Thursday, 18 Dec, 11 A.M., the lunch with TXDOT, Waco District, and the Mayor. Here is a summary of a 2-hour lunch and tour of Salado:
1. According to TXDOT, The Holland Road wall on the south side of the bridge was a major point of discussion in a Wednesday meeting between TXDOT and James Construction . TXDOT made it clear to James Construction that the west wall had to be repaired before 31 January. TXDOT is very aware of how long James Construction was taking to complete other projects as well as the constant demolition and not replacing or repairing.
TXDOT SAID, AGAIN, "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRIDGE AND NEVER HAS BEEN. IT IS BEEN THE STABILITY OF THE WEST WALL ON THE NORTH END."
It was made clear to TXDOT that Salado had suffered enough due to crews working one day and being pulled to Belton and Killeen the next. Nothing is ever finished and promises are never kept. Patience is not "running thin;" they no long exist. We want to know what to expect and when to expect it.
This is what TXDOT said:
1. If the weather cooperates, construction will be totally completed between July-September 2015. The last major project is the Salado Plaza intersection. In late January, the work will begin on the major intersection in front of Cowboys restaurant. Salado Plaza will be connected with west Salado Plaza road between Bushes Chicken and Sonic. The old overpass will be destroyed and a new one over Salado Plaza will be constructed. Completion time is 4-5 months.
2. An exit will be made on north I-35 beginning about the Municipal building and ending near Old Town Road ( Sewing Basket and Water Mill shops). This will be completed in the Spring, 15.
3 Once the new Salado Plaza overpass/intersection is completed, the ext to Thomas Arnold Road will be completed at the same time.
4. Much interest about the Robertson Ranch Development and Sanctuary. TXDOT wants ONLY the Village communicating with TXDOT. All discussion much begin with the Village.
5. TXDOT is willing to consider some sidewalks and curbs if the Village assumes Main Street and the Bridge. The Bridge cannot be separated from taking over Main Street since Main Street runs the entire length from Holland Road Exit to Salado Plaza on-ramp (State law). If damage to the bridge occurs, according to TXDOT, it will be covered by Federal money under the Federal Bridge Act -- 80%; the State; 10%; and the Village 10%. The Village Manager and our attorney will be looking into the Federal Bridge Act and State Directives for complete information.
The Sidewalks and curbs will be paid for by TXDOT; however, the amount of sidewalks and curbs will have to be negotiated.
BEFORE THE RUMOR MILL STARTS AND SIDES DRAWN -- TAKING OVER MAIN STREET IS NOTHING MORE THAN DISCUSSION; NOT NEGOTIATION. ONLY THE ALDERMEN/ALDERLADY CAN MAKE POLICY OR APPROVE ANY SUCH DEAL. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY ASSUMPTIONS.
This is the first time TXDOT has been willing to discuss curbs and sidewalks at their expense if the Village takes over Main Street. Total cost of sidewalks and curbs -- between $600,000 and $900,000.
FOR SURE -- AT THE END OF CONSTRUCTION, MAIN STREET WILL BE COMPLETELY RESURFACED AT NO EXPENSE TO THE VILLAGE. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE VILLAGE TAKING OVER OR NOT TAKING OVER MAIN STREET.
6. The other two bridges: low water bridge between Sheril Park and Old Club House, and low water bridge between Amity and Royal belong to the State and are inspected every 2 years.
The low water bridge between Amity and Royal (bad repair) will be completely placed in September 2015.
When asked if the weeds and debris around the low water bridge between Sheril Park and Old Club House could be done by the state; the answer was "absolutely not."
The village has the three necessary permits to have this done without getting in trouble with the environmental agencies. It is a matter of having the funds to do it. Amber is working on this issue now.
7. James Construction used the road between the Church of Christ and the Municipal building; Pizza Restaurant and Wells Art Gallery to transfer road construction material. The Village is asking James Construction via TXDOT to repave it at no cost to the Village.
8. TXDOT visited all the potential development locations as well as other areas of interest.
9. In late January, there will be a Town Hall meeting between TXDOT and citizens of Salado. A great chance to ask questions and get more answers.
Lunch and tour ended amiably with each side expressing their views and expectation. Information was exchanged but no negotiations discussed.
VR/Skip
No comments:
Post a Comment