August 2026

Staff and the consultant team made great progress this past quarter April – June 2026. The following is a summary of the key work items underway:

• Right of Way – Right-of-way acquisition activities remain on hold until the project design is further refined and the Geometric Approval Drawings (GAD) are completed. This approach will help ensure future acquisitions are based on the finalized project footprint.

• Design & Engineering – The consultant team (BENEN) completed development of the Markeley Design Roundabout Concept Plan and incorporated City feedback related to design vehicle accommodations, bicycle facility alternatives, drainage basin configuration, maintenance access, and pedestrian improvements. Vehicle turning movement analyses, cross sections, and supporting exhibits have been prepared to support the design refinement process. BENEN is currently finalizing the Geometric Approval Drawings (GAD) and anticipates submitting in August. Completion of the GAD package will conclude the preliminary design phase and allow the project to advance into the early stages of final design.

• Environmental – Environmental field investigations for the Wang parcel have been completed. The draft geotechnical report and Phase I Environmental Site Assessment have been received and are under review. Based on the Phase I findings, additional environmental studies may be required. Due to the federal funding on the project, the NEPA amendment was processed so that federal environmental documentation may begin..

• Public Outreach – The project website remains active and available for public information and updates, with no significant public outreach activities completed this quarter.  

Overall, the project has advanced through preliminary design, with the roadway concept refined based on City input and supporting technical evaluations. Upcoming efforts will focus on completing the Geometric Approval Drawings, initiating final design, continuing environmental coordination, and maintaining progress toward meeting future funding and project delivery milestones.

April 21, 2026

Staff and the consultant team made great progress this past quarter January – April 2026. The following is a summary of the key work items underway:

• Right of Way –Right of Entry (ROE) field work has been completed for the project. Based on current direction, staff recommends holding off on title and right-of-way acquisition activities until the project design is further refined and Geometric Approval Drawings (GAD) are developed, ensuring acquisitions are aligned with the ultimate project footprint.

• Design & Engineering –The consultant team (BENEN) is actively refining the roundabout concept using the completed topographic survey. Current design considerations include pedestrian crossings on all approaches set back approximately 20 feet from the yield points, median improvements, and coordination with the Travis Unified School District to maintain existing school signage. The Markley Lane tie-in configuration continues to be evaluated. A preliminary construction cost estimate has been prepared and is under City review, with staff evaluating funding strategies and potential phasing approaches. Upon receiving City feedback, BENEN will proceed with development of the Geometric Approval Drawings. Drainage updates remain on hold pending confirmation of development density assumptions.

• Environmental –Environmental field work for the Wang parcel has been completed, and reporting is currently in progress. The project has secured federal funding, and an amendment to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) work is scheduled for City Council consideration on May 5, 2026.

• Public Outreach –The project website remains active and available for public information and updates, with no significant changes this quarter.  

Overall, the project has advanced from initial field investigations into more defined conceptual design. Key next steps include finalizing the roundabout concept, advancing Geometric Approval Drawings, and refining the project cost estimate to support development of a funding and phasing strategy. Current funding is sufficient to support design, environmental permitting, and right-of-way activities; however, a funding gap for construction remains. Staff will continue to evaluate local, state, and federal funding opportunities to advance the project toward implementation.

January 21, 2026

Staff and the consultant team held a Project Delivery Team (PDT) meeting on January 8, 2026, to review overall project status, schedule, and key coordination items for the Markeley Lane Reconnection Project. The following is a summary of the key work items underway:

• Right of Way - Final Right of Entry (ROE) agreements are anticipated within the next week. Survey work is expected to be scheduled later this month, and geotechnical investigations will be scheduled pending favorable weather conditions. ROEs for several key properties remain pending but are anticipated soon.

• Design & Engineering - The consultant team (BENEN) will begin concept development for the proposed roundabout and will refine the design once updated topographic survey data is received. Gateway feature concepts will be deferred until approximately 30 percent design. Drainage design updates are pending coordination with the developer on final housing density and land use assumptions, including compliance with updated C.3 stormwater requirements.

• Environmental - An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Addendum is in progress and remains dependent on confirmation of the final project footprint for wetland and aquatic resource delineation. Field work for aquatic resource delineation is anticipated to occur in March, which is considered the optimal timing window. BENEN will process an amendment to support these efforts.

• Public Outreach - The project website is live and available for public information and updates.

Overall, the project remains in early design and environmental phases, with several key technical activities scheduled to advance over the next 30 to 60 days, setting the foundation for future design milestones and right-of-way acquisition. It’s worth noting that currently there is only sufficient funding for design, environmental permitting, and right-of-way acquisition. Based on preliminary estimates, there appears to be a $3.3-$4.5M funding gap. Upcoming tasks for the PDT are to refine the construction estimate and work on a funding strategy to identify local, state, and federal grants to fund construction of the project.