SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Locally Funded Agreement (LFA) between the State of Florida, Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the City of Clearwater to fund $750,000 for the construction of the SR 60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard/Courtney Campbell Causeway) Pedestrian Overpass from Courtney Campbell Trail to Bayshore Trail and approve a Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the maintenance of the aesthetic features of the SR 60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard/Courtney Campbell Causeway) Pedestrian Overpass (Bridge) from Courtney Campbell Trail to Bayshore Trail and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Trails are an essential part of the City of Clearwater's multi-modal transportation and recreation network.
In 2004, the City identified both the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail and the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail, Bayshore segment, as trails needed in the bicycle and pedestrian master plan. Subsequently both trails have been included in the Pinellas County long range transportation plan and have been funded and completed.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail currently terminates on the south side of SR 60 (Gulf-to-Bay Blvd.) connecting to the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail, Bayshore segment, on the north side utilizing a signalized pedestrian crosswalk. The current configuration slows down motor vehicle traffic on SR 60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard). FDOT proposed an overpass project to provide a safer alternative to the current at grade crossing for the trail users as well as enhance the traffic flow of motor vehicles on SR 60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard).
On June 16, 2016, the Council approved supporting the SUN Trail funding to construct the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail Overpass Bridge, authorized the City Manager to commit to the transfer of necessary city right-of-way/property for the project, and authorized the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding for maintenance of the overpass upon completion.
The City desired to enhance the project by providing $1,000,000 for the bridge aesthetics. In February 2022, the Council approved $250,000 through a funding agreement as the first request from FDOT for aesthetic design purposes only. The remaining commitment of $750,000 is now requested as a separate funding agreement for the construction portion of the aesthetic improvements for the project as FDOT plans to begin construction in August 2024 and be completed on or about January 2026.
The MOA requires that the City maintain the aesthetic features of the Pedestrian Bridge Project, as depicted in the construction plans and specifications of F.P.I.D. # 437498-1-52-02 attached as Exhibit “A” to the MOA, in perpetuity, according to the FDOT standards, which include, but are not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Design Standards, and the Standard Specifications.
The City agrees to provide routine maintenance of the Bridge including, but not limited to, fencing- wire mesh, expanded metal and pre-formed metal in direct support of the signage, and associated LED lighting, removal of graffiti, handrail-guardrail, bike racks, benches, trash receptacles and any other aesthetic features and components of the Pedestrian Bridge. The City shall sweep and remove litter within the Project limits which is denoted in the Construction Plans. The City shall also pay utility bills for lighting as associated with Bridge as well as conduct routine inspection of the Bridge to ensure that all safety deficiencies are addressed.
FDOT agrees to inspect and repair structural damage to the entire bridge structure over SR 60 (Courtney Campbell Causeway) within the Bridge Project located within the Departments right of way according to the FDOT Standards
Since, the City currently maintains the trail and landscaping along the Courtney Campbell Causeway as well as the Bayshore Trail, additional personnel will not be needed to maintain the bridge. Other than an increase in utilities and light maintenance of approximately $4,800 per year, there will be no other annual financial impacts to this MOA. If and when major repairs are needed to the aesthetic structure a separate Capital Improvement Project will be requested.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in CIP 315-93272 “Bicycle Paths & Bridges.”
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Entering into this LFA with FDOT for construction of the SR 60 (Gulf to Bay Boulevard/Courtney Campbell Causeway) Pedestrian Overpass from Courtney Campbell Trail to Bayshore Trail aligns with the following City of Clearwater Strategic Plan Objectives:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
• 1.4: Foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and emergency response services.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
• 3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization; and
• 4.4: Develop accessible and active transportation networks that enhance pedestrian safety and reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions.
