HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8721INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
0111- To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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SUBJECT: Lancaster Avenue Status Report
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No. 8721
October 18, 2005
Page 1 of 2
This report relays the status of Lancaster Avenue construction and provides an update on the
Lancaster Avenue median design process
Construction Delay
Construction work on Lancaster Avenue has been delayed. The construction delay resulted from a
utility conflict. There is an existing TXU Electric duct bank along the south side of Lancaster
Avenue. This utility conduit is 75 years old and is relatively shallow, but for design of the Lancaster
reconstruction it was thought to be deep enough to clear the new pavement structure.
During the roadway work, Ed Bell Construction, the prime contractor on this project, was removing
existing pavement and sidewalk over the TXU line. Evidently, the bottom of the existing pavement
structure was bonded to the top of TXU's duct bank, so a portion of the duct bank came up with the
pavement, causing the fine to spark. The contractor and TxDOT contacted TXU, who came to the site
and told the contractor to cease work.
TXU dug exploration holes along the line to better determine the specific depth of the line. As
determined during design, they found that the duct bank is below the planned pavement structure.
However, since the contractor experienced problems already, there is concern on the part of the
contractor and TxDOT that further pavement removal and construction operations over the duct
structure would result in damage to the duct bank and possible danger along the line.
During this investigation the contractor continued operations in areas away from the line, but they
finished available work, and on August 19, 2005 TxDOT suspended the contract, until something is
done to protect the conduits and they receive notice that it is safe to conduct construction operations
over the line.
Since this problem was discovered, we have had extensive discussion involving the City of Fort
Worth, TXU, TxDOT and the contractor. As a result of these discussions, TXU is preparing plans
and specifications to provide a reinforced concrete protection cap over the conduit and will contract
for the construction. Their schedule for the construction is from mid November to late January. City
staff will continue to work with TxDOT and TXU in an effort to coordinate the operations of TXU
and Ed Bell Construction so that the roadway work can resume prior to full completion of the utility
work by the TXU contractor. The hope is that the prime contractor might resume operations
sometime in December, but we will not be able to confirm that until we get the utility protection plans
and a more specific construction sequence schedule from TXU.
Staff is Negotiating with TXU on the costs of the utility work. Cost estimates are not yet available
'w' from TXU. Staff will present this to City Council as soon as the estimates are received.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH. TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Lancaster Avenue Status Report
."o
..n
No. 8721
October 18, 2005
Page 2 of 2
Staff anticipates that the Lancaster project completion will be delayed about four months which pushes
the completion date to November 2006.
Median Design
On August 16, the City Council received a briefing on the design of Lancaster Avenue's median and
endorsed the proposed process and design principles. The City is working with the Fort Worth Art
Commission to select an artist that will design signature public art for the street's median. On October
4, the 13- member artist selection panel chaired by Councilmember Wendy Davis selected three finalists
to prepare proposals: Cliff Garten, Barbara Grygutis, and Ray King. These artists will tour the project
site on Monday, October 31, and will meet with City and Fort Worth Public Art staff and selection
panel members. The selection panel will meet again on December 8 to recommend an artist/proposal.
The median schedule includes the following milestones:
December Selection panel recommends preferred artist/proposal, and FWAC submits
recommendation to City Council.
January 2006 City Council authorizes design contract and subsequent fabrication /installation
contract and appropriates sufficient funds.
Fall 2006 Contractor completes fabrication and installation of median elements.
Please let me know if you need additional information.
01,4 q
/or
Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CI'T'Y MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS