URD III Curb & Sidewalk Project
Client: Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA)
Client Contact: Tod Gass, Project Coordinator
Date of Service: 2009 – Present
Budget: Approximately $1,300,000
This project for the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) involved the survey and delineation of 26 blocks of right-of-way within 6 platted subdivisions with varying right-of-way widths located within the Urban Renewal District III (URD III). Mapping, control and right-of-way data was referenced to the Montana State Plane Coordinate System (NAD83), with the vertical datum referenced to NAVD 88, which enabled aerial photos, addresses, and approximate property lines to be integrated into plan sheets. Survey data was gathered on 25’ stations throughout the project to meet the goal of matching the new infrastructure to existing street grades with utmost accuracy in order to provide the best possible “Value Engineered” design. By establishing the detail of the right-of-way, TLI identified areas requiring additional easements to accommodate street improvements. TLI coordinated with the Missoula Irrigation District in order to facilitate the crossing of irrigation ditches at seven separate locations. TLI also coordinated with utility companies and adjacent property owners to identify design constraints which enabled efficient mapping and locates over an expansive area in a short timeframe.
After surveying information was gathered and processed, the design of 6,200 linear feet of curb and 67,000 square feet of sidewalk were designed within the first two phases. Phase 3 is currently being designed and will account for approximately 4,900 linear feet of curb and 46,000 square feet of sidewalk. Due to the detailed information gathered while surveying, TLI was able to design the new infrastructure compatible with existing street features and utility constraints. This created substantial cost-savings for the MRA and improved infrastructure with less maintenance costs for the City and reduced the need for change orders. TLI also implemented Value Engineering by providing a cost-benefit analysis to the City for the design and installation of bridges to cross irrigation ditches. The analysis proved that bridges for ditch crossings would not be an optimum use of funding and design alternatives were chosen.
A critical component attributed to the success of this project is the Public Relations effort. A great number of parcels had personal property such as fences and landscaping located within the right-of-way and many residents of the URD III were not aware of what public right-of-way is or where their property lines are; this prompted TLI to put forth a coordinated effort to educate project residents and provide continuous support to the MRA by resolving issues related to the project. Through a joint-effort with the City TLI was able to accommodate reasonable requests by area residents within budget and within existing time constraints. TLI hosted a public meeting at the onset of the project and invited the over 700 people affected by the improvements. TLI also made the design plans available on our company website, posted construction notices and sent letters to residents accompanied by a plan sheet which identified encroachments within the right-of-way prior to the commencement of construction activities for each phase. TLI was responsible for boundary and mapping surveying, engineering design, contract administration, construction oversight, and Public Relations. The third and final phase of improvements is currently being designed and construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2011.