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Brentwood City Commission Agenda

Meeting Date:	08/10/2020
Resolution 2020-73 - Agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for Design Services for Intersection at Murray Lane/Holly Tree Gap
Submitted by:	Mike Harris, Engineering
Department:	Engineering

Information

Subject

Resolution 2020-73 - Authorizing an Agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for Design Services for the Murray Lane/Holly Tree Gap Intersection

Background

The intersection of Murray Lane and Holly Tree Gap experiences significant delay during peak times and during school arrival and dismissal periods (see attached location map). Continued growth in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County that flows through this intersection is anticipated, and the delay at the intersection will continue to worsen. The fact that the intersection is a three-way stop is especially problematic.

In 2019 staff recommended a study, which the Commission approved, of several options for improvements to reduce delay and increase the capacity at this location. Three potential options considered, were as follows:

Signalize the intersection, which would include widening for turn lanes;
Construct a roundabout; or
Continue to operate with all-way stop control.

The study, conducted by Neel Schaffer, investigated key parameters of each alternative to aid in making the most informed decision. Some characteristics considered included:

Safety
Capacity to handle current and future traffic (including school traffic)
Impact to neighboring properties
Level of service
Cost
Constructability

The study concluded that a roundabout was the best overall alternative from a traffic flow perspective, but cautioned that further study was needed to determine if a roundabout could in fact be constructed at this location due to utility as well as other potential conflicts. A copy of the Neel Schaffer study is attached for information.

Therefore, staff prepared a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to conduct further study and prepare design documents for the selected alternative. Staff received seven responses from area engineering firms. A staff committee reviewed each response and staff is recommending the Alfred Benesch & Company (Benesch) for this project. Benesch has completed a number of similar projects and was the firm that prepared the design documents for the recently completed bridge rehabilitation on Wildwood Valley Drive. Because of their experience and their performance on the bridge project staff believes they can perform well on this project.

Because a final decision has not been made regarding whether a roundabout can be built at this location, staff is suggesting this effort be broken down into two phases:

Concept Review & Preliminary Engineering to confirm selected design alternative; and
Roadway Design based on final selected alternative

The attached agreement with Benesch is for the first phase only, although some of this work will carry forward into the design phase. The attached agreement includes a detailed description for the work to be completed in each phase. A separate agreement will be prepared and presented to the Commission for the final design following completion of phase 1 and a decision on the best way to improve this intersection.

The attached agreement for Phase 1 has a total cost of $39,544.80 and staff recommends approval.

Please direct any questions to the Engineering or Public Works Director.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of the agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company

Previous Commission Action

The Commission approved an agreement with Neel Schaffer for an alternatives study at this intersection at the November 25, 2019 meeting via Resolution 2019-106. The results of that study form the basis for this design effort.

Fiscal Impact

Amount :	$39,544.80
Source of Funds:	Capital Projects Fund
Account Number:	311-43100-1053

Fiscal Impact:

Adequate funding for this project is included in the approved FY 2021 Capital Projects Fund budget.

Attachments
Resolution 2020-73
Contract No. 2020-097
Benesch RFQ Response
Neel Schaffer Preliminary Study
Location Map
Signed Resolution & Contract