PRESENTER: Presenter
Carly Farmer, Assistant City Engineer
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the second and final reading of an ordinance to amend Section 126-149 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Braunfels to revise the bounds of a school zone on FM 1863.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 3
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
City Council unanimously approved the first reading at the December 9, 2024 meeting.
The New Braunfels Christian Academy (NBCA) campus on FM 1863 has requested to change the bounds of the school speed zone on FM 1863 due to an expansion project for the school. The posted speed limit on FM 1863 in the vicinity of the school is 40 mph and increases to 55 mph moving west on FM 1863 outside of city limits. A school speed zone with flashing beacons exists in front of the school and has a posted speed limit of 35 mph during the active school zone times. The school speed zone is currently 1,625 feet in length.
NBCA is constructing an expansion of the school grounds with additional facilities to the west of the existing campus. Based on guidance in the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) and a recommendation from TxDOT, the project engineer has requested to extend the boundary of the school speed zone to account for the expanded campus frontage on FM 1863. City staff reviewed the proposal and guidance in the TMUTCD and agree with the relocation proposal.
A temporary traffic order has been secured from the Chief of Police in order for the school speed zone signs and flashing beacons to be relocated while city staff presents the ordinance revision to City Council for approval. NBCA has a contractor available to relocate the signs and flashing beacon and will be coordinating with Public Works on inspection and acceptance of the work.
ISSUE:
The New Braunfels Christian Academy has requested to extend the school zone in front of the campus on FM 1863 due to an expansion project for the school.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
New Braunfels Christian Academy is responsible for the cost of the signs, equipment, and installation.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously recommended approval at their November 14, 2024 meeting.
Staff
Staff recommends extending the school zone on FM 1863.