2026 7 13 Work Session PACKET Council

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PUBLIC WORKS 
 
MEMORANDUM 
 
TO:  Bridget Roberts, City Manager  
   
FROM:  Ben Burchfield, Public Works Director 
 
DATE:  Friday, July 10, 2026 
 
SUBJECT: Lee Erwin Signalization Design Services Proposal 
 
Background 
 
The Public Works Department has completed improvements to the SR -30 corridor at exit 49 
over the last 12 months for improved detection ; signalization modification to flashing -yellow 
arrows, and signal  coordination to improve traffic flow during periods of increased demand . 
One item that was identified during the assessment, but that has yet to be completed is 
signalization of the intersection of Lee Erwin & Decatur Pike.  
 
A development group  completed a traffic impact assessment in summer of 2023 and 
determined that virtually any permutation of  commercial development uses around this  
intersection and will need improved traffic control via signalization. Additionally, there has 
been continued interest in development at both immediately adjacent parcels  to the 
intersection as well as other nearby parcels that would contribute to demand at this 
intersection. Interested parties have communicated that signalization would be a much- desired 
catalyst for continued development. 
 
As such, Public Works Staff were requested to solicit a proposal for professional services to 
initiate this design in January 2026; and the proposal has been in stasis since. Council should be 
aware that design and construction of the signal is not currently identified within the CIP; 
however, it is the Department’ s understanding that Council will be revisiting the CIP and this 
would be an appropriate item to discuss whether to integrate  into the CIP. Council should also 
understand that whether construction of improvements occurs  sooner, or later, on a long 
enough timeline  any development will drive  signalization nee d, and this engineering work 
would position us to have a “shovel -ready” set of plans to construct improvements if needed  
assuming we do not proceed posthaste to construction after completion of bid documents. 
 
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