ST9904-CS 950113STATE HIGHWAY121 TASK FORCE
% ROBERT W. POPE &. ASSOCIATES
4011 W. PIANO PARKWAY
SUi'~-E 104
PLANO, 'I'I~,XAS 75093
(214)964-8801 - FAX (214)596-6547
TASK FORCE MEETING NOTES
January 13, 1995
FRITO-LAY NATIONAL H~ADQUARTERS
PIANO, TEXAS
Robert Pope opened the meeting at 10:05 A.M. Denton County Commissioner Sandy Jacobs
introduced newly elected State Representative Burt Solomons. Sam Frenkil, facilities manager for
Frito-Lay, welcomed the group and invited all to attend the Martin Luther King Day luncheon
following the meeting featuring Maynard Jackson as the keynote speaker. Pope turned the floor to
John Blain, TxDOT Dallas District Director &Transportation Planning and Development. Blain
presented the attached report titled "TxDOT SH 121 Task Force Report" dated January 13, 1995.
Blain noted the contract has been awarded for construction of the improvements to the
SH 121/Crider Road intersection. He also pointed out capacity improvements to Section 8
(Legacy Drive to SH 289) will be completed this month as scheduled.
Rider Scott of David Dean and Associates reported on his meeting this week with Attorney
General Dan Morales' assistant. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain approval from the AG's
office of the agreements necessary to permit Dean's office to assist with eminent domain
proceedings for the Bypass from Denton Creek to Denton Tap. Scott advised the group this is the
first time for such outside assistance; he expects approval by the AG within the next ten days.
Scott also reported jury trial is underway on the Dallas Gun Club ED proceedings; a decision is
expected by Monday.
Harlan Moore of the TxDOT District ROW division reported offers have now been made on all
Section 10 ROW tracts; several &the offers have been accepted and eminent domain proceedings
are underway on several others. Murray Allen of the District ROW division reported all utility
companies have indicated they foresee no problems with relocations in time for a July 1996
letting. Brazos Electric Co-op is planning for adjustment to their transmission line during the non-
peak period next winter. Commissioner Jacobs requested a letter be obtained from all utility
companies stating no new easements are required and no delays expected. Blain indicated plans
will be distributed to the utility companies prior to the February Task Force meeting; the District
will request confirmation letters at that time. Allen stated replies would probably not be received
before April. Blain pointed out TxDOT archeological staff has determined some trenching will be
necessary before final environmental clearance can be obtained. Such trenching will have to wait
until ROW is acquired unless property owner permission for early entry can be obtained.
Blain reminded the group the District is proceeding with plans and preparations for letting of the
Bypass from nuI 35E to FM 544 (Section 12) as if funds will be available for a November 1995
SH 121 TEk Forc~ - Meeting Notes
Ja~ua~ 13, 1995
Pag~ 2
letting. Since this project is not in the 1995 TIP, the very earliest date for letting would be late
1996 if included in the 1996 TIP and approval of the TIP is received in a timely manner. Blain
explained no projects can be let from the 1995 TIP until final approval of the air quality
conformity analysis is completed. Final approval by FHWA is not expected until February. It
should be anticipated approval of the 1996 TIP will be on a similar schedule making February
1996 the earliest possible date for letting of the contract for Section 12 (subject to inclusion in the
TIP).
Commissioner Jacobs reported that representatives of David Dean and Associates, on behalf of
Denton County, met with Bill Bumett, TxDOT Executive Director, regarding funding of the
Bypass from 13t 35E to FM 544. John Polster of the Dean firm reminded the group of the
previous meeting with Bumett to obtain a "pre-commitment" for the $52 million needed before
the project can be included in the 1996 TIP. The enclosed letter from Bumett explains his position
on the subject. According to Polster, the Director is very positive on the Bypass project and
appreciative of past efforts by the Task Force.
Polster indicated his concern regarding the statement in the letter about air conformity analysis.
Blain explained that even if funding is provided, the project must be included in the 1996 TIP in
order for the air quality conformity analysis to be run. Adding of the project to the TIP at a later
date would necessitate rerunning of the analysis - a major undertaking.
Harlan Moore reported the District is proceeding with eminent domain proceedings for the
temporary easements required from the Singer tract. Final survey information should be available
next week to proceed with preparation of documents for the ROW swap near Standridge Drive.
Moore also reported the District is prepared to start relocating trees from the Brown Tract as
soon as weather permits.
Murray Allen reported only minor utility adjustments are necessary in Section 12 to permit a late
1995 letting. Commissioner Jacobs requested letters from the utility companies confirming their
ability to proceed in a timely manner.
Blain requested clarification from Carrollton on the status of house construction along the Bypass.
If homes are built prior to construction of the Bypass, sound attenuation walls may be required.
Paul Duncan of Carrollton indicated he would see the necessary information is gathered for the
District.
Mike Jones, Denton County Director of Public Works reported the County staff has been working
with landowners affected by the Midway Road relocation. He expects KOW documents to be
executed by next month. Charles Tucker, District Advance Planning Engineer, reported the only
other item needed in order to finalize the Midway Koad plan is a decision by Lewisville regarding
the typical section for the roadway.
SH 121 Task Forc~. M~ing Nol~
January 13, 1995
Pag~ 3
Robert Pope reported the City of Coppell is in the process of contacting the property owners
affected by the proposed revisions to the interchanges along Section 13 (Stage II Freeway
Improvements from Tarrant County line to Denton Creek). Blain noted with Level I authority the
District would like to proceed with design as soon as possible.
Pope also reported verbal commitments have been received for approximately 35 acres of ROW
for the freeway improvements from SH 289 to US 75. Local governments will attempt to
assemble at least 15-20% of the required ROW for this section to encourage the Transportation
Commission to proceed with the capacity improvements.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
ROBERT W. POPE & ASSOCIATES
4011 WESTP~O PARKWAY, SUITE 104
PLANO, TE~S 75093
(214) 964-8801
SH 121 TASK FORCE
January 13, 1995
NAME
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ROBERT W. POPE & ASSOCIATES
4011 IVEST PLAJVO PARKW'A Y, SUITE 104
PLANO, TEXAS 75093
(214) 964-8801
SH 121 TASK FORCE
January 13, 1995
NAME
PHONE
TxDOT S.H. 121 TASK FORCE REPORT
Note: Section numbers in narrative below correspond to numbers on
drawings.
January 13, 1995
I. S.H. 121 CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS (STAGE I)
A. Section 1:
Tarrant/Dallas County Line to North of
Denton Creek (4-1ane divided highway with
2-lane frontage roads)
Completed - July 1992
B. Section 2: North of Denton Creek to I.H. 35E (4/6
lane divided highway)
(CSJ 0364-03-078 & 0364-03-077)
Completed - November 1993
C. Section 3: I.H. 35E to East of F.M. 1171 (6--lane
divided highway)
D. Section 4:
E. Section 5:
Completed - June 1991
East of F.M. 1171 to East of the Elm Fork
of the Trinity River (bridges)
Completed - July 1988
East of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River
to West of the Burlington Northern
Railroad (4-lane divided highway)
(CSJ 0364-03-042)
Crider Road Project (0364-03-079)
1. Completed - February 2, 1994.
TxDOT received a signed ordinance from the City of
Lewisville with a letter dated October 10, 1994 and
one from The Colony dated November 7, 1994
concurring with TxDOT's speed limit study. TxDOT
installed the speed limit signs on January 10,
1995.
3. Crider Road Project (CSJ 0364-03-079):
This project was bid on December 14, 1994.
The Commission awarded Sunmount Corporation
the contract with a bid of $396,676.89.
b. Construction will begin in late January or
1
February, 1995 with an estimated construction
time of 3 months.
Section
West of the Burlington Northern Railroad
to East of Legacy (4-lane divided
highway)
(CSJ 0364-03-043)
Completed - March 29, 1994
Section 7:
East of Legacy to
divided)(including
intersection)
(CSJ 0364-04-028 &
East S.H. 289 (4-lane
the S.H. 289
0364-04-032)
1. Work began on January 24, 1994.
2. Project is 90% complete.
Estimated completion date - January 1995. Project
is on schedule.
H. Section 8: S.H. 289 to U.S. 75 (4-lane divided)
(CSJ 0364-04-022)
1. On "hold" status in the 1995 PDP.
Ii.
Category 3A - National Highway System Mobility.
S.H. 121 (SPUR 553) LEWISVILLE BYPASS (STAGE I) ~
(See attached for right of way status)
A. Section 9: North of Denton Creek to Denton Tap Road
(3-lane frontage roads)
(CSJ 3547-03-002 & 3547-02-003)
Category 13 -
1995 TIP does
1996.
State Funded Mobility. The 3 year
include this project in fiscal year
2. Estimated letting date is July, 1996.
3. Construction plans are 60% complete.
4. Estimated construction cost is $14,000,000.
5. The estimated completion date for "plans adequate"
for utility adjustments is the end of January,/
1995..
B. Section 10: Denton Tap Road to Lake Vista (3--lane
frontage roads)
Completed - 1988
Section 11:
Lake Vista to I.H.
roads)
(CSJ 3547-01-002)
35E (3-lane frontage
This project let on
Company was awarded
$10,165,798.
April 13, 1994. H.B. Zachry
the contract with a bid of
2. Construction began on July 6, 1994.
3. Project is 18% complete.
4. Estimated completion date - August 1996.
Section 12:
I.H. 35E to Existing S.H. 121 Near F.M.
544 (3-lane frontage roads, freeway
constructed where frontage roads are not
proposed)
(CSJ 3547-01-004)
Category 13 - State Funded Mobility (Shown in 3
year 1994 TIP in 1996). The 3 year 1995 TIP does
not include this project.
2. Estimated November 1995 letting date in the 1995
PDP.
3. The final plans are approximately 75% complete.
Revisions to the schematic are approved and the
Record of Decision has been approved and signed.
The recent revisions to the Clean Water Act
Nationwide Permit program will require further
environmental coordination with Texas Parks and
Wildlife and the Corps of Engineers. Specifically,
there are two areas of concern: the existing pond
which lies within the ROW near the northbound
frontage road of I.H. 35E; and the densely wooded
area between the MKT Railroad and the Elm Fork of
the Trinity River.
Mr. John Baxter with Bright Interests has provided
TxDOT with plans and an executed agreement to lower
Midway Branch Creek. The supplemental agreement to
revise the plans to accommodate the lowering of
Midway Branch has been fully executed. TxDOT
anticipates that "plans adequate" for utility
adjustments will be complete by the end of January.
The right-of-way requirements for the County Road
relocation (Midway Road) have been revised to
address property owners' concerns and property
owners have been contacted.
7. At a July 27, 1994 meeting, John Baxter presented a
letter from Halff Associates addressed to Mr.
Baxter which included concept sketches of a
realigned Standridge Road. Their proposal keeps
the intersection of Standridge Road and the S.H.
121 eastbound frontage road at the same location as
shown on the S.H. 121 Bypass Schematic,
consequently, S.H. 121 freeway ramps west of
Standridge will not have to be adjusted. The Town
of Hebron, the City of Lewisville, and the Colony
are all in favor of this proposal and have
requested that TxDOT revise the schematic
accordingly. TxDOT has received approval from its
Austin office for this schematic revision and a
Public Meeting was held on November 11, 1994 which
completed the public involvement process. All
affected property owners signed off on the
schematic revision at the Public Meeting and TxDOT
is finalizing the right-of-way requirements. TxDOT
expects to send the final revised schematic to the
affected cities in early February. S.H. 121
Freeway right-of-way donations are contingent on
local approvals of the revised design schematic.
III. S.H. 121 FREEWAY IMPROVEMENTS (STAGE II)
A. Section
13: Tarrant County Line to North of Denton
Creek (conversion to freeway)
(CSJ 0364-02-017 & 0364-03-064)
1. This project has been elevated from feasibility
status to Level I authority in the 1995 PDP.
2. Category 3A - NationalHighway System Mobility.
TxDOT has received a joint letter from the cities
of Coppell and Grapevine dated July 1, 1994
indicating the locations of grade separated cross
streets on S.H. 121.
Mr. Roy Wilshire of Kimley Horn, Inc. presented
TxDOT with a revised grade separation design for
Freeport Parkway on behalf of a property owner at
an August 4, 1994 meeting. The cities of Grapevine
and Coppell will have to agree on this revision and
make a formal request to TxDOT for a schematic
revision. When a revised schematic proposal is
submitted, TxDOT will review this proposed
schematic revision request to determine the
additional construction cost, the anticipated
additional costs to be incurred by local
governments, and the delays to construction due to
additional processing time and added costs.
4
Bo
Section 14:
Existing S.H. 121 Near Denton Creek
Existing S.H. 121 Near F.M.
(Lewisville Bypass)(Mainlanes)
(CSJ 3547-03-003, 3547-02-004, &
3547-01-005)
to
544
1. On "hold" in the 1995 PDP.
2. Category 3A - National Highway System Mobility.
Section 15:
F.M. 544 to U.S.
(Mainlanes)
(CSJ 0364-04-023,
0364-03-067)
75
0364-03-066,
1. On "hold" status.
2. Category 4E - STP Rural Mobility (Note: could
become eligible for NHS Mobility).
The Dallas District requested in the PDP' update
that authority be given to allow for State
participation in right-of-way acquisition up to $70
million on the section of S.H. 121 between S.H. 289
to U.S. 75. This was not included in the PDP
update; therefore local governments will need to
prepare a formal request to secure TxDOT right-of-
way funding.
5
~IGHT-OF-WAY STATUS S.H. 121 BYPAS:~
January 13, 1995
2 o
S.H.121 Bypass:
(Section 9)
From Denton Creek
To Denton Tap Road
Outstanding Issues:
1. Parcel to be acquired:
a.) Right of Entry to appraise:
b.) Appraisal Completed: 95%
c.) Negotiation Completed: 15%
d.) E.D. Hearings:
1.) Estimated to Begin:
Completed
a.) Dallas County: June, 1995.
b.) Denton County: June, 1995.
2.) Estimated Possession:
Utilities
a.) Dallas County: May, 1996.
b.) Denton County.: March, 1996.
to be relocated:
a.)
b.)
Lone Star Gas Company (6 - 12 Months to relocate)
(1.) Distribution Facilities along Exit SH 121.
Brazos Electrical Co-op (12 - 18 Months to relocate)
The Utility Company has' been notified and
preliminary plans to relocate their faCilities have
been mailed to them. TxDOT has been assur6d by the
Utility Company that relocation ~'wil~.' be
accomplished in a timely mannerl
(1.) O.H. Transmission Crossing West of Denton
Creek.
(2.) O.H. Transmission Crossing East of Denton
Creek.
c.) Texas-New Mexico Power (6 - 12 Months to relocate)
(1.) Distribution Facilities along existing SH 121.
6
3 o
Personal Property to be relocated:
a.) Estimated clearance: August 1996
II.
4. Final environmental clearance:
a.)
S.H. 121 Bypass:
(Sections 10, 11
& Part of 12)
Indian artifacts: A pedestrian inspection has been
made. TxDOT personnel are contacting some of the
property owners for right of entry to do additional
investigation requiring archeological trenching.
This operation may be forced to wait until r~ght of
way is secured.
From Denton Tap Road
To The Elm Fork of the Trinity River
(including S.H. 121 - I.H. 35E
Interchange)
outstanding Issues:
Remaining parcels to be acquired:
a.) Right of Entry and Possession of all Parcels.
3 o
Utilities to be relocated:
a.) Texas-New Mexico Power (6 - 12 Month~.to relocate)
(1.) O.H. Distribution in Denton Tap Road.
b.) G.T.E (6 - 12 Months to relocate)
(1.) U.G. Cable in Denton Tap Road.
c. Lone Star Gas Company (6 - 12 Months to relocate
(1.)Distribution Lines from Denton Tap
to Lake Vista Drive.
d. City of Lewisville (6 -12 Months to relocate)
1. Various Water & Sewer Lines from
Denton Tap Road to Lake Vista Drive.
Final environmental clearance: Completed.
III.
S.H. 121 Bypass: From
(Part of Section 12)
To
Outstanding Issues:
The Elm Fork of the
Trinity River
F.M. 423
Relocation of Standridge Drive - Final Design in progress
(affects the property swap with land at the F.M. 544/S.H.
121 intersection).
Remaining parcels to be acquired:
a.)
Minor drainage easements and construction easements
(T.E.'s) have been appraised an~ reviewed. ~rw-aiting
Title Commitments so Offers can be made.
Utilities to be relocated:
a.)
T.U. Electric (12
(1.) 138 KV Trans.
(2.) 345 KV Trans.
18 Months
Crossing.
Crossing.
for Relocation)
b.) G.T.E. ( 6 - 12 Months for Relocation)
(1.) U.G. Cable (near FM 544).
c.) G.T.E. ( 6 - 12 Months for Relocation)
(1.) Aerial Distribution at FM 544.
d.)
City of Carrollton
(~.)
(2.) 10'
(3.) 12'
(4.) 24'
(6 - 12 Months for Relocation)
18' Sanitary Sewer Crossing.
Sanitary Sewer Crossing.
Sanitary Sewer Crossing.
Water Crossing
4. Final environmental clearance: Completed.
8