ST9304-CS010921 MEMORANDUM
FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
To: Jim Witt, City Manager
From: Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E., Dir. of Engineering/Public Works
Date: September 21, 2001
RE: Belt Line Road Project ST 93-04
The City of Coppell has been contacted by the contractor working on Belt Line Road
concerning the need to close off Mockingbird for construction purposes. Because of the
bridge immediately west of Mockingbird, the new section of Belt Line Road is being elevated
approximately four to five feet at the Mockingbird/Belt Line intersection. The grade
differential is a safety concern if we were to attempt to construct a detour or build a portion
of paving to route traffic through. The contractor has requested that the Mockingbird/Belt
Line intersection be closed for the duration of the construction of the intersection. This will
be approximately four to five weeks after the time that it is officially closed. It is anticipated
that traffic will be switched to the new paving section toward the end of October and at that
time the intersection would be closed for approximately four to five weeks.
Prior to the closure, message boards and signs will be installed along Mockingbird to alert
motorists of the impending road closure. The necessary detour signs will be placed once the
intersection is closed. The attempt will be to route traffic on Mockingbird to Bethel School
then either to Moore or MacArthur Blvd. I fully understand that the closure of the
intersection will create some traffic concerns in the morning for school traffic; however, to
safety construct the intersection it is necessary for it to be closed for the four to five week
timeframe.
The contractor is seeking direction or approval from the City no later than the end of
September. My recommendation is that we allow the contractor to close the intersection so
that it can be safely and expediently constructed. I will be happy to discuss this with you at
your convenience.
"CITY OF COPPELL ENGINEERING - EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN"