City of Waco, Texas

“Upgrade existing traffic signals to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency for the traveling public.
Bring existing traffic signals to the Texas and Federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.
Replace damaged conduits and cables so that signals do not go to flash in wet weather.
Increase safety by adding longer mast arm signal poles for left turn signals and flashing yellow arrows.
Add curb ramps, accessible pedestrian buttons and countdown pedestrian signals.
Modernization includes adding conduits for camera detection upgrades to replace damaged loops in the pavement.
Upgrade cabinets and controllers and radios to modernize communications for traffic management software.
This work is not part of the expected routine City maintenance budget but is for major repair and replacement and new locations.
Future and previous work includes:
Lakeshore Dr at Martin Luther King Jr Blvd: Repair signals that flash in wet weather, replace conduit and cables ($187,500)
Franklin at 5th St: Replace Poles and conduit. ($120,000)
Bus 77 at Primrose: Add video detection and replace conduits. ($50,000)
New Rd at Memorial: Replace cabinet, pedestrian signals and video detection ($150,000)
Herring at Flewellen: Replace signal pole and foundation ($50,000)
4th St and 5th St at Firehouse Emergency Flashing Beacons ($50,000)
“”Your Speed”” traffic calming feedback signs ($50,000)
New School Flashing Beacons at Harmony School on Dutton Ave ($50,000)”

Originally built in 1961 as a slab (3 x 15ft span) bridge carrying 2-11ft roadway lanes over Primrose Creek, the 12th St Bridge was modified in 1972 to carry 4-11ft lanes over Primrose Creek. The TxDOT Bridge Inspection Reports comments include resealing the joints, repairing spalls, replacement of damaged rail, settlement along the abutments, settlement under the sidewalks, cracking of different elements, exposed drilled shafts, and moderate wear of deck. As part of the Bridge Program, the Public Works staff conducted inspections with the goal of accessing the structure and prioritizing repairs. City staff agrees with the TxDOT Bridge Inspection’s assessment of the bridge. The City of Waco’s 2020 Stormwater Master Plan prepared by Walker Associates indicates that the S12th Street bridge deck inundates at the 10-year storm frequency. The ultimate plan (Oakwood Channel and Bridge Improvements) for the Primrose Creek drainage channel, as outlined in the CIP Stormwater Masterplan, would reduce the floodplain from S21st Street to University Parks Drive. This plan includes the reconstruction of the 12th Street Bridge to increase capacity under the bridge, raise the roadway, and contain the floodplain to the channel. The Oakwood Channel and Bridge Improvements is an approximately $40 million dollar project that includes the widening of the existing Primrose Creek channel, reconstruction of identified bridges, and removal of some bridges.

“The Washington Avenue Bridge is a 450’ single span Pennsylvania through truss bridge that crosses over the Brazos River. The bridge was built in 1901 to parallel The Waco Suspension Bridge and offer an alternative connection from Downtown Waco to East Waco. When built the Washington Avenue Bridge was the longest single-span truss bridge in Texas. In 2008, the City of Waco partnered with TxDOT on a five-million-dollar rehabilitation project for The Washington Avenue Bridge. This project included pedestrian rail improvements, improved bridge lighting, replacement of truss members and a new bridge slab. The rehabilitation project also covered the southwest abutment with a white façade.

The 2020 BRINSAP Report and by reference the 2018 Fracture Critical Inspection Report had the following comments: replace cracked and broken interior pin nuts, place shims between Girder 3 and bearing plate, install identified missing bolts, monitor tears at bottom of truss vertical hanger channel members, seal joints, northeast abutment cracking and concrete loss and other minor items.

In Fall 2021, Public Work’s Staff was notified of water seeping through cracks in the southwest abutment. During the investigation, City Staff was informed that the issue began when water was added to a manhole at the intersection of Washington Avenue and University Parks. Staining around the cracks indicated that this issue had happened previously. City Staff was not able to find detailed as-built drawings or fully assess the storm line due to the age and poor condition of the line. City Staff believes the southwest abutment, prior to the 2010 rehabilitation project, was developing similar cracking patterns seen today. The previous improvements appear to have slowed the cracking of the original substructure, but have not prevented further cracking in the abutment and retaining wall.”

Waco Regional Airport completed a comprehensive Pavement Management Program in 2019 in accordance with ASTM D5340-12 and FAA Advisory Circular 150/5380-7B. The final report dated September 2019 developed a comprehensive assessment of all aviation pavements and serves as a blueprint for prioritizing ongoing maintenance and capital funding priorities. Both runways are asphalt concrete and nearing the end of their overall service life. This project proposes near-term rehabilitation of the surface course to extend the useful life of the overall runway pavement system. If deferred, the pavement wearing surface will continue to decline below satisfactory levels. To preserve and extend the useful life of the pavement, a mill and overlay of the asphalt surface is proposed and the project will include restriping and grooving.

Replace, repair, rehabilitate pumps, motors and lift stations.