A Traffic Engineering Study was conducted in 2016 to evaluate the traffic impact of the proposed Police Department/Municipal Court expansions. The study encompassed the area of State Highway 6 (SH 6), Brooks Street, First Colony Boulevard and Soldiers Field Drive. Soldiers Field Drive is a two-lane, undivided, concrete roadway with curb and gutter on both sides. Soldiers Field Drive currently terminates at a cul-de-sac about 700 feet north of First Colony Blvd in the vicinity of the City of Sugar Land Police/Court Complex. Soldiers Field Drive at First Colony Boulevard is currently controlled by stop signs at the intersection of Soldiers Field. It is located about 750 feet south of SH 6 and about 850 feet north of Meadowcroft Boulevard. The traffic study recommended a roundabout at Soldiers Field Drive and First Colony Boulevard as a desirable alternative to reduce traffic backups and improve continuous flow at this intersection.
The proposed improvements include extending Soldiers Field Drive to the north, tying into SH 6 in the vicinity of the Police/Court Complex. The existing cul-de-sac at the end of Soldiers Field would be removed and a new proposed roundabout would be installed at the intersection of Soldiers Field Drive and First Colony Boulevard.
The scope of work includes but is not limited to the following major items:
- Design new roadway alignment and layout for Soldiers Field Drive extension to SH 6
- Design Roundabout at Soldiers Field Drive/First Colony Boulevard intersection
- Design relocation/extension of applicable water lines and drainage improvements
- Identify relocation of affected street light poles
- Coordination with TxDOT for SH6 tie-in
- Geotechnical investigations and survey
- Tree protection plan
- Prepare pertinent construction bid plan and specifications
- Bid phase services and construction cost estimate
CONSOR Engineers, LLC was selected through an RFQ process in accordance with City Policy PU-109 for procurement of professional services. There were a total of 19 responses to the RFQ and staff interviewed the top three ranking firms.
The Engineering Department has negotiated the above scope of work with CONSOR Engineers, LLC for a fee in the amount of $298,500. There is currently $300,000 available in CIP ST1901 and ST1902. These two projects are combined into one design project and will be bid for construction as one project for economy of scale. Completion of design is anticipated in Spring 2020 and construction of the project is tentatively planned for Summer 2020.
The Engineering Department recommends the City Council authorize execution of a professional services contract with CONSOR Engineers, LLC for the design of Soldiers Field Drive Extension and Roundabout at First Colony Boulevard CIP ST1901 and ST1902, in the amount of $298,500.00.