2018-103 West Loop 288 ProjectDate: August 10, 2018 Report No. 2018-103
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT:
West Loop 288 Project from I-35W to I-35N
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
TxDOT and Denton County are designing the phased construction of West Loop 288 as a
controlled-access freeway from I-35W in the south connecting to the existing Loop 288 at I-35N.
The design is approximately 50% complete, and TxDOT is seeking direction from the City of
Denton on the preference of project phasing, specifically whether to advance the northbound
frontage road or the southbound frontage road first. Staff has targeted the August 21, 2018,
Council Meeting for approval of a formal recommendation on project phasing.
BACKGROUND:
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Denton County are designing West Loop
288 as a controlled access freeway consisting of two main lanes and two lane frontage roads in
each direction. Grade separations are planned at major cross streets and railroad crossings.
TxDOT is developing West Loop 288 with frontage roads to limit access to the main lanes while
providing development opportunities along the corridor. The total cost of the project is currently
estimated at $258 million, while the construction of Phase I (one of the frontage roads) is estimated
at $40 million. To-date, Denton County has contributed more than $4.4 million for engineering
and design efforts.
The project is anticipated to be environmentally cleared by December 2020. At that point, right-
of-way acquisition and utility relocations can begin. TxDOT has indicated that the construction
will be phased due to funding constraints. TxDOT is seeking direction from the City of Denton
on which frontage road should be completed in the first phase. With most of the development in
this corridor occurring east of the proposed alignment, construction of the northbound frontage
road will permit the City to establish permanent connections of its cross streets and access points
to the frontage road. Advancement of the northbound frontage road as part of the first phase will
also provide ground access to the west side of the Denton Enterprise Airport to facilitate growth
as outlined in the 2015 Denton Enterprise Airport Master Plan.
Staff has targeted the August 21, 2018, City Council Consent Agenda for the consideration of a
formal recommendation in the form of a resolution to TxDOT indicating preference on whether to
facilitate the northbound frontage road or the southbound frontage road first. The Mobility
Committee considered this issue at the July 18, 2018, meeting and unanimously voted in favor of
constructing the northbound frontage road as part of Phase I.
PROJECT STATUS:
The engineering firm for the West Loop 288 project submitted the 30% schematic for TxDOT
review on April 30, 2018, and has since been working toward the 60% schematic submittal, which
Date: August 10, 2018 Report No. 2018-103
is expected to be made on August 20, 2018. Schematic approval for the project is anticipated to
occur in the February 2019 timeframe.
CONCLUSION:
Design is approximately 50% complete. City staff will continue to coordinate with local, regional,
state, and federal partners to advance the critical West Loop 288 project. TxDOT is requesting the
City of Denton to provide a recommendation on frontage road preference. A resolution will be
placed on the August 21, 2018, Council Agenda for formal consideration by Council to
recommend the northbound frontage road be completed as part of Phase I.
EXHIBITS:
1. West Loop 288 On-System Project Status Report, August 2018 STAFF CONTACT:
Mark Nelson
Director of Transportation
940.349.7702
Mark.Nelson@cityofdenton.com
Current Status:
Environmental: CP&Y developed ICI analysis and report.
Schematic: CP&Y revised Loop 288 corridor to meet clearance at gas well head locations. The
revised corridor caused revisions to the Loop 288 and frontage road profiles. These were checked
to limit the need for retaining walls. Three bridges and eight ramps were also affected by the
revised corridor and re-designed.
Four direct connectors at I-35W/Loop 288: NB-WB, EB-SB, EB-NB, and SB-WB to be included.
CP&Y has extended the scope of the project to include the design of eight additional direct
connector ramps: four at I-35 interchange and four at I-35W interchange. CP&Y developed a
preliminary design that is included in the 30% schematic submittal. Bridge details for all 19
bridges were submitted to TxDOT on July 31, 2018. CP&Y reduced/shifted corridor to avoid
damage to existing structures as much as possible. Working with ITS and City of Denton to
confirm cross street locations and grade separations. Meeting date to be determined.
The 30% schematic submitted on April 30, 2018. CP&Y has received aerial survey but is
awaiting utility information at IH 35W to be provided by TxDOT. Date for receipt to be
determined. Design approximately 50% complete. CP&Y received 30% schematic comments on
June 20, 2018. TxDOT review meeting to discuss comments held on June 26, 2018. The 60%
schematic design submittal due to TxDOT for review on August 20, 2018. Stakeholder meetings
and first public meeting to follow.
Loop 288 West
CSJ: 2250-00-013 (from I-35 to US 380) /
2250-00-014 (from US 380 to I-35W) Schematic Approval: February 2019
Limits: From I-35 to I-35W Environmental Clearance: December 2020
Estimated Construction Cost:
Frontage road only: $40M -013 (including frontage roads): $108M; -014 (including frontage roads): $150M
ROW Acquisition Complete: July 2020
Description: Construct controlled access freeway Utility Relocations Complete: July 2022
Firm: CP&Y 100% Plans: December 2021
Key Contact: Tom Cochill, Andrea Klocinski Ready to Let Date: March 2022 (-013); September
2022 (-014)