Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Grant Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 12.
ITEM TITLE: Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Grant
Application
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending authorizing the City of Dubuque to officially
submit an application for a Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation
Study Grant to assist with funding the preliminary engineering phase for
University Avenue "Overlap Section" between Pennsylvania and Loras
Boulevard as part of the East-West Corridor Improvements, which includes
three roundabouts.
RESOLUTION Authorizing the Filing of a Transportation Improvement
Program Grant Application with the Dubuque Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (DMATS) for Funding the Preliminary Engineering
Phase for the University Avenue Overlap Section of the East-West
Corridor Study
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ Application for DMATS TIP Grant for East-West Corridor-MVM Mrmo City Manager Memo
❑ Staff Memo Staff Memo
❑ 2015 DMATS Grant-East-West Corridor PE-Application Submittal Supporting Documentation
❑ Council Resolution Resolutions
THE CITY OF Dubuque
UBE I
erica .i
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Application Authorization for a DMATS TIP Grant to Assist with STP
Funding to Initiate the Preliminary Engineering Phase for the East-West
Corridor along University Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to Loras
Boulevard
DATE: May 13, 2015
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos recommends City Council approval of a resolution
authorizing the City of Dubuque to officially submit an application for a Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Transportation Study Grant to assist with funding the preliminary
engineering phase for University Avenue "Overlap Section" between Pennsylvania and
Loras Boulevard as part of the East-West Corridor Improvements, which includes three
roundabouts.
The total cost of the preliminary engineering phase is estimated at $1,000,000, of which
$800,000 would be requested as part of the grant. If accepted, the Transportation
Improvement Program funding would cover 80% of the eligible cost and the City would
provide the local 20% match in the amount of$200,000 in Fiscal Year 2016.
1 concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
THE CITY OR E
F Dubuque
Du L All-AmericaClty
� I rr
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007.2012.2013
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
d
DATE: May 12, 2015
RE: Application Authorization for a DMATS TIP Grant to Assist with STP
Funding to Initiate the Preliminary Engineering Phase for the East-West
Corridor along University Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to Loras
Boulevard
INTRODUCTION
The attached resolution provides the authorization for the City of Dubuque to officially
submit an application for a Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS)
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Grant to assist with funding the preliminary
engineering phase for University Avenue "Overlap Section" between Pennsylvania and
Loras Boulevard as part of the East-West Corridor Improvements.
BACKGROUND
In August, 2007, the City Council listed the completion of the East - West Corridor
Connectivity Study as a "High-Priority" in its Goals and Priorities for Policy Agenda. The
US Highway 20 corridor is the primary east-west route in the City of Dubuque and future
traffic volume projections indicate US Highway 20 alone will not provide sufficient
capacity for east-west travel in the city. Capacity along alternate east-west corridors will
need to be improved to provide connectivity between the western growth areas and the
downtown urban core.
To achieve this goal, the City retained the professional consultant services of HDR
(Omaha, Nebraska) to complete the East-West Corridor Connectivity Study. The
purpose of the study was to: analyze the east-west traffic flow in the City; identify
corridor improvements or modifications to support growing traffic demands; and to
consider transit needs, pedestrian needs, and sustainability.
In February 2012 the City Council adopted the East - West Corridor Connectivity Study -
Final Report and directed City staff to begin implementation plans for the
recommendations contained in the East-West Corridor Connectivity Report. The
adopted East - West Corridor Connectivity Study report will act as the City's Master
Plan for both short-term and long-term capacity improvements or corridor modifications
to support growing east-west traffic flow in the City. The study included recommended
improvements supporting complete streets concepts, multi-modal transportation,
vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational improvements.
1
The section of University Avenue, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Loras Boulevard,
referred to as the "Overlap Section" was recommended for converting the three
intersections along University Avenue to roundabouts. The current planning level cost
projection to construct a series of three roundabout intersections along the University
Avenue Overlap Section is approximately $6.5 million.
DISCUSSION
This grant application is requesting funding from the DMATS Transportation
Improvement Program grant program to fund the preliminary engineering phase for the
roadway and roundabout intersection improvements. In FY 2016, the City is estimated
to receive $980,662 from the additional 10 cent gas tax of which $200,000 is proposed
to be used toward preliminary engineering phase for the East-West Corridor Study. The
$200,000 in FY 2016 road use tax funds allocated would provide 20% match so the City
could utilize $800,000 in STP funds for a total of $1,000,000 toward preliminary
engineering.
Since the adopted East - West Corridor Connectivity report is a "planning level study",
the next steps in the design development process is to begin the preliminary
engineering and environmental (NEPA) study phase to determine exact traffic capacity
needs and corresponding design options and alternatives, identify specific property
impacts and acquisitions, and the consideration of public comments and stakeholder
input.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City submit the grant application through ECIA for a DMATS
Transportation Improvement Program grant to fund the preliminary engineering phase
for the University Avenue Overlap Section of the East-West Corridor.
BUDGETIMPACT
The total cost of preliminary engineering phase is estimated at $1,000,000 of which
$800,000 would be requested as part of the grant. If accepted, the Transportation
Improvement Program funding would cover 80% of the eligible cost and the City would
provide the local 20% match in the amount of$200,000 in FY 2016.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
The City Council is requested to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the filing of
the application with DMATS for Transportation Improvement Program funding for the
preliminary engineering phase of the University Avenue "Overlap Section" of the East-
West Corridor Study.
Prepared By: Jon Dienst, Civil Engineer
cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Chandra Ravada, ECIA
Attachment
FAPROJECTS\EAST-WEST CORRIDOR STUDY\DMATS Grant App for Design
2
RESOLUTION NO. 159-15
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION WITH THE DUBUQUE
METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY (DMATS) FOR FUNDING THE
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING PHASE FOR THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE OVERLAP
SECTION OF THE EAST -WEST CORRIDOR STUDY
Whereas, the increasing growth of traffic volumes, along with operational and
safety concerns, in the University Avenue Overlap Section from Pennsylvania Avenue
to Loras Boulevard in the City of Dubuque could be improved by street and intersection
improvements; and
Whereas, the City has determined that improvements to this corridor, as
recommended by the adopted East-West Corridor Study, will improve traffic flow; and
Whereas, the City is requesting DMATS STP funding in the amount of $800,000
to assist with the initial preliminary engineering phase; and
Whereas, the City has sufficient funds available to cover the local (20%) match in
the amount of $200,000.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, THAT:
Section 1. The City hereby supports and authorizes the grant application
submittal for funding through the DMATS Transportation Improvement Program to assist
with funding the initial preliminary engineering phase for the University Avenue Overlap
Section identified in the East-West Corridor Study.
Passed, approved and adopted this 18th day of May, 2015.
Af
! ' v
Key' S. irnstahl, C CC City Clerk
Lynn V. Sutton, Mayor Pro tem
ECIA
A Regional Response
to Local Needs
Transportation Improvement Program
Federal Project Application
Instructions
Completethe application in the space provided. Applicants are limited to the application form and 5 pages of attachments
including map, crash data, resolution, project drawings, and other supporting documents.Submit the completed
application and attachmentsto cravada@ecia.org.If you have questions contact Chandra Ravada at 563-556-4166.
General Information
Project Title: East-West Corridor Preliminary Design
Project Location and Limits: In City of Dubuque from Penn.Ave. & Univ.Ave.to Loras Blvd. & Univ.Ave.
Project Length (miles): .35 miles Federal Functional Class: Minor Arterial
Agency: City of Dubuque
Contact Person: Bob Schiesl, P.E.,Assistant City Engineer
Telephone: (563)589-4270 Email: bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org
Certified Acceptance Date:
Project Screening Criteria
Check all that apply.
0 Project is consistent with the DMATS, City or County five year program and local land use plans
✓0 Project is federally classified as an Urban Collector/Rural Major CoIlectorar above
✓0 Project is an improvement project
0 Project is a maintenance project
✓0 Project meetsthe STP funding regulations
✓0 Project is readyto proceed and has a reasonable timeline for implementation
0 Input from safety teams has been taken into consideration while designing the project
0 Input from Jule and/or RTA transit has been taken into consideration while designing the project
✓0 Input from planning agencies has been taken into consideration while designing the project
DMATS Federal Project Application,p1
Cost Summary
Project Phase Start Date STP Funds Other Funds Total Cost
Design 7/1/2015 $800,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 1,000,000.00
Right of Way $0.00
Construction $0.00
Totals $800,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 1,000,000.00
Overall Match Ratio: 20.00%
Estimated date of project completion (Month/Year)
07/16
Funding Partners
List all "Other Funds'contributing to the project: (Must match "Other Funds'from Cost Summary Table)
Funding Source Amount
Road Use Tax Funds $ 200,000.00
Project Information
1. Project Description- Explain the nature of the project, indicate major work involved,and briefly compare
existing and proposed conditions (Attach 8.5"X 11"vicinity map):
In February 2012,the City Council formally adopted the East-West Corridor Connectivity Study- Final Report and directed City
staff to begin implementation plans for the recommendations contained in the East-West Corridor Connectivity Report.
Since the adopted East-West Corridor Connectivity report is a "planning level study", the next steps in the design development
process is to begin the preliminary engineering and environmental (NEPA) study phase to determine exact traffic capacity needs
and corresponding design options and alternatives, identify specific property impacts and acquisitions,and the consideration of
public comments and stakeholder input.
With the recent adoption of the $.10 gas tax increase and the projected additional RUT revenue that the City will receive in
FY2016,staff is proposing to allocate $200,000 in RUT in addition to$800,000 in DMATS STP funds(total $1,000,000) to begin
the engineering and environmental (NEPA) study phase.
The initial engineering and environmental (NEPA) study phase will be for the section of University Avenue,from Pennsylvania
Avenue to Loras Boulevard, referred to as the "Overlap Section" in the East -West Corridor Connectivity Study. This overlap
section includes roadway geometric modifications including three roundabouts. The three roundabouts are located at
Pennsylvania Avenue and University Avenue,Asbury Road and University Avenue and at Loras Boulevard and University Avenue.
The proposed concept map is attached.
DMATS Federal Project Application,p2
2. Describe the work plan and schedule for project completion. Include current project status if the project is
underway or has multiple phases:
The project would include topographic survey and preliminary design to help in determining construction
impacts, right of way and environmental impacts. A request for proposal to solicit preliminary design consultants
would be required.The request for proposal would be issued in July 2015. The survey and design would be
completed by July 2016.
3. Describe the performance measures and reporting process:
This is preliminary design. The performance measure would be a complete preliminary design that identifies the
right of way needs and develops estimated costs for construction.
DMATS Federal Project Application,p3
Mobility
Use DMATS data from the Congestion Management Process,Traffic Count Program, Regional Model,or attached
documentation.
Existing facility type: 41ane roadway Improved facility type: 41ane roadway
Existing peak hour direction traffic volume: 680
Existing speed: 30 Posted speed limit: 30
State truck classification: NSA Existing truck percentage (peak period):
What is the major concern for congestion management and how will it be addressed?
The concern is that the traffic volumes and delay times will continue to increase throughout the University
Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue corridors.The east-west corridor study shows the traffic in the University
Avenue overlap section will become level of service F by 2031 if no changes are made.The City of Dubuque is
proposing to install three roundabouts in this area to alleviate the idling and delay time. With the installation of
the roundabouts, the intersection of University Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue will have a level of service of
B,the intersection of University Avenue and Asbury Road will have a level of service of C and the intersection of
University Avenue and Loras Boulevard will have a level of service of B. All of these levels of service are based on
the projected 2031 PM Peak traffic data in the East-West Corridor Study.
DMATS Federal Project Application,p5
Will the proposed project include the following elements?
(Check all that apply)
❑ Signal integration/upgrade
❑ Provide bus stop pull-outs or shelters
0 Separate bicycle and/or pedestrian roadways and sidewalks
0 Increase freight carrying potential
❑✓ Improve access to meet ADA requirements
❑ Upgrade or improve any rail crossings
❑ Improve roadways adjacent to a barge terminal
❑✓ Smart transit management/transitsignalpriority
❑ Improve airport access
❑7 Located on or improve a transit route
Explain:
The proposed roundabouts will replace the existing signals.The installation of the roundabouts will reduce
the potential severity of future crashes at the intersections in the University Avenue overlap section. The
roundabouts will also reduce travel through this area. This will benefit all vehicles including transit. Any time
improvements are made to an intersection, ADA modifications have to be examined. The City of Dubuque
has been taking a very pro-active approach to making sure all city sidewalks and intersections are ADA
compliant. All of the ADA pedestrian ramps will need to be replaced and constructed to current standards.
The crosswalks will have refuge islands created by the roundabouts to assist pedestrians in crossing the
roadways.
Safety
Number of crashes in the past 5 years: 157 (Attach crash count and severity data)
DMATS Federal Project Application,p6
Describe other safety benefits(transit, pedestrian,bicycle, intersection,and other):
The roundabouts will by their very design remove the potential for head on crashes.The potential conflict points
will be reduced by the installation of the roundabouts. A typical intersection will have 32 conflict points where a
roundabout will only have 8. Any potential crashes that may occur, should be less severe side swipes.
Bike traffic will be accommodated in the traffic lane. The design of modern roundabouts includes design speeds in
the roundabout of approximately 15 mph.This is a relatively comfortable speed for most bicyclists.
The design of the roundabouts also take into account longer vehicles,such as transit buses.
On the pedestrian side, the crossings of the street near the roundabout will need to be studied. Typically pedestrian
refuge islands are created with the directional medians used to divert traffic into the roundabout.There may be a
need for rapid flashing beacons for the pedestrians to warn motorists of crossing traffic. This needs to be studied
more. Because the flowing traffic is slower through the roundabout, yielding to pedestrians is relatively easy.
Existing and Proposed Conditions:
Existing Condition Proposed Condition
Pavement width in feet 48 67
Minimum road standard width 48 67
Number of travel lanes 4 4
Center turn lane/turn pockets =Yes =Yes
Shoulder width in feet N/A N/A
Paved shoulder =Yes =Yes
What is the current surface type of the facility?
= Gravel
= Sealcoat, poor base
= Low type asphalt,good base
_✓ Pavement,asphalt, Portland
What is the current pavement condition of the roadway?
The current pavement consists of HMA pavement. The current pavement condition index on a 0-100 scale is 82.
DMATS Federal Project Application,p7
Economic Development
Freight Generators
❑Improves existing access
❑Creates new access
Describe how the project will improve access to existing employment,freight generators,distribution center,and
other employers:
The roundabouts will reduce the delay time at the intersections in the University Avenue overlap area. This in turn
will reduce costs to delivery vehicles and to employees traveling to places of employment.
Financial/Implementation
Previously Completed Work- Prior to application submittal:
(check all that apply)
❑ Environmental permits approved Date:
❑ Final designs complete Date:
❑ Right of way acquisition completed/No RW needed Date:
Sustainability/Air Quality
Check all that apply
❑✓ Reduces VMT
❑✓ Incorporates multimodal transportation
❑✓ Reduces travel time
DMATS Federal Project Application,p8
Explain:
The project will reduce travel delay through the university Avenue overlap section. This reduces idling time and in
turn will improve air quality through the corridor.
The vehicles miles traveled will be reduced since some traffic that would avoid this area due to congestion may now
choose to travel through the University Avenue overlap section to shorten their commute times.This corridor is near
several college campuses and hospitals and provides a direct connection to downtown and the west end of
Dubuque.
The proposed typical section includes replacing the pavement and sidewalks. In between the roundabouts the
typical section includes a dedicated bike lane.The bike lane drops off at the roundabouts since the vehicle speed 0
Other Information
You may use this space to provideany additional project information consideredworth noting:
The conceptual design of the East-West Corridor is provided in the East-West Corridor Connectivity Study- Final
from September 2010.The full study is available at the following City of Dubuque website link:
http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1831
DMATS Federal Project Application,p9