Committee authorizes design work and seeks lower-footprint options for Drakes Creek (Stop 30) roundabout; closure expected during construction

The Capital Projects Committee authorized staff to move forward with engineering design options for the Drakes Creek/Anderson intersection (Stop 30) and directed that staff consider designs that limit the amount of private property acquisition. The committee approved an amended motion to pursue the smaller-footprint alternative that remains functional and to explore minor alignment shifts if that reduces homeowner impacts.

Steven, the presenting staff member, said project plans envision building a new bridge and demolishing the existing structure, which requires closing the west leg of Stop 30 for the duration of the project. "We expect that that portion of Stop 30 will be closed for at least 18 months," Steven said; Drakes Creek Road itself would generally remain open with staged traffic control and intermittent lane reductions.

Committee members raised concerns about right-of-way, eminent-domain implications and budget. Staff explained the TIP submittal will request the total project amount (for example, the Drakes Creek project has a revised probable cost around $12 million) even if some funding has already been spent. Committee members noted that if the city seeks additional federal funds through GNRC, the citys share on any additional funding is generally 20% of that increment; staff gave an example that a $4 million unbudgeted increase would carry roughly an $800,000 local match.

Members also pressed staff on community communications. Casey and Steven described a project webpage, an email distribution list with about 45 subscribers and the option to place a "Notify me" signup and Stop 30 notices on the citys front page. The committee asked staff to coordinate outreach with the county because county residents also use Stop 30 frequently.

On permitting and right-of-way timing, staff said the project involves an active court process for a cemetery parcel, coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers and TDEC, and purchase of mitigation credits for stream relocation; those permit steps are included in the current cost estimates. Several members said they want the design and alternatives reviewed by the full Board of Aldermen and alerted to the potential $500,000-plus design cost when budgeted.

The motion to authorize design work passed after discussion; the committee did not vote to allocate design funding at the meeting but instructed staff to pursue the specified design alternatives and to return with cost and schedule implications when available.