The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working on a project to widen the right of way and paving of IH-35 from Pasatiempo Drive to Country Club Boulevard in the City of Schertz.

Before the roadway improvements enter the construction phase, most utilities (including City water and wastewater facilities) must be relocated outside of the ultimate pavement section.  The relocation of City facilities is 100% reimbursable due to the project being a federal interstate project.  Only if the City decides to make upgrades to the existing utilities would the City be responsible for any costs associated with the project.

Halff Associates, Inc., one of the City’s on call Engineers, is familiar with the location and operation of City utilities along IH-35 and has experience with City utility relocation projects along TxDOT roadways and is fully equipped to provide these services to the City.
 

Contract for design services to relocate water and wastewater lines necessitated by TxDOT’s IH-35 NEX-North road widening project.

The relocation of these lines will ensure the City utilities are provided in an alignment that allows adequate space for future maintenance.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution 23-R-106, authorizing a project agreement with Halff Associates, Inc., for design, bid, and construction phase engineering services for water and wastewater relocations in advance of the IH-35 NEX-North roadway widening project.
 

Funding for the design work has been allocated from the City’s Water and Sewer Construction Reserves. The cost of design is $1,143,372 with a not to exceed amount of $1,259,000. Funding for the construction of the utility relocations will be handled separately and is currently estimated to be $10 million.  The City will have to provide initial funding, however, this project is 100% reimbursable because it’s a federal interstate project.
 

Approval of Resolution 23-R-106.