Title
Follow-up: Hines Hill Road and Valley View Road Sidewalk Project
Brief Description: Based upon Council input from the January 9, 2024 and March 12, 2024, Council Workshops, staff has proceeded with further evaluating the Hines Hill Road and Valley View Road sidewalk project alignments and budget. Staff will present updates on the design and next steps towards construction of new sidewalks along three segments including: Hines Hill Road (between Valley View Road and Glastonbury Drive) and Valley View Road (between Hunting Hollow Drive and Hines Hill Road) and Valley View Road (between Hines Hill Road and Middleton Road).
Body
Legislative History
23-68 - Enter into professional services agreement with AECOM; 5/16/2023
24-0003 - Discussion: Hines Hill and Valley View Road Sidewalk; 1/9/2024 and 3/12/2024
Purpose & Explanation
At the January 9, 2024, Council Workshop, staff presented preliminary evaluations for new sidewalk segments along Valley View Road (Hunting Holow Drive to Hines Hill Road) and Hines Hill Road (Valley View Road to Glastonbury Drive). The total budget allocated for these two sections is $1.8 million ($700,000 for Valley View Road and $1.1 million for Hines Hill Road).
At the same meeting, Council requested a more detailed evaluation of the Hines Hill Road sidewalk to determine the cost of fully locating it on the north side. Additionally, Council asked staff to investigate extending the Valley View Road sidewalk to Wethersfield Drive.
At the March 12, 2024, Council workshop, Council requested that staff identify costs for extending the Valley View Road sidewalk from Hines Hill Road to Middleton Road and to gather additional public input. Council also asked for cost estimates for partial sidewalk sections on both Hines Hill Road and Valley View Road to inform final selection.
City staff completed the survey data collection, and the City’s consultant, AECOM, conducted a preliminary design for a Valley View Road sidewalk from Hines Hill Road to Middleton Road to determine costs and the preferred side for construction. The preliminary design matrix recommends placing the sidewalk on the east side of the road. Please see "Attachment A - Alternatives Matrix Valley View (Hines Hill to Middleton)" for details. Staff and the consultant presented the preliminary design at a public meeting on July 22, 2024. Public comments are included in "Attachment B - Public Comments via Website" and "Attachment C - Public Comments via Other."
A summary of the three sidewalk sections is provided in "Attachment D - Sidewalk Summary Spreadsheet." A drawing showing the sidewalk sections is included in "Attachment E - Sidewalk & Trail Map."
Based on preliminary design data, public input, and the available budget, City staff recommends the following sidewalk sections for detailed design and construction:
1. Valley View Rd. (Hunting Hollow Dr. to Hines Hill Rd.), West Side: Cost.....$915,000*
2. Valley View Rd. (Hines Hill Rd. to Weathersfield Dr.), East Side: Cost...........$730,000*
3. Hines Hill Road (Granby Dr. to Glastonbury Dr.), North Side: Cost.................$410,000*
Total Cost for All Three (3) Sections..........................................................$2,055,000*
*Includes 30% Construction Contingency
These three sections would connect to adjacent neighborhoods, link to downtown sidewalks, eliminate mid-block crossings, and best fit the current budget. Final design for remaining sections can be completed for future construction. Additionally, staff has identified potential grant opportunities for these sidewalk sections through future state funding applications.
If Council approves these three sections for final design, staff will formally request authorization to proceed. Staff plans to bid the project this fall, with construction scheduled for spring/summer 2025. Before bidding, staff will return to Council with an updated project estimate and seek approval to bid and award the contract.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (430 fund - $1,638,530)
X__Supplemental Appropriation Required (430 fund - $416,470)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
The City Administration recommends City Council approve staff recommendations and make a motion to proceed to final design.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Bradley Kosco, P.E., P.S., City Engineer
Jonathon Szalay, P.E., Senior Engineer