2019-176 Hinkle ParkingDate: September 13, 2019 Report No. 2019-176
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Proposed configuration and geometric layout of Hinkle Drive between University Drive and
Windsor Drive.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
As part of the Magnolia Drainage project, the roadway section of Hinkle Drive between University
Drive and Windsor Drive will be completely reconstructed. Based on the current project schedule
the construction will be completed by next spring/early summer. As requested by the City Council,
staff will review the proposed lane configuration and present options on October 15 for considering
possible elimination of on-street parking (west side) along Hinkle Drive between University Drive
and Windsor Drive. After receiving direction from City Council, staff will design and implement
any changes as part of the ongoing construction project by next spring.
BACKGROUND:
The Magnolia Drainage project includes installation of new storm drain system and upgrades to
the existing system along Hinkle Drive and Windsor Drive. It also includes a complete
rehabilitation of the pavement along Hinkle Drive and Windsor Road. The project is currently
under construction and is anticipated to be completed by May 2020. As part of this project the
section of Hinkle Drive between University Drive and Windsor Drive will be striped to
accommodate bicycle lanes. The proposed lane configuration along Hinkle Drive is shown below.
As shown in the graphic, Hinkle Drive is proposed to have two travel lanes, two bicycle lanes and
a parking area along the west side.
Date: September 13, 2019 Report No. 2019-176
During the design phase of the Magnolia Drainage project, staff reviewed options for lane
configuration along Hinkle Drive. One alternative included eliminating on-street parking along
Hinkle Drive. The proposed lane configuration that included elimination of on-street parking was
presented to the Traffic Safety Committee on December 13, 2019 for their review and
consideration. Residents in the neighborhood were notified about the proposed item on the Traffic
Safety Committee agenda that would possibly restrict parking along Hinkle Drive. The December
13 Traffic Safety Committee meeting was attended by several residents who opposed the removal
of on-street parking (west side) along Hinkle Drive. Based on the resident concerns, the Traffic
Safety Committee did not recommend restricting parking along Hinkle Drive between University
Drive and Windsor Drive.
The project plans recommended no change to the existing lane configuration. Given that there
were no changes proposed to the existing lane configuration, considerable opposition from the
community regarding the removal of on-street parking (west side) and rejection of this removal by
the Traffic Safety Committee, this item was not presented to the City Council for further
consideration.
DISCUSSION:
As part of the concluding items during the September 10, 2019 council meeting, staff was asked
to review the proposed lane configuration and discuss options for considering possible elimination
of on-street parking (west side) along Hinkle Drive between University Drive and Windsor Drive.
As discussed earlier, the current schedule for completion of the Magnolia Drainage project
(includes Hinkle Drive reconstruction) is May 2020. Based on the current pace of the construction
activities, it is likely that the project will be completed earlier, likely February 2020. Signing and
striping activities (painting the travel lanes, parking and the bike lanes) will begin once
construction is complete. Given the project schedule, staff has enough time (approximately four
months) to plan and implement any changes to the proposed lane configuration along Hinkle Drive.
These changes may include parking restrictions and/or bike lane enhancements along the segment
of Hinkle Drive between University Drive and Windsor Drive.
Staff will be bringing this item as a work session item to receive direction from City Council on
October 15, 2019. The residents along Hinkle Drive will be notified about the work session so
that they can provide their input. Based on the direction from City Council, staff will design the
proposed changes (if any) to the existing plan by the end of this year and will be ready to
implement them after the completion of the construction phase of this project in February.
STAFF CONTACT:
Pritam Deshmukh, P.E.
Deputy City Engineer
(940) 349-7710
pritam.deshmukh@cityofdenton.com