Title
Approving a resolution adopting the FM685 Corridor Study.
Summary
The FM685 Corridor Study is for the development of a proposed concept for potential multimodal improvements for FM 685/Dessau Road between Wells Branch Parkway and SH 130 to address congestion, pedestrian and bike connectivity and safety, and traffic flow at intersections. The corridor study was listed as a high-priority project in the Transportation Master Plan and funding was approved as part of the 2020 Bond Election.
The FM685 Corridor Study was identified as project in order to articulate the long term needs of the corridor that addresses future capacity needs due population growth in the region and increasing traffic volumes. Additionally, the study addresses the need to provide for safe access throughout the corridor for vehicles, as well as pedestrians and bicycles, and improve mobility and connectivity for the community.
After extensive traffic modeling, public engagement and collaboration with regional partners, the Urban Corridor Concept is the preferred concept articulated in the study. The FM 685 corridor currently functions as a highspeed, high-volume roadway. Higher speeds and high volumes can lead to greater traffic accidents and the perception the area is not walkable and pedestrian friendly. The Urban Corridor Concept provides opportunities to improve capacity, safety, mobility and connectivity over the other alternative and scenarios considered with in the study.
If approved, on March 14th, staff will bring forward a contract to begin the next step in the project will be to develop a schematic design and begin environmental scoping with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to eventually obtain National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance as well as prepare for right-of-way acquisition and the relocation of utilities.
Prior City Council Action
February 14, 2023 - Council conducted a worksession to discuss the findings of the FM685 Corridor Stu...
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