Grapevine Springs CC-CS120504
Rhonda Adloo
From:Brad Reid
Sent:Friday, May 04, 2012 2:24 PM
To:Gary L. Sieb; John Elias; Kenneth Griffin; Keith Marvin
Cc:George Marshall; Michael Garza
Subject:Re: Fwd: Bethel Road Phase III - Hearthstone Lane/ Senior Center intersection
Attachments:IMAGE.jpeg; IMAGE.gif
Keith,
Thanks for the opportunity for input on this.
From a practical standpoint, I have always considered that a west bound left turn lane would be a major benefit to
those making the turn into the Senior and Community Center, as well as to the through traffic on Bethel. To build
without this lane is asking for problems at this intersection. The primary users of this entry are senior citizens, an
increasing percentage of whom struggle with eyesight, particularly at dawn and dusk. Opening this intersection
somewhat and allowing additional roadway to maneuver seems appropriate.
I am not certain as to the primary reason for your asking input, but the trees that are growing in close proximity to the
roadway surface need to be removed for safety reasons whether or not the turn lane is installed. Although trees are
beautiful and provide a number of benefits to the human condition including but not limited to social, environmental
and economic benefits, one must consider the practical aspects of where specific trees are located when determining
their fate as relates to nearby development. Leaving these trees in place would be irresponsible as they inhibit
unobstructed views of the roadway and oncoming traffic while attempting to exit the drive at the Senior and Community
Center; and limit visibility into the site as would-be visitors to the facility cruise by their turn without seeing the entry
until they are perpendicular to where the turn should have been made. I have received a number of complaints from
users about this condition.
There are plentiful trees very near where the trees in question are located and the removal of these few trees will have
no negative impact on the forest, the traveler's experience or the neighbor's screening from the nearby public
improvements. Conversely, the negative impacts of leaving these trees in place after the roadway is improved are
many. It would be more desirable to have additional lighting in and around this intersection, further enhancing visibility,
than to leave these few trees, thereby reducing light and visibility of the improved roadway.
Just my 2 cents. Thanks again.
Brad
>>> Keith Marvin 5/4/2012 9:02 AM >>>
Gentlemen,
We are in the process of designing the remaining piece of Bethel Road. The attached sketch shows two options at the
entrance to the Grapevine Springs Community Center. One option includes a left turn bay for westbound traffic to turn
into the driveway, and the option does not. The possibility exists that some of the trees could be saved if we do not
build the turn bay.
Please review these sketches and let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Keith
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Keith Marvin, P.E.
Project Engineer
(972) 304-3681
>>> Caleb Thornhill <bct@freese.com> 5/3/2012 3:33 PM >>>
Keith,
Attached are two layouts with and without the turn lanes. We appear to save approximately 5 trees if we do not add
the turn lanes. The trees we show being “saved” will still be close to construction and will likely be impacted. But, with
Alternative #1, we have the option to try and save them if desired.
Take a look and then let’s discuss.
B. Caleb Thornhill P.E.
Project Manager
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Freese and Nichols, Inc.
Main: 214-217-2200
Direct: 214-217-2282
Fax: 214-920-2565
Email: bct@freese.com
www.freese.com
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