HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 970311-XRESOLUTION NO
. 9 7o.311- x
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE CHANGE OF THE REMAINING TWO-WAY
FRONTAGE ROAD SECTIONS IN GEORGETOWN TO A ONE-WAY
CONFIGURATION
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has jurisdiction over IH35
in Georgetown, including the frontage roads; and
WHEREAS, three sections of the existing frontage roads in Georgetown presently allow
for two-way traffic: southbound from Business IH35(North) to RM2338, and northbound and
southbound between Business IH35(South) and Westinghouse Road; and
WHEREAS, two-way frontage roads were considered appropriate for rural areas where
grade separation structures were spaced from three miles or more apart and the two-way
arrangement was considered necessary to reduce the turn -around time required to access adjoining
properties; and
WHEREAS, two-way frontage roads were designed to accommodate the low traffic
volumes associated with a rural setting and pose several distinct traffic safety issues that become
more acute as traffic volume increases; and
WHEREAS, traffic volumes have increased steadily on IH35 and on the frontage roads in
the last ten years; and
WHEREAS, having both one-way and two-way frontage roads in the same community
creates the potential for confusion by drivers; and
WHEREAS, two-way frontage roads increase the potential for traffic conflicts entering and
exiting IH35; and
WHEREAS, advantages to one-way frontage roads include: increased capacity at all the
related intersections allowing dedicated turn movements from one lane and increased capacity at
both exit and entrance ramps either leaving or entering the main lanes of IH35; and
WHEREAS, the conversion to one-way will enhance other traffic improvements planned
by TxDOT and the City of Georgetown, Including the relocation of entrance ramps between
Business IH35(North) and RM2338; and
Resolution supporting conversion of
frontage roads to one-way
No. .3
Page 1 of 3
WHEREAS, the conversion to one-way will not negatively impact routing for emergency
services; and
WHEREAS, Northwest Boulevard is a key portion of Georgetown's transportation
improvement program in order to provide a relief route for Williams Drive (RM2338); and
WHEREAS, the relocation of the entrance ramp to IH35 between Business IH35 and RM
2338 is essential to the effectiveness of Northwest Boulevard as a relief route for Williams Drive;
and
WHEREAS, recent TxDOT traffic counts indicate that the vast majority of traffic currently
using the frontage road between Business IH35 and RM2338 is southbound (the direction proposed
for conversion to one-way) and that a significant portion of the northbound traffic is related to
McCoy School; and
WHEREAS, TxDOT and the City of Georgetown have made commitments to provide
improved alternate access to McCoy School; and
WHEREAS, TxDOT will provide appropriate lighting and signing to alert motorists to the
business district along the frontage road.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are
hereby found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and
expressly made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this
resolution implements the following Policy Ends of the Century Plan - Policy Plan Element:
1. Governmental Affairs Policy End 6.0 which states: "A high level of cooperation
and involvement exists among Georgetown's citizens and governmental
organizations; and
2. Transportation Policy End 12.0 which states: "Georgetown's transportation system
provides for the safe and efficient movement of traffic, promotes the economic
interests of the community, and adequately serves the needs of individuals;
and further finds that the adoption of this resolution is not inconsistent or in conflict with any
other Century Plan Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the
Policy Plan.
Resolution supporting conversion of
frontage roads to one-way
No.
Page 2 of 3
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Georgetown supports the conversion of the
two-way frontage road sections in Georgetown, southbound from Business IH35(North) to
RM2338 and northbound and southbound between Business IH35(South) and Westinghouse Road,
to one-way.
SECTION 3. The City is hereby directed to initiate design and acquisition of right-of-way
adjacent to McCoy Elementary and from Park Lane to Northwest Boulevard, and to submit for
bids. Further, the staff is to install a sidewalk along the south side of park Lane.
SECTION 4. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
RESOLVED this 11th day of March, 1997.
ATTE�3':
Sandra D. Lee
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Marianne Landers Banks
City Attorney
Resolution supporting conversion of
frontage roads to one-way
No.
Page 3 of 3
THE CITY OF GEORGE OWN:
i
By: LEO WOOD
Mayor