Item 15: Roadway Resurfacing

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Resolution 2022-157R, approving an Advance Funding Agreement with the State of Texas, acting through the Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”), for the roadway resurfacing of Sessom Drive from Alamo Street to University Drive (“Loop 82”) with an estimated city participation amount of $116,290.00; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to executive said agreement on behalf of the City; and declaring an effective date.

 

[MBaker]

It seems like this road is always under construction....Was this something that was missed before or done improperly? Is Sessom just a tough engineering feat and will always need more maintenance that our other roads?

 

[JHughson]

I know the curve on Sessom on the hill between N LBJ Dr and Alamo Street is a potential problem. I won't drive up that hill when it's raining.
Of course, we all should know the curve and the metal fence/guardrail next to the Ag building are the location of many accidents. But where are the problems between the river and IH 35?

 

[COSM_Admin]

Response to CM Baker provided by Sabas Avila, Director of Public Works:
It seems like this road is always under construction....Was this something that was missed before or done improperly? Is Sessom just a tough engineering feat and will always need more maintenance that our other roads?
The proposed Sessom Drive Resurfacing project was not missed previously or done improperly.

The most recent projects on Sessom Drive from 2013-present included water, wastewater, and pedestrian projects. While these projects repaired portions of Sessom Drive pavement that were disturbed, the proposed Sessom Drive Resurfacing Project was specifically scheduled after the previously mentioned projects to provide a universal safety pavement treatment to the patchwork of repairs and distressed pavement.

Sessom Drive is characterized by steep slopes, sharp curves, and elevated accident-rates. The proposed Sessom Drive Resurfacing project is a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HISP) project awarded by TxDOT to address the elevated accident-rates due to slick roadway conditions. The Sessom Drive Resurfacing project will install a high-friction coarse pavement to increase the roadway’s skid resistance and reduce accidents due to slick pavement.

Due to high traffic loading, steep slopes, sharp curves, and drainage issues, Sessom Drive is more susceptible to pavement distresses than typical city streets. Subsequently, Sessom Drive will require more maintenance than a typical city street.

 

[COSM_Admin]

Responses to Mayor Hughson provided by Sabas Avila, Director of Public Works:
I know the curve on Sessom on the hill between N LBJ Dr and Alamo Street is a potential problem. I won't drive up that hill when it's raining.
Of course, we all should know the curve and the metal fence/guardrail next to the Ag building are the location of many accidents. But where are the problems between the river and IH 35?
The project limits for the Sessom Drive Resurfacing project are from Alamo Street to Lp 82 (aka University Drive/Aquarena Springs Drive). The project will not include the portion of Lp 82 from the river to IH 35.