As concerns about traffic congestion along FM 2499 hit social media, Flower Mound Town Council members discussed alternative measures they think should be considered to help both residents and others using the main thoroughfare as an alternative to Interstate 35E.
The topic surfaced twice on Flower Mound Cares Monday as residents posted photos about waiting in congested traffic.
Ken Parr, executive director of public works, told council members during the Monday meeting that ongoing congestion during morning and evening rush hours was anticipated at FM 2499 and Grapevine Mills Parkway due to construction.
Parr said Texas Department of Transportation officials indicated they could not do anything more to help the traffic congestion during the current phase of construction which necessitated closing lanes and funneling north-south traffic at the major intersection as part of the DFW Connector project. The project, being built by Northgate Constructors and TxDOT, has also impacted eastbound traffic on Grapevine Mills Boulevard.
Part of the reason for congestion, town officials said, was the additional traffic from people looking for alternative routes north and south with the ongoing widening of I-35E. In addition, construction is ongoing on Texas 121 and west FM 1171.
“They are trying to do the best they can to address everybody’s concerns,” Parr said, adding that TxDOT officials are also having to balance concerns of Grapevine Mills mall officials, specifically with the approaching holiday season.
Council member Michael Walker suggested considering alternate route signage to allow drivers to choose other routes. He also suggested considering adjusting traffic lights.
Parr said more individuals are using the FM 2499 and Spinks Road intersection as an alternative as well as other locations.
Council member Steve Dixon also suggested to keep in mind the timing of future construction projects to keep from having construction on both major thoroughfares as well as alternate routes.
Mayor Pro Tem Jean Levenick indicated the council was hearing complaints from residents. “We seem to be getting bottle-necked,” she said.
Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos told council members that during the recent hearing in New York to determine the town’s AAA rating, officials told them two areas that caught their eye was the lowering of the tax rate and the percentage of the tax rate the town has been able to shift from residential to commercial.
Stathatos also told council members the Modmarket Flower Mound location that recently opened has topped all records previously set by other locations of the Colorado-based restaurant chain.
In other business, town council members approved:
*an application for a tree removal permit for one specimen tree on property proposed for development of the Preserve at Flower Mound Phase One at 2621 Creekside Place.
*the town’s participation in the proposed installation of a screening wall/fence along the south right-of-way line of FM 1171 adjacent to the north boundary of Lost Canyon Estates Phase 1. The town’s participation will be 50 percent of the cost for the wall with the conditions that residents provide suitable temporary construction easement and that the town will not be responsible for maintenance. Councilmembers also agreed to pay full costs for installing a guardrail at the location.
*an ordinance to amend Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances, Article II, Section 26-51 and Section 26-57, and providing that the Town Council shall appoint the Municipal Court Judge by amending Section 26-58.3.
*a professional services agreement with Wade Trim, Inc., to provide professional engineering services for the Oak Drive Water Line Replacement project for $161,647.50.
*a professional services agreement with CobbFendley, Inc., to provide professional engineering services, for the McKamy Creek Road Reconstruction, Canterbury Drive Reconstruction and Superior Place Reconstruction projects in the amount of $337,290.
*the purchase and installation of play equipment for the Dixon Park Playground project, from Child’s Play, Inc., through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative, in the amount of $146,579.
*the purchase and installation of play equipment for the Prairie Creek Park Playground project, from Recreation Consultants of Texas, through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative, in the amount of $152,457.
*the purchase of new Traffic Signal detection Equipment for the traffic detection rehabilitation project, from Twincrest Technologies through the TxSmartBuy program in the amount of $124,918.
*the first amendment to the interlocal agreement with Lewisville Independent School District for construction and maintenance of a hike and bike trail on school property associated with the Pink Evening Primrose Trail Section 3.
*change order No. 4 associated with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Phase III project, amending the contract with Prime Controls, LP, for an increase in the amount of $50,888.66.
*the professional services agreement with Schrickel Rollins and Associates, Inc., to provide
professional engineering services for the Braden Bakersfield Park improvements project for $22,500,
*authorization to increase the settlement limit for the Whitworth right of way tract purchase, associated with the Stonecrest Road project, by $3,000.
Following a closed session, council members voted 5-0 to authorize the town manager to enter into an agreement to acquire property in conjunction with the public library.
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