Title
Consider and take action on an ordinance establishing temporary 45-mile-per-hour construction speed zones along portions of SH 96 (League City Parkway) associated with the City’s TxDOT Roadway Intersection Improvements Project (CIP ST 2502 / CSJ 0912-73-250) (Executive Director of Development Services)
Background:
Approval of this ordinance will establish temporary 45-mile-per-hour (45 mph) construction speed zones along two segments of SH 96 (League City Parkway) associated with the City's TxDOT Roadway Improvements Project (ST2502 / CSJ 0912-73-250).
ST2502 encompasses traffic signal upgrades and capacity improvements at two intersections along SH 96: SH 96 at FM 270 (Egret Bay Boulevard) and SH 96 at Columbia Memorial Parkway/Bay Ridge Drive. Improvements include extending existing turn lanes at both intersections and rebuilding the traffic signal at the SH 96/Columbia Memorial Parkway intersection to current TxDOT standards. Both intersections are being designed and constructed as a single project through TxDOT, with the project currently under plan review and scheduled to be let in January 2027.
As part of the plan review process, TxDOT reviewed the project's traffic control needs and approved temporary construction speed zones at the following two locations on SH 96:
1. Milepoint 2.552 to Milepoint 2.837 - approximately 0.285 miles encompassing the SH 96 / FM 270 (Egret Bay Boulevard) intersection
2. Milepoint 4.674 to Milepoint 4.996 - approximately 0.322 miles encompassing the SH 96 / Columbia Memorial Parkway / Bay Ridge Drive intersection
TxDOT approved a construction speed limit of 45 mph at both locations, representing a reduction from the current posted speed limit of 50 mph. The temporary speed limit reductions apply only to SH 96 and do not affect the posted speed limits on FM 270 or Columbia Memorial Parkway.
Because the approved construction speed zones are located on SH 96 within the City of League City, TxDOT requires the City to formally adopt an ordinance establishing the temporary speed limits prior to TxDOT approving the plans and moving the project towards implementation. This formal action is necessary to ensure that the reduced 45 mph speed limit is legally enforceable by authorities for the duration of the project. The reduced speed limits will only apply when construction speed zones are active; signage will be removed or covered during periods when the reduced limits are not in effect. Upon final completion of the project, all temporary signage will be removed and the standard 50 mph speed limit will be reinstated along both segments.
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance establishing the temporary 45-mile-per-hour construction speed zones along SH 96 associated with ST2502.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Exhibit A - SH96 Speed Reduction Zones
3. CIP Sheet
4. CIP Aerial
FUNDING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # 1 - Develop & Maintain our Infrastructure