2001-01-23 Meeting Report (Johnson Road)Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.I.N. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
NOTE: This draft is a work -in- progress and does not yet include all answers to all of the
questions. We will post these questions and any others that are raised along with available
answers on the city's website as soon as possible www.ci.southlake.tx.us
1. BASIC DATA
A. What are the options that have been considered for reconstructing Johnson Road?
Answer Staff has considered for alternatives for Johnson Road, ranging from a
40 foot wide section with two travel lanes and a turn lane and curb and gutter to a
replacement of the current two lane section. It has been determined that the most
viable alternative is to provide two travel lanes along with left turn lanes only at
either end of the project (Randoll Mill and Pearson Lane). This option will provide
a safe, smooth roadway while minimizing the impact to surrounding neighborhoods
and trees.
2. DESIGN ISSUES
A. Keller has reconstructed their section of Johnson Road, and built the road up in the
center to let water drain to the sides of the road, and this preserved the trees alongside
the road. Can Southlake duplicate this effort in their section of the road? Answer
Yes. The project planed in Southlake will be very similar to what has been built in
Keller.
B. If the road is widened, doesn't it make it a more dangerous road? Answer In many
cases, widening a road may actually make the roadway safer for the motorists
travelling along the road, due to the fact that there is more room for motorists to
negotiate around obstacles or other vehicles in the event of a potential accident.
However, vehicle speeds tend to be higher, which may pose additional hazards for
pedestrians.
C. Has anyone talked with the principal at Florence Elementary regarding the school's
opinion on the need to widen the section adjacent to the school area? It would seem
to be only a short, twice a day problem, if at all? Answer Staff has held a meeting
with the Principal at Florence Elementary school to discuss the part of the project
affecting the school. The principal is in agreement that the best alternative is to not
provide turn lanes along the school property.
D. How much is the proposed grade reduction in the hills (height) on the west -end of
Johnson Road? Answer The "hill" on the west end of Johnson road will be cut
down approximately five feet in order to allow greater visibility and safety.
E. Regarding the hill on the east -side of Johnson Road, what do these alternatives
propose in terms of grading down this hill? Answer The hill on the east end of
Johnson road will be graded down approximately 1 feet.
F. Has the City been thinking ahead when contemplating this project? When Pearson
and Randoll Mill (F.M. 1938) are completed, how does the City propose for people to
get off of Johnson Road? Answer As the plans for F.M. 1938 are developed, a
warrant study will most likely be performed to determine if a traffic signal is
warranted at this location. On projects such as F.M. 1938, traffic signals are
usually included as part of the construction plans for the road
G. Regarding one of the alternatives that call for a 22' wide section that transitions into a
40' section by the school with a center turn lane, how does this help anyone that is on
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Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.I.N. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
the east side of Johnson (as most of the traffic comes from Pearson)? The school
might be better off with an additional right turn lane... not a left turn lane. Answer
This alternative was considered in order to allow any left turning vehicles into the
school to be able to merge out of the travel lanes before stopping and waiting to
turn. It appears at this point, however, that this alternative will not be used, and
there will only be two travel lanes in front of the school.
H. What kind of Right -of -Way exists today, what are the requirements for this project,
and where is additional Right -of -Way needed? Answer Southlake's thoroughfare
plan ultimately calls for 70 feet of right -of -way along Johnson road However, the
current design will not require as much as this ultimate section. A final decision
has not been made as to exactly how much right -of -way will be acquired, although
it is needed in several places along the entire length of the road Each property
owner will be notified during the right -of -way acquisition process if land is needed
adjacent to.
L What do the models show regarding the impact on traffic counts should this project
move forward is there an estimated percentage increase in terms of traffic on
Johnson Road for each option? Answer No traffic study performed yet.
J. If this road is expanded at all, would this result in an increase in traffic on Johnson
Road? Answer Traffic will most likely increase slightly simply because the
pavement will be much smoother than what is existing. There is no way to estimate
exactly how much traffic will increase, however.
K. Has there been any discussion regarding the potential to extend the sidewalk
(potentially into the Myers Meadows Subdivision) on the south -side of Johnson Road
adjacent to the school and park? Answer This suggestion was made at the January
22, 2001 SPIN meeting, and the sidewalk may be extended, depending on available
funds, trees, and the ability of the City to acquire pedestrian easements, where
needed
L. How would this project impact the entrance on Lovegrass Lane in Myers Meadows
would Johnson align with Lovegrass Lane at Randoll Mill (F.M. 1938)? Answer
Because a left turn is being added at Randoll Mill, the alignment with Lovegrass
lane should be improved Regarding the corner of Cimarron and Johnson, how does
the 22' alternative propose to align in this area? Answer The 22' alternative will
not change the alignment appreciably in this area.
M. What is the current width of Johnson Road? Answer Johnson Road varies in width
from approximately 19 feet to 22 feet.
N. How wide is the existing Right -of -Way along Johnson Road? Answer The right of
way width varies throughout the length of the project. In some areas, the right -of
way is at the edge of the pavement, and in other areas (adjacent to new
subdivisions) there is as much as 45 feet.
O. As there are a proposed three lanes in the proximity of the school, does any of the
proposals call for an extension of the road from Overland to Trailhead Dr.? Answer
Alternative 1, which is a 40 foot wide section, would allow for a turn lane in this
area. However, the current plan calls for only a two -lane cross section along the
whole project, except at the intersection of Pearson Lane and Randoll Mill.
P. There are kids crossing at Ridgewood, with a smooth road it is logical that there
would be increased traffic and speeding along a smoother road. Does the City have
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Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.LN. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
an estimated percentage increase in traffic along Johnson if this project were
completed? Answer There are many factors that could contribute to increased
traffic once construction is complete. Therefore, an exact projection would be
virtually impossible. It is likely that traffic will increase slightly, but not drastically.
Q. If the only reason for proposing to widen the road to 40' on the west -end of Johnson
Road is due to the school, are there other options to control traffic and speeding in
this area versus road extension? Answer Such options have not been considered
due to the fact that the turn lane in front of the school has been removed from the
design.
R. With the 22' alternative over the entire section of Johnson Road, how would the City
propose to address drainage issues without installing a curb and gutter? Answer
City staff and the design engineers have included inlets along Johnson road that
are designed to work with the 22 foot alternative. For a section of the road west of
the creek, there will be a small gutter section (without a curb) with grate inlets to
pick up the excess water in this area.
S. Can the crown in the center of Johnson Road be re- installed in the potential
reconstruction (this crown was removed during sewer installation along Johnson
Road)? Answer The road will be completely reprofiled during reconstruction.
T. With the increase in traffic, what happens to the noise level? Answer
U. Do we have data from Keller on the increase of traffic from their improvements?
Answer:
3. MASTER PLAN CIP PLAN ISSUES
A. What are the plans for Florence Road there are significantly fewer trees along the
road, could Florence be reviewed as an option to relieve traffic issues along Johnson
Road? Answer The 5 year CIP calls for Florence to be reconstructed in FY 2001-
2002. It is possible that traffic will equalize somewhat on these two roads once both
of them have been rehabilitated However, the presence of Florence Elementary
School causes an increased amount of traffic on Johnson Road over Florence.
4. WATER, SEWER AND DRAINAGE ISSUES
A. Is there a Keller water line that runs underneath/alongside Johnson Road? Answer
Yes.
B. Right now I pay Keller for water service, how would the installation of a 12"
waterline in this area impact how I pay for water service? Answer The details of
water service are still under consideration by the Cities of Southlake and Keller.
C. Does the proposed sewer improvements include coming into the Timberline Drive
area? Answer The sewer line will be extended up to Timberline along Johnson
Road Those properties along Johnson will be able to tap into the line. There is
another project currently under design that will bring sewer to the Timberline Area.
Construction for this project is funded this year.
D. Regarding sewer capacity, does the proposal for extending sewer capacity reach into
the Harrell Pearson section (currently on septic in this area)? Answer The sewer
extension is currently not planned to reach into this section.
E. How about large detention ponds for drainage? Answer:
5. TREE PRESERVATION AND MITIGATION ISSUES
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Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.I.N. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
A. How many trees (total including non protected and protected trees) are identified to
be lost or impacted with the 22' option with turn lanes at each end of Johnson Road?
Answer The current plan calls for a total of 41 trees to be removed, 30 of which
are considered protected
B. What will be the impact on trees from the trail or sidewalk addition? Answer:
C. What is the City prepared to do to replace lost or impacted trees due to this
reconstruction proposal? Answer The total caliper amount of trees that are lost
will be replaced with four inch trees. For example, if one 12 inch diameter tree
were removed, it would be replaced by 3 four inch caliper trees.
D. How many trees in the canopy area along the road will be lost if this project were to
be approved? Answer The exact number in this area has not been counted, but
the impact will be minimized
E. Does the City plan to include language in the specifications and contracts for this
project to ensure that the Tree Preservation Ordinance in the City will be strictly
enforced? Answer The project specifications will include a clause that holds the
contractor liable for damaged trees that are not designated to be removed
F. How does the City propose to actively and effectively enforce the Tree Preservation
Ordinance if this project were to be approved? Answer The city's landscape
administrator, along with the project inspector, will constantly monitor and enforce
the project specifications regarding trees and all other issues during construction.
G. How many trees impacted by the sewer placement? Answer
H. Will the City work with the property owners to protect the very large trees? Answer:
6. OPERATIONS ISSUES
A. Can the City forgo the reconstruction altogether and maintain the road with Street
Crews? Answer The road cannot be left as is because the City does not have the
resources to maintain the road in its current condition. The road is in a state of
disrepair, with heavy drainage being a major contributing factor to the condition of
the road For these reasons, money has been earmarked for the reconstruction of
the road
B. Has anyone researched the agreement reached between the City and Keller ISD to
utilize a section of their old sewer access area as a parking area for the park and
school? What is the status of implementing this agreement? Answer This is
currently being researched
C. What is the point at which the City Council would determine that it would be cost
prohibitive (including cost of materials and labor and fending off potential lawsuits)
to continue maintaining the current road, and would proceed with the reconstruction
of Johnson Road? Answer It could be argued that this point has already arrived
The city could have to increase its operating budget to be able to continue to repair
Johnson Road
D. If the City obtains pedestrian easements to extend the sidewalk along Johnson Road,
does the City maintain the sidewalk, or is it the responsibility of the property owner?
Answer If the sidewalk were in a public pedestrian easement, the City would
maintain the sidewalk.
E. Has the City of Southlake ever performed serious maintenance initiatives along
Johnson Road outside of patching potholes with street crews and shovels, or have
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Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.LN. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
they let the condition of Johnson Road deteriorate to facilitate the reconstruction
option? Answer There has been no deliberate neglect in order to facilitate
reconstruction.
6. PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES
A. How many accidents have been reported on the hill at the west -end of Johnson Road?
Answer During the year 2000, no accidents were reported in the 2900 —3000
blocks of Johnson Road During the same period, Traffic Division Officers
conducted nine special enforcement initiatives in that area of Johnson Road
issuing a total of fourteen citations. The low number of citations per enforcement
initiative indicates a high level of compliance when officers were present.
B. Would the road be posted at 35 mph if this reconstruction project were completed?
Answer The 30 mph speed limit will remain on Johnson road after
reconstruction.
C. How would the Department of Public Safety plan to control speeding on this road if
the reconstruction project were completed? Answer The Department will continue
regular speed enforcement measures including radar speed enforcement.
D. If the Department of Public Safety were to increase the use of the trailer speed
monitor along Johnson Road, would this be sufficient to monitor and /or control speed
and road safety along Johnson Road? Answer The Trailer Speed Monitor is a
temporary measure used to remind motorists of the speed limit along a particular
stretch of roadway. It is used in all parts of the city as necessary but is not
considered a permanent solution to a speeding problem.
E. Can speed humps be installed along Johnson Road can the Department of Public
Safety effectively control speeds along this road without installing speed humps?
Answer Johnson Road is a collector street and, under current policy, not eligible
for speed humps. The Department of Public Safety will make every effort to
respond to the needs of all areas of our community given their resources and
demands for service in other parts of the city.
F. Has the Department of Public Safety been involved in this process and commented on
the safety implications of the proposed road improvements? Answer The
Department of public safety has been contacted and will continue to be involved in
the project.
G. What is the potential for strategic stop sign placement along Johnson Road to assist in
controlling traffic and speeding? Answer It is not advisable to use stop signs for
speed control. It has been observed that many motorists attempt to "make up for
lost time" between a series of closely spaced stop signs. It addition, the Texas
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices MUTCD) states that stop signs
should not be used for speed control because motorists may develop the habit of
running stop signs if they are not warranted The city could be held liable by state
law if the recommendations in the MUTCD are not followed
H. If this project moves forward, would the Department of Public Safety be willing to
commit that they would significantly increase their monitoring and enforcement of
speed limits in the area (if there is no actions taken prior to City Council
consideration of this project, I would have no faith that things would be different at
the completion of the project)? Answer The Department of Public Safety regularly
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Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.LN. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
reviews accident information, requests from neighborhoods, as well as field
officer's personal observations. Traffic enforcement plans are developed to address
the most serious and dangerous problems first while still providing as much
neighborhood enforcement as possible.
7. FINANCIAL BUDGET QUESTIONS
A. Would the road reconstruction be an assessment project for area residents to
contribute towards? Answer There will be no assessments for this project. The
project is being funded with FY 2000 -2001 CIP funds.
B. If the residents oppose this project and this does not move forward, would area
residents receive an assessment to pay for operations and maintenance of Johnson
Road? Answer There are no plans for assessing property owners for
maintenance.
C. What would be the City Council's response to opposition of this project and the
potential to charge an assessment to area residents for maintenance of the road?
Answer The City Council is the only entity that could make the decision to assess
property owners in this situation. City Staff would not propose such an assessment.
8. PROCESS AND TIMING ISSUES
A. How soon would this project begin if the City Council approves the project?
Answer The design would be completed and construction started by late
spring /early summer.
B. If this project were approved, would construction on the section in front of the school
be performed during the summer months? Answer It is most likely that the
contractor would be directed by the city to complete as much construction as
possible around the school during the summer months. There is not enough time,
however, to be completely through in front of the school before the next school
session begins in the fall.
C. How would Right -of -Way acquisition impact the project timeline if this project is
approved? Answer The right -of -way negotiation process could delay the project if
an agreement could not be reached on the fair price of the property, and the city
had no other choice but to condemn the property.
D. What would be the timeline to conduct and complete a traffic warrant study for
Johnson Road if this project were completed? Answer Warrant studies for traffic
signals and multi -way stop signs typically take approximately 3 weeks.
E. If approved, how long would it take to complete this project? Answer Construction
time is estimated at a minimum of 6 months.
F. While there are three options tonight, which of these options will be presented to the
City Council? Will there be other options presented to the City Council? Answer
All of the options will be presented to the council, but the 22' wide option w/ turn
lanes at both ends will be presented as the locally preferred option.
G. If people wish to voice their opinions to the City Council, what is the timeline for this
issue coming before the City Council, and when would residents need to contact the
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Design Alternatives for Johnson Road
Question and Answer Summary from S.P.LN. Neighborhood #15 Meeting January 23, 2001
City Council Members? Answer Residents will be able to speak to the council
regarding this project on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 5:30 p. m.
9. GENERAL QUESTIONS
A. If this project were approved, how would the construction crews accommodate
residents in the area in providing access to their homes? Answer The contractor
will be required to provide access to homes at all times for convenience and public
safety reasons.
B. Has the City considered approaching the property owners on the south side of
Johnson Road to determine the potential for obtaining pedestrian easements for the
installation of a sidewalk along the whole section of Johnson Road? Answer City
staff has not currently approached these resident, but will do so as the project
moves on and it is determined that the project budget would allow for a sidewalk
along the whole section.
C. What kind of liability does the property owner incur if they grant the City a
pedestrian easement and someone gets hurt along the sidewalk? Answer
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