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bruary 8, 2011 q o
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Melanie Young, P.E.
District Transportations Engineer
P.O. Box 133067
Dallas, TX 75313 -3067
REF: Traffic Signal layout IH635 and Royal Lane
Dear Ms. Young,
The City of Coppell has reviewed the plans submitted for the proposed traffic signal at
IH635 and Royal Lane. As a part of this signal light installation, it is our understanding
that the median will be built north of the westbound frontage road across the current
location of Gateway Blvd., thereby restricting turning movements in to and out of
Gateway Blvd.
We have taken traffic counts at the intersection of Gateway and Royal Lane. For the
westbound direction we have a 24 hour count of 1,048 vehicles, a peak AM count of 44
vehicles and a peak PM count of 180 vehicles. For the eastbound direction, we have a 24
hour count of 1167, a peak AM count of 177, and a peak PM count of 81. Our concern is
that the westbound movements, for the most part, are trying to gain access to IH635.
Blocking off the median at Gateway and Royal will, in effect, restrict that movement.
Approximately 500 feet north of the westbound frontage road, there is an existing median
opening which services as a driveway to the existing Park `n' Fly development. The
City's request is that, along with the traffic installation, TXDOT also fund a left turn
storage bay for northbound traffic on Royal Lane. What this would do is allow vehicles
leaving Gateway Blvd. to go north for a short distance and then safely enter a storage bay
before making a u -turn to go back towards IH 635.
We understand long term there could be frontage road modifications which would allow
a more direct route to the westbound frontage road; however, until such time, motorists
accessing Gateway Blvd in this current configuration today will be restricted in their
movements in the future.
Please take this request into consideration and respond back as to TXDOT's position at
your earliest convenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
your convenience.
Respectfully submitted,
s KeeVN
Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E.
Director of Engineering/Public Works
A FAMILY COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME
255 PARKWAY * P.C. BOX 9478 * COPPELL TX 75019 * TEL 972/462 0022 * WWW.COPPELLTX.GOV