Commission approves signal and median-closure plan tied to proposed Racetrack travel plaza at SW 8th and South Council Road

The Traffic and Transportation Commission on June 15 approved a request to install a traffic signal at Southwest 8th Street and South Council Road related to a proposed travel-plaza and industrial development, and recommended closure of an existing median opening to streamline access.

Applicant representative David Box said the proposal follows a traffic impact analysis supporting signal warrants at the new intersection and allows full access management via a median closure at the I‑40 service-road exit. "We've shown that a signal is warranted at 8th Street under this future development," engineer Justin Willis told the commission.

Staff confirmed the Lee Engineering study met three separate traffic warrants (8‑hour, 4‑hour, and peak‑hour) for the intersection under projected development. Staff also described eight recommended conditions of approval and said businesses near the corridor were notified with a changeable message board.

Commissioners discussed a common development approach in which the applicant funds construction so a required signal can be installed before the city's bond program provides funds. Commissioner KS moved to approve the application with the staff's eight conditions; Commissioner Littlefield seconded, and the commission approved the item 7–0.

Next steps: staff will work with the applicant on construction documents and conditions; the approved motion included that the applicant bear financial responsibility for construction documents and associated construction costs if they choose to accelerate the project rather than wait for city funding.