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Weslaco awards Colliers contract to study and design VOTEC Drive–Pike Boulevard intersection improvements
Summary
After competing interviews, the commission approved Colliers to provide traffic engineering and design for intersection improvements at VOTEC Drive and Pike Boulevard. Colliers highlighted FAA constraints, 12‑hour traffic counts and options including a signal or alternative intersection controls.
The Weslaco City Commission selected Colliers on Jan. 21 to provide traffic engineering, design and construction‑phase services for improvements at the VOTEC Drive and Pike Boulevard intersection. The selection followed interviews with two respondents; the commission voted to enter negotiations with Colliers.
Colliers’ team outlined an approach that starts with coordination among city staff, police and the airport; a review of three years of crash data; 12 hours of traffic counts; and a traffic‑model analysis (Synchro) to determine the optimum control—signalization or another control form such as a roundabout or other alternative. Colliers emphasized aviation constraints because the runway at Mid Valley Airport lies in the intersection’s northwest quadrant; the firm proposed early FAA coordination and 3‑D flight‑path modeling to avoid obstructions.
Presenters said design will also address signal phasing, pedestrian/lighting improvements, utility conflicts, geotechnical inputs and a cost estimate suitable for competitive bid. Colliers noted possible grant opportunities such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program through TxDOT.
The two competing firms both described local experience; the locally based respondent (TETC) emphasized proximity and prior local work. Colliers’ team included traffic, roadway and FAA compliance leads and said it will provide subject matter experts on site during critical phases and include regional subconsultants for field counts and surveys. Colliers’ presenters estimated a typical schedule that includes traffic study and design phases, procurement and a construction window; staff and presenters discussed a total delivery horizon of roughly 12–18 months to design and procure and up to 6–9 months of construction, making a full delivery timeline around 12–18 months to 1.5 years depending on FAA coordination and contractor schedule.
The motion to select Colliers was made by Commissioner Pedraza, seconded by Commissioner Lopez and approved on an oral vote.
Colliers will enter negotiation with city staff to finalize scope, fee and the interlocal/contract terms before a contract returns to the commission for formal award and authorization to proceed with work and any construction procurement.
