Subject:
Title
Approval Request to Award Design Contract for the Locust Street Trail Improvements (Shared-Use Path) Project.
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Oct. 2, 2023 - Council approved the request to utilize VDOT Transportation Alternative funds for design and construction of Locust Street Trail Improvements. This request/approval was required by VDOT for the funding application.
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is seeking Town Council approval to award a professional services and design contract to Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA), in the amount of $447,356 for the Locust Street Trail Improvements (Shared-Use Path) Project.
The proposed project involves upgrading the existing sidewalk and non-standard asphalt trail from the Locust and Center Street, SW, intersection to the W&OD Trail. The upgrades include widening the sidewalk and asphalt trail to meet Shared-Use Path (SUP) standards along with drainage improvements.
The design and construction of this project is funded by VDOT/FHWA Transportation Alternatives funds with the local match requirement being funded utilizing the Town’s NVTA 30 funds.
Project Details:
The existing trail is the combination of a sidewalk (5 feet wide - next to the school parking lot) and a non-standard asphalt trail (6 feet wide) that connects Locust and Center streets with the W&OD Trail. The existing conditions create a standing water situation with any typical rain event and the area becomes unusable for pedestrians and some cyclists. The proposed project will widen the trail (10-foot SUP), and the existing sidewalk section, and address the drainage challenges in the project area. The proposed improvements also include a wider crossing (utilizing a culvert) across the creek near the W&OD Trail end of the project (to accommodate the proposed wider path).
The contract (Attachment 1) includes the following items:
• Preliminary and final design - full construction plans
• Right-of-Way services (required for federal/state funded projects)
• Coordination with Fairfax County Schools and NOVA Parks
• Addressing the full VDOT process requirements
• Environmental and Hydraulics design/review
• Public engagement/meeting
• Construction cost estimates
• Bid assistance
This improvement was a recommendation from the Maple Avenue Multimodal Study that concluded in 2020.
See Attachment 2 for the conceptual design that was developed during the funding application process.
Approval is recommended to be made in the amount of $447,356 to:
Rinker Design Associates (RDA)
11100 Endeavor Court, Suite 200
Manassas VA, 20109
Next Steps: If approved, award the contract and begin the design phase.
Expected Completion Time Frame: Estimated design completion is in 2026, followed by construction in 2027.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Efficiently Mobile Community
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town has a contract for professional services with Rinker Design Associates, and the Town Council may approve the proposed professional services and design contract and expenditure of funds in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the professional services and design contract for the Locust Street Trail Improvements Project, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $447,356
Project Account VDTLOCSTRL-DESIGN-ENGINEER - (Locust St SW Trail Widening)
GL Account: 300-VDT-1041-39445-48801 -
Prior Funding Approval: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: March 24, 2025
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the professional services and design contract for the Locust St Trail Improvements (Shared-Use Path) Project, in an amount not to exceed $447,356.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.