The Bethany Drive corridor, west of US75, is experiencing exciting development and expanded use, with the construction of the Hotel Convention Center and a Multi-story Office Building already underway.  When these projects are completed, traffic patterns will change and the need exists to prepare for those changes with essential improvements at two key intersections:

• Bethany Drive and Watters Road
• Bethany Drive and Watters Creek Boulevard

The two development projects are already planning to make improvements to the northern half of Bethany Drive and Watters Creek Boulevard, adjacent to their respective sides of the street; however, to truly improve traffic flow and prepare for pedestrian traffic to cross Bethany Drive, more work is needed that is not adjacent to the new projects (and within Watters Creek).  Consequently, the Engineering Department is proposing to engage Kimley-Horn to evaluate the two signalized intersections and prepare detailed construction drawings for bidding that will include:

• Sidewalk enhancements and new connections
• Added traffic lanes on Watters Creek Boulevard and Watters Road
• Traffic Signal Improvements
• Pavement markings and signage changes

These improvements are intended to be designed and constructed in advance of the new developments becoming occupied.  In this way, we can stay ahead of the demand that will ensue from the new uses.

The design of Bethany Intersection Improvements will be funded with Roadway Impact Fees, and will be supplemented with partnership funds ($73,330) from the Watters Creek Owners.

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract with Kimley-Horn for the Design of the Bethany Intersections Improvement Project in the Amount of $157,980.

I make a motion to  authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract with Kimley-Horn for the Design of the Bethany Intersections Improvement Project in the Amount of $157,980.