TAC debates two interim layouts, temporary signal for Legacy Pointe intersection; no committee recommendation

The Transportation Advisory Committee heard an extended presentation Oct. 20 on interim traffic arrangements for the Legacy Pointe development where Crossings Boulevard will tie into Keidron Boulevard near the Saturn Parkway ramps.

Gerald Bolden of the Accordino Group described the ultimate buildout at full development as roughly six lanes wide at the intersection (about 72 feet) and presented two interim alternatives. Both alternatives assume dual right turns and a single left from Crossings Boulevard; the key difference is how the northbound Keidron through and the Crossings left turn are sequenced. Bolden said Alternative 1 preserves a traditional left‑turn refuge for drivers but risks northbound queuing that could extend toward the ramps. Alternative 2 gives northbound through traffic a continuous green (a so‑called "green T") to reduce queueing but creates a short merge point where drivers turning left from Crossings must merge into northbound traffic.

Ralph Canasta, representing developer South Star, told the committee the developer is proposing a temporary signal and as many additional lanes as the existing right‑of‑way will accommodate. Canasta said the zoning would permit the developer to open earlier under stop‑sign control for initial phases but the developer voluntarily prefers a temporary signal and additional interim improvements. "I would anticipate we're looking at probably, from the original initial opening, probably about 2 years before we would have the permanent improvements done," Canasta said, adding that the timeframe assumes expedient design review and right‑of‑way acquisition.

Committee members pressed staff and the developer on certificate‑of‑occupancy (CO) triggers tied to phasing. Staff and the developer cited zoning conditions that require full build road improvements before issuance of COs for later phases (phases 2B, 3, 4A and 4B), while earlier phases could open with a stop condition. Staff said the interim condition under consideration does not include improvements to Reserve Boulevard, though the ultimate plan would extend improvements north to Reserve. Staff also noted coordination needs with the Saturn Parkway ramps and that traffic signal phasing and timing will require close coordination with adjacent signals and with TDOT where applicable.

Several members, including Vice Mayor Linville and Mr. Groninger, voiced a safety preference for Alternative 1 because it preserves driver familiarity and avoids the merge point for Crossings left turns. Staff said it has not taken a full formal recommendation because both alternatives have tradeoffs: Alternative 1 is likely safer for typical drivers while Alternative 2 may perform better operationally by reducing queues on Keidron.

No formal motion to recommend one alternative was made; the chair declined to force a vote and the matter will go to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final decision. Developers and staff said their near‑term target is to complete interim design review in roughly 60 days and, if approved, open the interim condition by April 1; the developer estimated 15–24 months for permanent widening if approvals and right‑of‑way acquisition proceed without delay.

Committee members asked staff to ensure that all CO triggers tied to road improvements are enforced as described in the zoning conditions and raised concerns about commercial/truck use and Reserve Boulevard impacts if permanent improvements are delayed.