Title
Resolution Directing the City Administrator to Coordinate Nixon Road-Related Projects to Minimize Disruption to Neighborhood Traffic Flows
Body
Whereas, Construction of the Nixon-Green-DhuVarren intersection project is scheduled to begin on June 19th and continue through the end of August;
Whereas, The Nixon-Green-DhuVarren intersection will be closed for the duration of the project except for emergency vehicle access which represents a major disruption to traffic flow in the area and significant inconvenience for neighbors, particularly those on Nixon north of the intersection;
Whereas, DTE is planning to construct a new electrical sub-station near the intersection of Huron Parkway and Hubbard and the new sub-station will be connected via underground transmission lines (Ann Arbor Transmission Line Project) to the existing electrical sub-station just north of DhuVarren Road);
Whereas, This Ann Arbor Transmission Line Project will be managed and constructed by ITC; and ITC’s preferred route for the transmission lines is along Nixon and DhuVarren roads:
Whereas, it is not known exactly where the transmission lines will be laid along Nixon and DhuVarren or the extent to which ITC’s construction will require tear-up to the roads or road closures/detours;
Whereas, ITC is responsible for restoration of the road (preliminary rough estimate of $1M) following construction and the City and ITC have discussed opportunities to leverage ITC’s responsibility for restoration on this project with other Nixon Road projects including the possibility of loan financing from ITC;
Whereas, ITC hopes to begin construction as soon as this Fall with the majority of construction in 2018, but City approval is required for the project route, design and timing although timing can’t be unreasonably delayed;
Whereas, In addition to the Intersection Project and the Transmission Line Project, the Nixon Corridor Traffic Study was recently completed and Staff have concluded that, of the three alternatives identified in the study, only Alternative 3 (series of roundabouts at major intersections) will adequately address all of the main areas of concern which also would result in major disruption to traffic flow in the Nixon Road area and significant inconvenience for neighbors during construction;
Whereas, It is City Council’s intention to proceed with Nixon Corridor improvements and Council’s desire that the planning for the Nixon Corridor Improvement project commence as soon as possible and practical; and
Whereas, It is also City Council’s desire to plan and coordinate the three Nixon Road projects (Intersection Project, Transmission Line Project, Corridor Improvement Project) in a manner that minimizes the disruption for neighborhoods in the area, avoids multiple tear-ups of Nixon Road, and maximizes the leverage of ITC’s responsibility for restoration of the road as part of their project;
RESOLVED, That City Council direct the City Administrator to provide recommendations and plans to City Council no later than August 31, 2017 that coordinate the Nixon Corridor and Transmission Line Projects, minimize disruption in the area and best utilize ITC’s obligation to restore the road as part of its project;
RESOLVED, That City Council direct the City Administrator to notify ITC immediately of the City’s intent to work with ITC on a coordinated plan for ITC’s Transmission Line project and the City’s Nixon Corridor Improvement project that provides for the earliest possible coordinated construction plan.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Lumm, Kailasapathy, Frenzel, and Westphal