PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WHKS & CO. OF AMES, IA, FOR THE 2026/27 MULTI-MODAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND 2027/28 TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROGRAM (LINCOLN WAY & UNIVERSITY BLVD) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $78,500
The City's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) includes improvements to the intersection of University Boulevard and Lincoln Way through two separate programs: the Multi-Modal Roadway Improvements Program and the Traffic Signal Program. The project will combine replacement of the existing traffic signal infrastructure with protected intersection improvements intended to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
The Multi-Modal Roadway Improvements Program includes $320,000 in FY 2026/27 for protected intersection improvements while the Traffic Signal Program includes $500,000 in FY 2027/28 for replacement of the existing traffic signal. Together, these programs provide $820,000 in funding for the intersection improvements. Coordinating these improvements as a single project will minimize duplicated design and construction efforts while reducing disruptions to the traveling public.
PROJECT SCOPE:
The proposed improvements include a complete replacement of the existing traffic signal, pavement modifications to match the proposed intersection configuration, relocation of existing sidewalks and shared use paths, and construction of raised right-turn splitter islands with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) in all four quadrants, as illustrated in the attached conceptual sketch. The combination of audible pedestrian pushbuttons at the new traffic signal and RRFB crossings will provide pedestrians with vision impairments audible crossing assistance throughout the entire intersection. Together, these improvements will enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and accessibility while maintaining the operational needs of the intersection.
The proposed services also includes work to create a pavement patching plan within the intersection that is anticipated to be incorporated into the project utilizing Pavement Restoration funds.
Engineering services will also include coordination with Iowa State University to establish existing right-of-way limits, development of construction plans in accordance with the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS), and one public informational meeting to provide an opportunity for public review and input on the proposed improvements.
ENGINEERING SERVICES PROCUREMENT:
For approximately 10 years, City staff has worked with WHKS & Co. on the design of traffic signal replacement projects throughout Ames. Through this relationship, WHKS has developed a comprehensive understanding of the City's traffic signal design standards, operational preferences, and proprietary equipment requirements. This familiarity has established a consistent approach to plan development, reducing the time necessary for design coordination, staff reviews, and revisions.
Maintaining continuity with WHKS provides significant efficiencies both in the design process and with City staff's review of engineering plans. The firm's familiarity with the City's established preferences and traffic signal infrastructure reduces the need to repeatedly communicate design requirements, promotes consistent construction documents, and helps expedite project delivery. These efficiencies are particularly beneficial given the specialized nature of traffic signal design and the need to maintain compatibility with the City's existing traffic signal systems.
In light of these advantages, staff is recommending that the City Council waive the Purchasing Policies and Procedures requirement for competitive proposals and approve a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co. in the amount of $78,500 for design services.
Staff has reviewed the proposed scope of services and negotiated fee submitted by WHKS & Co. and determined that they are in alignment with previous work and are appropriate for the anticipated engineering work. The proposed agreement will provide for the development of coordinated construction plans for both the traffic signal replacement and protected intersection improvements.
The table below shows the revenues and anticipated expenses for the project.
| Revenues | Expenses | ||
| Multi-Modal Program Road Use Tax | $320,000 | ||
| Traffic Signal Program Road Use Tax | $500,000 | ||
| Design (this Council Action) | $78,500 | ||
| Administration | $40,000 | ||
| Construction (estimate) | $700,000 | ||
| Total | $820,000 | Total | $818,500 |
- Waive the Purchasing Policies and Procedures requirement for competitive proposals and approve a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co. of Ames, IA, for the 2026/27 Multi-Modal Roadway Improvements and 2027/28 Traffic Signal Program (Lincoln Way & University Blvd) in an amount not to exceed $78,500.
- Direct staff to solicit competitive proposals for this engineering work.
The University Boulevard and Lincoln Way improvements will replace aging traffic signal infrastructure while enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety. WHKS & Co.'s longstanding experience with the City's traffic signal systems provides consistency in design standards and efficiencies in plan development and staff review. Staff has determined the proposed $78,500 engineering fee to be in alignment with past expenditures for similar work and appropriate for the required services. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.