DATE: August 13, 2019
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Paul Holzen, City Engineer/Director of Engineering
Jonathan Marston, Assistant Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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Consideration of a Professional Services Agreement (COF Contract No. 2018-0063) with Alfred Benesch & Company for the Design of West Main Street Bridge Widening in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $55,134.00 (8/22/19 CIC 4-0)
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for the design of the West Main Street bridge widening over West Main Branch.
Background
The City has received several complaints regarding the inability for pedestrians to safely cross West Main Branch (northeast of Roberts Street) on West Main Street (SR-246). In 2015, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) let a construction contract to replace this bridge. Prior to the reconstruction, approximately 3 feet of shoulder space existed on the north side of West Main Street. This space, while narrow, allowed pedestrians to cross West Main Branch without stepping into the travel lane. The bridge reconstruction further reduced this already narrow shoulder. Because of these conditions, the BOMA asked staff to provide a crossing for pedestrians at this location.
Connect Franklin calls for this area of West Main Street to ultimately have a 3-lane cross-section with curb & gutter and accommodations for pedestrians. While this future cross-section will provide excellent pedestrian accommodations, it also comes a large cost. Knowing this, the BOMA has previously asked staff if a simple pedestrian bridge could be constructed at this location. While this is achievable, this solution would also require the construction of a significant amount of sidewalk to provide a truly accessible pedestrian route.
Therefore, staff proposes to widen the north side of the existing bridge to create a wide shoulder. While this would not be considered an accessible pedestrian route, it would allow pedestrians to cross West Main Branch without walking in the travel lane(s). This improvement will be designed and constructed to allow for the future widening of West Main Street, as shown in Connect Franklin.
Financial Impact
The total cost of this PSA is $55,134.00. With the approval of Resolution 2019-68, which adopted the project list for the fiscal years (FYs) 2019-2028 Capital Investment Program (CIP), expenses for this project are tentatively programmed to be paid entirely from the General Fund.
Recommendation
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Staff recommends approval of the PSA (COF Contract No. 2018-0063 with Alfred Benesch & Company.