HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7978 [INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7978
e February 20, 1996
u
�� To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
max► Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
Ion ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
On the agenda for the February 20, 1996 City Council meeting is a discussion item to review a list
of candidate projects eligible for statewide transportation enhancement funding. This informal report
identifies the list of candidate projects with a brief description outlining the scope,justification and
evaluation for each project. The deadline for submitting the candidate projects to the North Central
Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is Monday, March 11, 1996. The Mayor and Council
Communication would be available for approval on March 5, 1996. The candidate projects,
including the nomination form and City Council resolution,would be forwarded to NCTCOG before
the March 11, 1996 deadline. The City of Fort Worth would provide at least a 20% local match for
the projects if selected.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program(STEP) is a Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The 1991
lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) Bill required that 10% of all federal
transportation funds be allocated to enhancement projects. For a project to be eligible under the
Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program(STEP), the project must fall under one or more
of the following categories:
1. Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles
2. Acquisition of Scenic Easements and Scenic or Historic Sites
3. Scenic or Historic Highway Program
4. Landscaping or Other Beautification
5. Historic Preservation
6. Rehabilitation and Operation of Historic Transportation Facilities
7. Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors
8. Control and Removal of Outdoor Advertising
9. Archaeological Planning and Research
10. Mitigation of Water Pollution due to Highway Runoff
TxDOT has administered two calls for statewide transportation enhancement projects under the 1991
ISTEA Bill. Approximately$40 million dollars is left in the enhancement program for the State of
Texas, all of which will be spent on projects issued by TxDOT under the third call for projects.
Since the 1991 ISTEA Bill will expire in December of 1997,this call is likely the last chance for the
City of Fort Worth to receive enhancement funds for the next two years. U�
OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SEMARY
— ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7g7R
CX10-T!FO February 20, 1996
T To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 2 of 8
>Rx.� Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
787 ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
As with the previous two calls for projects, TxDOT requires that the local jurisdiction provide at
least a 20% local match of the total project cost.
The statewide enhancement program is a highly competitive program. The Texas Transportation
Commission makes the final selection of enhancement projects. The evaluation criteria used by
TxDOT in evaluating and recommending projects to the Texas Transportation Commission are the
following:
1. Quality of project -the project must fulfill the concept of transportation enhancement
as envisioned in at least one of the ten program categories.
2. Geographic scope - the project must improve the social, economic and environmental
aspects of an area, region or state.
3. Transportation enhancement value - the project must complement the movement of
people and goods.
The enhancement projects selected in the past under the first call for projects were the Fort Worth
Trinity River Trail (Total Cost-$3.5 million dollars)and the Restoration of the T&P Building(Total
Cost-$1.5 million dollars). No enhancement projects were selected within the City of Fort Worth
under the second call for projects.
LIST OF CANDIDATE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
City staff from the Department of Planning and Growth Management, Department of Parks and
Community Services, RAILTRAN, and the Department of Transportation/Public Works have met
to develop the following list of candidate projects for statewide enhancement funding. It is intended
that one or several of these projects could be forwarded to NCTCOG for consideration of
enhancement funding. The projects were selected by city staff from project listings because of their
regional significance to the City of Fort Worth and the overall public benefit the projects would bring
to the citizens of Fort Worth. The Mayor and City Council Members may wish to add projects to
this list.
The following projects were screened preliminarily by city staff using the evaluation criteria set by
TxDOT. Each project was given a score of strong,moderate or weak as to whether the project meets
the intent of the evaluation criteria. The projects are ranked in the order of their score:
CAMP BOWIE/7TH STREET INTERSECTION
Scope: The scope of this project would include landscaping, signage, lighting, and some type of
architectural feature, perhaps an aesthetic retaining wall or water fountain to establish a major
ISSUED BY THE CITY M`°ANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7978
19
T �a February 20, 96
' Fpn> To the Mayor and Members of the City Council page 9$
rRX Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
ton ENHANCEMENT PROJECT'S
"gateway" into the Cultural District. Brick pavers would be constructed along the section of Camp
Bowie from University to the Kimball Art Museum. Additional landscaping would be provided at
the intersection to beautify the area and to strengthen driver and pedestrian images.
Justification: A consultant has recently been awarded a contract to develop roadway and traffic
controls in the vicinity of this intersection in order to improve traffic flow, under the Federal
Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) Program. Although $250,000 in local funds and
$1,000,000 in Federal funds are committed to that project, no funding is currently available for
beautifying the area after traffic patterns have been revised and local street segments have been
reconstructed or closed. Transportation enhancement funds could be used to more fully complete
the CMAQ traffic improvements and to achieve a dramatic and effective entrance into the Cultural
District.
Project Evaluation: Strong-this project received a strong score because it meets the intent of all
three evaluation criteria. More importantly, this project is a specific and focused project that is tied
to committed transportation funds that TXDOT and the City will be spending to improve the
intersection.
BIKEWAY SIGNAGE AND MARKINGS
Scope: The City presently operates and maintains approximately 15.5 miles of hard surface trails
dedicated to use by pedestrians and cyclists. Much of this system does not meet present development
or safety guidelines. More importantly, on-street bikeways have not been established to connect the
dedicated bike trails to residential areas, employment, shopping and other destinations. This project
which would review existing conditions, examine transition for on-road to off-road bikeways and
address the most hazardous items including signage and markings in accordance with national
standards.
Justification: The growing use of alternate means of transportation in commuting to work and for
short local trips has increased the use of the existing off-road trail system. Greater attention needs
to be given to user safety and transitions from on-street use to trails. It is proposed to evaluate the
existing trail system and implement the most important elements of that study to insure safety while
increasing usership.
Project Evaluation: Strong-this project received a strong score because it meets the intent of all
three evaluation criteria. A bikeway signage and marking system would provide greater awareness
of cyclists and safety related concerns. A bikeway signage and marking system would convey to
cyclists the transportation linkages to the roadway system, neighborhoods, arlC a
employment centers. OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECKLIARY
�o
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER F "III w�,`
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7978
.. TEq� February 20, 1996
uG,* T To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
�7 Page 4 of 8
Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
1873 ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
MAIN STREET (LINKAGE PROJECT)
Scope: The scope of this project would include providing enhancement and beautification of Main
Street between the County Courthouse and the Stockyards (28th Street). This is an important
transportation linkage between the downtown and the stockyards. The enhancement and
beautification of Main Street would consist of sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, signage and
information, and brick crosswalks at the intersections.
Justification: The project would improve the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the
Main Street Corridor and improve the transportation linkage between the downtown and the
stockyards. The project would serve as a gateway to the historic northside,which is one of the goals
of the Target Area Plan for the City of Fort Worth. Main Street is identified as a scenic corridor in
the Scenic Corridors Ordinance. Besides linking the downtown to the stockyards, Main Street is
historically significant, as before the interstates were built,this road was one of the major highways
into and out of Fort Worth.
Project Evaluation: Strong-this project received a strong score because it meets the intent of all
three evaluation criteria. The project would enhance the transportation system by providing
connections to the downtown, stockyards, residential neighborhoods, and the Trinity River Bike
Trail. Sidewalks would be provided for convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to these facilities.
In addition,Main Street will be the first phase in a transportation system that will link the three most
historically significant districts of Fort Worth: the Cultural District, the Downtown, and the
Stockyards.
EVANSAVENUE
Scope: The scope of this project would include streetscape improvements to Evans Avenue between
Morphy Street and Oleander Street. Street scope improvements would involve landscaping, bus
benches/shelters, brick pavement, trees and tree gates,and trash receptacles.
Justification: Evans Avenue is an historically significant area. In the 1930's, Evans Avenue was
a vibrant, local center of culture and commerce. Approximately 100 buses travel on Evans Avenue
per day. The Evans Avenue Plan was approved by the City Council in 1991
Project Evaluation: Moderate this project was submitted in the first call for enhancement
projects but did not rank well and was not selected by the Texas Transportation Commission. Evans
Avenue is not a state highway. The project scope lacks in complimenting the movement of people
and goods.
ISSUED BY THEE;CITY;MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NO. 7978
&—PATE aFa February 20, 1996
r To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 5 orb
rIXA`
` Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
167 ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
HEMPHILL STREET CORRIDOR
Scope: The scope of this project would include street scape and pedestrian improvements to
Hemphill Street from Vickery Boulevard to Southwest Loop 824. The project would include street
scape and pedestrian amenities to seven intersections along Hemphill Street. The street scape
improvements would include brick paving, street trees, and pedestrian lighting.
Justification: Hemphill Street is a major regional arterial and a primary route into and out of both
the Medical District and Downtown Fort Worth, and is a major route for the "T". Efforts to improve
Hemphill Street has been among the top priorities of the City of Fort Worth for a number of years
and the City has been working with many business and neighborhood organizations about improving
the Hemphill Corridor. The project would be a major effort towards making this street more
pedestrian friendly and pleasant for the traveling public.
Project Evaluation: Moderate - this project was submitted in the second call for enhancement
projects list but did not rank well and was not selected by the Texas Transportation Commission.
City staff recommends this project be combined with the Rosedale project and be resubmitted to
TxDOT.
ROSEDALE STREET ENTRYWAY
Scope: The scope of this project would include landscaping and monumental entry features to the
intersection of Rosedale Street and Forest Park to accent this area as a major entryway into the
Southside Medical District.
Justification: Entryways and landscaping are included in the recently adopted Southside Medical
District Plan which was approved by the City Council in October of 1995.
Project Evaluation: Moderate-this project was submitted in the first call for projects but did not
rank well and was not selected by the Texas Transportation Commission. City staff recommends
the scope of this project be expanded to include the scheduled TxDOT reconstruction of Rosedale
Street from Forest Park to Evans Avenue.
WEST BERRY "MIDTOWN" CORRIDOR
Scope: The scope of this project would include street scape and pedestrian amenities to five
intersections along Berry Street between University Drive and I-35W.
Justification: West Berry Street is a major regional arterial and is a gateway to Tex �
U
RECORD
niversity from I-35 W. Approximately 325,444 persons per day travel along or cross B
L SICRETARY
— ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT W
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7978
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 20,1996
Page 6 of 8
CX Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
1873 ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
including pedestrians. With its high volume of traffic, including transit riders and tourists who are
traveling to the Tarantula's main depot, these amenities will visually enhance this corridor and
provide a positive and uniform image.
Project Evaluation: Moderate this project was submitted in the second call for projects but did
not rank well and was not selected by the Texas Transportation Commission.
FORT WORTH WATER GARDENS
Scope: The Water Gardens,constructed in 1974,has been a major attraction for the Downtown area
and the City as a whole for the past 22 years. For the most part, the original design exists today.
Now that the Gardens have matured and the future impact of the realignment of Interstate 30 and
Lancaster Avenue, issues have arisen that must be addressed to carry it into the next 20 years.
The scope of this project would include analyzing the impacts which will occur with the changing
transportation patterns (pedestrian and vehicular) and transform this landmark to meet the future
uses. Also included in this project's scope would be renovation work recommended as phase one
of the 1994 Architectural/Engineering Assessment of the Water Gardens.
Justification: Changing transportation patterns related to the Interstate 30 project, the T&P
Building and mass transit usage will place this landmark in the City's intermodal transportation
center.
In 1994, the City of Fort Worth commissioned an Architectural/Engineering Assessment Study of
the Water Gardens which recommended a three phase approach to renovate this public space. This
proposed project would be the beginning step of the overall estimated project cost of nearly $4
million dollars.
Project Evaluation: Moderate to Weak - Although this project relates to the realignment of
Interstate 30 and close proximity to the T&P Interuiodal Station, the project scope lacks in
complimenting the movement of people and goods.
TANDY HILLS PARK EXPANSION
Scope: Over the past five years, the neighborhood adjoining Tandy Hills and Stratford Parks
(Broadcast Hill Area) have expressed an interest to the City to purchase an additional 50.9 acres of
property which lays between the park sites and Interstate 30. A Parks and Community Services
Department Environmental Assessment in 1989 identified the site as being environmentally
significant due to the collection of native plants.
V
FORT WORTH,TEXAS
ISS T14E CITY MANAGER
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.- 7978
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 20, 1996
Page 7 of 8
(all Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
The scope of this project Would include nominating the site as an acquisition project under the STEP
as a "scenic site". The natural terrain of deep draws draining to the Trinity River is unique in
character and frames the natural entryway to Fort Worth.
Justification: The acquisition of the site would preserve the scenic area above the Trinity River
and also compliment the"1-30 scenic corridor"as approved by the City Council in August of 1995.
This property would complete the framing of the City's skyline when approaching from the east.
Project Evaluation: Weak - this project received a weak score because the scope lacks in
complimenting the movement of people and goods.
SIDEWALK GAPS (CITY-WIDE)
Scope: Construct sidewalks along arterial, collector, and local streets to provide continuous
pedestrian paths from neighborhoods to schools, bus stops,major employment centers, and parking
facilities.
Justification: Sidewalk construction would provide. safe, paved walking routes resulting in
improved roadway safety and mobility for residents. This project would benefit children walking
or riding bicycles to and from school, bus patrons walking to a bus stop, and residents who wish to
walk to their local stores or parks. These sidewalks would supplement and go over and beyond what
is currently funded in the city budget to fill in the gaps where sidewalks have not been constructed
in the past.
Project Evaluation: Weak - this project received a weak score because sidewalk construction is
generally viewed by TxDOT as a routine responsibility of the local jurisdiction.
TRINITY RIVER TRAIL EXTENSION
Scope: The scope of this project would include extending the Trinity River Trail from East Loop
820 to the Arlington City Limits. The long range plan for bikeways included linking the existing and
proposed trail system to the City of Arlington. After the completion of the presently funded trail
extension(previously approved STEP project)a 10 mile section between East Loop 820 and the City
of Arlington's western limits will remain. While this area is low in population density, this section
would link the two largest cities in Tarrant County.
Rggo
CITY SECRUARY
R WIR11, X
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7978
COST!!� To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 20, 1996
Page 8 of 8
Subject: THIRD CALL FOR STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
Justification: The development of this section of trail would link Fort Worth's 37 mile bikeway
system to existing bikeway facilities in Arlington. This linkage would parallel the region's most
heavily used vehicular corridor, Interstate 30. This bikeway would provide an alternate means of
transportation for commuters and local trips.
Project Evaluation: Weak - this project received a weak score because of its high cost of
implementation and construction, estimated to be $4 million dollars. Streams and Valleys, Inc.
would have a difficult time raising the funds for the 20% local share. Their present effort is raising
funds for the previously approved Trinity River Trail Project approved in the first call for projects.
CONCLUSION
If the M&C is approved at the March 5, 1996 City Council meeting, staff will formally submit the
nomination forms and the City Council. resolution for one or several candidate projects to the
NCTCOG before the March 11, 1996 deadline. The resolution will commit the City of Fort Worth
to provide the 20% local match for the projects if selected.
The"T"will be submitting their own enhancement projects to NCTCOG and will be providing the
20% local match if selected. Those projects the"T"will be submitting to NCTCOG are shown in
Attachment 1.
If you have any questions or would like additional information,please contact me or Assistant City
Manager Mike omer.
Bob Terrell
City Manager
Attachment
J
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
PROJECTS
1996 "THIRD CALL" STEP NOMINATIONS
FWTA Proposed Projects - Summary Descriptions
T&cl? BUILDING TRANSPORTATI N PLAZA
The plaza is an integral part of the Intermodal Transportation Center and is located
directly in front of the T&P Building extending from the north face of the building to the
south edge of Lancaster Avenue; the same width as the building. The existing asphalt
paved parking area will be removed and the re-graded. New concrete and granite
pavers will be patterned to reflect the building's historic facade providing an inviting
urban open space for commuter rail patrons, people who work in the building and the
general public to enjoy. The plaza will also provide a sense of formal arrival to Fort
Worth's main Commuter Rail station: an important element which is now rnissing.*
Landscape treatments will flank the east and west edges of the plaza and public seating
will allow people to gather to simply enjoy the surroundings, wait for a bus or other
mode of transportation to take them to their next destination.
The plaza will be Integrated Into the Lancaster Corridor Master Plan sponsored jointly by
the City of Fort Worth and TxDOT and become an important feature of the proposed
street and landscaping improvements after the elevated section of IH-30 is taken down.
The plaza design also responds to the future development plans of the historic US Post
Office located' just west of the T&P Building. Two monufnental "pylons" will be located
at the plaza's north comers extending the identity of the Intermodal Transportation
Center to the edge of Lancaster Avenue. The pylons will also display "relief" sculptures
depicting the history of the railroads in Fort Worth. Additionally, one of the refurbished
historic interurban trolleys will be displayed as a center-piece to the plaza.
Transportation Plaza Estimated Cost
Construction cost 012251000
Property cost 270,000
Design Costs 1 2,500
Total Estimated Cost $1,617.500
OFFIC RECORD
20% FWTA Share $ 323,5500 IAL
800/6 FHWA Share .$1,294,000 CITY SECRUARY
FT. WORTHo, 10,
........... .......
ATTACHMENT
p
PROJECTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE "T"
2) REFURBISH HISTORIC INTERURI3AN TROLLEYS
Two historic interurban trolleys, circa 1900, will be totally refurbished and restored.
The trolleys will be utilized as a equipment for the future "Downtown Connector"
proposed to run on tracks between the T&P Building - Intermodal Transpiration Center
and the Tarrant County Courthouse. The trolleys will provide an important
transportation link for many of the downtown businesses and employees to the T&P
Building and the Commuter Rail.
The historic trolleys were donated to the Fort Worth Transportation Authority with the
understanding that they would be refurbished and put back into service in Fort Worth.
The trolleys are presently in a state of significant disrepair. Both trolleys are stored
under cover temporarily behind the T&P Building. They are secured by a locked fence
and will remain there until the restoration is complete. In addition to reworking and
replacing much of the wood, glass and accessories, all of the power and mechanical
components will need to be added or repaired. Prior to the start up of the "Downtown
Connector", both trolleys will be on display at the T&P Building. One of the trolleys will
become the centerpiece of the Transportation Plaza located in front of the T&P Building.
Trolley Restoration Estimated Cost
Material and Equipment $200,000
Display facilities $ 20,000
Total Estimated Cast $220,000
20% share FWTA $ 44,000
80% share FHWA $176,000
3) PRESERVATION OF THE ABANDONED SANTE FE RAIL
CORRIDOR
The third project is the preservation of the abandoned Santa Fe rail corridor from downtown to
the north. The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroads are in the process of consolidating
their operations. They each have tracks leaving Downtown Fort Worth to the north. The
c9usolydatiou can be pursued in a manner that would abandon the existing Santa Fe trackage and
r downed Acquisition of this corridor could permit use of some existing railroad
ctures that mould dramatically reduce the cost of the RAII.TRAN project.
qq' at this time.
ATTACHMENT 1