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CONTRACT NO. K-1213-165: A CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AND CABBINESS ENGINEERING, L.L.C., IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,300 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL PLANS TO FOR THE PORTER AVENUE AND ACRES STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION.
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BACKGROUND: The intersection of Porter Avenue with Acres Street has been the subject of much discussion and study over the years due to concerns over traffic and pedestrian safety. A recent evaluation of traffic control needs revealed that traffic volumes have reached levels that justify the installation of a new traffic signal. Approximately 20,000 vehicles pass through the intersection every day. An aerial photograph of the location is provided in an attachment
On April 25, 2012, staff presented a summary of a report prepared for the Porter Avenue intersection with Acres Street to the City Council Community Planning and Transportation Committee. In the presentation a number of improvement alternatives were discussed for this location. The presentation included discussion related to the existing in-pavement lighted crosswalk, a recent Safe Routes to School project for Longfellow Middle School and Jefferson Elementary School, and the most recent intersection evaluation including the traffic signal warrant analysis. The alternatives discussed included:
Staffing the existing pedestrian crossing across Porter Avenue at Acres Street with a Norman Public Schools crossing guard
A project to encourage school children to cross Porter Avenue at existing signalized intersections (e.g., Johnson Street or at Gray Street)
The installation of a mid-block pedestrian signal on the Porter Avenue corridor in reasonable proximity to Acres Street
Signalization of the Porter Avenue intersection with Acres Street since collected traffic volumes indicate that a traffic signal is warranted
Construction of a roundabout at the Porter Avenue intersection with Acres Street (as suggested in the Porter Avenue Corridor Study)
Following the presentation, the feedback provided to staff was that the most logical approach to solving the neighborhood issues with the intersection of Porter Avenue and Acres Street would be to install a traffic signal for vehicular and pedestrian use. Accordingly, Council authorized $20,000 toward the development of a conceptual plan for the intersection in the FYE 2013 budget.
DESCRIPTION: The Public Works Department prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit the engineering services necessary to evaluate traffic flow and to develop conceptual plans for the improvement of the Porter Avenue and Acres Street intersection. This project was included as one of four separate intersection projects in RFP 1213-54. Seven proposals were submitted for consideration for this project. A Selection Committee was formed consisting of: Angelo Lombardo, Transportation Engineer; Rick Schlechter, Storm Water Engineer; Michael Rayburn, Capital Projects Engineer; and two citizens (Mr. Jim Rose, a retired Oklahoma Department of Transportation Engineer, and Mr. Kyle Hamburger, a concerned area resident). The proposals were reviewed, and the team led by Cabbiness Engineering, with offices in Norman, was selected as the best suited team for the project.
Cabbiness Engineering has proposed a $55,300 contract fee to provide the previously mentioned design services. The City currently has $20,000 budgeted funds in Porter/Acres Pedestrian Crossing - Design (account 050-9082-431.62-01; Project TC-0253). When the budget for the project was established in April of 2012, the scope of work was underestimated by city staff because of a lack of clarity related to the drainage, right-of-way and utility relocation impacts associated with the project. Upon further review, it has become clear that this project is considerably more complex due to the extent of the required topographical survey needed to determine the cost of drainage improvements and utility relocations.
If Council wishes to proceed with the project, an additional appropriation of $35,300 from Capital Fund Balance will be needed to cover the engineering contract fee. The additional fee will address a full survey of the corridor as well as a complete assessment of all utility relocation, right-of-way and drainage improvement costs.
These engineering design services will essentially establish the feasibility for the project. A construction project of this magnitude could exceed $1,000,000 in cost and could negatively impact existing private properties and buildings.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends an appropriation of $35,300 from Capital Fund Balance (050-0000-253.20-00) to Porter/Acres Pedestrian Crossing, Design (account 050-0982-431.62-01; project TC0253).
Staff also recommends approval of Contract No. K-1213-165 with Cabbiness Engineering Company in the amount of $55,300, to evaluate traffic flow and to develop conceptual plans for the improvement of the Porter Avenue and Acres Street intersection.