over the railroad tracks at the intersection with FM 78. Discussion during the March 26, 2019, regular meeting, Council indicated a desire for Staff to initiate an investigation of feasibility and route determination for a future overpass toward an extension of FM 3009 to the south and to enlist the input and assistance first of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and then the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) to that end. Staff met with TxDOT and they indicated their support for the project. TxDOT suggested that the City take the lead in the form of a formal request for their involvement.

GOAL

The proposed resolution serves multiple goals. Primarily, it provides a formal request to TxDOT to assist the City with a study of the intersection of FM 3009 and FM 78 with respect to a railroad overpass and the ultimate extension of FM 3009 to IH 10. One of the outcomes of that study will be identification of the right of way needs for the interchange at the intersection. It is also the first step toward inclusion on the long and short range plans for TxDOT and AAMPO.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

A grade-separated crossing of FM 78 and the railroad tracks at FM 3009 will help to eliminate significant traffic backup issues in all directions around that intersection. The ultimate extension of FM 3009 will provide an additional direct north-south connection of IH 35 and IH 10 within the City to support long-term thoroughfare needs of the community.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends that Council approves the resolution formally requesting assistance from TxDOT with planning related to the intersection of FM 3009 and FM 78.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact directly tied to this Resolution.

RECOMMENDATION

City Staff recommends approval of Resolution 19-R-72.

Attachments
Resolution 19-R-72