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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/2017Council Work Session July 24, 2017 Time indicated below Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Roll Call. Approval of Agenda, as proposed or amended. 3:45 p.m. Update on University Avenue Project. Submitted By: Eric Thorson, City Engineer Approx. Discussion of shared services at Waste Treatment Facility. 4:15 p.m. Submitted By: Mayor Quentin Hart Approx. Presentation provided by Buxton Representatives. 4:35 p.m. Submitted By: Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director ADJOURNMENT Kelley Felchle City Clerk CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Update on University Avenue Project. City Council Meeting: 7/24/2017 Prepared: 7/19/2017 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Engineering Felchle, Kelley Approved 7/19/2017 - 10:00 AM SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement: Expenditure Required: Source of Funds: Policy Issue: Alternative: Background Information: Update on University Avenue Project. Submitted By: Eric Thorson, City Engineer CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Discussion of shared services at Waste Treatment Facility. City Council Meeting: 7/24/2017 Prepared: 6/15/2017 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Mayor Office Westphal, Michelle Approved 6/15/2017 - 5:44 PM Clerk Office Higby, Nancy Approved 6/19/2017 - 1:19 PM ATTACHMENTS: Description Type D WW Regionalization Scope (6-2017) Cover Memo SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement: Expenditure Required: Source of Funds: Policy Issue: Alternative: Background Information: Discussion of shared services at Waste Treatment Facility. Submitted By: Mayor Quentin Hart Kevin Blanshan and Brian Schoon from INRCOG will inform those present of a proposed shared sewer services study. ATTACHMENT A Scope of Services Prosect Description This project pertains to regionalization of wastewater feasibility review for the metropolitan area of Black Hawk County. INRCOG and the surrounding communities would like to have a feasibility review of the possibility for wastewater regionalization within the Black Hawk County metro area. In the early 1970s, a study was performed and a document was created called the Areawide Comprehensive Sewer Study for the Metropolitan Area of Black Hawk County, Iowa. Many of the concepts and approaches contained in that study are still valid today. For the purpose of this review, this project would be an update of the feasibility aspects of the previous study and that document would be used as a guide and reference. Over the next decade, both Waterloo and Cedar Falls may be required to complete major upgrades to their wastewater treatment facilities to comply with the future nutrient discharge limitations proposed by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. With the costs of these upgrades, there may be some long-term economic benefit to utilize one wastewater treatment facility for both communities instead of upgrading and maintaining two separate facilities. Along with this, some of the other surrounding communities may be able to benefit by abandoning their existing treatment facilities and combining with this one facility. The other surrounding communities reviewed include Elk Run Heights, Evansdale, Hudson and Raymond. The feasibility review would look at the general infrastructure aspects that would be required to bring wastewater from each community to a common location for treatment and discharge. For this review, the Waterloo WPCF would be the site that wastewater would be conveyed to from Cedar Falls and the other participating communities. Requirements and costs of infrastructure to allow regionalization will be updated and viewed by current standards and future projections within this review. Scope of Services The Scope of Services will encompass and include detailed work, services, materials, equipment, personnel and supplies necessary to provide the feasibility review as described herein. The Scope of Services is further defined as follows: Task 1 - Updated Population Projections (20 -year) for Each Community. Compile existing available population projection data from each participating community. A 20 -year time horizon will be used for the population projection. Task 2 - Review Current and Future Land Use. Review available land -use data provided from participating communities for current and future conditions. Task 3 - Review NPDES Permits for Permitted Flows and Loadings. Review each community's current wastewater NPDES permit for permitted flows and loadings. Task 4 - Existing Flows and Loadings. Review existing flow and loading data provided by each participating community. Task 5 - Projected Flows and Loadings (20 -year). Review future flow and loading data provided by participating communities. Provide conceptual -level flow and loading projections (20 -year) based on the information obtained and compiled. Task 6 - Required Infrastructure to Convey to Waterloo WPCF. Review the required infrastructure needed to convey wastewater from each community to the Waterloo WPCF. Task 7 - Required Infrastructure for Treatment at Waterloo WPCF. Review the required infrastructure needed at the Waterloo WPCF to handle and treat additional wastewater received from other communities. Task 8 - Planning Level Cost Estimates for Infrastructure. Provide planning level cost estimates for the required infrastructure improvements. Task 9 - Prepare a Report. Based on the information reviewed and compiled, prepare a report of the feasibility review. Task 10 - Project Meetings. Attend meetings with INRCOG and stakeholders as requested. It is assumed that there will be three meetings for this project. Exclusions The following tasks are not included in the Scope of Services: • Operational Review • Legal Review • Financing Aspects for Regionalization O:AAdministration\AGREE \PROF\INRCOG WW REgionalization Scope.docx CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Presentation provided by Buxton Representatives. City Council Meeting: 7/24/2017 Prepared: 7/12/2017 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Planning & Zoning Schroeder, Aric Approved 7/12/2017 - 4:57 PM Clerk Office Higby, Nancy Approved 7/19/2017 - 11:13 AM SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement: Expenditure Required: Source of Funds: Policy Issue: Alternative: Background Information: Presentation provided by Buxton Representatives. Submitted By: Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director University Avenue Waterloo Council Work Session July 24, 2017 • Review of University Avenue Recommendations — Typical Cross -Section • 4 -Lane Cross Section • 5 -Lane Cross -Section — Aesthetic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements — Bus Turnouts and Bus Stops — Speed Limits — Intersection Design • Review University Avenue Project Information A=COM • Bi -Weekly Project Management Team Meetings — City Staff (Engineering, Planning, Traffic Operations, Public Works) — AECOM Staff • Meetings with Other Stakeholders — MET Transit — Complete Streets Advisory Committee — Utility Companies • Public Input Meeting — March 21, 2017 A=COM Greenhill Rd • Typical 4 -Lane Cross -Section to Replace 6 -Lane Section — Meets the current and projected traffic volumes. (traffic volumes range from 7,000 to 22,000 veh/day) — Creates space for complete street & streetscape improvements. — Reduces ROW acquisition — Reduces cost for construction, operations, and maintenance for the facility. A=COM • Typical Cross -Section Recommendation: — University Avenue from Highway 63 to Tunis Drive is recommended to be constructed as a 4 -lane section with 12 -foot lanes, 2 -foot standard sloped curb and gutter sections, and 16 -foot median. -. 61 12PAL.K. L- •1 kiL L,W 2' CORO ANO 60if Mc;, 1 72' KOANIAY 2' GL,K6 ANO 61„11-.W 10' L2' A=COM • 5 -Lane Typical Cross -Section: — Two -Way -Left -Turn -Lane (TWLTL) • Operates well with low design speeds and high driveway densities. • Increases business access • Potential of increasing number of crashes • Highly recommended by cities with similar corridors — 2nd Street in Coralville — S. Duff Avenue in Ames A=COM P • Typical Cross -Section Recommendation: — University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Midway Drive is recommended to be constructed as a 5 -lane section with 12 -foot lanes and 2 -foot standard rolled curb and gutter sections. 2 SIO6WRLK GV W. b. (er II IL TNKU TNKU G0NT l NU 15 Th U T-HKI.J7 1.RNE LANA L ST TUKN LAN6 1.RN 2' GUKS ANE, 2' GUU ANO GUTTOK ANO &U M 6K 65' OOAnAY 10' rMUL-41-U51. TKRIL ICOM 8 • Aesthetic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements — A shared use path creates connections with adjacent businesses and the Cedar Falls University Avenue Trail, Greenhill Road Trail and Sergeant Road Trail. — Sidewalk creates connections with adjacent businesses and existing neighborhood sidewalks. — Develop a aesthetic design plan for future installation as funding becomes available. • Landscaping/Plantings • Streetscape/Neighborhood Markers • Pedestrian Lighting A=COM • Bus Turnouts and Bus Stops: — Evaluation of Bus Turnout Locations • North Star Community Services • Tunis/EPI • Falls Avenue — Existing Bus Shelters • Ansborough Avenue — Existing bus shelters are located at Falls Avenue — Bus stops locations identified with Bus Stop ADA Improvements Project A=COM • Bus Turnouts and Bus Stops Recommendation: — Construction of a bus turnout at Tunis Drive and near North Star Community Services — Utilize Existing Bus Shelters at Falls Avenue for Bus Stop FITT1111k I)i uve North Star Community- Services ICOM • Speed Limit: — Speed Limits are contingent upon several different factors including but not limited to safety, capacity, access points, driver expectation and number of intersections. — Existing corridor has below average crash rates at 45 mph. University Avenue 258/HMVMT Statewide City Street Average 453/HMVMT — University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive may benefit from slower speeds with a possible 5-lane typical cross-section and the access points, and provides a logical transition to Cedar Falls. — University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Hwy 63 has controlled access and frontage roads for the majority of this section. A=COM • Speed Limit Recommendation: — University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive is recommended to have a posted speed limit of 35 mph. — University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Highway 63 is recommended to have a posted speed limit of 45 mph. A=COM • Intersection Design — Based on the 2011 Traffic Report • At several locations, traffic operations are similar, or slightly better, with signalized intersections than with roundabouts. — Construction of roundabouts has severe impacts to ROW and access in most locations. — Roundabouts have improved safety characteristics • Generally roundabouts reduce severity of crashes. — University Avenue intersection crash rates are currently below the statewide average. A=COM Midway Drive Progress Drive Tunis Drive Level of Service/Delay ROW Impact Signals Greenhill West Ramp N/A Greenhill East Ramp Casey's/Becks Falls Avenue Sager Avenue Ansborough Avenue Roundabou'. ignals B/12.7 C/23.7 0/17.0 B/11.5 Minimal Minimal Minimal Roundabout Severe Severe Severe (?) Minimal Minimal N/A B/11.3 Minimal Severe A/6.0 C/15.3 Minimal Severe B/16.7 C/21.1 Minimal Severe (?) A/7.3 B/12.0 Minimal Minimal C/36.9 C/23.4 Minimal Moderate Wallgate Avenue A/1.6 C/18.0 Minimal Moderate Fletcher Avenue B/19.7 C/16.6 Minimal Minimal Source: 2011 Traffic Study Access Impact Signals None None None None Improved Roundabout Severe Minimal Moderate None Moderate None Severe None Severe None Severe None Minimal None None None None A=COM 15 • Intersection Design — Progress Drive Roundabout • Operationally More Efficient • Lower Cost of Roadway Construction • Severe ROW Impacts (Total Acquisitions) — 3910 University Avenue (NE quadrant) — 3821 University Avenue (SW quadrant) — The acquisitions are estimated at $1,620,000 Rausch Law Firm 'ttle Caese? Manpo 1 ariprrri n'c From Iowa DOT Environmental Assessment Intersection Design — Hackett Road Roundabout • Increase Cost of Construction • Additional ROW Impacts • Vissim Simulation shows Minimal Affect on Traffic Progression • Increased Delays Compared to Existing Ramp Intersections • Increased Access for Hackett Road • Increased Traffic on Hackett Road and at Hackett/Greenhill Intersection A=COM 17 • Intersection Design Recommendation: — The intersection design recommendation for University Avenue is the coordinated traffic signal alternative. — Coordinated Traffic Signals • Lower overall costs • Reduction in overall travel time and delay • Reduced fuel consumption and air pollution • Less impact on adjacent businesses A=COM • Midway Intersection Construction Coordination — The existing city limits is on the centerline of Midway Drive. — Midway Drive intersection construction includes traffic signal, storm sewer, water main and paving portions of which are in Cedar Falls. — An agreement with the City of Waterloo and Cedar Falls will be required to establish the cost share for construction. ,A=COM 19 • Funding — Total Project Cost Estimate — $36.4 Million • Includes typical costs for construction — Roadway, Storm Sewer, Sidewalk, Street Lighting, Shared Use Path, Design and ROW • Does not include — Sanitary Sewer, Water Main, Bridge Work, Enhancements — IDOT Funding Received — $28 Million — Searching for Savings Opportunities • Delaying bridge work • Minimizing Greenhill Road ramp work • Grant Opportunities A=COM 20 • Schedule — Present Recommendations to City Council — Final Design & ROW Acquisition — 2017 — Bid Letting - January 2018 — Construction Begins - Spring 2018 r: • L' - ••••__., 1.11,1PFMTY &MOUE C"127:111SV'M irik gib -aRrY-- Greenhill Rd 1iwv 63 Questions/Comments/Discussion k)04'( asSi o 7 Ndou/- MEMORANDUM DATE: July 24, 2017 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Eric Thorson, PE, City Engineer Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director RE: UNIVERSITY DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS There are five main reasons that we support the recommendations presented for University Avenue. 1. The only concern that has ever been heard regarding University Avenue is the very poor condition of the pavement or driving surface. The reconstruction of University Avenue will address that concern. 2. There is a strong desire by all involved to include complete streets elements. The inclusion of a multi -use trail on the south side, a sidewalk on the north side, and bus turnouts at several locations in the project provides for these elements. 3. The University Avenue corridor is already a safe corridor as it exists. The recommended design will keep the corridor safe and provide improvement along the corridor. 4. There is a strong desire by all involved to not impact existing businesses over the long term. The recommended design will not require any businesses to be bought out and very few easements are needed. The recommended design also includes improvements to access to businesses in several areas especially between Midway Drive and Greenhill Road. 5. The project has funding constraints. The recommended design takes that into account and will help to minimize any additional funding needs. TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FOR UNIVERSITY AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION FROM MIDWAY DRIVE TO US 63 WATERLOO, IOWA CITY CONTRACT NO. 933 & 934 Prepared For: City of Waterloo, Iowa 715 Mulberry Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 Prepared By: AECOM 501 Sycamore Street Suite 222 Waterloo, Iowa 50703 June 20, 2017 University Avenue Technical Memorandum Roadway & Intersection Design TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION 1 TYPICAL CROSS SECTION 1 Discussion 1 Technical Details 1 Project Management Team Recommendation 5 -LANE SECTION VS 4 -LANE SECTION 2 Discussion 2 Technical Details 2 Project Management Team Recommendation 3 INTERSECTION DESIGN (ROUNDABOUT VS TRAFFIC SIGNALS) 4 Discussion 4 Technical Details 4 Project Management Team Recommendation 6 SPEED LIMITS 6 Discussion 6 Technical Details 6 Project Management Team Recommendation 6 BUS TURNOUTS AND BUS STOPS 6 Discussion 6 Technical Details 7 Project Management Team Recommendation 8 AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENTS 8 Discussion 8 Technical Details 8 Project Management Team Recommendation 8 SUMMARY 8 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 06-20-2017docx June 20, 2017 UNIVERSITY AVENUE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA MAY 31, 2017 INTRODUCTION The University Avenue project extends from Midway Drive to Highway 63 in Waterloo, Iowa. Since the transfer of jurisdiction in 2016, the City of Waterloo has begun preliminary design and reviewed the alternatives presented in the Environmental Assessment (EA). The City of Waterloo has actively sought public input on the proposed alternatives presented in the EA, including a Public Informational Meeting held on March 21, 2017. This Technical Memorandum summarizes the review of key alternative design elements with respect to the project purpose. The project purpose is to reconstruct University Avenue for a 30+ year life, optimize the corridor operations to move people across and through the area safely and efficiently, develop a Complete Street corridor that is functional and appealing for non -motorists and motorists alike, provide opportunities for future aesthetic enhancements, and to support growth and revitalization. The design elements summarized in this memo are typical cross sections, intersection design, speed limit, bus turnouts and bus stops, and aesthetic improvements. TYPICAL CROSS SECTION Discussion: The existing University Avenue corridor is currently a 6 -lane facility with raised medians from Midway Drive to Highway 63. The corridor currently has minimal pedestrian, bicycle and bus accommodations. The existing cross section has 11 -foot lane widths with 21/2 -foot curb and gutter sections and a 12 -foot median section. As part of the design process, the project team considered both the typical 12 -foot wide lanes and the narrower 11 -foot wide lanes throughout the corridor. The project team also considered sidewalks and shared use path typical widths and cross section locations. Technical Details: Based on current standards and traffic forecasts, the EA recommended a typical 4 -lane section throughout the corridor. The Iowa Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (Iowa SUDAS) recommends typical roadway sections have 12 -foot travel lanes with 3 -foot curb and gutter sections; however, Iowa SUDAS has an allowable typical roadway section with 11 -foot travel lanes and 2 -foot curb and gutter sections. Narrower lane widths may be selected in reduced -speed urban areas to manage or reduce speed and shorten crossing distances for pedestrians. The EA recommended a 16 -foot raised median. The 16 -foot median allows for 12 -foot turn lanes and pedestrian refuge areas to be installed at the intersections. Current design standards require sloped curbs on streets with design speeds greater than 40 mph and standard curbs for design speeds of 40 mph or below. The reduction from a 6 -lane section to a 4 -lane section allows for the addition of shared use path and sidewalks throughout the corridor. The EA proposed a 10 -foot shared use path on the south side of the roadway, with a 6 -foot sidewalk on the north side of University Avenue for pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The Iowa SUDAS typical shared use path width is 10 feet to accommodate two-way bicycle traffic, and 5 -foot sidewalks are encouraged and required for pedestrian passing at maximum intervals of 200 feet. Project Management Team Recommendation: The recommended typical cross section for University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Highway 63 is a 4 -lane section, with 12 -foot wide lanes, 2 -foot standard sloped curb and gutter sections, and 16 -foot median. The typical cross-section would also have a 10 -foot shared use path on the south side and a 5 -foot sidewalk on the north side of University Avenue. The recommended typical cross section for Midway Drive to Tunis Drive will be discussed in the 5 -Lane Section vs 4 -Lane Section below. 60526991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17.docx -1- June 20, 2017 G,1 12' 5l©Es4ALK Recommended Typical Cross Section for University Avenue Tunis Drive to Highway 63 2' THRU LANE i2 10' 2' ANO THRU LANE O TER 72' ROAOY HRU LANE AN 2' GIRO ANO &UTTER 5 -LANE SECTION VS 4 -LANE SECTION Ail, Discussion: University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive is currently a 6 -lane cross section with raised median. The EA proposed a 4 -lane cross section with a raised median. On University Avenue between Midway Drive and Tunis Drive, a 5 -lane section was reviewed because of the high number of commercial driveways in this 1,500 -foot long stretch of roadway. The 5 -lane section would benefit the adjacent properties by increasing access to and from the businesses. Technical petals The 4 -lane section with divided median maintains the limited access restriction currently on University Avenue and reduces the number of conflict points along the roadway by eliminating the left -turn conflicts. A 5 -lane typical section has two lanes in each direction, with a Two -Way Left -Turn Lane (TWLTL) in the center. The 5 -lane section has the potential of increasing the number of crashes due to the increase of conflict points compared to the 4 -lane cross section with divided median. However, the TWLTLs work well on streets with relatively low design speeds, high driveway densities and turning demands. TWLTLs safely reduce delays for through vehicles while allowing full access to the adjacent properties. South Duff Avenue in Ames, Iowa, and 2nd Street in Coralville, Iowa, both have roadways with similar traffic volumes, adjacent land uses and number of access points. These two roadways have benefited from the construction of a 5 -lane section. In discussion with the City Engineer for the City of Coralville, the City has seen a decrease in the number of crashes since the construction of the 5 -lane cross section and has been very pleased with the way the TWLTL has worked on Highway 6. The Director of Public Works for the City of Ames stated he would highly recommend going with a 5 -lane section. He did state there have been issues at some intersections, and the City will be adding medians at the intersections for the dedicated left turns approaching the intersection. In these locations, the driveways will be right-in/right-out. The estimated additional cost of a 5 -lane section from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive versus a 4 -lane section is approximately $50,000. The following table shows a historic comparison between existing University Avenue, 2nd Street in Coralville and South Duff Avenue in Ames. 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17.docx -2- June 20, 2017 University Avenue Comparison to Similar Corridors University Avenue 2nd Street (Hwy 6) South Duff Avenue 17,600-18,900 (2013) 20,000-27,000 (2014) 20,800-26,400 (2015) 27.3 20.2-40.4 258 544 45 35/40 77.8 391 30/40 Project Management Team Recommendation. The recommendation for University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive is a 5 -lane typical cross section with a 35 mph speed limit, 12 -foot lanes, and 2 -foot standard rolled curb and gutter sections. It is also recommended to construct medians at the intersections for the dedicated left -turn lanes to control the driveways near the intersections and avoid these conflicts. The TWLTL is recommended to be 16 feet wide to provide adequate room for the 12 -foot dedicated left -turn lanes at the intersections. Recommended 5 -Lane for University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive Recommended 5 -Lane Typical Cross Section for University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive L5' 14 OEIMK GL w.a. 1 12' 12' __ I6' je 12 1NRU 11-1RU GON11NU0US LANE LANE L-6 1 fURN — 2' GURO LANE ANO &U1fER 66' ROADWAY 12' 1NRU 'INK() LANE LANE 2' GURO ANO &U11ER 1"t 7 c 10 y MULII-U5E FRAIL 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17docx -3- June 20, 2017 INTERSECTION DESIGN (ROUNDABOUT VS TRAFFIC SIGNALS) Discussion: The existing corridor consists of traffic signals at Midway Drive, Progress Avenue, Tunis Drive, frontage road intersection at Casey's, Falls Avenue, Sager Avenue, Ansborough Avenue, Wallgate Avenue and Fletcher Avenue. The intersection of University Avenue and Greenhill Road has on and off ramps. The project team evaluated the costs, safety and economic impacts of both the construction of traffic signals and roundabouts on University Avenue from Midway Drive to Highway 63. Technical Details. Per the 2013 University Avenue Safety Analysis Technical Memorandum, both roundabouts and traffic signals have operational benefits for the University Avenue corridor. Roundabouts reduce the severity and frequency of severe crashes. The reduction is due to eliminating crossing conflict points and reduced speeds through the intersections. Coordinated traffic signals reduce delay throughout the corridor and, per the 2011 University Avenue Traffic Study, signals operated more efficiently for all intersections with the exception of Progress Avenue and Ansborough Avenue, as shown in the table below. Midway Drive Progress Drive Tunis Drive Greenhill West Ramp Greenhill East Ramp Casey's/Becks Falls Avenue Sager Avenue Ansborough Avenue Wallgate Avenue Fletcher Avenue Roundabout & Traffic Signal Comparison B/10.2 C/26.5 8/13.2 B/12.7 C/23.7 C/17.0 N/A B/11.5 N/A B/11.3 A/6.0 C/15.3 B/16.7 C/21.1 A/7.3 C/36.9 A/1.6 B/19.7 B/12.0 C/23.4 C/18.0 C/16.6 Source: 2011 University Avenue Traffic Study Minimal Severe Minimal Severe Minimal Severe (impact reduced if intersection moved) Minimal Minimal Minimal Minimal Severe Severe Minimal Severe (study completed before bank moved in) Minimal Minimal Minimal Minimal Moderate Moderate Minimal Minimal None None Severe Minimal None Moderate None Improved None None Moderate Severe None Severe None None None Severe Minimal None None None The estimated construction cost for a roundabout on University Avenue is $550,000 versus the construction cost of a typical traffic signal intersection of $660,000. However, the estimated construction costs do not include the necessary right-of-way required to construct a roundabout if right-of-way is required. At Progress Avenue, a roundabout will require significant right-of-way beyond the existing right-of-way limits. The roundabout at Progress Avenue would require the total acquisition of two properties identified in the EA at 3840 University Avenue (in the northeast quadrant) and 3909 University Avenue (in the southwest quadrant) and approximately 10,000 square feet of additional right-of-way at 3910 University Avenue (in the northwest quadrant) and 3821 University Avenue (in the southeast quadrant). The two total acquisitions are estimated at $1,620,000. The total acquisition of the two properties would include demolition of the existing buildings and associated relocation costs. The estimated price for commercial fee acquisition is estimated at $21.00/square foot, for an estimated total of $210,000. 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17.docx -4- June 20, 2017 At Ansborough Avenue, construction of a roundabout will create issues with accessing the frontage roads and fire station, along with the right-of-way impacts to the adjacent businesses. The roundabout at Ansborough Avenue had previously been eliminated as an alternative through the EA process due to the impacts. At Wallgate Avenue, the existing traffic has decreased due to the closure of Edison Elementary School in 2011. The school was a traffic generator and, due to the closure, the traffic volumes no longer warrant a traffic signal at Wallgate Avenue. At Hackett Road, the installation of a roundabout would increase access for Hackett Road and the businesses on Hackett Road south of University Avenue. The roundabout at Hackett Road is shown to have minimal right-of-way impacts to the adjacent businesses. The roundabout at Hackett Road may increase the traffic on Hackett Road south of University Avenue; however, discussion on this issue had suggested guide signs may be posted to direct traffic to the north for Greenhill Road access. The City of Waterloo completed a Vissim Simulation comparing a roundabout to the Greenhill Road ramps to evaluate the impacts to the progression of traffic through the corridor. The simulation showed no significant increase in delays for the proposed roundabout compared to leaving the ramps for Greenhill Road in place. The proposed roundabout at Hackett Road would add roughly 3,810 square yards of pavement and have an estimated additional cost to construction of $275,000, with the additional cost of right-of-way estimated at $110,000. The total estimated additional cost for a roundabout at Hackett Road is $385,000. Currently, the University Avenue and Greenhill Road intersection operates safely per the 2013 University Avenue Safety Analysis Technical Memorandum and operates below the state average crash rates for the University Avenue corridor from Tunis Drive to the frontage road intersection at Casey's. Hackett Road Roundabout Greenhill Road Ramps At the south Greenhill Road ramps, the existing ramp traveling from Greenhill Road to eastbound University Avenue has a short merge taper between the ramp and the frontage road intersection at Casey's. The proposed solution to the merge taper would be to add a lane from the ramp to the frontage road intersection. This added lane would be marked as a turn -only lane, with a merge area on the far side of the intersection. Project Management Team Recommendation. The recommended intersection control for University Avenue is the coordinated traffic signal alternative, with the exception of Wallgate Avenue. Both Progress 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17 docx -5- June 20, 2017 Avenue and the Greenhill Road ramps operate safely with the current configuration, and evaluation of the Progress Avenue and Hackett Road roundabouts resulted in increased costs for construction. The Progress Avenue roundabout has substantial costs in right-of-way acquisition and the Hackett Road roundabout has increased costs for construction and potential impacts to traffic with Hackett Road south of University Avenue. It is recommended the intersection of University Avenue and Wallgate Avenue remove the existing traffic signals and control Wallgate Avenue with a 2 -way stop at University Avenue. SPEED LIMITS Discussion The roadway has a current posted speed limit of 45 mph from Midway Drive to Highway 63. West of Midway Drive, the City of Cedar Falls has decreased the speed limit on University Avenue from 45 mph to 35 mph with the reconstruction. The project team has evaluated the existing speed limit of the corridor and the possibility of lowering the speed limit to create a business -friendly corridor to enhance economic development and to increase safety for all modes of transportation. ?m hicl die aEls The speed of a corridor is contingent upon several different factors including, but not limited to, safety, capacity, access points, driver expectation and intersections. The Waterloo portion of University Avenue operates at below-average crash rates with the posted speed limit of 45 mph. The 2011 Green Book recommends urban arterial streets should be designed, where practical, to permit running speeds of 20 to 45 mph. Speeds in the lower portion of this range are applicable to more crowded business areas, such as University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive. This section of University Avenue has a number of conflict points with drives directly onto University Avenue; and with a recommended 5 -lane cross section from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive, a relatively lower design speed is appropriate. University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Highway 63 is proposed to be a 4 -lane with raised median and will have partial access control with access to adjacent properties primarily from side -road intersections. The existing frontage roads are designed to separate the local traffic from the higher speed through traffic. Since 2008, the City of Waterloo has invested approximately $2.4 million into the University Avenue frontage roads from Greenhill Road to Ansborough Avenue. These public improvements assist with access control, safety, speed and efficiency of the University Avenue corridor. This section of University Avenue adequately meets driver expectations for a higher running speed due to the minimal driveway conflict points and traffic signal spacing. Project Management Team Recommendation The recommendation for University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive is a posted speed limit of 35 mph. The recommendation for University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Highway 63 is 45 mph. BUS TURNOUTS AND BUS STOPS Discussion: The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MET Transit) operates in both Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The information received from MET Transit indicates that the ridership is highest for the following bus stops: North Star Community Services (3420 University Avenue), Exceptional Persons Incorporated (EPI) (3675 University Avenue), Falls Avenue, and Ansborough Avenue. On University Avenue, two existing bus shelters are located at the Falls Avenue intersection. The project team is evaluating the use and possible locations for constructing bus turnouts as a part of the design. The Bus Stop ADA Improvements Project was originally going to improve a number of bus stops along University Avenue. Bus stop improvements along University Avenue have been pulled from the Bus Stop ADA Improvements Project and will be included with the University Avenue Project. 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17.docx -6- June 20, 2017 EPI/Tunis Drive North Star Community Services Falls Avenue Ansborough Avenue Technical Details: The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP Report 19 - Guidelines for the Location and Design of Bus Stops) recommends bus turnouts have a minimum of 5:1 tapers and stopping area lengths of 50 feet for each standard 40 -foot bus. Bus turnout locations typically include bus shelters with paved bus stops. The MET Transit buses have front -door loading and unloading. The majority of the MET Transit buses are 30 feet in length; however, they do have three buses that are 37 feet in length. The North Star Community Services bus stop currently has the highest ridership. This location currently has front -door service in the mornings and afternoons for Route 8. MET Transit would ideally transition away from front -door pickup and drop-off and would like bus turnouts installed in front of North Star Community Services. The removal of front -door pickup and drop-off improves the bus route efficiency. Routes 6 and 7 have several riders going to and from North Star Community Services, utilizing the bus stops at the frontage road intersection at Casey's and Beck's. The closest location for riders for pickup and drop-off would be a mid -block turnout across from North Star Community Services. The EPI and Tunis Drive bus stop currently has the second highest ridership. The majority of the riders are going to or leaving EPI. The riders would be able to utilize the pedestrian crossings at the Tunis Drive traffic signals. The proposed bus turnout is near the Hanna Cabin Marker in the southeast corner of the Tunis Drive intersection. The bus stops will need to meet ADA requirements and be connected to the shared use path or sidewalk adjacent to the pads. The locations for the bus stops have been selected and approved by MET Transit. When on -street bus stops or bus pads are utilized, it is recommended to have the stops on the far side of the intersection because farside stops have the least effect on capacity, followed by mid -block stops. For 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17.docx -7- June 20, 2017 nearside and farside stops, the front or back of the bus shall have a minimum 10 -foot separation from the crosswalk. Project Management Team Recommendation: The recommended locations for bus turnouts are near North Star, with turnout on the north and south sides of University Avenue. The location for the south side turnout will need to be adjusted to be a farside stop at the intersection of the Casey's and Beck's frontage road and University Avenue. The second recommended location for bus turnouts is near EPI, with turnouts on the north and south sides of University Avenue. This location would utilize the pedestrian crossings at the Tunis Drive traffic signal. The bus turnouts and amenities will be designed as part of the University Avenue Project; however, due to funding constraints, the bus turnouts and pads will be constructed and the shelters, benches and other amenities will be delayed until funding is available. The two existing bus shelters at Falls Avenue are recommended to be reused for the Falls Avenue bus stop. AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENTS Discussion: The project team will develop a roadside landscaping conceptual plan for the University Avenue Project. As a part of this work, the project team will identify areas and design concept level aesthetic improvements with preliminary costs, including plantings and streetscape elements. Technical Details: These amenities will need to be located in areas that will not impact the roadway users or block the required sight triangles. The selected plantings will need to consider the existing local conditions of competition, soil moisture and type, available nutrients, etc. Locations for future streetscape elements will be identified in areas that would be highly visible, while not creating conflicts for the roadway users. Project Management Team Recommendation: Recommend developing a landscape design for the future installation, as funding becomes available. SUMMARY The recommendations for the University Avenue Project are as follows: • coordinated traffic signals with a 10 -foot shared use path on the south and a 5 -foot sidewalk on the north; • 5 -lane section with a 35 mph speed limit from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive; • 4 -lane section from Tunis Drive to Highway 63 with a 45 mph speed limit; • bus turnouts at North Star Community Services and Tunis Drive; and • development of a landscape design for future installation, as funding becomes available. The above recommendations for the University Avenue Project follow the project purpose for the reconstruction of University Avenue optimizing the corridor operations to move people across and through the area safely and efficiently. The design is a Complete Street corridor that will be functional and appealing for non -motorists and motorists alike and will provide opportunities for future aesthetic enhancements and support growth and revitalization. 60528991/400/06-05-2017/Final - University Tech Memo 6-20-17.docx -8- June 20, 2017 i,JCVK -ti2t)doc4E— University Avenue Waterloo Council Work Session July 24, 2017 A=COM • Review of University Avenue Recommendations — Typical Cross -Section • 4 -Lane Cross Section • 5 -Lane Cross -Section — Aesthetic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements — Bus Turnouts and Bus Stops — Speed Limits — Intersection Design • Review University Avenue Project Information A=COM 2 • Bi -Weekly Project Management Team Meetings — City Staff (Engineering, Planning, Traffic Operations, Public Works) — AECOM Staff • Meetings with Other Stakeholders — MET Transit — Complete Streets Advisory Committee — Utility Companies • Public Input Meeting — March 21, 2017 A,COM 3 AXOM University Avenue L • Typical 4 -Lane Cross -Section to Replace 6 -Lane Section — Meets the current and projected traffic volumes. (traffic volumes range from 7,000 to 22,000 veh/day) — Creates space for complete street & streetscape improvements. — Reduces ROW acquisition — Reduces cost for construction, operations, and maintenance for the facility. A=COM 5 • Typical Cross -Section Recommendation: — University Avenue from Highway 63 to Tunis Drive is recommended to be constructed as a 4 -lane section with 12 -foot lanes, 2 -foot standard sloped curb and gutter sections, and 16 -foot median. 2' . �5' 12' S MAW: i 2' I11RU tf1 U LANE LANE 2' GM - ANO Rif tER 72' RDAOWAY 12' 1MRU LANE 12 1r1RU 1 -ANE -- 2' GM --- - ANO &U11ER 1' 10' UL11-U IRA1L A COM 6 University Avenue Reco • 5 -Lane Typical Cross -Section: — Two -Way -Left -Turn -Lane (TWLTL) • Operates well with low design speeds and high driveway densities. • Increases business access • Potential of increasing number of crashes • Highly recommended by cities with similar corridors - 2nd Street in Coralville — S. Duff Avenue in Ames A=COM 7 • Typical Cross -Section Recommendation: — University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Midway Drive is recommended to be constructed as a 5 -lane section with 12 -foot lanes and 2 -foot standard rolled curb and gutter sections. 5' 510EWALK 12' 11-1KU > 1NRU LANE LANE — 2' GUKG ANO GU11EK 12' 16'12' 12' GONIINUOUS 11-1KU fNKU LEf.f 1UKN LANE LANE LANE 2' GUKS -- ANP GU11EK 68' POADWAY 10' 1,__2' MUL11-USE 1KAIL A=COM 8 • Aesthetic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements — A shared use path creates connections with adjacent businesses and the Cedar Falls University Avenue Trail, Greenhill Road Trail and Sergeant Road Trail. — Sidewalk creates connections with adjacent businesses and existing neighborhood sidewalks. — Develop a aesthetic design plan for future installation as funding becomes available. • Landscaping/Plantings • Streetscape/Neighborhood Markers • Pedestrian Lighting A=C©M 9 University Avenue ecormen • Bus Turnouts and Bus Stops: — Evaluation of Bus Turnout Locations • North Star Community Services • Tunis/EPI • Falls Avenue — Existing Bus Shelters • Ansborough Avenue — Existing bus shelters are located at Falls Avenue — Bus stops locations identified with Bus Stop ADA Improvements Project A=C©M 10 • Bus Turnouts and Bus Stops Recommendation: — Construction of a bus turnout at Tunis Drive and near North Star Community Services — Utilize Existing Bus Shelters at Falls Avenue for Bus Stop EPI/Tunis Drive North Star (bminunitServices A:COM 11 :.varc�x.., �iF � ,.✓ .,.�,gr�; M-�;�� �rm:^n"!. �yyw�P,.,�. ,m "e University Avenue ®ise si • Speed Limit: — Speed Limits are contingent upon several different factors including but not limited to safety, capacity, access points, driver expectation and number of intersections. — Existing corridor has below average crash rates at 45 mph. University Avenue 258/HMVMT Statewide City Street Average 453/HMVMT — University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive may benefit from slower speeds with a possible 5 -lane typical cross-section and the access points, and provides a logical transition to Cedar Falls. — University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Hwy 63 has controlled access and frontage roads for the majority of this section. A_COM 12 University Avenue Recommendation • Speed Limit Recommendation: — University Avenue from Midway Drive to Tunis Drive is recommended to have a posted speed limit of 35 mph. — University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Highway 63 is recommended to have a posted speed limit of 45 mph. A_COM 13 University Avenue firs • Intersection Design — Based on the 2011 Traffic Report • At several locations, traffic operations are similar, or slightly better, with signalized intersections than with roundabouts. — Construction of roundabouts has severe impacts to ROW and access in most locations. — Roundabouts have improved safety characteristics • Generally roundabouts reduce severity of crashes. — University Avenue intersection crash rates are currently below the statewide average. AACOM 14 University Avenue Midway Drive Progress Drive Tunis Drive B/10.2 C/26.5 B/13.2 B/12.7 Minimal C/23.7 Minimal C/17.0 Minimal Severe Severe Severe (?) None Severe None Minimal None Moderate Greenhill West Ramp N/A B/11.5 Minimal Minimal None Improved Greenhill hastRamp N/A Casey's/Becks A/6.0 C/15.3 Minimal Severe None Severe B/16.7 Sager Avenue A/7.3 B/12.0 Minimal Minimal None Severe Avenue C/36.9 Wallgate Avenue A/1.6 0/18.0 Minimal Moderate None None Falls Avenue Ansborough Fletcher Avenue B/11.3 Minimal Severe None Moderate C/21.1 Minimal Severe (?) None C/23.4 Minimal B/19.7 C/16.6 Minimal Source: 2011 Traffic Study Moderate Severe None Minimal Minimal None None A COM 15 • Intersection Design — Progress Drive Roundabout • Operationally More Efficient • Lower Cost of Roadway Construction • Severe ROW Impacts (Total Acquisitions — 3910 University Avenue (NE quadrant) — 3821 University Avenue (SW quadrant) — The acquisitions are estimated at $1,620,000 I ,.A.m.... er 16 University Avenue Intersection Design — Hackett Road Roundabout • Increase Cost of Construction • Additional ROW Impacts • Vissim Simulation shows Minimal Affect on Traffic Progression • Increased Delays Compared to Existing Ramp Intersections • Increased Access for Hackett Road • Increased Traffic on Hackett Road and at Hackett/Greenhill Intersection From Iowa DOT Env ronmental Assessment 17 A,COM University Avenue Recommenm • Intersection Design Recommendation: — The intersection design recommendation for University Avenue is the coordinated traffic signal alternative. — Coordinated Traffic Signals • Lower overall costs • Reduction in overall travel time and delay • Reduced fuel consumption and air pollution • Less impact on adjacent businesses A_COM 18 University Avenue P • Midway Intersection Construction Coordination — The existing city limits is on the centerline of Midway Drive. — Midway Drive intersection construction includes traffic signal, storm sewer, water main and paving portions of which are in Cedar Falls. — An agreement with the City of Waterloo and Cedar Falls will be required to establish the cost share for construction. 41* 11,400, 144,417. CEDAR FALLS PORTION WATERLOO PORTION AZCOM 19 University Avenue ro, • Funding — Total Project Cost Estimate — $36.4 Million • Includes typical costs for construction — Roadway, Storm Sewer, Sidewalk, Street Lighting, Shared Use Path, Design and ROW • Does not include — Sanitary Sewer, Water Main, Bridge Work, Enhancements — IDOT Funding Received — $28 Million — Searching for Savings Opportunities • Delaying bridge work • Minimizing Greenhill Road ramp work • Grant Opportunities A=COM 20 • Schedule — Present Recommendations to City Council — Final Design & ROW Acquisition — 2017 — Bid Letting - January 2018 — Construction Begins - Spring 2018 Azcou Greenhill Rd Hwv63 Questions/Comments/Discussion a«M 22