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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 6143-08-2025A Resolution NO. 6143-08-2025 A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE REVISED EASTSIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE: TRANSIT ROUTE 89 MODE AND EXTENSION AND CROSS -SECTIONS FOR EAST LANCASTER AVENUE, BRIDGE STREET, AND BRENTWOOD STAIR ROAD WHEREAS, as part of the Eastside Transportation Plan, a Locally Preferred Alternative was supported by City Council on January 23, 2024 through the adoption of Resolution No. 5876-01-2024; and WHEREAS, a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) is defined as an alternative evaluated through the local planning process and will be used in Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for East Lancaster Avenue - State Highway 180 (SH-180) and Interstate 30; and WHEREAS, East Lancaster Avenue (SH-180) is owned and managed by TxDOT and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) coordinates regional planning needs and will decide the final configuration and design of East Lancaster Avenue, Interstate 30, and Fort Worth to Houston High -Speed Rail; and WHEREAS, the LPA recommended an extension of Trinity Metro's Route 89 transit service to connect into the future Eastchase Parkway and IH 30 retail area for a connection to Arlington's VIA On - Demand Service; and WHEREAS, the LPA-recommended transit mode for Route 89 (Exhibit A) is Tech -Based Rapid Transit with premium amenities; and WHEREAS, the recommended LPA cross -sections for East Lancaster Avenue is a technology -managed corridor consistent with the NCTCOG Metropolitan Transportation Plan; and WHEREAS, the recommended LPA cross -sections for East Lancaster Street by Handley Drive includes a four -lane, two-way road with the existing on -street parking; and WHEREAS, the LPA was presented for feedback through a series of public open houses on October 17, 18, and 19, 2023, and displayed in a virtual open house on the project website for review and comment from October 16 to November 20, 2023; and WHEREAS, The LPA is being updated to provide more clarity on the East Lancaster cross sections requested by the public East of Interstate 820 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, THAT: The City of Fort Worth supports the revised Locally Preferred Alternatives in the attached Exhibit A as follows: 1. East Lancaster Avenue as a managed technology corridor consistent with the NCTCOG Metropolitan Transportation Plan. 2. Bridge Street and Brentwood Stair Road, which include a four -lane, two-way and a two- lane, two-way road. 3. For Route 89, the Red Route transit alignment extension along East Lancaster Avenue and Dottie Lynn/Eastchase Parkway; and Tech -Based Rapid Transit with premium transit features. 4. East Lancaster Avenue east of IH 820 cross section includes a four -lane roadway with existing on street parking lane. Adopted this 12th day of August 2025. ATTEST Y4,M-L, 4 A�V� Jannette S. Goodall, City Secretary i f , 11 I+ ! IF f li � 1 FORT WORTH EASTSIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN f�ffflffff rrrrrrrIII Executive Summar of the Alter s ' y �� l ys s April 24, 2024 FORT WORTH This page was intentionally left blank. Alternatives Analysis Page 1 Alternatives Analysis After two rounds of extensive community outreach and analysis, the Fort Worth City Council adopted the locally preferred alternative (LPA) cross -sections for East Lancaster Avenue, Bridge Street, and Brentwood Stair Road, and the LPA transit mode for Route 89 on January 23, 2024. The alternatives analysis process used to determine the LPA is summarized in this memo. It is important to note that the final roadway configuration is subject to NCTCOG and TxDOT design and environmental review. Long-term capacity improvements and needs will be determined by TxDOT. Purpose and Need East Lancaster Avenue has been identified as a corridor for high -capacity frequent and reliable transit due to current ridership along existing routes, the connectivity the corridor would provide, existing pedestrian activity and potential for implementation with minimal ROW acquisitions (corner clips at intersections). The project is needed to provide solutions for increased safety for passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users as well as create a walkable environment for short trips by providing adequate space to increase pedestrian comfort. Relocation of franchise utilities to multi -use duct banks may be required to achieve the space needed to accommodate safe, high comfort pedestrian elements, and fiber optic cables. This project is needed to make transit more desirable through improved efficiencies in transit service and by creating opportunities for a more economically desirable corridor for equitable transit -oriented development that alleviates barriers to social and economic opportunities. Alternatives Analysis Page 2 Alternatives Analysis Process The alternatives analysis in this plan was driven by the objective to select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the following three components: 1. Route 89 2. East Lancaster Avenue 3. Bridge Street and Brentwood Stair Road For each component, the alternatives analysis followed a five -step process to identify an LPA. / 1 2 /00" 3 j 4 Explore ( Evaluate Opportunities identify Define Alternatives and Potential Screening Against Constraints Alternatives Criteria Screening 1 , Criteria Figure 1: Alternatives Analysis Process Alternatives Analysis 5 Select Preferred Alternatives Page 3 Route 89 Mode A screening analysis was completed to select the optimum mode to provide high -capacity transit within the framework of the purpose and need to the plan. The mode screening analysis compared the attributes of local bus service, high -capacity bus, Light Rail (LTR), and Streetcar against the mode alternatives screening criteria to determine the optimum transit mode for the corridor. Service Justified by Future Ridership • Demand & Density Can Efficiently Accommodate Future Ridership Demand Cost Effectiveness • Q • Flexibility to Implement Incrementally • • • ("Future Proofing") Increases Safety Along • • • • the Corridor Accommodates • • • Regional and Local Tips Performance Against Criteria • High Medium • Low 0 Not Viable Alternatives Analysis Page 4 Locally Preferred Alternative: Tech -Based Rapid Transit Based on the mode screening, high -capacity bus provides the greatest benefits for Route 89. In keeping with the goals of the plan to provide a reliable, safe, and comfortable transit service, it is envisioned that technology can be leveraged to implement high -capacity bus in the form of a Tech - Based Rapid Transit solution along Route 89 which utilizes managed lanes and transit signal priority to provide high frequency and higher speed transit service. The service will also include upgraded shelters and other premium amenities. Route A transit route analysis was also conducted to determine the optimum route for a transit connection between the existing Route 89 and the future express line along IH-30 and Eastchase Retail Area. The two routes examined include the following: • Handley Route (Green) • Dottie Lynn Route (Red) Fort Wo T ---------- p .., VS._ :o- _ a►C s� aLegend N - _F, ..0-1) _ _ fmrCbn b Oa.tieMn __ FUY. Cawtivu �. Fii+Yp 11o�1.O ,�� try) .•..•• O G.bd Ssbn WrO fW .twx T—.lw swb. if Nji(M) Figure 2: Route 89 Alternatives Locally Preferred Alternative: Dottie Lynn Route (Red) Based the route analysis, the Dottie Lynn Route is favored due to the ability to provide a more direct connection to IH-30, available ROW for improvements, and higher development potential along the route. Alternatives Analysis Page 5 East Lancaster Avenue Upon selection of an LPA for the mode and route for transit service along Route 89, a screening analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cross section and roadway operations for East Lancaster Avenue from Main Street to Dottie Lynn Parkway. Corridor Segments Like most corridors, East Lancaster Avenue varies in width, cross-section, and ROW. It also has different land uses developed at different intensities throughout the corridor. The existing land use and roadway contexts create logical ways to organize the analysis and recommendations. When considering East Lancaster Avenue, four unique context segments were identified for individual analysis: • Main Street to Riverside Drive • Riverside Drive to IH-820 • Historic Handley • Chilton Street to Dottie Lynn Parkway •rQr f Main St to Riverside Dr Historic Handley • Q 1 Q A a► +,sue» wamr Kvo C wunwRs:. +�•�•• Riverside Dr to IH-820 Chilton St to Dottie Lynn Pkwy M Figure 3: East Lancaster Avenue — Corridor Segments Alternatives Analysis Page 6 Alternative Development and Screening The alternatives development process generated 158 options across the four corridor segments. These options were screened for feasibility and reasonableness using ROW and constructability constraints and performance metrics that align with the goals of the plan. The expectation for a safe, multi -modal corridor required viable options to accommodate all forms of travel including walking, biking, driving, freight, and transit. The following elements were among those evaluated in the alternatives analysis: • Number of Lanes (4 or 6) • Transit Lane Dedication (Full, Partial, or Shared) • Type of Bicycle Facility (On or Off -Street) • On -Street Parking • Pedestrian Space • Medians Step 1: Universe Step 2: Screened Step 3: Feasible Step 4: Reasonable i, Step 5: Preferred i i • � _' • Every possible • Fits within the available combination Is on the : right-of-way table (transit, bikes. peels, . Next Test: What Is Png'travel lanes) Feasible to Constrict? • First test: What fits within the available ROW Alternatives Analysis • Fits within the available • All fit within the ROW, • Final cross sections to lay ROW and Is Feasible to Feasible, and achieve out Construct desired outcomes for the • Next test What are the corridor . desired outcomes for the corridor? • Next test: What scores well with our performance L PA measures? .. Figure 4: Alternatives Screening Page 7 The alternatives screening criteria resulted in 15 reasonable cross section alternatives for East Lancaster Avenue. These alternatives were analyzed as groups based on common characteristics such as number of lanes and lane treatment for transit. The reasonable alternatives were then analyzed as groups and scored based on performance in safety, traffic operations, and transit service. 6 Vehicle Lanes with Shared • Transit 0 4-6 Lane Managed Technology Corridor (Right -Running Transit) 4 Vehicle Lanes + 2 Transit Lanes • (Center -Running Dedicated) Performance Against Criteria • High Medium • Low Locally Preferred Alternative: Four to Six -Lane Managed Technology Corridor (Right -Running Transit) Based on the results of the screening process and input from project partners and stakeholders, the locally preferred alternative for East Lancaster Avenue from Riverside Drive to IH-820 is a six -lane managed technology corridor. Due to ROW constraints, the locally preferred alternative for the segments between Main Street and Riverside Drive and from IH-820 to Dottie Lynn Parkway is four - lanes with shared transit that incorporates all the other elements of Tech -Based Rapid Transit. The locally preferred alternatives were selected due to their ability to reduce crashes, maintain acceptable traffic operations, and accommodate a flexible tech -based rapid transit service. Please note that the final roadway configuration is subject to NCTCOG and TxDOT design and environmental review. Long-term capacity improvements and needs will be determined by TxDOT. Alternatives Analysis Page 8 Main St to Riverside Dr • 4 Lanes • Shared -Use Path • Shared Transit Riverside Dr to IH- 820 • 6 Lanes • Shared -Use Path • Managed Technology Corridor Y f nr U AM I I 1 12' 9' 1' 111 111 111 11' 1' 9' 12' Shared Use Path Planting Strip Drive Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Transit Shebr Shared Use Path y AM � M 17' Y' 117 17' 11' 1• =10tlIS11 1' 11' 17' 17' 1' V 17 UN c PIS Pwft M. Trig Lane' Orl" Lae Orin Lane Lg� R.Np) Dve riLene Pine Lane Toth Lene' 7nmt 9Mr Shred 11r PM Please note that the final roadway configuration is subject to TxDOT design and environmental review. Alternatives Analysis Page 9 Malcom St to Forest Ave Historic Handley e 4 Lanes e Shared -Use :.i Path (North �: �►_ f Side) I I I I e On -Street ' Parking (North 6' 4' 1' 12' 11' 1' 11' 1' 11' 12' 1' 4' 12' Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Median Drive Lane Drive Lane Sidewalk Side - East of Segments east of IH 820 are unfunded and require additional study and design by Forest Ave) NCTCOG and TxDOT. The cross -sections are illustrative and meant to demonstrate e Managed ideas heard from the public. Technology Forest Ave to Handley Dr Corridor • Safety and operational improvements requested by stakeholders 1 --- • Cross -Section fits within 6' 4' 1' 12' 11' 1' 11' 1' 11' 12' 3' 6' 3' 10' Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Median Drive Lane Drive Lane parking Lane: Sidewalk existing right- of-way. Segments east of IH 820 are unfunded and require additional study and design by NCTCOG and TxDOT. The cross -sections are illustrative and meant to demonstrate ideas heard from the public. Alternatives Analysis Page 10 Handley Dr to Dottie Lynn Pkwy � 7 • 4 Lanes • Shared -Use Path (North Side) 6' 4' 1' 12' 11' t' 11' 1' 71' 12' 1' 9' 12' • Managed Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Median Drive Lane Drive Lane suffer Sidewalk Technology Segments east of IH 820 are unfunded and require additional study and design by Corridor NCTCOG and TxDOT. The cross -sections are illustrative and meant to demonstrate ideas heard from the public. Please note that the final roadway configuration is subject to TxDOT design and environmental review. Alternatives Analysis Page 11 Bridge Street & Brentwood Stair Road The final component of the Alternatives Analysis was the exploration of options for improvements to Brentwood Stair Road and Bridge Street as it pertains to the future TxDOT widening of IH-30. In order to evaluate the optimal and preferred street configurations, an alternatives analysis was conducted for these road segments. Figure 5: Bridge St & Brentwood Stair Rd Study Area The alternatives analysis evaluated the following four scenarios: • No -Build: No changes to existing lane configuration, intersection control, or ROW. • Four Lane/Two-Wav with Direct Ramas: Existing two-way frontage road configuration with direct ramp improvements. • One-Wav Frontage Roads: Conversion of existing two-way roadways with one-way frontage roads and ramp improvements. • Two Lane/Two-Wav: One-way frontage roads that run parallel to the modified two lane/two-way collectors of Brentwood Stair Road and Bridge Street, with ramp improvements. Alternatives Analysis Page 12 Each alternative was given a score from 1-4 based on assumptions, pros and cons, and goal achievement for the study area. 1=Scenario achieves the goal the least and 4=Scenario achieves the goal the most. No -Build 1.6 Four Lane/Two-Way with 3.2 Direct Ramps One -Way Frontage Road 1.8 Two Lane/Two-Way with 3.4 Direct Ramps Locally Preferred Alternative: Two Lane/Two-Way Road Based on the results of the Alternatives Analysis, the preferred alternative for Bridge Street & Brentwood Stair Road is the Two Lane/Two-Way Road scenario. This scenario will maintain existing connections to local businesses, improve mobility and safety, and promote commercial growth in the area. Bridge St COlkctor Frantow ROW r Mainlanes Frwrm" Road BY I OTHERSOMAN Figure 6. Preferred Alternative - Two Lanelrwo-Way Brentwood Stair Rd } Collector + AM -0 City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 08/12/25 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 25-0682 LOG NAME: 20EASTSIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN ADOPTION SUBJECT (CD 5, CD 8 and CD 11) Conduct Public Hearing, Adopt a Resolution Adopting the Eastside Transportation Plan and Incorporate the Plan into the Comprehensive Plan, and Adopt a Resolution in Support of the Revised Eastside Transportation Plan Locally Preferred Alternative: Transit Route 89 Mode and Extension and Cross -Sections for East Lancaster Avenue, Bridge Street, and Brentwood Stair Road (PUBLIC HEARING - a. Staff Available for Questions: Kelly Porter; b. Public Comment; c. Council Action: Close Public Hearing and Act on M&C) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Conduct a public hearing regarding the Eastside Transportation Plan; 2. Adopt the attached resolution adopting the Eastside Transportation Plan, which provides recommendations for improving enhanced mobility, safety, and economic development on the City's Eastside with incorporation into the Comprehensive Plan; and 3. Adopt the attached resolution in support of the Revised Eastside Transportation Plan Locally Preferred Alternative: Transit Route 89 Mode and Extension and Cross -Sections for East Lancaster Avenue, Bridge Street, and Brentwood Stair Road. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to adopt the Eastside Transportation Plan (ETP) by reference into the Comprehensive Plan. The City Council approved M&C 22-0783 to appropriate $1,100,000.00 for the East Lancaster Avenue Corridor and Sub - Regional Planning Study (retitled the Eastside Transportation Plan) on September 27, 2022. The plan outlines policies and capital projects necessary to transform East Lancaster Avenue (SH 180), Brentwood Stair Road, Bridge Street, and other parts of the study area into multi -modal, walkable, mixed -use corridors. The City Council approved M&C 22-1014 to execute a professional services agreement with consultants from WSP USA, Inc. to oversee and develop the plan. The planning process began in January 2023 and ran until January 2025. The plan includes existing conditions analysis, locally preferred alternatives, housing and economic development analysis, and the foundation for a set of catalytic sites with a form -based code. The consultants conducted three rounds of public open houses, a series of neighborhood -specific meetings, surveys, and maintained a website to keep the public informed and receive input. The survey received over 750 responses. This plan contains recommendations only. The City Plan Commission recommended the plan for approval on June 11, 2025, after a public hearing. The Plan contains 10 chapters to guide the City in the overall development of the area: • Chapter 1: Introduction and Background • Chapter 2: Plan Process • Chapter 3: Previous Planning Efforts • Chapter 4: Plan Engagement • Chapter 5: Existing Conditions • Chapter 6: Growth Factors and Forecasted Conditions • Chapter 7: Alternatives Analysis • Chapter 8: Thoroughfare Planning • Chapter 9: Concept Planning • Chapter 10: Plan Implementation The City Council adopted Resolution 5876-01-2024 supporting the Locally Preferred Alternatives on January 23, 2024 (listed in chapter 7 of the attached plan). Once the plan is adopted, City staff will present a form -based code, zoning changes, and Master Thoroughfare Plan amendments to the City Council for consideration. The plan will be used to guide and support the reconstruction of East Lancaster Avenue (west of Loop 820). The roadway is currently under design by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and is fully funded by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). TXDOT is approaching 60% design and includes many of the recommendations shown in the ETP. The proposed schedule is as follows: Recommendation Plan Adoption Master Thoroughfare Plan Amendment Form -Based Code Adoption Zoning Amendments to Match Form -Based Code Proposed Schedule August2025 August2025 Winter 2026 Winter 2026 The TXDOT-led East Lancaster Avenue (west of Loop 820) project is scheduled to break ground in 2027/2028. This plan is located in COUNCIL DISTRICTS 5,8, and 11 A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity. FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION: The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds. Submitted for Citv Manaaer's Office by Oriainatino Business Unit Head Jesica McEachern 5804 Lauren Prieur 6035 Additional Information Contact: Monty Hall 8662