The Engineering Department recommends approval of an expenditure in the amount of $179,219 for engineering professional services from Schaumburg & Polk, Inc., for the Canadian Pacific – Kansas City Southern (CPKC) Railroad Crossing Improvements at Los Rios Boulevard, Plano Parkway, and Jupiter Road and Various Sidewalk Improvements Project. Based on preliminary discussions between City of Plano Engineering and CPKC staff to coordinate efforts for this project, the project includes the replacement of existing railroad crossings, and proposed sidewalk locations where gaps are present in the current sidewalk system at the following locations:
Railroad Crossing Rehabilitation Locations
1. Los Rios Boulevard, between 14th Street and East Plano Parkway
2. East Plano Parkway, between Klein Road and Krona Drive
3. Jupiter Road, between Research Drive and President George Bush Turnpike
Sidewalk Extension Locations
1. East Side of Preston Road, just South of McDermott Drive (200’)
2. North Side of 18th Street, just East of R Avenue (375’)
3. East Plano Parkway, just West of Klein Road (120’)
4. West Side of Alma Road, near 16th Street (375’)
The improvements at each railroad crossing and sidewalk extension are necessary to improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians crossing at these railroad locations on city streets, and allowing continuous pedestrian accessibility at areas without sidewalks currently.
Schaumberg & Polk, Inc. was deemed most qualified based on their Statement of Qualifications submission for RFQ No. 2021-0377-X, and their previous experience on similar projects with the City of Plano Engineering Department. Specifically, the design of the replacement of the Kansas City Southern (KCS) railroad crossing at Coit Road was completed by Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. with the City of Plano Engineering Department, which included safety and drivability improvements. Their team also has extensive experience on similar projects that involve pedestrian facilities, street improvements, and franchise utility coordination.
The benefit of this project includes improved drivability/walkability and increased traffic safety, which will lead to an increased quality of life for citizens and motorists.
Not approving the expenditure would result in continued deterioration of the railroad crossings creating a road hazard and safety issues for drivers/walkers, and the lack of continuity of pedestrian routes and accessibility, resulting in a decrease in quality of life for citizens and motorists.