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CONTRACT K-1718-58: A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AND THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) FOR FEDERAL-AID PROJECT STPG-214E(081)AG, STATE JOB 30484(04) FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES WITH NEW PEDESTRIAN PUSH BUTTONS AND SIGNAL DISPLAYS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION R-1718-33.
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BACKGROUND: The 2015 - Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) federal transportation funding bill allocates approximately $21 Million in Federal funds per year for the implementation of eligible transportation improvements in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Ten percent of this appropriation is used to fund safety projects at 100% of their construction cost. Traffic signal upgrades are eligible for this level of funding.
In 2009, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which the City has incorporated by reference in Section 20-1112 of the Code of Ordinances, was updated and established a new standard for pedestrian controls at signalized intersections (push buttons and signal displays). The new standard requires the use of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - compliant pedestrian push buttons for the visually impaired and “count down” pedestrian signal displays. ADA-Compliant push buttons feature locator tones, Braille markings, audible messages and vibro-tactile two-inch diameter buttons for the visually impaired. “Count down” pedestrian signal indications display the amount of time left (in seconds) that a pedestrian has to complete the crossing maneuver.
On November 27, 2013 City Council approved Resolution R-1314-63, which was later forwarded to both the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), requesting federal funds to pay for 100% of the construction cost associated with the upgrade of fifty five traffic signals. In the resolution the City agreed to the terms and conditions of a Federally funded project by stating its willingness to assume the responsibility for the preparation of engineering plans, the purchase of any additional right-of-way, the relocation of public utilities and funding of the local share of the construction cost, which normally is 20% but for this safety project will be 0%. The project was submitted for consideration and is currently included in the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments’ (ACOG) 2018 Regional Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
In August of 2017, City staff submitted final plans to ODOT with a request to include the project in their October 19, 2017 bid opening. The plans were developed “in house” by the engineering staff in the Traffic Control Division. Construction is anticipated to begin in early January of 2018 with completion of the work in March of the same year.
The estimated construction cost of $530,000 will be funded with 100% federal funds as a safety improvement project.
DISCUSSION: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation requires the City to execute a project agreement and to adopt it by resolution before letting the project to contract. The agreement addresses the responsibilities of the City and the Department during and after the construction of the project. The execution of three original documents is required. Both the resolution and agreement have been reviewed by staff and approved by the City Attorney.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of Contract K-1718-58 and Resolution R-1718-33 with ODOT for the Traffic Signal Upgrades (New Pedestrian Push Buttons and Signal Displays) at various locations throughout the City.