Council briefed on Poplar Tent/Harris Road intersection design; staff seeks authorization to contract with RK&K for design (20% city match $278,004.86)

City transportation staff presented the next phase of design for the Poplar Tent and Harris Road intersection and requested authorization to negotiate and execute a design services contract with RK&K (referred to in the presentation as "RK and K" / "Rommel, Klepper, and Carl"). Staff presented a rendering and explained that a quadrant‑left design had been identified as the preferred solution to separate left‑turn movements and improve signal timing and throughput.

Under the proposed plan, northbound Harris Road would still go straight but left‑turn movements would use the quadrant connector; east‑west movements on Poplar Tent would similarly use quadrant connections to make left turns rather than at the main intersection. Staff said the design retains full movement for most approaches while reducing the footprint and utility impacts compared with earlier, wider alternatives. Staff also said the design would include multiple signalized intersections, including the quadrant connector and a consolidated signal near the Harris Teeter and fire station to reduce queuing into the fire station.

Funding for the design phase is expected to be 80% STBGDA (MPO) and 20% city transportation project funds, with the city's share noted as $278,004.86. Council asked clarifying questions on left‑turn access, signal locations, queue lengths, property impacts at the corner parcel, and coordination with a large sewer request for the same corner; staff responded that right‑of‑way acquisition for the connector is planned and that project coordination with sewer work is needed.

No formal contract award or council vote is recorded in the provided transcript excerpt; staff requested authorization to proceed with the design phase.