Lower Seguin Road currently has PCI scores from a low of about 10 to a high of 39.  The City routinely receives complaints about the condition of the road and the rough ride of the surface.  Randolph Air Force Base is also concerned about the condition of the road as all their commercial traffic uses the roadway to access the base.  The roadway has deteriorated to the point where the street needs full reconstruction.  Public Works does perform spot repairs to keep the roadway serviceable.

Lower Seguin Rd is classified as a secondary arterial by the City’s Master Thoroughfare Plan with a “traditional” arterial section for the segment between FM 1518 and Aranda Lane (Canopy Blvd) and a “rural” arterial section from Aranda Lane (Canopy Blvd) to the City Limits (near Loop 1604).  Reconstruction of the roadway would include widening the pavement, drainage improvements, and adding pedestrian facilities.

There are some Federal Funding sources available to reconstruct Lower Seguin Road to its planned arterial sections.  In order to qualify for Federal Funding, the planned project must follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.  The first step of the NEPA process is to develop a schematic (preliminary design) and secure environmental clearance for the project.  The proposed Task Order Agreement will cover the first step of the NEPA process.  Additionally, a revised construction cost estimate will be provided and any additional right-of-way acquisitions needed to accommodate the new roadway section will be identified.  This information allow will be used to secure Federal Funding for construction and allow the City to plan for and acquire the needed additional right-of-way.

In order to have a more complete full project and make it easier to secure the environmental clearance, the proposed Task Order includes the full length of Lower Sequin Road from FM 1518 and Loop 1604.  This includes the segment of Lower Seguin Road located in the City of Converse.  Preliminary discussion with the City of Converse indicate they are willing to pursue an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Schertz to participate in the project and pay for their portion of the roadway.  Staff expects to continue working to create an Interlocal Agreement and bring it to the Schertz City Council for approval.  If this does not ultimately occur, the “Converse” tasks in the Task Order Agreement would not be completed and the total amount paid to Halff Associates would be reduced accordingly.

The professional engineering-related services will provide preliminary design of the project and secure environmental clearance for the project.  The results of this effort will allow the City to pursue Federal funding and allow for the roadway to be reconstructed more quickly than if the City had to fully fund the reconstruction effort.  Once reconstructed, the new roadway will increase traffic efficiency, provide a stronger, smoother driving surface, and pedestrian facilities.