Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWest College Street and South 11th Avenue Intersection Improvements pF Do2 Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Rick Hixson, City Engineer Sue Stodola,Project Engineer Chris Kukulski, City Manager SUBJECT: West College Street and South l lth Avenue Intersection Improvements MEETING DATE: August 25, 2008 RECOMMENDATION: Choose an alternative for the subject intersection improvements, either traffic signal or roundabout; authorize staff to proceed with implementation of the chosen alternative; and authorize an increase to the project budget and impact fee funding for the chosen alternative. Engineering Staff, as well as MSU University Facilities Planning Board and the Bozeman Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee, generally support installation of a roundabout at this intersection. Engineering staff will attend the August 25, 2008, Commission meeting to present a complete discussion of the findings of the Intersection Improvements Study and to solicit Commission input and direction. BACKGROUND: The West College Street and South 1 lth Avenue Intersection project was identified in the Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2001 Update as TSM-32, and has been carried forward in the draft Plan 2007 Update. It is also listed in the Capital Improvements Plan FY09-13. In addition, the Commission has previously indicated that improvements to College Street from South 81h Avenue west to Main Street are the number one transportation priority. The intersection improvement of West College Street and South 11 th Avenue is one component of the overall improvements for the corridor. Commission Memorandum West College Street and South I Ph Avenue Intersection Improvements Study August 25,2008 Page 2 of 3 The Capital Improvements Plan identified funding for a traffic signal warrant analysis in FY08. Morrison-Maierle, Inc. was hired to perform the study of the intersection which resulted in the attached Intersection Improvements Study dated June 2008. The study documents that the intersection meets sufficient traffic signal warrant criteria as outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The study also evaluates the feasibility of other potential improvements. Two alternatives were identified as viable: traffic signal and roundabout. A synopsis of each alternative, including a list of advantages and disadvantages,is located on pages 2 through 5 of the Intersection Improvement Study beginning with the section titled Principal Findings. A concept plan for each alternative is located in Appendix E. Both the MSU University Facilities Planning Board and the Bozeman Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee have reviewed the Intersection Improvements Study. MSU has conveyed a preference for the roundabout, as has the Committee. Both have requested that specific design consideration be given to the pedestrian facilities. The Committee has noted that careful attention needs to be paid to minimize the hazard to blind and visually impaired pedestrians. A copy of the comments received is attached. It is clear from the study that either alternative would meet the needs of the community for improvements to the intersection. However, Engineering staff generally concurs with the comments from MSU and the Committee,i.e.,this would be a good location to install a roundabout. UNRESOLVED ISSUES: There are two unresolved issues regarding the project: the choice of alternative for the intersection improvements, and an increase in project budget and funding. Intersection Improvements Alternatives: 1. Traffic Signal—See the Intersection Improvements Study for the synopsis on page 2,the list of advantages and disadvantages on page 4, the conclusions and recommendations on page 5, and the concept plan in Appendix E. The estimated cost of the traffic signal is$440,000 consisting of$12,000 for right-of-way and$428,000 for design, construction, and construction inspection. 2. Roundabout- See the Intersection Improvements Study for the synopsis on page 3,the list of advantages and Commission Memorandum West College Street and South I Vh Avenue Intersection Improvements Study August 25,2008 Page 3 of 3 disadvantages on page 4, the conclusions and recommendations on page 5, and the concept plan in Appendix E. The estimated cost of the roundabout is $700,000 consisting of$112,000 for right-of-way and$588,000 for design, construction, and construction inspection. Project Budget and Funding: The current budget and funding noted in the Capital Improvement Plan FY09-13 is$350,000 for the project and $100,000/year for on-going right-of-way acquisition. 1. Traffic Signal—The project budget will need to be increased by $90,000 from$350,000 to $440,000. The estimated right-of- way cost of$12,000 is within the $100,000 budget for FY09. 2. Roundabout—The project budget will need to be increased by $238,000 from$350,000 to $588,000. The estimated right-of- way cost of$112,000 exceeds the$100,000 budget for FY09 and will need to be continued into FY10. FISCAL EFFECTS: The project will be funded through Street Impact Fees. ALTERNATIVES: As may be suggested by the City Commission. Respectfully submitted, Approved by: A a 49L_ Susan M. Stodola, Project Engineer Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager Attachments: Intersection Improvements Study, and comment letters (2) Report compiled on 8/19/08 cc: Project File Susan Stodola From: Lashaway, Robert[rvl@montana.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008 10:23 AM To: Susan Stodola Cc: Richard Hixson Subject: Intersection Study- 11th &College The University Facilities Planning Board (UFPB) reviewed the executive summary and the recommendations contained in Morrison/Maierle's "Intersection Improvements Study for College/1 lth Ave." As a result of the board's review MSU would like to convey a reference for consideration of installing a roundabout for traffic control at the intersection of College/I V Ave. The city should give specific design consideration for adequate pedestrian facilities and winter driving conditions. If a roundabout is finally constructed, MSU will follow up with a campus community education program to inform campus users about roundabout traffic protocol. (Keep in mind that the University System and the Board of Regents govern final approval of easements and rights-of-way associated with university property. While the above statement is not an absolute assurance of endorsement of the necessary space required for a roundabout, the additional space required is clearly evident in the study recommendation and was apparent and viewed as probably workable, throughout the UFPB's discussion.) Robert V. Lashaway,Associate VP University Services MSU-Plew Building PO Box 172760 Bozeman, Mt 59717-2760 RVL(a@montana.edu Ph 406.994.2001 Fax 406.994.6572 1