Item 4BM E M O R A N D U M
(February 17, 2009)
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Robert H. Price, P.E., Public Works Director
Subject: Resolution No. 09-007, Approve a resolution of support for the
construction of the DFW Connector Project by TxDOT
Action
Requested:
Resolution No. 09-007, Approve a resolution of
support for the construction of the DFW Connector Project
by TxDOT.
Background
Information:
The DFW Connector is a 16.2-mile project that will
reconstruct and expand SH 114 and SH 121 where they
converge. The improvements will include five interchanges
with seven highways, including express toll-managed lanes.
The public-private partnership opportunity calls for
developing, designing and constructing the project, with the
potential for maintenance of the road under a
comprehensive development agreement (CDA). At its
widest point, it would include 6 to 7 non-toll lanes plus two
managed express lanes in each direction.
TxDOT is seeking a partnership with the private sector to
maximize and capitalize on those funds. A public-private
partnership would accelerate construction by allowing one
contractor to both design and construct the project within a
CDA.
A formal request for detailed proposals was issued on March
31, 2008. Based on the evaluations, TxDOT will make a
recommendation to the Texas Transportation Commission
on a best value proposer. TxDOT’s recommendation to the
Texas Transportation Commission is scheduled for February
26, 2009.
The private sector teams competing for a comprehensive
development are Gateway Connector Constructors, led by
Fluor and Balfour Beatty Infrastructure; North Gate
Constructors, led by Kiewit Texas Construction and Zachry
Construction; and Trinity Infrastructure, led by Ferrovial
Agroman and W.W. Webber.
The DFW Connector is needed to accommodate the
increasing transportation demand in this portion of the
region. In addition, the development of this project will
greatly reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand
economic opportunity, improve air quality and increase the
value of the region’s transportation assets.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will
conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at
the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 South Main Street,
Grapevine, Texas 76051. The purpose of the hearing is to
present the planned improvements to the SH 114/SH 121
“DFW Connector”. The limits include SH 114 from east of
North Kimball Avenue to east of International Parkway and
SH 121 from Hall Johnson Road to FM 2499 (Grapevine
Mills Parkway). Displays will be available for viewing at 6:30
pm with a formal hearing commencing at 7:00 pm.
Financial
Considerations:
None
Strategic Link:
Theconstruction of the DFW Connector links to the city’s
strategy map relative to the focus areas of Mobility and
Infrastructure. The specific corporate objectives that are met
by the construction of this new transportation infrastructure
include: Providing travel convenience within the City and
region, as well as, collaborating with select partners to
implement service solutions.
Citizen Input/
Board Review:
None
Legal Review:
None
Alternatives:
The City Council mayedit or reject this resolution.
Supporting
Documents:
Resolution 09-007
Staff
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 09-007, in support of the construction
of the DFW Connector Project by TxDOT.
Staff Contact:
Robert H. Price, P.E., Public Works Director
Gordon J. Mayer, Jr., P.E., City Engineer
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
RESOLUTION 09-007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DFW CONNECTOR PROJECT TO THE
IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY IN THIS AREA AND THE ENTIRE
DFW METROPLEX.
WHEREAS
, Traffic congestion has become and continues to be a major problem through the
DFW Connector corridor in Southlake and Northeast Tarrant County; and
WHEREAS,
the DFW Connector improvement project will greatly enhance transportation
mobility for a significant and highly populated portion of the DFW metroplex; and,
WHEREAS,
the portion of the area whose access and mobility is demonstrably improved as
well as enhanced by the DFW Connector project includes areas of significant population growth and
economic development activity that include major centers of employment; and,
WHEREAS,
the City of Southlake has been supportive of the final plan to improve the traffic
capacity in the corridor with the DFW Connector project; and,
WHEREAS,
TxDOT has solicited proposals for the construction of the DFW Connector
project under the Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) program, and,
WHEREAS,
TxDOT is currently reviewing three CDA proposals for the construction of the
DFW Connector, and,
WHEREAS
, the Texas Transportation Commission is scheduled to consider the TxDOT
staff’s recommended CDA proposal for the DFW Connector in their meeting on February 26, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE:
SECTION 1: That all matters in the preamble are found to be true and correct and are
incorporated into the body of this Resolution.
SECTION 2: That the City of Southlake takes the occasion of this meeting of its City Council
to affirm and emphasize its strong commitment, support, and recognition of the
vital importance of the DFW Connector project to the improvement of the
quality of life and mobility of this area and of this region and further, authorizes
its Mayor or his designate to present this resolution to a public hearing held by
the TxDOT to publicly indicate this strong support for the DFW Connector
project as proposed.
This resolution shall take effect from and after its approval.
SECTION 3:
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 17th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2009.
___________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Secretary