Sidewalk Q&A, Info with COA’s John Eastman
John Eastman of the Austin Transportation and Public Works department was scheduled to speak at our July 10th, 2023 meeting on various sidewalk projects. He serves as Manager of Sidewalk and Special Projects Division. Due to a family emergency, he was unable to attend, but answered in writing some questions we submitted in advance to him. The text of his answers are below.
Contact info:
John Eastman, Manager of Sidewalk and Special Projects Division: John.Eastman@austintexas.gov
Iman Salem, Consulting Engineer to the City of Austin: imad.salem@mwmdg.com and 512.296.3932
Image from City of Austin site
Question:
Can homeowners decline to have sidewalks built in front of their property?
Answer (from John Eastman):
No, sidewalks are constructed within the dedicated City Right of Way (ROW) and not on landowners property. Sidewalks can only fulfill their function of providing safe and accessible pedestrian routes when they are connected as part of a complete network.
Q:
Another neighbor says she doesn't understand how your department prioritizes needs. She thinks that a sidewalk is desperately needed on the southwest corner of Avenue F between 40th and 41st. She says there is lots of flooding there, and there is no ADA access.
A:
She is likely correct, due to decades of deferred maintenance only 32% of the city's sidewalk network is in a functionally acceptable condition. We're working hard to fix sidewalks citywide and have made significant improvements over the last 7 years (in 2015 only 16% of sidewalks were functionally acceptable). There are over 1,900 miles of sidewalk that need work in Austin and current funding levels are only sufficient to address around 50 miles per year. The prioritization of those limited funds is based on the 2016 Sidewalk Plan/ADA Transition Plan.
Q:
What are the City's plans for detailed design around existing obstacles, such as trees?
A:
Retrofit sidewalks are routed around trees to the greatest extent possible within the limits of the City ROW.
Q:
Are those plans available to the public?"
A:
To allow flexibility in working with landowners while also addressing city tree requirements sidewalks are installed using a field engineered approach. If there are questions about a specific location the Consulting Engineer for the project, Imad Salem, will meet with adjacent property owners on site. He can be reached on his mobile at 512.296.3932 to arrange a site visit.
Q:
Also, what are the responsibilities of property owners to maintain and prune planting along the sidewalk in front of their property?
A:
Adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining vegetation so that it does not block sidewalks or streets.
Q:
When the sidewalk crew damages an in-ground sprinkler system (as she says the City did on 4200 block of Speedway) who pays for the repairs — the city or the property owner?
A:
The City takes care of all repairs and costs to relocate existing functional irrigation systems that are impacted by sidewalk projects. Please note that this approach is above and beyond city requirements for irrigation systems that were installed in the City ROW without a valid license agreement.
Q:
Do the crews advise homeowners to shut off in-ground sprinkler systems before sidewalk work begins?
A:
Yes.
Q:
If a property owner is out of town and didn't get a message to shut off a sprinkler system, what happens if/when a crew damages a sprinkler line or water main?
A:
If the contractor has been unable to reach a landowner because they are out of town the water will be shut off at the meter for a short period of time to relocate the irrigation system that was installed in the City ROW.
Q:
Will the crew shut off water to the property at the city shutoff or will it just flood until the homeowner returns?
A:
Water will be shut off temporarily and then turned back on when work is complete.
Q:
What is the schedule for new sidewalks?
A:
Crews are currently scheduled to be in the Hyde Park area for another 5 - 6 months. For a map of upcoming sidewalk work please visit Sidewalk Program website or use the following link: Upcoming sidewalk construction
Q:
How were the priorities determined ?
A:
Council adopted the 2016 Sidewalk Plan/ADA Transition Plan.
Q:
Are there specific plans or drawings for new sidewalks where there are large trees and fences?
A:
No, to allow flexibility in working with landowners while also addressing city tree requirements sidewalks are installed using a field engineered approach. If there are questions about a specific location the Consulting Engineer for the project, Imad Salem, will meet with adjacent property owners on site. He can be reached on his mobile at 512.296.3932 to arrange a site visit.
Q:
If there are no drawings, how are locations determined? What are the instructions to the contractor regarding placement?
A:
Consulting Engineer provides direction to contractor on sidewalk placement following guidance of the Sidewalk Plan, Transportation Criteria Manual, Environmental Criteria Manual, City tree preservation ordinance and in consultation with adjacent landowner if requested.
Q:
Should property owners remove items in the right of way?
A:
If there are concerns about needing to possibly move items in ROW would request adjacent landowner contact Consulting Engineer Imad Salem at 512.296.3932 to arrange a site visit.
Q:
Why are sidewalks being replaced that appear to be in good shape, for example the 4200 Block of Speedway?
A:
Sidewalks that appear to be in good shape sometimes do not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and need to be replaced to provide a complete ADA compliant route. In addition there are times where sidewalks need to be rerouted to mitigate potential tree impacts that can involve removing otherwise good sidewalk.
Q:
Speedway and 43rd: The city has poured a sidewalk at the curb at this lot apparently to avoid moving some homeowner bushes. It appears to be making a mess with the ability to connect with the ramp across 43rd. The City also appears to have also poured a new driveway and sidewalk for this homeowner. Could you please explain this design? Will the homeowner’s work be paid for by the City? What policies should the neighborhood expect going forward?
A:
All work necessary to provide an ADA compliant sidewalk route is funded by the City including constructing driveway approaches and relocating irrigation systems where needed. When complete there will be connecting ramps at all intersections included in the project.
Mr. Eastman also provided the following links for reference:
• 2016 Sidewalk Plan/ADA Transition Plan: provides the goals and policies that guide the work of the Sidewalk Program. The plan addresses sidewalk gaps, maintenance of existing sidewalks, and sidewalk related requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Upcoming sidewalk construction: interactive map of Sidewalk Program projects
• Sidewalk, Urban Trails, and Bikeways Plan updates: austintexas.gov/department/atx-walk-bike-roll:
• Mobility Annual Plan (MAP): an overview of upcoming City of Austin transportation improvement projects including sidewalks. The draft 2023 MAP narrative and interactive map are currently available for review by city staff and Council Offices.
Learn more about the City of Austin’s sidewalk program at the city’s website: https://www.austintexas.gov/sidewalks
Also, check out KUT’s 2023 podcast feature “Why Do Sidewalks In Austin Suddenly End?” from ATXplained: https://www.kut.org/austin/2023-02-09/why-do-sidewalks-in-austin-suddenly-end
