PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider approval of a contract with Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. for the final plans, specifications, and estimates of the Gruene Area Multimodal Improvements Project.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Construction Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Gruene Area Multimodal Improvements Project is intended to enhance pedestrian safety, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, and multimodal connectivity in the Gruene Historic District and surrounding area. Planned improvements include shared-use paths along segments of Gruene Road and Hunter Road, sidewalks to complete gaps, intersection improvements at Gruene Road and Rock Street, and bicycle lane and right-of-way enhancements in selected areas.
In September 2022, RPS Engineering prepared a preliminary design for roadway and pedestrian improvements along Gruene Road in anticipation of the 2023 bond program. Although the project was not advanced through the 2023 bond, the area remained identified as a priority corridor with pedestrian and bicycle improvement needs. Several segments are included in the City’s Hike and Bike Trail Plan, specifically the Gruene Loop Trail. The project will also connect to the Waterway Lane Hike and Bike Trail, which is funded for construction in 2028, as well as pedestrian improvements being installed through the Common Street Widening Project.
A grant funding opportunity became available through AAMPO for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. On June 12, 2023, City Council approved a resolution of support for submission of the project to the AAMPO Transportation Improvement Program. The City subsequently contracted with Bain Medina Bain to advance preliminary engineering in support of the grant application. The project was selected to receive funding and is currently programmed for construction in 2031. Completing final design before the programmed construction funding date may create an opportunity to accelerate the project schedule.
On January 16, 2026, the City issued a task order request for final design to eligible firms and received 10 responses on February 2, 2026. Staff evaluated and scored the submissions and interviewed the top two firms. Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc., was determined to be the most qualified firm.
Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. submitted a scope of services and fee proposal for final design on an hourly, not-to-exceed basis in the amount of $1,359,464. The project is in an environmentally sensitive and historically significant area and is expected to require drainage improvements, utility relocations, and both stakeholder and public engagement. The scope of work includes project management, data collection, schematic design, agency coordination and public involvement, environmental studies, survey, geotechnical analysis, utility coordination, roadway design, drainage design, traffic design, detailed design documents, and Texas Department of Transportation and AAMPO coordination and documentation.
The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) authorized funding of up to $1,400,000 for the final design of the project at their June 18, 2026, meeting.
AAMPO has pledged $5,568,740 for 80% of the construction costs, with an outstanding 20% construction cost match required in the future.
The tentative project schedule includes:
- Final Design Contract Awarded: Fall 2026
- Construction Let Date: 2031, with potential for acceleration
- Secure Funding for 20% Construction Match: in alignment with Construction Letting
ISSUE:
Continue ongoing enhancements of pedestrian infrastructure throughout the City of New Braunfels.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
YES Economic Mobility YES Enhanced Connectivity N/A Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
• Enhanced Connectivity - Set total number of linear feet of gaps and measure progress made through redevelopment, capital investment, etc.
• Enhanced Connectivity - Increase bikeway, trails, and sidewalk miles
• Enhanced Connectivity - Increase walk and bike score
• Community Identity - Allocate resources and recurring funding dedicated to community-wide beautification and streetscape enhancement
• Community Well-Being - Develop capital and staffing investments that improve safety, reduce heat islands, and encourage transportation modes that support healthier lifestyles and exercise such as biking, walking, and running
New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) Strategic Priorities:
• Planning and Infrastructure - Make thoughtful and strategic investments in capital planning processes as well as infrastructure development in areas including transportation, drainage, public spaces, and trails to create an attractive environment for business growth and development and talent acquisition
• Enhancing Sense of Place - Strengthen quality of place by advancing investments that preserve New Braunfels’ character and improve downtown amenities, create unique outdoor spaces, and support catalytic projects for the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The NBEDC has an appropriate fund balance to approve this expenditure and has authorized this expense.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a contract with Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. for the final plans, specifications, and estimates of the AAMPO Gruene Multimodal Improvements Project.