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Southwest Arterial_Value Engineering Study Final Design RecommendationsMasterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial - Value Engineering Study Final Design Recommendations DATE: February 1, 2011 As part of the final design phase of the Southwest Arterial, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) required that a formal Value Engineering Study be conducted. The primary objective of that study was to identify potential modifications that might decrease the construction cost or to increase the value of the project, without changing the functional aspects of the roadway. In December, 2009, the Final Value Engineering (VE) Report was completed. A team of senior transportation and bridge engineers from the Federal Highway Administration, the City of Dubuque, AECOM (consultant) and WHKS & Co. (consultant) investigated 10 initial VE concepts. The VE report indicated the following: VE Concepts Recommended For Further Consideration: 1. Implement sustainable project components (added value, but no cost reductions). 2. Use roundabouts at North Cascade / English Mill interchange and eliminate loop ramp ($240,000 savings). 3. Use roundabouts at U.S. 151/61 interchange and eliminate one lane from the bridge between the ramps ($835,000 savings). 4. Modify U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange area: including usage of roundabouts; changes to the ramp layouts; and several changes to the access road layouts ($4,725,000 savings). 5. Modify and standardize bridge structure configurations ($1,400,000 or more in savings). 6. Modify roadway profiles to reduce earthwork ($300,000 savings). 7. Build entire 4 lanes in first phase, if funding permits (no cost reduction). Potential total estimated VE savings: $7,500,000 Dubuque AII•AmencaCity 2007 Assistant City Engineer Bob Schiesl recommends City Council approval of the recommendations of the preliminary design Value Engineering evaluation and support the proposed design modifications be incorporated into the Final Design phase for the Southwest Arterial project. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Robert Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer Michael C. Van Mil ligen Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer FROM: Robert Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer 12,1)5 SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial - Value Engineering Study Final Design Recommendations DATE: January 27, 2011 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Dubuque krall All- America Cily r'. 2007 INTRODUCTION This memorandum is to request City Council approval and concurrence on the recommendations of the Value Engineering evaluation and support of the proposed design modifications to be incorporated into the Final Design phase of the Southwest Arterial project. BACKGROUND As part of the final design phase of the Southwest Arterial, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) required that a formal Value Engineering (VE) Study be conducted. The primary objective of the Study was to identify potential modifications that might decrease the construction cost or to increase the value of the project, without changing the functional aspects of the roadway. On November 15, 2010, staff presented to City Council an update on the results and recommendations of the Value Engineering evaluation for the Southwest Arterial project. The City hosted a public informational meeting on the Southwest Arterial project on Monday, November 29, at the Dubuque County Firefighters Association Emergency Responder Training Center. City staff and project consultants provided: an update on the Southwest Arterial project; an update on the results and recommendations of the Value Engineering evaluation; review of the proposed new design modifications, project schedule; and responses to public feedback and questions. Approximately 175 people attended the public informational meeting. Attached is a report which summarizes the public involvement process, records of the public informational meeting, citizen written comments and formal responses to citizen input. Overall, the public attendance and participation (175 attendees) was outstanding. The nine members of the design team who assisted in the public meeting stated that the participants were generally positive and supportive of the project and the recommended design modifications. On December 9, 2010, staff presented to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Policy Committee, providing an update on the results and recommendations of the Value Engineering evaluation for the Southwest Arterial project. The DMATS Policy Committee unanimously supported the proposed design modifications to the Southwest Arterial project. Attached is a resolution of support on behalf of the DMATS. VALUE ENGINEERING STUDY In December, 2009, the Final Value Engineering (VE) Report was completed. A team of senior transportation and bridge engineers from the Federal Highway Administration, the City of Dubuque, AECOM (consultant) and WHKS & Co. (consultant) investigated 10 initial VE concepts. The VE report indicated the following: VE Concepts Recommended For Further Consideration: 1. Implement sustainable project components (added value, but no cost reductions). 2. Use roundabouts at North Cascade / English Mill interchange and eliminate loop ramp ($240,000 savings). 3. Use roundabouts at U.S. 151/61 interchange and eliminate one lane from the bridge between the ramps ($835,000 savings). 4. Modify U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange area: including usage of roundabouts; changes to the ramp layouts; and several changes to the access road layouts ($4,725,000 savings). 5. Modify and standardize bridge structure configurations ($1,400,000 or more in savings). 6. Modify roadway profiles to reduce earthwork ($300,000 savings). 7. Build entire 4 lanes in first phase, if funding permits (no cost reduction). Potential total estimated VE savings: $7,500,000 VE Concepts Not Recommended: 1. Eliminate or shift the location of the North Cascade Road interchange ($5 - 7 million in possible savings); however, at -grade connections will not be allowed on Priority 1 freeway corridors. 2. Build an underpass instead of an access road at Knepper Lane (no cost reduction). 3. Build a tunnel to replace the bridge and retaining wall at Military Road (no cost information available, although tunnel would be cost - prohibitive). VE Alternative Evaluated Design Modification Recommendation Implement sustainable project components Yes, Incorporate in Final Design Incorporate roundabouts at U.S. 151/61 Interchange Yes, Incorporate in Final Design U.S. 151/61 Interchange: eliminate one lane on bridge Yes, Incorporate in Final Design Incorporate roundabouts at N. Cascade / English Mill Road Interchange Yes, Incorporate in Final Design North Cascade Interchange: eliminate loop ramp Yes, Incorporate in Final Design Modify U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange area, including usage of roundabouts, changes to the ramp layouts Yes, Incorporate in Final Design Modify and standardize bridge structure configurations Yes, Incorporate in Final Design Modify roadway profiles to reduce earthwork Yes, Incorporate in Final Design DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Since the recommended VE concepts could require significant plan changes, this required the design team to take a step back in the design process and re- initiate the preliminary design phase to evaluate and further refine the VE concepts. The preliminary re- design efforts have been quite extensive and required the design team to: evaluate new interchange layouts; perform detailed traffic analysis; develop new roundabout intersection details; investigate design variations for the bridges; coordinate reviews with Iowa DOT staff; evaluate potential impacts to right -of -way acquisition; evaluate potential impacts to wetlands; historic and cultural resource areas; review watershed and stream crossing impacts, and environmental clearance compliance. The following is a summary of the preliminary design evaluation of VE alternatives that either decrease the construction cost or increase the value of the project. The full extent of the potential VE savings will be evaluated and further refined as the project team proceeds into the final design phases. SW ARTERIAL / U.S. 20 / SEIPPEL ROAD INTERCHANGE CONFIGURATION Based on the findings of the preliminary design evaluation, the most significant VE recommendation is the proposed modifications to the SW Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange area. This change includes: use of roundabouts; changes to the ramp layouts; changes to the access road layouts, eliminate the need for a cross -over bridge; and possibly eliminate the need to purchase three (3) properties along Cousins Road. The potential VE savings to incorporate these savings are in the magnitude of $6.2 million. Several U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange configurations were evaluated and are shown on the attached Concept A, B and C. Concept A - Evaluated a folded diamond interchange configuration with loop ramps. This concept is not recommended because of the significant impacts to the adjacent wetland area and the less desirable deceleration loop ramp for eastbound U.S. 20 traffic wishing to go south on the Southwest Arterial. This eastbound exit loop would require U.S. 20 traffic to slow down drastically at the bottom of the hill, causing an undesirable condition for traffic. Concept B - Evaluated a standard diamond interchange configuration. This concept is recommended as the preferred alternative because it offers the safest and most recognized layout, avoids loop ramps, fits well with surrounding properties, avoids major wetland impacts and separates the interchange traffic from the local access roads. Concept C - Evaluated a mixed configuration that included a folded diamond loop ramp and standard diamond. This concept is not recommended because in comparison to Concept B, it would involve a less desirable loop ramp design and would introduce a lower speed entrance to U.S. 20 at the bottom of the hill. This condition would make it more difficult for commercial trucks to reach speed on U.S. 20. Each of the interchange configurations evaluated (Concept A, B and C) will require the acquisition of new right -of -way property. However, each configuration eliminated the need to purchase three (3) properties along Cousins Road, thus reducing the costs for acquisition / relocation in the magnitude of $1.5 million. We feel that it is important to note that the three (3) residential properties along Cousins Road were identified in the original Environmental Assessment (EA) Study as well as in the Preliminary Design phase (completed in March, 2008) as total property acquisitions and relocations. In November, 2009, City staff met with two (2) property owners and informed them of the VE study and the recommendations to re- evaluate the SW Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road interchange area. Staff informed the property owners that the possible modifications could impact property acquisition. The residents expressed mixed feelings on the purchase of their homes but strongly opposed that Cousins Road may become a frontage road to serve properties along U.S. 20 and future access to the landfill. The recommended preferred alternative, Concept B, will reconstruct and extend Cousins Road to serve one (1) commercial property on U.S. 20. The frontage road will not be extended to serve the landfill as part of the Southwest Arterial project. However, the frontage road alignment will be designed so that it could be extended to the landfill at some future date when the Iowa DOT implements access control restrictions along the U.S. 20 corridor and the landfill's direct access to U.S. 20 is eliminated. The Iowa DOT has no immediate plans to implement access control along the U.S. 20 corridor and it could be 10 to 30 years before any such plans move forward. NORTH CASCADE / ENGLISH MILL ROAD INTERCHANGE CONFIGURATION The North Cascade / English Mill Road interchange has been modified to include the use of roundabout at the ramp terminals versus the original loop ramp design. The size of the interchange is smaller which reduces the amount of right -of -way property acquisition needed by approximately 9 acres. (Note attachment) MILITARY ROAD DESIGN MODIFICATIONS Improvements to the Military Road area will include the construction of new bridge on Military Road which will allow the future Southwest Arterial to cross under the side road. The original design for the Military Road area included a tiered retaining wall system which would have allowed the highway width to be compressed, thus reducing the bridge cost, reduce earthwork excavation quantities, and minimizing impacts to the adjacent cemetery and residential properties. Based on subsequent geotechnical investigation, the subsurface shale in the Military Road area is very unstable. The unsuitable shale condition required the re- evaluation of the tiered retaining wall system and other slope stabilization alternatives. Based on this analysis, it is recommended that the wall option be eliminating and that a landscaped cut slope option be considered. The proposed landscaped cut slope alternative will not increase impacts to the cemetery property; however, it will require the total acquisition of two (2) additional residential properties. The potential savings to incorporate the landscaped cut slope alternative is in the magnitude of $2 million. (Note attachment) U.S. 151 / 61 INTERCHANGE CONFIGURATION The U.S. 151 / 61 interchange has been modified to include the use of roundabout intersections at the ramp terminals and the reduction of the new bridge width to one lane across U.S. 151 / 61. (Note Attachment) INCORPORATION OF ROUNDABOUTS City staff has extensively investigated the intersection design alternatives and the usage of roundabouts before recommending them to be incorporated into the final design of the Southwest Arterial project. City staff and the design team are committed to providing a safe, efficient, cost - effective and well - designed project. Roundabouts have proven to be very effective in reducing accidents, injuries and fatalities and reducing the amount of stopping and fuel consumption associated with conventional signalized intersections. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has strongly endorsed the use of roundabout intersections which can result in the reduction of traffic injuries by 80 percent and almost eliminate the most serious broadside and head -on collisions. Roundabout intersections are only being proposed at the ramp terminals and frontage road intersections on the Southwest Arterial. They do not eliminate the interchange overpasses at U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 151/61 or any side roads. With the incorporation of roundabout intersections, the need for a comprehensive public outreach and educational component is critical for the overall success of the project. City staff will investigate and collaborate with other cities and state DOT's that have developed and implemented successful public outreach and educational programs. Based on research data, roundabouts are expected to be constructed in many more locations throughout Iowa and regional Midwest states in the coming years. We expect that drivers in Iowa, including Dubuque, will continue to become more comfortable and supportive of roundabout intersections as they become more common. RECOMMENDATION Based on the results and recommendations of the Value Engineering evaluation, the potential for a decrease in construction costs and the overall improved value of the project, and the positive public involvement and input received, I recommend that the City Council approve the recommendations of the Value Engineering evaluation and support the proposed design modifications to be incorporated into the Final Design phase of the Southwest Arterial project. ACTION TO BE TAKEN I recommend that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the recommendations of the preliminary design Value Engineering evaluation and supports the proposed design modifications to be incorporated into the Final Design phase for the Southwest Arterial project. Attachments RESOLUTION NO. 46 -11 APPROVING AND SUPPORTING THE VALUE ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FINAL DESIGN PHASE OF THE SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Whereas, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) required that a formal Value Engineering (VE) Study be conducted to identify potential modifications that might decrease the construction cost or to increase the value of the Southwest Arterial the Project), without changing the roadway functionality; and Whereas, the FHWA, City of Dubuque (City), AECOM (consultant), WHKS & Co. (consultant) recommended seven VE modification concepts: interchange configuration changes to the SW Arterial /US 20 /Seippel Road, North Cascade /English Mill Road and US 151/61; Military Road design; the incorporation of roundabouts at ramp terminals and frontage road intersections; implementation of sustainable project components; reduction of roadway profiles to reduce earthwork; and modification /standardization of bridge structure configurations; and Whereas, on December 9, 2010, the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Policy Committee concurred and supported the proposed design modifications for the Project (DMATS Resolution 2010 -12) as recommended by the VE evaluation. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The Value Engineering (design) modifications for the Southwest Arterial Project are hereby recommended. Section 2. The City Council hereby supports the proposed design modifications to be incorporated into the final design phase of the Southwest Arterial Project. 1st: Passed, approved and adopted this 7th day of February 011. i nne F. Schneider, CMC, City Clerk Roy D. Buol, Mayor EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION A Regional Response to Local Needs DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY (DMATS) POLICY COMMITTEE DMATS RESOLUTION 2010 -12 Improvement of Southwest Arterial in Dubuque County WHEREAS The Improvements of Southwest Arterial is the number one priority of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS), and WHEREAS the DMATS set the transportation priorities for the Dubuque Metropolitan Area in DMATS long -range transportation plan in accordance with Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA -LU) authorizes funding to improve our nation's transportation system for highways, highway safety, and transit; and WHEREAS the preliminary design Value Engineering (VE) evaluation for the Southwest Arterial project was completed, and WHEREAS on November 10, 2010, a Public Hearing was held to present the ten initial VE alternatives with recommendations and obtain public and resource agency input. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Policy Committee concur and support the proposed design modifications as recommended per the results of the preliminary design Value Engineering evaluation for the Southwest Arterial project Approved this 9 day of December 2010. Attest: Roy D. t' uol, DMATS Chairperson Kell r Deutmeyer; ECIA Executive Director 7600 Commerce Park Dubuque, IA 52002 I'IIONI: (563) 556 -4166 IOWA ONIY (800) 942 -4648 RELAY IOWA (800) 735 -2943 FAX (563) 556 -0348 E - MAIL. ecia@ecia.org WI R SIIE. www.ecia.org • Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study • Eastern Iowa Development Corporation • • Eastern Iowa Regional Utility Services System • Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority • ECIA Business Growth, Inc. • • Region I Employment and Training • ECIA Regional Planning Affiliation • Region 8 Regional Transit Authority • Folded diamond with loop ramps Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 Wetland Impacts Exit Loop Ramp Speed Deceleration Bottom of Hill Safety Concern Entry Loop Ramp Slow Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safety Concern US 20 Interchange - Concept A . Not Recommended Evaluated US 20 Interchange - Concept B Recommended Possible Future Cousins Road Connection el Rd P ' • \ k/ --- z--Future Access to land Al Wetland B Design Revisions Change to standard "diamond interchange" configuration • Simple, safe interchange • Eliminate loop ramps • Eliminate crossover bridge over US 20 • US20 Entry Ramps Higher entry speeds Improve Merge Traffic • US20 Exit Ramps Less Deceleration Use roundabout intersections Reduce environmental and property impacts Reduce project cost by approx. US 20 Interchange - Concept C Not Recommended Evaluated • Mixed configuration: Standard diamond with a folder diamond / loop ramp Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 • Avoids Environmental Impacts Entry Loop Ramp Lower Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safety Concern • • • \-• • „r.„-:?% " .•• N. Cascade Road / English Mill Interchange Layout Design Revisions Diamond interchange Use roundabout intersections Eliminate loop ramp Reduce property impacts by approx. 9 acres Reduce project cost by approx. 4i2.4U Uth VE Alternative Eliminate interchange No at-grade intersections Priority 1 access control THE CITY OF DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi • Eliminate retaining walls • Provide landscaped cut slopes on both sides of Southwest Arterial Requires additional property acquisition Reduce project cost by approx. $2 Miilwor Added bike / pedestrian trail between Military Road and US 151 / 61 VE Alternative Construct tunnel Cost prohibitive THE CITY OF Dus Original Tiered Wall Concept Landscaped Slopes Recommended Military Road Area Revisions US 151 / 61 Interchange Layout Design Revisions Folded diamond with loop ramps Use roundabout intersections • Eliminate 2 bridges on ramps, switch to box culvert • Added bike / pedestrian trail through interchange to Old Davenport Road • Reduce project cost by approx. 4,uu,uuu Masterpiece on the Mississippi Masterpiece on the Mississippi Information Pertaining to the: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Summary Report November 29, 2010 Prepared For: City of Dubuque, Iowa 1 AXOM Held at the Dubuque County Fire Fighters Association Regional Emergency Responder Training Center Dubuque, Iowa TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Report Section 3 Introduction 4 Advance Notifications for Public Meeting 12 Handouts Provided at the Public Meeting 16 Attendee Sign -In Sheets 23 Public Meeting Powerpoint Presentation 31 Citizen Comments Received at the Public Meeting • Summary of Oral Comments & Feedback • Written Comments Received From Attendees • Written Responses to Citizen Comments 63 DMATS Resolution of Support 2 INTRODUCTION On November 29, 2010, a Public Informational Meeting was held at the Dubuque County Fire Fighters Association Regional Emergency Responders Training Center in Dubuque, Iowa, to discuss the planned construction of the Southwest Arterial Corridor, between Seippel Road and Olde Davenport Road. The Public Informational Meeting included a presentation which included a discussion of the current design layouts, recent "Value Engineering" improvements, the current project status, the right -of -way acquisition status, the anticipated schedule and the initial enhancement concepts. Before and after the presentation, the meeting was conducted as an "open forum" meeting. Staff members from the city of Dubuque, Iowa DOT and the engineering team were present to discuss the project with individual citizens. A strip map of the current design layout, along with detailed drawings of the three interchange locations, were located in the meeting room. Additional boards showing 3 -D perspective views of the bridges and Military Road area were also displayed. Handouts including comment forms were provided to all attendees, and citizens were also invited to submit written comments. The public meeting was held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Attendance was approximately 175 people. 3 ADVANCE NOTIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC MEETING • Postcard announcements were mailed to approximately 275 citizens on a notification distribution list informing of the Public Informational Meeting. • E -mail notification was sent to approximately 300 citizens on an e-mail distribution list informing of the Public Informational Meeting. • Media Press Release was issued on November 22, 2010. • Notification Ad was published in the Telegraph Herald on Sunday, November 28, 2010. • Front page article was published in the Telegraph Herald on Monday, November 29, 2010. 4 Copy of the postcard that was mailed to citizens on the mailing list notifying of the Public Informational Meeting. Approximately 275 postcards were mailed. Meeting Purpose: To provide an update on the Southwest Arterial project, review new design modifications, schedule, and respond to feedback and questions from the public. Meeting Location: The Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center is located off Seippel Road, just north of the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Questions: For additional information regarding this meeting or project, please contact: Robert Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 563- 589 -4270 bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org n +e CI1Y DUS ,Nn , r n)iia an the d fig= ��ri}pi Engineering Department 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Southwest Arterial roject f.ast*v., Public Informational Meeting: Monday, November 29, 2010 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center 14928 Public Safety Way, Dubuque Masterpiece on the Mississippi 5 Meeting Purpose: To provide an update on the Southwest Arterial project, review new design modifications, schedule, and respond to feedback and questions from the public. Meeting Location: The Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center is located off Seippel Road, just north of the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Questions: For additional information regarding this meeting or project, please contact: Robert Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 563 - 589 -4270 bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org I HE CRYOI DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi Engineering Department 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Southwest Arterial Project Public Informational Meeting: Monday, November 29, 2010 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center 14928 Public Safety Way, Dubuque Copy of the notification page that was sent to citizens on an e -mail distribution list informing of the Public Informational Meeting. Approximately 300 e -mail notifications were sent. Southwes Prod HE CITY OF Public Infopjational Meeting IVlasterpiece on the Mississippi s. Monday, November 29, 2010 6:00 - 8 :00 P.M. Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center 14928 Public Safety Way, Dubuque Muleeting Purpose: To provide an update on the Southwest Arterial project, review new design modifications, schedule, and respond to feedback and questions from the public. Meeting Location: The Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center is located off Seippel Road, just north of the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Questions: For additional information regarding this meeting or project, please contact: Robert Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 563 -589 -4270 bschieslfi citof dubuqu e.org For more information visit www. ci tyofdubuque.orgisouthwtarterial 7 THE CITY OF DUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque Al Amalca cily 11111, 2007 NEWS RELEASE Nov. 22, 2010 -- For Immediate Release # ## 8 CONTACT: Robert Schiesl, PE Assistant City Engineer 563 - 589 -4322 bschiesl(a,cityofdubuque.orq www.cityofdubuque.orq /enqineerinq Public Information Meeting for Southwest Arterial on Nov. 29 DUBUQUE, Iowa — The City of Dubuque will host a public information meeting on the Southwest Arterial project from 6 — 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29, at the Dubuque County Firefighters Association Emergency Responder Training Center at 14928 Public Safety Way off Seippel Road. City staff and project consultants will provide an update on the Southwest Arterial project, discuss new design modifications, review the project schedule, and respond to feedback and questions from the public. The Southwest Arterial will be a 6.1 -mile, four -lane, divided freeway providing an alternative route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque. It will connect U.S. Hwy 61/151 near the Dubuque Technology Park with U.S. Hwy 20 near the Dubuque Industrial Center West and Dubuque Industrial Center. A complete project summary and additional background is available online at www. cityofdubuque .orq /southwestarterial. For additional information regarding this meeting or the Southwest Arterial project, please contact Assistant City Engineer Bob Schiesl at 563- 589 -4270 or bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org. SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING Monday, November 6 -8p.m. Dubuque County Firefighters Assoc.; Emergency Responder Training Ctr., 14928 Public Safety Way, Dubuque Meeting Purpose: To provide an update on the Southwest Arterial project, review new design modifications, schedule, and respond to feedback and questions from the public. Meeting Location: The Dubuque County Fire Fighters Assoc. Regional Emergency Responder Training Center is located east of Seippel Road, just north of the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. For additional information regarding this meeting or project, please contact: Robert Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer, City of Dubuque 563- 589 -4270, bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org Masterpiece an the Mississippi Copy of the Ad published by the Telegraph Herald on Sunday, Nov 28, 2010 9 Fagan's Blakfrid4Sole Frerythin0 On Sale All Weekend Fri, l0am- 6pm,Sat, loam- 5pm, Sun. Ilpm -4pm Plastic model kits a s low as $5 Train cars & accessories aster, a Discounts on EVERYTHING IN THE STORE airplanes • RCears • race tracks NAtrMdecasts! Shoes! Savings up to 50% • Ddppeea•NeIM • P•xkY• eirkenstaks • Anse Dogs Did you know tatastedtoewwk boost ae regdred by weremplo/er, that trey are dxtibb7 Pagans' at ponda3vu with the recegt0 tte use ce rowmes. rAG � ^ I fl11(tntrdht.,Dulinut t G S Fa ire d :M opotel Ft/ 31 pm' SI'.H & 588 -0846 Experts: Tough fight ahead for deer disease Politics and hunting traditions are blamed for hampering the battle against chronic wasting disease. RON SEELY Wisconsin Statelonrnal MADISON —The fight against chronic wasting disease in Wisconsin deer is being hampered by politics and the powerful traditions of the state's annual deer hunt, according to omdals and wildlife experts with the state Departrn ent of Natural Resources. They said that even the agency's new 15 -year plan for combating the fatal deer hraindi are, inplareforthe s tan of the 2010 deer season, does not go far enough to control a disease they fear could spread statewide if not mntained.Thatdisturb- ing possibillty became mom real recently when a captive deer on a hunting preserve oearAshland tested positive fortheilness. Even so, Dave Clausen, a member of the Natural Re- sources Board, said the new plan is probably the best the agency can do in light of criticism of the DNR's past efforts, which have included longer and more numerous seasons, mlesaimed at kill- ing more female deer and the use of sharpshooters. The cri deism has come from politicians, including Gov - elect ScottWalker and from some hunters. "There are places where the plan does not go far enough,"saidClausen."Bul I don't think there is any- news in brief 83- year -old dies after Thiensville house fire THIENSVILLE —An 83- year -old man is dead after a house fire in Ozaukee County. psserby called 911 when he saw sm oke billow- ing from aThienwille house about 6:15 p.m. Friday. WTMJ -TV reported his wife made it out before res- curs got there, but theman was trapped insid a the living room. He was pronounced dead at a local h osp ital. The state rue marsh al's of- ficeisinvestigathrgAuthod- Ues didn't name theviclim. Longtime neighbor Ed Bergey said he saw rescu- ers bring someone out in a blanket but didn't see any movement. Deadline to sign up for no -call list nears MADISON —The next deadline to register for Wis- consin's no -call list to block calls from telemarketers is 'Ibesday. Those who sign up through that day will have their phone numbers put on theliststat loglan 1.The next chance tosign up won't placemmmbew onthelistun- tBApnl1. The list is open to home and cell numbers, but reg- istration must be renewed every two years. Anyone who has forgotten when they signed up can sign up again to be safe. More than 2.28 million numbers are on the Iut.That is the moil since the program began in 2003. thing we could do that is po- littrally feasible that would Improve this plan much' Ed Harvey, chairman of the Wlsmnsin Conservation Congress, a citizen group that advises the agency on outdoor sporting issues, agreed. '11 represents what is pos- sible at thlsparticular time, sald Harvey. Anything more aggressive and there would havebeen a massive loss of support" Under the new plan, the DNRwill: • Change the original go al of eradicating the disease to controlling its spread and reducing the number ofin- fected deer in thestate. • Prevent new introduc- tion of the disease bymore strictly monitoring deer farms and pursuing a state- wide ban on baiting and feeding of de.er. • Control the spread of the diseasebyencouraging hunting in the CWD man- agement zones and use of limited sharpshooting. The plan also calls for a more consistent season struc- ture. • Monitor disease trends and patterns. • Improve the communi- cation of thescience ofCWD tothepublic. Central to the DNR's new plan for fighting CWD is the elimination of dbease eradi- cation as a goal, which has been controversialfrom the moment It was put in place not long after CWD was dis- covered near Mount Horeb in 2002. Instead, the plan aims to keep the disease from spreading outside the areas where it now exists in southernWisconsin.Spe- Nearly half of the numbers registeredinth'ssyeatfourth quarter were cell numbers Sign up by calling 1-866 - 966 -225n oroverthelntemet at https: / /nocall.wiseonsin. gov/w-eb /home.asp. Site helps collect delinquent taxes MADISON —A state pro- gram that shames delin- quentlaxpayersintopaying has collected more than $100 million since it started about fouryears ago. The state launched a websile in 2006 That lists the names and addresses of people whn are delinquent on various state taxes, such 05 income, sales or corpo- rate taxes. At first it contained only names of people who owe at least $20,000 in tams, interest and fees, but state lawmakers later lowered the 0010001 to $5,000. Total collections topped 5108 m illion as of the end of October. State Department of Revenue spokeswoman Stephanie !dergnis told the Post - Crescent, of Appleton, that nearly 20,000 taxpayers who owe a total of nearly 5771 million are listed on the site Pier owners must register by April MADISON — Wisconsin water officials are urging property owners to register largepiersbyspring. The Department of Nit! - uralResources' registmdon requirements are linked to "There are places where the plan does not go far enough. But I don't think there is anything we could do that is politically feasible that would improve this plan much:' DAVE CIAUSEN. BOARD MEMBER. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES clficaly, the new goal is to 'minimize the area of Wis- consin where CWD occurs and the number of infected deer in thestate." Davin Lopez, CIVD coor- dinatorforthe DNR, said tire emergence of nest/ sole nce on CWD made eradication less realistic.. Research showed, for example, that theprions the deformed proteins that cause the disease — ding stubbornly to soil and can spread the illness. 9Ve co old get rid of al the deer, but when they came back, they'd Just get rein - fected' said Lopez In addition, the rate at which the disease is spread - ingwithin the management zonehas continued to climb despite more aggressive seasons and other permit changes designed to en- couragehrmterstoki lmore deer. The DNR's data show that the disease is increas- hrg hr all sex and age groups inhnth eastern and western monitoring areas within the CWD managementzone. The additional seasons a 2004 law that exempted traditionally sized piers from the agency's permit process. State legislators passed a law two years ago that ex- tended the exemption to most larger piers installed before 2004.1lowever, own- ers of larger piers that don't qualify must register with the DNR by April 1. Own- ers who don't qualify for the THE TIMESAVER PROGRAM rl¢AYIy 1,000 t J J+s kAvei SASd y � This is where adults lake the next step in moving from bank teller to Fite piesident, atay -al -home mom to business caner, line worker to manager. We are here to help YOU reach your career goals, too. e NEAT SESSION 8E01NS JANUARY 17. ' •=a rc rearp!� t�a Clarke and sperial hunts.seemed to do little but anger hunters, who lamented what they viewedas thelossoftradidon represented by the single, nine - daygundeerseason. In fact, a confusing slate of seasons statewide drew the ire of not only hunters, but the state legislature. A Legislative committee held hearing last year at which bunters and others unloaded on the agency, charging the DNR with everything from underestimating the size of the deer herd to ruining tra- didonand hunting ethicsby establishingso -caller 'eam- a -buck" areaswherehanters wereforced toshoot aemmale or young deer before killing abuck Last year, the number of deer killed s tatervide during the various deer seasons dropped 20 percent from 2008, a number cited by critics as proof ofwhat they viewed as failed DNR policy, nbulh CWD and the deer hunt in general. One of those criUrs, An- thony Grabsld, is secretary of the Conservation Con- gress CWD committee and has served on the DNRS ad- visory group on the disease. He is highly critical of the new plan, both because he disagrees with the science on which it is based and be- causeofthetangleofspecial seasons. The DNR cites research that shows the disease spreads muscly from deer to deer as Justification for its plan to reduce the density ofthedeerhent But Grabski said other science actually shows spread of the disease lsmoredoselylinked tohow frequently it occurs, mean- exemption will either have to downsize or obtain a per- mit. The DNRsald huge piers can hurt aquatic plants by hlorldng out sunlight, intern hamming the fsh population. The agency said large piers also Can interfere with boat - hag swinunhrgandproperty owners neighbors 77SeAssmv<lnlPres I 4 V✓ au a Eat &>Lwr« 13 Srcy4 $'ram! 170.f: - .Iu, F. 6enurdy P,. ,l i 1, i1.n1 - Ing that thinning the deer herd would do little tocon- Irul the disease. Grabski also said the new plan retains aseason struc- ture that is too complex and actually discourages hunt- ers. especially hunters who view the regular nine -day November hunt as an im- portanttradition.11eeaned for a return to traditional seasons, even within the CWDmanagementzone. SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING Monday, November 29 6 - 8 p.m. Dubuque County Firefighters Assoc. Emergency Responder Training CO.. 1492a Public Safety Way, Dubagan VicelsgPnpose: Toprosidean toixe to toSuAaestMM iR pcied terkwroadrsi t rscnheatixss. sthabie. anf (mordbteecback and gxesamskem fine Mwisgtomtiat Ile Mugs Casty Far F jlnsAsxe.Repmi Flononry tLymhl hardy Cefat n btaad eau d s,.Nrper Rxd.)u mmdthe oes q ., Carry taigauds for eddrisat rt ers*n regv6y /as nri ��pP tad - s . Misfall AfjEynr+. Cry dO, qtr 563 41h9. talie0Y1yokitvq.coy THUM, ft, DUB E Mat/mi. ea tM M slsrayi LAST DAY! Unwrap a present & get up to 50% off your mattress purchase 'Offer ends November 28, 2010 'Previous sales do not apply Choose the way you snooze! DUBUQUE MATTRESS 3220 Dad0.51_ nart to 20. Shock • 553.5529104 Mop. - 92•:at t05• Sun 11; Copy of the Ad published by th Telegraph Herald on Sunday, Nov 28, 2010 ' is L public hearing funding sources • Federal aid 532,805,334 • State aid $17,780,000 • City/county aid $15,808,967 • Total aid $66,374,301 • Estimated cost of two - lane option $98.3 million • Estimated cost of four - lane option 5125 million tocay's TH High 46° Low 27° Rain showers developing, 6B Arterial motives In an effort to save millions of dollars on the Southwest Arterial project, city engineers are recommending the use of roundabouts. A public hearing on the proposals is tonight. BY ANDY PIPER T11 staff writer • aplper@wcinetcont City Engineer Gus Psihoyos and Assistant City En- gineer Bob Schiesl recently took a roundabout road nip through Wisconsin. Before recommending roundabouts be used around SouthweatArterial interchanges, theywanted firsthand experience. "The more we learned about them, the more con- fident we became that those were the right recom- mendations to make," Schiesl said. "We realize this is something we will really have to embrace and infonn the public about." Roundabouts are one ofseveral cost saving rec- Proposed changes to ommendations the Engi- the Southwest Arterial neering Department will design will be discussed present at a public hear- from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight ingtonight.The changes at the Dubuque County will save about $7.8 mil - Firefighters Association lion on the estimated Emergency Responder 5125 million project. Training Center, 14928 The proposals are as Public Safety Way, near follows: the Dubuque County Fairgrounds off Seippel Road. U.S.20 /SEIPPEL ROAD Use of a hull- diamond interchange will elimi- nate the need for a cross- over bridge and loop ramps. It also will reduce environmental impact and property- acquisi- tion costs. Roundabouts will be used at the ends of the interchanges. Savings: $4.725,000. NORTH CASCADE ROAD /ENGLISH MILL ROAD Source – City of Dubuque Use of a full diamond interchange and round- abouts will eliminate one loop ramp. It also will reduce property impacts by about 9 acres. Savings: 5240,000. MILITARY ROAD A landscaped slope to replace the original "tiered retaining wall concept." It will require the purchase of additional right of way. Savings: 52 million. U.S.151/61 INTERCHANGE Use of roundabouts and eliminating one lane from the bridge connector. Adds apedestrian bike trail from Military Road to Old Davenport Road. Savings: 5835,000. WikiLeaks cables suggest Arab leaders fear Iran European Union approves bailout loan for Ireland rrC Advice 2C Iowa 58 Births 5C Nation/World . 6A, Classifieds ... 1-50 5-6C Comic 2-3C Obituaries 5C Community .... C Puzzles 2 - 3C Current IC Record 5C Horoscope D Weather 68 II in is 5D Wisconsin 58 II I 1111111111 e2 1740 year, NO 333 MONDAY lit IILKALV November 29, 2010 • Dubuque, Iowa • 75 cents Snowboarders ascend the slopes of Sundown Mountain Resort west of Dubuque on Saturday, as both Sundown and Chestnut Mountain Resort, near Galena, Ill., gave Here's one slippery slope that is embraced with enthusiasm Skiers longing for the first chance to attack the slopes this fall are not grumbling about the lack of real snow. BY CRAIG D. REBER TH staff writer creber0tu'einet.ront ASBURY, Iowa — Tim Kane was ready to trade his golf clubs for skis this week- end. On Sunday, the Asbury resident was among the es- timated 400 to 500 outdoor enthusiasts at the Sundown Mountain Resort. "Springtime conditions — beautiful," said Kane, who has a season pass at the nearby Meadows Golf Club and is a Sundown ski instructor said. "It's great to be making a few turns again. It's a nice break from golfing." In addition to Sundown, the Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort near Galena,11., also Scout tackles a towering challenge To earn his Eagle Scout badge,15- year -old plans to build a 9/11 Memorial — carrying an estimated price tag of $45,000. BY ANDY PIPER T H stuff writer • aplpeneu rfe et corn Luke Arensdorf remembers the clear blue sky and running around the neighborhood with his friends after school scan- n in v for nlanec with hinnndars A snowboarder straps in for a trip down Sundown's slopes. opened this weekend as temperatures hovered in the low -to-mid 40swith a sunny sky overhead. Sundown, a popular ski area west of Dubuque, at- tracted about 1,000 skiers and snowboarders on Sat- urday. "11 was averygood open- ing -day crowd," said Mark Dietz, Sundown's general manager. Sunday was about half of Saturday's crowd, and Di- etz attributed that to Sun- JESSICA REILLY • Telegraph Herald Boy Scout Luke Arensdorf, 15, of Dubuque, talks to Fortner Dubuque Mayor Jim Brady about his 9/11 Memorial project Wednesday at the Hy -Vee Food Store on Locust Street. Arensdorf was 5 years old on Sept. 11, 2001, but the Hemp- stead High School sophomore remembers it clearly. "We didn't get to go out for recess and we were all mad ahmultfw ." Arcncdnrf <airl "1 JEREMY PORTJE • Tdegrnph Herald skiers an early opportunity to ski over the weekend. The two resorts will be closed for a few days for more snow- making, and they plan to reopen the slopes on Friday. day football and Christ nas shopping. Cole Schmelzer, 35, of Dubuque, opted for the slopes. He's had a season pass since he was 3 years old. His two children have season passes. "The sldingwas really, re- ally good — good for man- made snow," Schmelzer said. "Todaywas a great way to get the kids outside and into the fresh air. It's a great family activity." Thanks to the manu- tacked until I got home. How do you tell a 5- year -old your country has been attacked? I asked my mom where all the planes were because there were no trails." full speed ahead starting Friday Both the Sundown Mountain and Chestnut Mountain Ski resorts will be closed today through Thursday. Dec.2, for snowmaking. Chestnut will reopen for the weekend at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec.3; Sundown will reopen for the weekend at 10 a.m. Friday. factured snow, Sundown's white slopes provided a con- trast to surrounding green - and- brown countryside. It was almost surreal. Al Lumley, 60. wasn't go- ing to sit in front of the tele- vision on Sunday. "I enjoyit," he said. "You can't beat it. It's better than sittinghome watching foot- ball. The conditions were excellent. It's a great way to start the season." See SKIERS. PAGE 2A Luke Arensdorf Age:15: sophomore at Dubuque Hempstead High Family: Dad, Terry; mom, Anita; brother, Garrett; sister, Angelina Hobbles: Boy Scout Troop 51, hunting, fishing, most any- thing outdoors Quote: "If it gets to a point where I start thinking I can't do this anymore, I'm going to tell myself: '100 years from now this thing is still going to be here.' And it will be." want to donate? Make checks payable to the Dubuque County Firefighters Association. All donations to the 9/11 Memorial project are tax - deductible and can be made over two years – 2010 and 2011. For details and an artist's rendering, visit www. Auhum tarnuntvfira. HANDOUTS PROVIDED AT THE PUBLIC MEETING SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2010 INTRODUCTION The City of Dubuque is conducting this Public Informational Meeting to discuss the current status of the Southwest Arterial project and to present the changes that have been made in the project since the last Public Informational Meeting. This public meeting is intended to give the public an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the proposed project. This is your opportunity to express views, either as an individual or a group representative. A citizen comment form is provided and can either be turned in at this meeting or mailed to the City Engineer's office. It is requested that all written comments be submitted by December 17, 2010. CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT The project is currently in the "Final Engineering Design" phase. During this phase of the project, the following activities are being completed: • The roadway alignments and other details are being developed to a higher level of accuracy so that specific impacts to each property can be identified. • Additional soil borings have been taken throughout the corridor. • Additional archaeological surveys are continuing. • Access to individual properties has been evaluated. • Concepts have been developed for landscaping, architectural treatments and other "enhancements." • The property acquisition limits and acquisition plats are being completed, and many of the properties have already been acquired. Details of the project will be discussed at tonight's meeting, or can be reviewed at any time by contacting the City Engineer's office. Additional information can be found at the City's website at www. citvofdubuque .orq /southwestarterial. 13 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Since the last Public Informational Meeting, the Project Technical Committee has evaluated several "Value Engineering" improvements to the design. These improvements include design modifications which either reduce the cost of the project, reduce impacts on adjacent properties, or improve the operation of the roadway without changing the overall function of the project. Some of the Value Engineering improvements include: • Usage of roundabout intersections at the interchanges. • Modify some of the access road configurations. • Modify and standardize bridge designs. • Modify U.S. 20 interchange layout. • Modify design near Military Road. • Implement sustainable design components. PROJECT SCHEDULE Following this Public Informational Meeting, the City will continue with the development of the project. The following schedule is anticipated at this time: • North Cascade Road and Bridge Construction 2010 -2011 • English Mill Road and Bridge Construction 2011 -2012 • Military Road and Bridge Construction 2012 -2013 • U.S. 20 Interchange Construction 2013 -2014 • Southwest Arterial Grading and Paving To Be Determined Please note that all schedules are subject to change, depending on funding availability. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION If you have any comments on the proposed project or questions about its development, please make your comments known at this meeting or forward them on the attached Citizen Comment Form. Please return your comments by December 17, 2010. Thank you for your participation in this meeting. 14 TO: RE: Comments: Mr. Bob Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 50 West 13 Street Dubuque, Iowa 52003 bschieslna cityofdubuque.orq Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting November 29, 2010 Please Return by December 17, 2010 I (do ❑ do not ❑) desire a response. CITIZEN COMMENT FORM Name: Address: Phone: e -mail: ATTENDEE SIGN -IN SHEETS Name detti e r ( 6 .4 /(r w foe user MrssAiNc, C le- '65 _‘r , .. 6 c ► DO-d )6444aA^ 0-04(A C., 1404 1 9 1 16,1 maw MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST Address or Representing DATE: Ay. Z? Zo /o PROJECT: 5W A- ee:4. /i?eSi j / / a 6 2 v►'t j i i If 1 0 1 0 ) /e-..-^=-4-2 1 0 /// &8 1/ Nit 5c F��S 17 [ -- 310 7 4g- g o wb✓o o o L .✓ / // '/9 `/ /MARY RA Sz oo .Z ti '3$L ~h /�31, Pi) tI KA_ 0 2P73 % ( Sdr 3 / at cttysc_ b( ,4J • I (Fol 6 . . 040 m <L ri W. 113,0 ( A -T, LA 9S1" . g i t L3 fli » ri\e (2 jr,2 IS %I3 144t44l Po °k 305 EPi-'oKTILTA -- $2oK" R A4.6 c,,to, VO h , ell Ile )1, 612 M 1M a r-.r Name . a `gam 5cvio rz-. L ( C �+rLoc_ Gc p W- wv MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST Address or Representing ;- 0 8' !✓ 2_ttfy &v-.40A,r /' too 2 C a4 P/ a. 1)a ' ° 2 t" ', fl e-4 18 DATE: NoV C 2 !o/c, PROJECT: Sw �aQ 2 q( tgIer 5aod.3 s.2os L3 ..5 5-Y efr-eatv ts 57;:e00 41 tin j)6 fiorGif- l rt �, Ll v-tp 0 G' 3 e--1 d 12 uc Z Tyres ,1`Zvo 3 QAVI /21 Li IQf 1 7 L 6O ce-{ "K i/t 7 (M a sTd-co 1 OkA v �S� L r7 Puy szav k2--61 N .c65cvypel--1z-d - z-mo � FU AKt g2IEV1 cam, 1400 � o w 5 reiWeff &T, 1 4 I LtD ? CA.0sfri4 Q MAW A 64 -Cec/ $ L e r t' 01. �! n k nh es Vr ;7 v )14, /,ke j1 (1/ v4V ,e; 4 Name 0,2{2Awrwa-2._ 414 111111111 -or Ago' dr .4 .. A. / A MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST Address or Representing 90 /gam_ i(o E6 VO. I II s+ St DATE: Av. 2_, Zo l o PROJECT: 5w 1 Pu t/:c. /✓leef:rrq J Jae i rr.Q_. Z GT &-' w•Q.,0 S., Cf /j ( /7/ �h ei r ..ID Xr WfSf 13( .auk, 831/41 ✓P& to„ /ems/ y X54- a Dg , /7s g/ Y -In. 1.4 / /3(1 c Mnd erns 0'. 4b A . /0?(733 &4sp-s c. "1.(2_5M- 5:L. Cam,.,,. +« 13047 C1-4-y V;< b /f2 3 (% % 9013 P / 7 el 19 Name U.1 At-C.4 SApe /. • ?;\ 61 0 Vaf4 �� avti7-0/1 �i aAtkt. rehnn MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST Address or Representing DATE: .Vot/. 29 Za /a PROJECT: .5 4,--1 1 P„ 1 I I.35 Ed vii. l La in 1 I3 3 3 C,ki5d/ )41 le L eGA') 377 f, 6rarQ 6 /9 7 (4L4 t om. (11 1-4-He oe 0!? /751/1/ 7 /7s4,_ < . 2. 7 J' .,2 A,gA/ I- N , l 2s 7 J ar- n Lam. J t / C61k(Si k l.s 'a / /2 JO 5, ST ,O es' id? „ AAQ - c►- 60/114/ 11847 sZ 0 o 3 / / cz;g? ()cc_ fC Gr- T� tom' '� '-� S •Z� `5 - 3 11$99 ,plc U,0.4 bi ) 1 / 9 4 / . . c // S3 � rel-/i /7. ,f-:e - L -a- w1\i b V• y A KCOt phrTh aPI‘ !le/hi Li, "l' S 0- j\ � y �s 94 C ) .Uf t J ./l, kk, Name /(2a64,-_ /4-PJ d o0 R . 1. k) oU l2 MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST Address or Representing A - 6 CdWl R s ;� s A- ' A v L L C 0,9 L -e, � b `- L LS .111 nA oc Z- (4 t 4 i U > ` J n - jQ_LL -a .! v .: /4 Zc, 3 /o /-Q.5 .W , af a te- /L5 7O (, / C.. ca ks Or- q3cn- k(ci Cde., q36.2 i ` j I e �l�' d, 6 6625 «)e// 21 DATE: AV, 2.7 Zo /o PROJECT: s A, - / e,- .,. ( P,,G/: 4eeleolj / 2 t o � !' „ow ? r • ke,42 52a, 21 /? 4i4 %,, e � -- 1 l Er ( �- //Ar.zArrAla;diA nN‘ ii110o /d Mai A1Qd il3S Vtead O3 fa d4 , 7 4 •0 f 33(2 tYlf S. Orta r 0.V Name U q l iiakae4a44 /4 11)- /. AA ogo.eitezt- I I 1 sc�GC, J & c 4 MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST Address or Representing 22 DATE: A)ov, a?, Zo ° PROJECT: 5LAJ -ce:ti 1 P, G/:� I lfa EA t3 02 2 --Y 3 � �4, -e. (7b �z�G j1VU - U,‘ew b3 (5 )a3 V,. � .J J D &l a �,� 5 Jay a sit' POWERPOINT PRESENTATION SHOWN AT THE PUBLIC MEETING A=COM DIEM'. Of DUB E 16n7rrpirrcmi the AG+sh,inyi Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Robert Schiesl Assistant City Engineer WHKS lFerracon RDg.- DURR I NT' Southwest Arterial Project PROJECT PARTNERSHIP The #1 Surface Transportation Priority in the Dubuque Area For: • Dubuque City Council • Dubuque County Board of Supervisors • Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) • Greater Dubuque Development Corporation • Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Continuing to move forward with the development of the Southwest Arterial (DUBUQUE Create/Dubuque [ DI7B1QI ra �.. ! Southwest Arterial Project Corridor Alignment Map 24 A=COM PURPOSE OF MEETING IH[(IIi 01 DUBUQ E Mc,irrr ekeon the Au<:,,arri • Review current project status • Inform you of the results and recommendations of the preliminary design VE evaluations • Inform you of the proposed design modifications • Project schedule • Receive your input and comments W HKS ;trt lrerracon RDg.• DURRANT' - onnticfs 4 -lane Divided Freeviiay (6.11/1(les) • Priority 1 Access Control Three Interchanges Hwy 20, Hwy 611151, N. Cascade Road Full Build Cost Estimate $125 Million Southwest Arterial Project Where Are We Today? V NEPA Clearance - Completed 2004 ✓ Preliminary Engineering Design - Completed 2008 • Final Engineering Design Underway • Right - of - Way Property Acquisition Underway • Archaeological & Cultural Resource Mitigation i Underway • Construction ➢ Under Contract - N. Cascade Reconstruction 1 Southwest Arterial Project Value Engineering (VE) Study Preliminary Design Evaluation & Recommendations Value Engineering Study - Completed December, 2009 ✓ Identify potential modifications that might decrease construction cost ✓ Increase the value of the project • Preliminary VE design evaluation - Completed November, 2010 • 10 - Initial VE Alternatives were evaluated > 7 - VE Concepts Recommended For Further Consideration > Potential total estimated VE savings: $7,500,000 • 3 - VE Concepts Not Recommended Most significant VE recommendations are the proposed modifications to the SW Arterial / U.S. 20 / Seippel Road Interchange area. Potential savings $6,200,000 US 20 Interchange -Concept A Not Recommended Evaluated 11 • Folded diamond with loop ramps ° Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 • Welland Impacts • Exit Loop Ramp Speed Deceleration Bottom of Hill Safety Concern • Entry Lcop Ramp Slow Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safety Concem •, US 20 Interchange - Concept A Not Recommended Evaluated • Folded diamond with loop ramps • Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 • Wetland Impacts • Exit Loop Ramp Speed Deceleration Bottom of Hill Safety Concem Entry Loop Ramp Slow Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safety Concem 25 Original US 20 Interchange Evaluated US 20 Interchange - Concept A itot Recommended Folded diamond with loop ramps • Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 Wetland Impacts Exit Loop Ramp Speed Deceleration Bottom of Hill Safety Concern Entry Loop Ramp Slow Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safety Concem US 20 Interchange - Concept A Not Recommended Evaluated • Folded diamond with loop ramps Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 ' Wetland Impacts Exit Loop Ramp Speed Deceleration Bottom of Hill Safety Concem Entry Loop Ramp - Slow Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safety Concem 2 US 20 Interchange • Concept C Not Recommprulnd Evaluated fixed configuration: Standard diamond with a folderdiarmnd / loop ramp Eliminate Cross Over Bridge over US20 Avoids Environmental Impacts Entry Loop Ramp Lower Entry Speed !.longing Traffic Safely Concern US 20 Interchange - Concept 8 Recommended US 20 Interchange - Concept 8 Recommended Design Revisions Change to standard ' diamord interchange configuration S lmple. sate interchange Eliminate loop ramps Eliminate aossover bridge over US 20 US20 Entry Ramps Higher entry speeds Improve Menge Traffic US20 Exit Ramps Less Deceleration Use roundabout intersections Reduce environmental and pmpedy impacts Reduce project cost by approx. iu_2n .cn 26 US 20 Interchange - Concept C Not Recommended Evaluated I,I■xed configuration: Standard diamond nv�lh a folder diamond / loop ramp • Eliminate Crass Over Bridge over US20 ° Avoids Environmental Impacts • Entry Loop Ramp Lower Entry Speed Merging Traffic Safely Concern US 20 Interchange - Concept B Recommended Design Revisions ° Change to standard - diamond interchange' configuration • Simple. safe interchange ° Eliminate loop ramps • Elirronale crossover bridge over US 20 ° US20 Entry Ramps Higher entry speeds Improve Mege Traffic US20 Exit Ramps Less Deceleration Use roundabout mterseeumns Reduce environmental and property impacts ' Reduce project cost by 3 US 20 Interchange - Concept B Recommended Design Revisions Change to standard - diamond interchange' configuration Sunple. safe interchange Eliminate loop ramps Eliminate crossover bridge over US 20 • US20 Entry Ramps Higherenhy speeds Improve merge traffic • US20 Exit Ramps less deceleration Improved safely • ° Use roundabout intersections • Reduce environmental and propedy impacts • Reduce project cost by approx. .6.2n ":on N. Cascade Road I English Mill Interchange Layout Design Revisions Diamond Interchange Use roundabout intersections Eliminate loop ramp Reduce property impacts by approx. 9 acres Reduce project cost by approx. VEAlternative Eliminate Interchange No at -grade intersections Priority 1 access control Dus E Va.b.ryrta r. fir ..4r N. Cascade Road / English Mill Interchange Layout Design Revisions Darmn6 interchange Use roundabout intersections Eliminate loop ramp Reduce property impacts by approx. 9 acres Reduce project cost by approx. 1240.000 VE Alternative Eliminate interchange No at-grade intersections Priority 1 access control )L JB tmw. 27 US 20 Interchange - Concept B Recommended Design Revisions Change to standard 'diamond interchange configuration • Sinpe. safenterhange • Eliminate loop ramps • Eliminate crossover bridge over US 20 US20 Entry Ramps Higher entry speeds Improve merge traHic US20 Exit Ramps Lessdecelerahon Improved safely Use roundabout fnlersechons Reduce environmental and pmpedy impacts Reduce project cost by approx. :6.2 m:llron N. Cascade Road / English Mill Interchange Layout Design Revisions Diamond interchange Use roundabout intersections Eliminate loop rainy Reduce property impacts by approx. 9 acres Reduce project cost by approx. A00 VE Alternative Eliminate interchange No at-grade intersections Priority 1 access control LAJBUQUI N. Cascade Road / English Mill Interchange Layout Design Revisions Dmmord interchange Use roundabout intersections Eliminate loop ramp Reduce property impacts by approx. 9 acres Reduce project by approx. - VE Alternative - Eliminate interchange No at-grade intersections Priority 1 access control 4 • Diamond interchange • Use roundabout intersections • Eliminate loop ramp • Reduce property impacts by approx. 9 acres ° Reduce project cost by approx. $240,000 • VEAltemative Eliminate interchange No at -grade intersections Priority 1 access control U Un 4.ri.ar •• rY Mi.rtn qp Design 1 Revisions Folded diamond with loop ramps " Use roundabout Intersections Eliminate 2 bridges on ramps, switch to box culvert Added bike / pedestrian trail through Interchange to Old Davenport Road • Reduce project cost by approx. - :00.000 DUB E r..n,r,..■ •° rr. v......yr. Design • Revisions Folded diamond with loop ramps a Use roundabout intersections Eliminate 2 bridges on amps, switch to box culvert Added bike / pedestrian trail through interchange to Old Davenport Road Reduce project cost by approx. 0 0400.000 DUB 28 • Eliminate retaining walls • Provide landscaped cut slopes on both sides of Southwest Arterial • Requires additional pmperty acquisition • Reduce project cost by approx.:,:! ttillion ° Added bike / pedestrian bail between Military Road and US 151 / 61 ° VEAttemative Construct tunnel Cost prohibitive SWIM" nlne..r.a• of r4 rhn+nirF US 1511 61 Interchange Layout Design Revisions ° Folded diamond with loop ramps ° Use roundabout Intersections ° Eliminate 2 bridges on ramps, switch to box culvert • Added bike / pedestrian trail through Interchange to Old Davenport Road • Reduce project cost by approx. - A03.0,3 DUB E o w ° s 0 Or00 0 •- bra rear Mr • All about the Roundabouts move traffic safely & efficiently • Slower speeds • Fewer conflict points • Easy decision making Roundabouts provide: • 90% reduction in fatal crashes • 76% reduction in injury crashes • 30-40% reduction in pedestrian crashes • 10% reduction in bicycle crashes • No traffic signal costs • Environmental benefits 5 Southwest Arterial Project Side Road Improvement Projects - ,,Ai Op i t K-y — ww.. r-y..ayb.eeeuM.d. A=COM Southwest Arterial Project Schedule TPOn Or Dus .t tixpetr Ux A lip- �;.y7i • N. Cascade Road Grading - Stage 1 Oct - Nov 2010 • N. Cascade Road Grading - Stage 2 July 2011 - Sept 2011 • N. Cascade Road Bridge March 2011 - July 2011 • English Mill Road Utility Relocation Summer 2011 • English Mill Road Grading & Bridge July 2011 - Nov 2011 • Military Road Grading & Bridge Summer 2012 " • SW Arterial Grading, 4 -Lane To be Determined " • SW Arterial Paving, 2 -Lane To be Determined ** •* Schedules are subject to change, based on funding availability North Cascade Road Under Construction DUi�uQUE Mg& �lr •' lag North Cascade Road Bridge Architectural Rendering LAJBUQUE Summer 2011 29 North Cascade Road Under Construction D1r11 f i t. ia. Ate? i r3 yp •. + ,' North Cascade Road Bridge Architectural Rendering IDURUQ7UG 6 North Cascade Road Bridge Architectural Rendering Southwest Arterial Project Interim Build Alternative Pave 2 -Lane Highway (Hwy 20 to Hwy 61/151) Property Acquisition (4 -Lane, Hwy 20 - Hwy 61/151) Iowa DOT - Land Acquisition Services Final Engineering Design Mitigation Construction Grading (4 -Lane, Hwy 61/151 - Hwy 20) • Pave 2 -Lanes (Hwy 20 - Hwy 61/151) o Partial Interchange (Hwy 20) Partial Interchange (Hwy 61/151) • Temp At -Grade Intersection (N. Cascade) Interim Build Cost Estimate: $ 9.8 Million $ 330,000 $ 8 Million $ 2 Million $ 78.2 Million $ 98.3 Million AECOM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIMMY Of DUBUQ E tavier fww on the foij; • Remain Involved and Keep Informed o www. citvofdubuque .ora /southwestarterial • Citizen Comment Form (Your Input is Important) o Written Comments o Please Return Comment Sheets by December 17th, 2010 l rerracon N WHKS ttt RDg,. Dua RA Ave,' i /r . 30 Southwest Arterial Project Funding Summary :2,1;1:'`J:1. 4121121 Amount Federal Funding $ 32,805,334 I State Funding I $ 17,760,000 City / County Funding $ 15,808,967 I I Total Federal / State / Local Funding: 5 66,374,301 I ` After SAFETEA -I U obligation limitations applied • State fim&ng programmed h FY2013I 2014 Federal Funding State Funding Local Funding Funding Gap Southwest Arterial Project Project Cost Interim Build Cost Estimate 2 -Lane Highway Hwy 20 to Hwy 61/151 $ 98.3 Million $ 32.8 Million $ 17.8 Million $ 15.8 Million $ 32 Million A=COM nfccfry Of DUB Project Team members will be available to answer questions. Thank You for Attending Mastaprece en the Ar4 LElppi WHKS „ 1(erracon RD tiANT 7 PUBLIC COMMENTARY • Summary of oral comments and feedback received from citizens during the 90 minute open forum following the formal staff presentation. • Written Citizen Comment Forms received after the public meeting. • Staff written responses to citizen comments. 31 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2010 SUMMARY OF CITIZEN ORAL COMMENTS Following the formal presentation, members of the Project Team were available to discuss the project one -on -one with the participants. Members of the City Engineering staff and Consultant team included Gus Psihoyos (City Engineer), Bob Schiesl (Assistant City Engineer), Roger Walton and Art Gourley (Iowa DOT), Bob Lentz and Mark Durbahn (AECOM), Tony Zelinskas (WHKS) and Chris Wand (Durrant). The following summarizes the significant comments which were made to the Project Team members during the one -on -one discussions. (Responses to comments are indicated in parentheses.) 1. Property owner David Lambert (Parcel 173) stated that the roadway would be too close to his home and stated that he would like to be bought out. 2. Property owner Robert Bradley (Parcel 130) noted that existing English Mill Road has a snow - drifting problem just north of his driveway and requested that his driveway be connected directly to relocated English Mill Road near Station 1012 +00. He also asked if the right -of -way lines had been revised to provide more room around his buildings, as he had requested earlier. (We noted that the right -of -way lines had been revised based on his earlier request. We offered to send Mr. Bradley a copy of the latest right -of -way layouts.) 3. Property owner Jon Luckstead (Parcel 187) stated that his businesses at Tamarack Business Park would be ruined if the existing access to U.S. 151/61 was closed. He requested that a right -in /right -out access be allowed at its existing location. 4. One person commented that Olde Davenport Road may pick up additional traffic destined for Bellevue after the project is constructed. 5. One person requested that HMA pavement be considered to reduce noise. 6. One person suggested that the connection to Olde Davenport Road should be on a curve rather than a T- intersection, due to the volume of traffic. (It was noted that a curved connection was previously considered and would have required acquisition of homes and would have required a reduced -speed horizontal curve.) 7. One person requested that the 30 mph construction speed limit on North Cascade Road be eliminated over the winter, because southbound traffic on 32 North Cascade Road would not be able to make it up the hill to the south if the speed is too slow. 8. Property owners Tom and Charlotte Pfeiffer (Parcel 109) stated that Cousins Road is too close to their house. They were concerned that after the landfill starts using Cousins Road, it will have a big negative impact on their property. 9. Anna Decker, Mound View Road, had two comments: • "Bellevue Bypass ": Some traffic currently follows U.S. 52 to U.S. 61/151 to Military Road to Oakland Farm Road to North Cascade to U.S. 20. She was concerned that after the Southwest Arterial is constructed, the "Bellevue Bypass" will continue to be used. • There is a significant hill to the south of North Cascade Road. She was concerned that with the reduced construction zone speed limit, they will not have enough momentum to get up the hill when the roads are snow /ice covered. 10. John Kirpes commented that roundabouts may eliminate the more severe crashes, but he felt that there would be more fender benders. He asked about whether or not the roundabouts would actually cost less or not. (Explained that the infrastructure, installation and ongoing maintenance for fully signalized intersections at those locations would likely cost more. He seemed to accept that explanation.) 11. Shannon and Mark Beard inquired as to how the slopes at Military Road would affect that area versus the retaining walls. (Explained that the slopes may require more right -of -way in some areas and possibly less in others. As for noise, it may be less of an issue with this design as the hard surfaces of the walls have been eliminated and there would be more planted area which is softer and can absorb some of that sound.) 12. Several people made comments about the Southwest Arterial not eliminating the traffic on the Military /Oakland Farms /North Cascade route for people from Bellevue heading west. 13. Cheryl Sheldon expressed concern over increased traffic on North Cascade Road near Roosevelt Park. She lives on Park View. (Explained the way the North Cascade Road /English Mill Road interchange will work, which allayed her fears to some extent.) 14. Curt Kiessling, Asbury City Council: He had numerous questions about the safety and operation of roundabouts. Asbury may be considering roundabouts in their community and he wanted to know about other roundabouts in the state. 33 (We will provide him information regarding safety and examples throughout the state.) 15. Don Koos drives a truck and has concerns about traversing a roundabout. (Explained that there will be a truck apron on the inside of the roundabouts to accommodate a 53 -foot semi - trailer and told him multi -lane roundabouts are designed to accommodate one semi at a time in the circulatory portion of the roundabout. He agreed with that methodology.) He also had comments on the shortcut that he used to get to Peosta. The county placed a 3 -axle limit on Skyline Road which has caused him to go into Dubuque to get to Peosta. 16. Pat O'Rourke (Parcel 195) is upset that it is taking so long to negotiate and settle on the acquisition of his property. He has relocated the Verizon entrance, telephone and electric lines serving the Verizon cell tower at his expense, without any reimbursement. He has paid over $200,000 to relocate that entrance. The people who rent this property are upset about the damages to the farm ground caused by the archaeology work. The archaeologists stayed within the agreed boundaries but caused the farm ground to not be as productive as anticipated. The renters have filed a claim but have not been reimbursed. 17. A couple of people that live along Olde Davenport Road were concerned with the T- intersection that will be constructed on the hill at Olde Davenport Road. Their concern is that in the winter, it will be difficult to get up the hill after stopping at the intersection. They realize that an earlier proposal did not involve a T but was eliminated because it required the removal of homes. They wondered if there may be a way to construct the intersection such that a stop is not required for Olde Davenport Road traffic. 19. The owners of the three (3) residences on Cousins Road expressed their concern about truck traffic to the Landfill if Cousins Road eventually becomes the access road to the Landfill. They indicated that they would submit written comments. They suggested that Cousins Road be relocated on a new alignment west of their properties, with access to their property coming southeasterly from relocated Cousins Road. They did not comment on the proposed interchange design other than to indicate that they are happy to be able to stay where they currently live. 20. A husband and wife who currently live in the Barrington Lakes Subdivision expressed opposition to the roundabouts because they believe that the roundabouts will be unsafe due to truck traffic. (It was explained that the design and review process led to the recommendation for roundabouts.) A neighbor of the couple also participated in the conversation, telling them that they should be happy with the new interchange configuration since it will provide better access 34 when the current U.S. 20 access is closed. The couple then agreed that they prefer the new interchange layout, but still had reservations about the roundabouts. 21. A couple of people suggested that Barrington Lakes Road should connect with the east roundabout with the U.S. 20 eastbound ramps. (The process that the design team went through in looking at this option was explained, including why it was decided not to provide this connection. The citizens seemed satisfied with the explanation.) 22. Some citizens commented that they thought it would be desirable to connect the north leg of Cousins Road with the proposed intersection with Seippel Road. (It was suggested that they submit written comments to support this concept.) 23. William Siegert (Parcel 114) expressed dissatisfaction that access to U.S. 20 from his property located east of U.S. 20 will be restricted to right in -right out for farm vehicles only. He indicated that he has had purchase offers for the commercial development of the property. 24. Several people were supportive of the interchange configuration presented. 25. Some people asked when the existing Barrington Lakes Subdivision access to U.S. 20 will be closed. (They were told that the closure would not be part of the Southwest Arterial project and that no date has been set for other U.S. 20 improvements that would affect this existing intersection.) 35 AN ACC. CLO;AiPtt. AT WOULD T IREATEN 17 T,UsiN .'Sse AND Lill a DEVE't 0.1e.ii TA PISA ST E'R. TrarDA I3U - OCiE: COUNTY t( ( - 5UpE1 ?VI SOIZ 5 1'1E1, tl,G kE S.1N. ART URIAL [1(1RAl ,,nti GLiST `,;? 36 ceI 4r "An J.,. I- Lksi.e«.( II- 47 -lb A .11 s P'NW4fT• 1N1 l T - o T ACC L$S EA\ITA,L Jon Luckstead 3642 Echo Hills Dr. Bellevue, IA 52031 -9557 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Curt, Durbahn, Mark Wednesday, December 22, 2010 2:54 PM clkasburycouncil @gmail.com Lentz, Bob Roundabout Information gesponse, + C 4- k: t j Qs re ..4- 44%, futolt. »,«f:1) At the Southwest Arterial public meeting held on November 29 you inquired about some safety information regarding roundabouts and some examples of roundabouts in the state. Below are some key safety statistics of roundabouts that you can use to plan for roundabouts: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study that reviewed 24 intersections around the United States that have been converted from stop signs or traffic signals to modern roundabouts: • All crashes were reduced by 39 percent. • Serious crashes were reduced by 76 percent. • The study estimates that fatal or incapacitating injuries will be reduced by 90 percent. Following is a Zink to all of the roundabouts in the state of Iowa: http: / /www.iowadot.Qov /roundabouts /roundabouts iowa.htm Within this website you can find additional information regarding roundabouts in Iowa. If you would like to meet to discuss possible roundabouts in Asbury I would be happy to visit with you and review possible locations. Mark D. Durbahn, P.E. Transportation mark.durbahn@aecom.com AECOM 501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222 Waterloo, Iowa 50703 T 319.232.6531 F 319.232.0271 www.aecom.com 37 t 29 November 2010 To: Bob Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 50 West 13 Street Dubuque, Iowa 52003 Re: Southwest Arterial - Public Information Meeting 29 Nov. 10 In regards to tonight's public meeting on the current progress of the Southwest Arterial Project, we would like to submit our comments and questions; 1. Statements were made that the Southwest Arterial Project was the "Priority #1" across several local city boards and departments. How is the project ranked on the State of Iowa's list of things to do? 2. What is the city's commitment that Cousins Road will not subsequently to utilized as sole access to the landfill? Maps presented tonight show it dead ends at the Thomas & David Kluck property, parcel #105. 3. Maps presented indicate that Cousins Road will need to be extended approximately 1625 feet to provide access to Kluck parcel #105. Has the city considered purchasing this parcel of property verses the cost of extending the road this distance? Alternative to consider: Provide Kluck business access via the McDermott highway at grade access that is not listed as closing. All commercial / large truck traffic would be diverted to one central access point. Cousins Road would dead end in front of the Sanford property. No purchase will be required of Sanford. Has the city considered _ this as an option? 4. The suggestion above also works toward inclusion into the HWY 20 / Swiss Valley Interchange project. We're told this is a more long range project for IDOT providing a frontage road to access the landfill, McDermott etc. from this interchange. What is the timeline for the HWY 20 / Swiss Valley interchange project? This stretch of has been deemed one of our state's 38 deadliest portions of highway. Why is this taking a backseat and its funding reallocated to the SW Arterial project? 5. Maps displayed tonight indicated two roads in very close proximity to one another, Cousins Road & the westward on-ramp on HWY20. Is there a distance requirement needed between these two roads? 6. What are the projected upgrades to Cousins Road? With being a city street, will the homeowners be expected to share in any of the costs relating to Cousins Road modifications? 7. .Where is the remaining $33.9M funding shortfall going to come from? The Value Engineering Study netted a $6.2 "savings." Although a .06% savings of any kind is noble, how much funding has been expended over the past 14+ years, lost on a project that falls to execute or target completion? Where is the accountability in the planning phases of projects of this magnitude? Taxpayers are frustrated to continue to witness this kind of waste in our city government / or at any level. Thank you in advance for responses to these concerns. In addition we would like to maps of "Concept B" sent to our home address. Best Regards, Art & Karen Rokusek 12101 Cousins Road Peosta, Iowa 52068 Home: 563- 556-8635 39 January 14, 2011 Masterpiece on the Mississippi Mr. and Mrs. Art Rokusek 12101 Cousins Road Peosta, Iowa 52068 Subject: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rokusek: Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001-4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityofdubuque.org Thank you for your recent comments on the Southwest Arterial project. We appreciate your constructive comments, and are providing the following responses. 1. The Iowa DOT has prioritized their portion of the Southwest Arterial project in the current Iowa 5 -Year Highway Transportation Improvement Program. Iowa DOT has allocated funds for the Southwest Arterial interchange at Highway 20 for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014. 2. The existing landfill entrance near Barrington Lakes is anticipated to be closed at some point in the future when the Iowa DOT completes their Highway 20 access control project. The City is exploring other alternatives to provide access to the landfill at that time. The final location of the future landfill access road is not yet determined; however, as part of the Southwest Arterial project, the existing landfill entrance will not be impacted and will remain open. 3. The existing entrance near the Kluck property also serves a second property (Parcel 104) owned by Kluck Enterprises. The City has not considered purchasing both of these properties instead of extending the frontage road. The entrance to the McDermott property on Highway 20 would also be eliminated at some point in the future, when the Iowa DOT completes their Highway 20 access control project. Therefore, the Kluck property, as well as the properties on Cousins Road, would all need to be served with a new access road to Seippel Road. The City is still exploring other variations for the location of this access road. 4. The Highway 20 / Swiss Valley interchange would be one part of the future Highway 20 access control project. Although a high priority, the timeline for the Highway 20 / Swiss Valley interchange has not yet been determined, and it is not included in the Iowa DOT's current 5 -Year Highway Transportation Improvement Program. 5. There is no minimum distance requirement between an access road and the proposed Southwest Arterial / Highway 20 Interchange entrance ramp. Access roads or frontage roads are often constructed just outside of the highway right -of- way. If necessary to reduce headlight glare, a visual screen, such as landscape plantings, could be used between the two roads. 40 6. The modifications to Cousins Road will be determined as part of the final design. At this time, we anticipate a new bridge across the South Fork of Catfish Creek. The adjacent homeowners will not be expected to share in any of the costs related to Cousins Road improvements. 7. The City is continuing to search for funding assistance to complete the remainder of the Southwest Arterial project. This project has followed a very typical timeline for projects of this magnitude, which require considerable effort to complete the initial planning, environmental impact study, archaeological investigations, design, permits, right-of-way acquisition, etc. All funding expended to date has been used to complete these required steps in the development of a major roadway project, and the recent Value Engineering study has proven to be a major benefit in identifying substantial cost reductions in the project. 8. A copy of the "Concept B" layout is attached to this letter. We will include your comments in the public meeting summary which will be reviewed by the City of Dubuque, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563-589-4270, or via email at bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, LAI S oLiml Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque Attachment: Map of Proposed U.S. 20 Interchange 41 4ffint:* t Moe I MIRA eddlLYinterPfenSelslost I Ctterettut F 114 t wax*, Possible Future—'. ell Cousi ns Road Connection . ! \ te, rr illoiti:* , Major I Culvert ..E.A • •sw --Future Acc'ess to Barrington 1.. 6.0 and A :Proposed Bridge —e--- Pavement —a- We/. land Limits • CAOsu,res 0 500 SCALE IN FEET AECOM U.S. Hwy. 20 Interchange Concept B Southwest Mode, November 2040 C.ty ol Dubuque, lowo 60450231 42 TO: Mr. Bob Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 50 West 13 Street Dubuque, Iowa 52003 bschiesl@cltyofdubuque.orq CITIZEN COMMENT FORM RE: Southwest Arterial Public InforMational Meeting November 29, 2010 Comments: ery ./6/k ,c4,12 ct,e, ki-e? fse ike7-it/ wad/ f a "4- dlo oaie, dot wv it)- cycds /fx, 4 704'24, 0 At e/ • 444'ilt t iCX 09A' ke 11 e it, AfUCCC9C4Ifai laVLECt" 4 F c er(1-.1 i c- 7 ,Q or ., pro5ve-e- Please Return by December 17, 2010. I (do do not 0) desire a response. LAwork1profecl 113036thdmn111-29-10 SW Art•PublicInfoMtg.docx 41-&-W H oPri kc. C 0;1 43 ro cy/< Jai 4- /_j/tfPj0f AI and s clef/ polo- .4ez_ P Name: C- 4 A 0 IM Address: c2 6 6 - 151-Ih i l p Zow4 Phone: e-mail: (4), e erh 0 0 AO- 001 44 January 14, 2011 Mr. Eugene Wiederholt 29168 - 194 Avenue Zwingle, Iowa 52075 Masterpiece on the Mississippi Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 -4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityoldubuque.org Subject: Southwest Arterial Public informational Meeting Dear Mr. Wiederholt: Thank you for your recent comments on the Southwest Arterial project. We are providing these responses to your comments, as you requested. The Southwest Arterial project, upon its completion, is expected to be used by approximately 15,000 drivers every day. The Southwest Arterial project will provide an alternate, direct and efficient route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque and will connect two growing industrial and commercial areas of the community, while supporting the future anticipated expansion growth to the southwest of the City toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. The Southwest Arterial project will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the regional highway transportation network by reducing some of the traffic congestion on Highway 61/151, Highway 20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque, while also reducing the traffic demand on Kelly Lane, Cedar Cross Road and other local streets. We agree, as you noted, that not every driver will choose to use the Southwest Arterial to reach their particular destination. However, we do expect that the Southwest Arterial, by reducing traffic congestion on several other streets, will have a beneficial effect on traffic throughout Dubuque and the southwest region of the City. We will include your comments in the public meeting summary which will be reviewed by the City of Dubuque, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563 -589 -4270, or via email at bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque 45 TO: RE: Comments: Mr. Bob Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer 50 West 13 Street Dubuque, Iowa 52003 bschiesina.citvofdubuoue.oro Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting November 29, 2010 In your current plan for the arterial changes at the intersection with Highway 20, I don't think you have given much consideration to the people living along Cousins Road between Old Highway 20 and Seippel Road. My opinion is an intersection with Seippel Road should be maintained. In addition to the continued increase in traffic as the West Dubuque Industrial Park has developed you have the significant events at the Fairgrounds when there is a steady stream of cars making safe access to the Old Highway virtually impossible for sustained periods of time. The alternate at these times has always been to go down to Seippel Road and prior to that it was Highway 20. Then you have the heavy truck traffic to and from the fuel storage facility, the concrete plant, and the scrap yard, two of which are recently added or enhanced facilities and all of which use the Old Highway to get to Hwy 20 unless they are coming from or going west. Also, with completion of the Medline facility there has been a noticeable increase in rush hour traffic on the Old Highway and this will only increase with further development of the park. I think you need to revisit the plan in this area and maybe even give some consideration to how heavier traffic counts going east on the Old Highway will be handled at the intersection with Highway 20. Additionally, you have a problem developing at the intersection of Hwy 20 with the NW Arterial. The left turn lane for access to the NW Arterial is too short to handle the traffic coming from the west and vehicles get backed up into the high speed lanes, not a good situation. Please Return by December 17, 2010 I (do ® do not 0) desire a response. 1:\v,oil6projecl11130361admn511 .29.10 SW AA- Publictnfokilg.docX CITIZEN COMMENT FORM 46 Name: Ar Lea ( Address: /2 ?( Co us I © . 9 1 7 * - . ao B -e ®Es Phone: 563 689 03Z`f e - mail: 7t Sa,efe. )7?S) . Co,n, Masterpiece on the Mississippi January 14, 2011 Mr. Arvid Saele 12695 Cousins Road Peosta, Iowa 52068 -8025 Subject: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Dear Mr. Saele: Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001-4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityofdubuque.org Thank you for attending the Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting on November 29th and for taking the time to provide us with your comments. We are providing these responses to your comments, as you requested. You requested consideration of connecting Cousins Road to the north of relocated Seippel Road. As part of the final design of this project, the City will be investigating the possibility of reconnecting Cousins Road as you described or for allowing such a connection to occur at a future date. As you noted, traffic service to several properties could be improved if this connection were made. You also noted a problem with the eastbound left -turn lane on US Highway 20 onto the Northwest Arterial, which occasionally backs up. The City is aware of this condition that primarily occurs during the morning peak travel times. To help with this heavy traffic volume of turning movement during the morning commute, the City has increased the cycle time for the left-turn lane traffic. The City will continue to actively monitor this situation; however, we also would note that the proposed Southwest Arterial project will reduce traffic congestion on U.S. 20 and therefore improve the traffic operations at the Northwest Arterial intersection and other locations along the U.S. 20 corridor. I can also share with you that a joint partnership effort between the City and the Iowa Department of Transportation is currently being initiated to complete a Traffic Capacity Improvement Location Study along U.S. Highway 20, between the Southwest Arterial / Seippel Road interchange and the Northwest Arterial. Further information on this study will be forthcoming. We will include your comments in the public meeting summary which will be reviewed by the City of Dubuque, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563- 589 -4270, or via email at bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, a.0 Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque 47 From: Bob Schiesl [Bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org] Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 3:59 PM To: Barbara Collins Cc: Lentz, Bob Subject: Re: Southwest BYPASS Barb Thank you for your interest in the project and for taking the time to express your thoughts and provide us your input. We will be happy to reply to your comments however we respectfully request your patience as we compile all the citizen comment forms received and we prepare responses to those. Regards Bob Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque Office - 563.589.4270 Bschiesl@Cityofdubuque.org On 12/7/2010 at 3:01 PM, Barbara Collins <BCsSTUDI0@aol.com> wrote: Dear Mr. Schiesl, The TH article said to "Keep the S.W. Arterial, a True Arterial". I think it should be labeled BYPASS. Otherwise, it will in all likelihood, invite commercial development. That would not be a problem though, if the only access to the highway is via frontage roads off the limited interchanges. The latest proposals for the use of roundabouts at the interchanges seems good to me. However, I am still perplexed as to why a much simpler design was not considered. We live on Mound View Rd, just off North Cascade, and we would be frequent users of the new road; and, even more frequent users of the new bridge overpass on North Cascade. Why could there not be a simple diamond interchange directly at North Cascade, instead of between there and English Mill? Because it would have to take out more homes along N. Cascade? Why is there any connection to English Mill? Is it to serve the Rock Quarry? the Quarry has direct access to Hwy 20. Their trucks do not use English mill as much now,do they? But, it would shorten our trip to the WalMart and Lowes. The plain diamond intersection proposed could be further simplified by eliminating the roundabouts. Yet, folks traveling from from 61/151 and going West to Hwy 20 would soon realize that it is shorter to cut off on North Cascade than to go through to the Seippel Rd exit - or vice-versa. The proposal at Hwy 20/Seippel Rd seems could get by with one roundabout on the east side instead of two. The Barrington Lakes connector would just be a fifth branch. Perhaps with a slightly larger diameter circle. 48 Will the chosen plans be published in the Telegraph Herald? The honor of a reply would be appreciated. Name: Wayne G Collins Address: 11092 Mound View RD, Dubuque, IA 52003 Phone: 563 - 588 -9211 e -mail: Lwgcollinsaaol.com Dubuque A I- AmaicaCity 111111 i 2007 Masterpiece on the Mississippi January 14, 2011 Mr. Wayne Collins 11092 Mound View Road Dubuque, Iowa 52003 Subject: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Dear Mr. Collins: Thank you for attending the Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting on November 29th and for taking the time to provide us with your e- mailed comments. You noted a concern about commercial development and access to the roadway. The proposed design will ultimately provide a 4 -lane freeway with priority -one access control which will provide vehicular access only from the interchanges and frontage roads. This design should accommodate future development while maintaining good traffic flow on the Southwest Arterial. You asked about the location of the interchange west of North Cascade Road. Several alternatives for this interchange had been reviewed in detail during the corridor study in the early 2000's, including an interchange located directly on North Cascade Road. At that time, it was determined that an interchange between North Cascade Road and English Mill Road would provide the best access to this entire area and would also allow a future connection to the Northwest Arterial, if that ever becomes part of the future long range transportation plan. Although there is currently not significant development along either English Mill Road or North Cascade Road, the proposed interchange location would provide good connections to either road for those drivers who want to reach those destinations. The connecting roads are not intended to serve any specific property, but rather to provide improved access to all of the properties and vehicles using English Mill Road and North Cascade Road. You commented about the number and location of roundabout intersections. Please be assured that the City is committed to providing a safe, efficient, cost - effective and well - designed Southwest Arterial project and has investigated the intersection design alternatives in depth. We believe that the roundabout intersections will operate more efficiently than conventional intersections, and will eliminate the need for traffic signals that are known to cause more delays and frequently result in more serious crashes. You also noted a concern that some westbound drivers may exit the Southwest Arterial at North Cascade Road and use North Cascade Road as a shortcut to Highway 20. It is possible that some drivers may use that route, but North Cascade Road would be a lower- 50 Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 -4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityofd ubuque.org speed route and involve more intersections and stopping, especially at the North Cascade Road / Highway 20 intersection. Because of this, we expect that most drivers destined for Highway 20 would stay on the Southwest Arterial and use the marked route. The final layout for the Southwest Arterial will be posted on the city's website, www.cityofdubuque.org. Maps may also be published by the Telegraph Herald if they elect to run such a story. We will include your comments in the public meeting summary which will be reviewed by the City of Dubuque, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563-589-4270, or via email at bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, olikisAl Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque 51 • From: Bob Schiesl [Bschiesl @cityofdubuque.orgj Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 7:37 AM To: tjmuel @aol.com Cc: Lentz, Bob; Gus Psihoyos Subject: Re: Southwest Arterial Thank you Tim for taking the time to share with us your positive thoughts and comments. We are very pleased with the attendance and input fro the Public Meeting and just helps reinforce for us that we are making the correct decisions and moving the project in the right direction. Regards Bob Robert Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque Phone: 563- 589 -4270 E -mail: bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org Sent by mobile Blackberry Original Message From: <tjmuel @aol.com> To: Schiesl, Bob <Bschiesl(cityofdubuque.org> Sent: 12/8/2010 11:00:58 PM Subject: Southwest Arterial Dear Mr. Schiesl, Just a note to tell you that I enjoyed hearing about the Southwest Arterial "Final Engineering Design ". The project looks like it was well worth the extra time required to work out the best possible design. I like the use of the "roundabouts ". I think they are a great idea for all the reasons noted at the meeting. When completed, this Arterial will be a show case for the city and provide a much needed transportation corridor especially for commerce. Efficient traffic movement has a major impact on the environment and the cost of moving people and product. Those of us who live south of the city eagerly await the completion of this project and encourage you to press on to that end. When completed, the project will be something the city and everyone involved in it's design can be proud of. Best regards, Thomas Mueller 1 52 December 7. 2011 To: Mr. Bob Schiesl Assistant City Engineer 50 West 13tth St. Dubuque, la, 52003 Comments regarding the Southwest Arterial project: Mr. Schiesl: Si Aerel : Richard Merrihew Again thanks for giving opportunity for opinions to be expressed. 53 From: Richard Merrihew 9364 Scfenic Acres Ln. Dubuque, la. 52003 Merrihew Estates Retired Couple 1 chard & Shirley Merrihew E Late Managers 9364 Scenic Acres Ln. Dubuque, Iowa, 52003 KOPLX - AE - EEng 563 - 588-0779 rwmsam @Juno.corn kOplx @att.net JESUS is LORD Having attened your recent informational meeting regarding construction of the Southwest Arterial, please consider the following comments. First of all thanks for spending time to present all the plans and specifications to the public. The meeting was well planned and the information was concise. And I would say again well done! I have anxiously been waiting and watching this project for a number of years hoping It would address our needs for easy access to the west end business district. Needless to say it seems as though these needs will not be met. I can only see our use as extending access to the Menards store. Which is not more than once a month. Speaking for myself and wife we will continue to use the Rrockdale Kelly Ln. route for our west end business. And as you stated before a direct link to Northwest Arterial,which seems to be in the future plans is going to help. My Idea would be to implement this connection now and delay some of the four lane construction till later. To see the value of such a move a survey of the traffic load on Kelly Ln. and Rockdale Rd. should prove my point as to the source and destination of such traffic. I also don't think the Sipiel Rd. connection will relieve Hhighway 20 truck traffic through the west end of Dubuque. If this was a part of the plan it would seem better served by design and construction of a Highway 20 bypass with a directly east connection from the truck stop on the top of the hill southwest of Dubuque to the Jct of Highway 61/151. THE CITY OF Dusk Masterpiece on the Mississippi January 14, 2011 Mr. Richard Merrihew 9364 Scenic Acres Lane Dubuque, Iowa 52003 Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 -4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityofdubuque.org Subject: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Dear Mr. Merrihew: Thank you for your recent comments on the Southwest Arterial project. We are providing these responses to your comments. As you noted, there are some destinations for which the Southwest Arterial would not provide the most direct route. However, the traffic volume forecasts for this area show that an estimated 15,000 vehicles per day would use the Southwest Arterial for their particular destinations while providing an alternate, direct and efficient route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque. The Southwest Arterial project will support the future anticipated expansion growth to the southwest of the City toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. It wall also significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the regional highway transportation network by reducing some of the traffic congestion on Highway 61/151, Highway 20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque as well as reducing the traffic demand on Kelly Lane, Cedar Cross and other local streets. The route for the Southwest Arterial was selected after an extensive corridor study was conducted that evaluated multiple alternative routes through southwest Dubuque. Considering the topography, soil and environmental conditions within this alignment corridor, it would be difficult to find a "perfect" location for the Southwest Arterial. We believe that the proposed location provides an equitable balance and would serve a large number of vehicles, while still being constructible and cost - effective. This location is also compatible with a future connection to the Northwest Arterial, if such a project is added to the Long Range Transportation Plan. We will include your comments in the public meeting summary which will be reviewed by the City of Dubuque, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563- 589 -4270, or via email at bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque 54 From: Bob Schiesl [Bschiesl @cityofdubuque.org] Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2010 9:17 AM To: carl hartung Cc: admin @barringtonlake.com Subject: Re: Southwest Arterial Meeting Comments Mr. Hartung Thank you for attending the Southwest Arterial Public Informational meeting and for taking the time to provide us a written response with your comments. I hope you made it a point to provide your input to one of the 9 team members that were available for an hour and a half during the public input period following the informational presentation. We are committed to providing a safe, efficient, fiscally responsible and well designed Southwest Arterial project. This is very much apparent with the 12 + month effort that was undertaken to re- evaluate the design, evaluate possible cost saving alternatives - which in our opinion, and in the opinion shared by citizens that also attended the public meeting, a much better Southwest Arterial project. Again, thank you for your interest in the project. Regards Bob Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque Office - 563.589.4270 Bschiesl a@Cityofdubuaue.orq On 12/15/2010 at 9:27 PM, carl hartung <chartung@u,live.com> wrote: Can you can you ear me now? Your opening statements pretty well set the stage for the balance of th_e evening. lost_everyone who has attended any of your meetings is totally frustrated b rot oz,listen to the people, the people who will be paying for the SouthWest The people wart a first -class road system, not something that we could afford by cutting corners at every opportunity. If roundabouts are such a grand idea, why not put one on Dodge street and see how that works out. If it means setting the project back, so be it. But lets get this dbne'correct the . first time. As for the community information. meetings, rernemberlhat your are just ohe member of the community, and you can be replaced. Are we'to bring our own P.A. system to the next meeting so that we can be heard? Carl J. Hartung 11206 Lakeview Drive Dubuque, la. 1 55 56 THE CITY OF DfUi Masterpiece on the Mississippi January 14, 2011 Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hartung 11206 Lake View Drive Dubuque, Iowa 52003 Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 -4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityoldubuque.org Subject: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hartung: Thank you for attending the Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting and for taking the time to provide us with your comments. You commented on the format that was used for the public meeting. With over 175 people attending the meeting, the best way for each person to be heard and to get their questions answered was to speak individually to each person and to receive their verbal and written comments. This format worked very well for nine members of the City staff and design team to give individual attention to each person during the 90 minutes following the presentation. This format has proven to be an excellent way of allowing everyone to be heard, especially those citizens who are hesitant to speak in front of an audience in an open public setting. You also commented about the access to Barrington Lakes and McDermott Excavating onto Highway 20. Although the Southwest Arterial project will not affect these entrances, we are aware that the Iowa DOT is planning a future access control project on Highway 20 that will eliminate all at -grade connections to Highway 20 between Dubuque and Peosta. The Southwest Arterial project is being designed to be compatible with this future project and to accommodate such future access connections to Barrington Lakes, businesses along Highway 20 and the landfill property. There will be additional opportunities in the future for public comments before the Iowa DOT would proceed with an access control project on Highway 20. You also commented on the proposed roundabout intersections. Please note that the City is committed to providing a safe, efficient, cost - effective and well- designed Southwest Arterial project and has investigated in depth the intersection design alternatives. There are dozens of roundabout intersections already constructed in Iowa and many more throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Midwest. They have proven to be very effective in reducing accidents, injuries and fatalities and reducing the amount of stopping and fuel consumption associated with signalized intersections. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has strongly endorsed the use of roundabout intersections for these reasons, and we expect to see many more to be constructed throughout Iowa in the coming years. The design team is still working on the final details to make these intersections as safe and efficient as possible. 57 All of the comments received from this public meeting will be submitted to City of Dubuque officials, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563-589-4270, or via email at bschiesl©cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, Robert D. Schiesl, RE. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque 58 December 14, 2010 TO: Mr. Robert Schiesl, Assistant Engineer City of Dubuque, Iowa Subject : Southwest Arterial Roundabouts Dear Mr. Schierl: Since I spoke to you a couple.of times,on this subject matter, and after revieving your Information I'm putting my thoughts and opinions in writing for consideration by those Who will make the final determination. I've driven through roundabouts in Wisconsin, in Missouri and Iowa. Especially the One on Highway 3 just North of Strawberry Point, Iowa. Without traffic:signals, at such intersections, these roundabouts then leave an uncontrolled intersection. Drivers must then merge into existing traffic and select a lane They desire to travel in to get out of the roundabout and into the direction they want to go.Should you fail to enter into the correct lane, to start with, you very well could have To make a 360 and start over. That's providing the other merging traffic allows you to do so. My review of fifty and sixty feet long semi trucks is that in most instances they ean"t Move through the roundabouts and keep there full unit within the proper lane. I don't believe that your idea of moving traffic through such roundabout at a fifteen or Twenty mile per hour rate is proper way to move traffic on an Arterial. It would also seem to me that with ice and ten inches of snow like we recently had these Roundabouts would be very hazzardly to both drivers and road maintenance people. The many statistics you quoted me, about the use of roundabouts in other areas, may be So for them .areas. However, let's be sure were comparing apples with apples.. I understarid there is a substantial cost saving by the use of such roundabouts. I support Any cost saving as long as that's done based on a reasonable and useable trade off. In the case of trading off traffic signals and /or over passes I don' believe roundabouts is A reasonable and useable trade for this Southwest Arterial. The construction of this Arterial has been in discussion for over twenty -five years. Let's Be sure such changes are made for the right reasons. 59 Robert W. Runde 13117 N. Cascade Rd Dubuque,Iowa CC: Michael C. Van Milligen, Dubuque City Manager CC: Eric Manternach, chairperson Dubuque County Supervisors January 14, 2011 Mr. Robert W. Runde 13117 North Cascade Road Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Masterpiece on the Mississippi Engineering Department City Hall 50 West 1381 Street Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 -4864 563.589.4270 563.589.4205 (Fax) www.cityofdubuque.org Subject: Southwest Arterial Public Informational Meeting Dear Mr. Runde: Thank you for your thoughtful comments on the Southwest Arterial project. We are providing these responses for your consideration. You indicated several concerns about the operation and safety of roundabout intersections. The City has researched the usage of roundabouts extensively before recommending them on this project. Although roundabout intersections have not yet been constructed in Dubuque, there are dozens of roundabouts throughout Iowa and many more in Wisconsin, Minnesota and across the midwest. They have proven to be very safe and effective intersections in the midwest climate. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has determined that roundabout intersections reduce traffic injuries by 80 percent and almost eliminate the most serious broadside and head -on collisions. Roundabout intersections are controlled by yield signs and reduced speeds, resulting in a safer operation, less delays and less fuel consumption than a conventional intersection. The selection of the proper lane to use in a roundabout is very easy, the lanes are marked and signed in advance of the roundabout. This is similar to selecting a left -turn lane at a conventional intersection. As you noted, large semi - trucks would take additional space to move through the roundabouts. This is similar to large trucks moving through a double left -turn lane at a conventional intersection, where the truck usually takes both lanes. This has not proven to be a problem in other roundabout intersections. Please note that the roundabout intersections are only being proposed at the ramp terminals and frontage road intersections on the Southwest Arterial. They do not eliminate the interchange overpasses at U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 151/61 or any of the side roads. The roundabouts will require traffic to slow down to approximately 20 -25 mph, as compared to a traffic signal where traffic would come to a complete stop. Based on research data, roundabouts are expected to be constructed in many more locations throughout Iowa and regional communities in the coming years. We expect that drivers in Iowa, including Dubuque, will continue to become more comfortable and supportive of roundabout intersections as they become more common. 61 We will include your comments in the public meeting summary which will be reviewed by the City of Dubuque, as well as the Iowa DOT, before any final decisions are made on the project. Thank you again for your interest and participation in this project. Should you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact me at 563-589-4270, or via email at bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org. Sincerely, Robert D. Schiesl, P.E. Assistant City Engineer City of Dubuque cc: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Eric Manternach, Dbq County Supervisor 62 DUBUQUE AREA METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION STUDY (DMATS) RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION WHEREAS WHEREAS WHEREAS WHEREAS NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Policy Committee concur and support the proposed design modifications as recommended per the results of the preliminary design Value Engineering evaluation for the Southwest Arterial project Approved this 9 day of December 2010. Attest: pp yy j i r +;' �:'i' y `: O ( iN�Sy.�' k: #,0 I & KAP DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY (DMATS) POLICY COMMITTEE DMATS RESOLUTION 2010 -12 Improvement of Southwest Arterial in Dubuque County The Improvements of Southwest Arterial is the number one priority of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS), and the DMATS set the transportation priorities for the Dubuque Metropolitan Area in DMATS long -range transportation plan in accordance with Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA -LU) authorizes funding to improve our nation's transportation system for highways, highway safety, and transit; and the preliminary design Value Engineering (VE) evaluation for the Southwest Arterial project was completed, and on November 10, 2010, a Public Hearing was held to present the ten initial VE alternatives with recommendations and obtain public and resource agency input. Roy D. � uol, DMATS Chairperson Deutmeyer, ECIA Executive Director 7600 Commerce Park Dubuque, IA 52002 PI (563) 556 -4166 IOWA ONLY (800) 942 -4648 RELAY IOWA (800) 735 -2943 FAX (563) 556 -0348 E -MAIL. ecia @ecia.org WEB SIIE www.ecia.org • Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study • Eastern Iowa Development Corporation • • Eastern Iowa Regional Utility Services System • Eastern lo134Regional Housing Authority • ECIA Business Growth, Inc. • • Region I Employment and Training • ECIA Regional Planning Affiliation • Region 8 Regional Transit Authority •