Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc, for the Phase I Preliminary Engineering Design of the Home Avenue Bridge in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,812,191 and Authorizing its Execution
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Overview
Overview
The Engineering Division issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the design of a new Home Avenue bridge over I-290. The Village received eleven responses, interviewed three firms, and selected Stantec Consulting as the most qualified and best fit for this project. The proposal from Stantec is in an amount not to exceed $1,812,191 for the Phase I preliminary engineering design for a new Home Avenue bridge over I-290. Federal funds will be used to pay for 80% of the cost of the design.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
The Home Avenue Bridge is slated to be replaced with the future I-290 project. The Village is responsible for the design and construction of the bridge and will own the bridge per the Letter of Intent with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The Village has federal “Cap the Ike” grant funds that will be used to cover approximately 80% of the costs for the design.
The Engineering Division issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the engineering design (Phase I and II) of a new Home Avenue Bridge over I-290. he Village received eleven responses, interviewed three firms, and selected Stantec Consulting as the most qualified, best fit for this project. Stantec and their architect subconsultant Rosales + Partners have designed a number of pedestrian and bicycle bridges over highways and railroad corridors.
The Phase I preliminary design of the project includes developing five conceptual designs for the replacement bridge. The conceptual design will include a low-cost option, two medium-cost options, and two higher-cost options for signature bridges. The conceptual designs will also include various options for enlarged and enhanced entryways on both sides of the bridge to improve accessibility, safety, and the user experience.
Community, stakeholder, and commission input will be sought during the Phase 1 design of the bridge. Stantec’s subconsultant, Images, Inc., will oversee the public engagement process which will include two public open houses; gathering input using the Village’s Engage Oak Park site; and working with stakeholder groups including VOP, D97, the Park District, local bike and pedestrian advocacy groups, CSX, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and IDOT. The proposed concepts will also be presented to multiple commissions for their input, including the Transportation, Plan, Community Design, and Disability Access Commissions.
These design concepts for the bridge and entryways will be reviewed and guided by a proposed steering committee comprised primarily of local design professionals generally in architecture, landscape architecture and planning, engineering, or related fields. The steering committee will ultimately make a recommendation to the Village Board on their preferred design concept.
The Village Board will select the preferred design alternative for the new bridge and entryways and will have cost estimates for the various design alternatives presented. Following the Village Board’s selection of the preferred design, Stantec will submit the Phase I project report to IDOT for review and approval. Staff will then negotiate a separate Phase II design contract with Stantec based on this selected design and present that Phase II agreement to the Village Board for approval. It is anticipated that the Phase II work will also be primarily funded using “Cap the Ike” grant funds.
Since this project uses federal funds, IDOT will need to review and approve the engineering agreement and associated local agency agreement before work can start. Based on typical timelines, staff anticipates starting work on the Phase I design as early as the fall of 2024. The Phase I work is anticipated to take approximately 16 months to complete.
Fiscal Impact
The Fiscal Year 2024 Budget includes $300,000 for this project in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works-Engineering, Project Engineering account no. 3095.43780.101.570706. The remaining $1,512,191 will be included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Federal funds will be used to pay for 80% of the costs of this project. The Village will pay for the costs upfront and be reimbursed by the State for the work. The Village’s local share of the Phase I design is $362,439.
DEI Impact
There will be several opportunities for community engagement as part of this Phase I design. Staff will work with the consultant team to develop a community engagement strategy that focuses on getting input from marginalized and minoritized portions of the community and will work closely with Dr. Walker, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, during the process.
Alternatives
The Board could delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
N/A.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The design concepts will be presented to the Transportation Commission, Plan Commission, Disability Access Commission, and Community Design Commission to collect commission comments and input.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
A separate Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Engineering with IDOT and an associated Resolution committing funding for the engineering design of the project will be presented at an upcoming Village Board meeting.
A future Phase II Engineering Design Agreement with Stantec will be presented to the Village Board for approval following completion of the Phase I Preliminary Design work.
A Resolution establishing a steering committee of design professionals consisting primarily of professionals with architectural, engineering, landscape architecture and planning, or similar backgrounds will be presented at an upcoming Village Board meeting.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
This project involves the Village working with the State and Federal Highways to help fund the design of a new bridge over I-290. Other local agencies will also be part of a stakeholder group helping to guide the design process.