TOWN STAFF REPORT RECCOMENDATIONS
title
Discuss intersection safety and possible intersection improvements for the intersection of Solana Blvd and Granada/Cortez; and take appropriate action (Wade Carroll, Town Manaer)
body
STAFF: Wade Carroll, Town Manager
BACKGROUND:
On Tuesday, October 17th an accident occurred at Solana Blvd and Granada. The Mayor reported to staff that he had received many calls from Granada residents that there had been many accidents at that location and that the intersection was extremely dangerous. A traffic signal is required to be installed at that intersection as part of the developers agreement for the Solana Improvement District (Entrada) however the agreements state that the signal must be warranted to TxDot standards. There is language however that the intersection improvements be installed prior to the development of the 14.5 acres of residential units adjacent to the Solana complex (Core Logic property) but still refers to the developers agreement that states the signal must be warranted. The language does allow the Town to negotiate the installation timing as part of another approved developer’s agreement thus opening the requirement up for further negotiation. The developer had a traffic signal warrant study completed and has had the engineering completed for the signal light installation however the intersection did not meet any of the 9 requirements for traffic signal installation. Most traffic counts were approximately half of the required numbers for traffic signal installation. The developer’s agreement, Entrada zoning language and signal warrant study are attached.
DISCUSSION:
Over the past five years two (2) major accident and no (0) minor accidents have occurred at the intersection of Solana Blvd and Granada/Cortez. Solana Blvd is a wide, major thoroughfare and although traffic counts are low and do not warrant traffic signal installation, the speed at which a vehicle can travel on this well improved but dimly lit roadway could cause serious injuries to drivers or pedestrians due to the high rate of speed possible on the roadway itself. This fact must be weighed with the warrant study recommendations when deciding upon the timing of the installation. The Solana planned development zoning and the developer’s agreement both call for the signal light installation to be warranted by TxDot standards prior to instillation but does require 88% of the project funds are escrowed by the developer upon approval of the intersection improvement plans (engineering). Plans for the intersection improvements were received on October 26th and are currently being inspected by the Town engineers for approval. The approximate cost of signalization of a 4-way multi-lane intersection is $450,000 making the Town’s portion of the project approximately $54,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The addition of 4 LED solar powered stop signs with blinking red lights is approximately $20,000. If the developer agrees to move forward with installation of signal light the Town will be responsible for approximately $54,000. Neither expense was budgeted and would require approval of a budget transfer from unassigned general fund balance to 100-16-44303 Road Repairs and Maintenance for the approvements.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the expenditure not to exceed $20,000 for the installation of 4 solar powered, LED lit stop lights at the intersection of Solana Blvd and Granada/Cortez. Staff would also recommend that the traffic signal be scheduled for installation as part of the requirements met to approve the development of the Core Logic property and the light be fully installed and operational before the approval of the last 25% of building permits be issued for the same property.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Traffic Warrant Study
Language from Solana Improvement District developer’s agreement and Entrada Zoning
Quotes for stop sign installation
TOWN COUNCIL ACTION/OPTIONS:
1) Motion to approve
2) Motion to amend with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3) Motion to table
4) Motion to deny