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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10595 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 21-10595 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 8, 2021 Page 1 of 1 xA. SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CLEARING ROW AND MINIMIZING LANE CLOSURES 1875 FROM CONSTRUCTION WORK The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update on efforts to ensure City right-of-way (ROW) is cleared after construction/utility work is completed and lane closures associated with construction/utility work are minimized. This is an update on the current and proposed efforts previously discussed in the 10/27/2020 Informal Report to Council. Improved permitting/contract requirements: In addition to the continued use of the Final Inspection Checklist, permitting and contract language has been updated by developing/implementing standard notes in the automated permitting system (Accela). Also multiple standard specifications have been revised and posted for use to emphasize the requirements to clear ROW at completion of a project and minimize lane closures and their impact on traffic. Consolidated permitting system: In addition to the recent enhancement to permit the work of internal operations crews and track them in Accela, the remaining construction permits are in the process of also being transitioned into Accela. Go-live for this permitting is scheduled for 6/30/21 . Having ALL construction related permits in the same permitting system will facilitate more efficient identification of the source of work in the ROW. Mapping tool: Once all permitting has been transitioned to Accela, the Information Technology Solutions (ITS) Department will initiate development of permit mapping capabilities utilizing the One Address Application to allow efficient identification of ROW activity and automatic updates of the City website with street closure information based on permits filed with the City. Completion of development/implementation of these mapping functions is anticipated by the end of December 2021 . Continued evaluation of potential to assess fines: The decision whether to pursue the ability to assess fines will be postponed until data related to the issue is collected for "construction" permitting. Based on the data gathered, staff will determine if assessing fines provides enough benefit to justify allocating the resources required for development, implementation, and enforcement and the time frame needed to do so. If it is concluded that assessing fines is feasible from those perspectives, an action plan will be developed to conduct the proper vetting with impacted parties and, if/when appropriate, bring a recommendation to the City Council. Questions regarding this information can be directed to Michael Owen, P.E., City Engineer, at 817-353-2630 or at michael.owen(a)fortworthtexas.gov. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS