From
Brett Huntsman
Title
Master Thoroughfare Plan Amendments to reclassify Westchester Parkway from Dechman Dr. to the City Limit (east); and to reclassify Westcliff Rd. from I-20 EB Frontage to E Bardin Road
Presenter
Walter Shumac III, Director of Transportation Services
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
Westchester Parkway: The Master Thoroughfare Plan (MTP) identifies Westchester Parkway from Dechman Dr. to the City Limit (east) as a principal arterial 4-lane divided (P4D).
City staff recommends downgrading this section of roadway to a minor arterial, 4-lane undivided (M4U). This designation would match the existing segment of Westchester to the west of Dechman Dr. and to remove design restrictions imposed by the minimum standards per the Grand Prairie Unified Development Code (UDC).
Downgrading the roadway classification to a M4U changes the horizontal radius from 1050’ to 775’ and reduces right-of-way requirements from 100’ to 70’. These changes allow for sharper turns and less required right-of-way, thereby reducing the impact of the roadway on existing development as well as minimizing impact to future development of the area.
The transition from a M4U to a P4D can create challenges in the transition between the roadway segment types. The proposed change allows for a continuous road segment and simplifies future intersection control methods.
City staff recommends reclassifying Westchester Parkway.
Westcliff Rd: The MTP identifies Westcliff Rd. from I-20 EB Frontage to E Bardin Rd as a minor arterial 3-lane undivided (M3U).
City staff recommends upgrading this section of roadway to a minor arterial, 4-lane undivided (M4U). This change will create additional north/south carrying capacity. The additional lanes will produce a net increase on capacity for the area with the downgrading of Westchester Pkwy.
Upgrading the roadway classification will require an additional 10’ of right-of-way to accommodate the new section type.
City staff recommends reclassifying Westcliff Rd.
Financial Consideration
There is no cost to make the changes to the Master Thoroughfare Plan.