The URL can be used to link to this page

Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1999 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study The State of Iowa Department of Transportation held a public meeting on February 16, 1999, on the Southwest Arterial project. lOOT has a ten day period under which additional information can be submitted for the record. The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) has sent a letter to lOOT supporting the project and giving their position on several of the elements. Mayor Terry Duggan and all six members of the City Council are members of the DMA TS Board of Directors. Also, in the annual City Council Goal Setting, the Southwest Arterial has appeared as a priority for the City of Dubuque for the last several years. I respectfully request that the Mayor and City Council approve the enclosed resolution supporting the construction of the Southwest Arterial, as previously adopted by DMA TS. fZ~J ~/lg;-= Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/j Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager ~ .::>.:.,~ CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17,1999 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director JJ.;//(~ SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study INTRODUCTION The Environmental Assessment for the Southwest Arterial corridor study was approved by the Federal Highway Administration for public review and comment on January 19, 1999. A copy of the Environmental Assessment is attached. DISCUSSION Through a series of public meetings, both in small group and city-wide meetings, several alternative locations were developed to construct a roadway within the project corridor limits to best accommodate the traffic needs and result in the least impact on the environment. As a result of this public process, the alignment designated as Alternative B-1 was selected as the preferred alignment for the Southwest Arterial, and it was determined that two access alternatives would be studied and presented in the final draft of the Environmental Assessment. The two alternatives under consideration differ in the type of access control that will be implemented along the corridor. The interchange alternative will provide priority I access control, where access to the highway is allowed only at interchange locations. The intersection alternative would provide priority II access controls, which allows access to the highway only at interchange and selected at-grade locations. The minimal allowable spacing between at-grade access locations would be one-half mile. RECOMMENDA TION I would recommend that the City Council adopt the same position as the Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMA TS) as follows: 1. The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 15 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/151 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the IDOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to present a recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. MAK/vjd RESOLUTION NO. -99 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Whereas, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Iowa Department of Transportation have prepared an Environmental Assessment for a proposed four-lane roadway on a new alignment in Dubuque County. Said roadway to be designated as "Iowa Highway 32", or commonly called the "Southwest Arterial", and Whereas, the City Council has reviewed the Environmental Assessment of the project dated January 19, 1999, and Whereas, the Southwest Arterial is one of the urban area's top transportation priorities and part of the long-range transportation plan for the urban area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 1 5 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. Section 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. Section 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. Section 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. Section 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. Section 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/1 51 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. Section 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. Section 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. Section 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. Section 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. Passed, approved and adopted this _ day of ,1999. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Mary A. Davis, City Clerk . 2-17-1999 3:53AM -> C~TY OF DUBUQUE; P.V. 3 FRCIvi P.3 EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION DUBugUE ME:TROPOLrrAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY J081'RAINING PROGRAMS (Jl'PA) (PJ) (WTW) EClA ~GIONAL PLANNING AFFILlATION E.C.IA BUSINESS GROwrH. INC. Januazy 26, 1999 Catherine Dunn. BVM. PhD. Chair Iowa Department ofT1'U15porution Commission Iowa Deparuncnt ofTranspomrion 800 Lincoln Wq Ames. Iowa 50010 Dear Commissioner Dunn: t The Dubuque Metropolitan I\xr:! Transpo1UticxL Study ~ has reviewed the Draft Fmal Environmental Assessment for the Soudrwea.Arterial aDd app~ the following . comments: 1. In August 1995 the DMA 1'5 Policy Board made a com{J"irnvont to fund up to 15% of the Federal portion of the proposed constrUction and right-of-wayoosts from MPO ISTEA and TEA.~21 STP funds. We reaffirm that commitment. 2. We request that a Memorandum ofUnderscanding be eDlaJted between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission end the DMATS Policy Board establishiDg the framework for developmCt of the Sourhwelt Arterial. 3. We believe that project should be developed with Priority One access control for it.. entire length. 4. It is our opinion that two of the proposed five interC:haDges in the preferred alternative will be needed in the long term, but are not ;mm~ neceswy. As a result, we believe tba that the En,-ish Mill Road Extension and Interchange can be delayed until such time as it is juStIfied by regional cirmlation needs. However, we reque.tt that purchase of right of W7:f for the interchange and English Mill Road Extension be i~duded in the FOjea. SimilarJy, we believe that the propoaed Oakland Farms Road Intercl1ange is also not justified by current traffic conditions, but will be in the long term. Therefore, we request that Iowa Depan:%IW1t of Transportation purclwc right of way for this interchange but not proceed with constrUCtion until such time as the interchange is juscified by regional circulation needs. 5. We propose that the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highw2y 20Al! est Dodge Street access control project. I I' I II Ii ,I I! Suite 330. Nesler Centre. P.O. Box 1140. Dubuque. 1A. 52004-1140. (319}5S6-4166. Fa.'\: (3191556-0346 E-Mail: eciatlmwcLnet '-. . . ~ -- ...... --. . 2-17-1999 3:54AM FROM -> CITY OF DUBUQUE; P80e 4 ~ P.4 6. It is our OpiniOll that the North QJClIllf' Road and Highway 61/151 ~ should be included in the proposed project and built c:onc:urrendy with the Southwest Arterial. 7. We would like to discuss with you the eventual disposition of aJ11"Olld relocations, non-ramp improvemcncs, frontage roads and access roads. We believe that this discussion should take place at a t~hnic:allevel and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between. the affected ap:ncies. 8. We believe that there may be better and! or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department.s Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines. We would lib to address those issues with your staff and reach an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access that could be spelled out in the Memorandum of Understanding. 9. We request that following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission imp1emem corridor preservation OD the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. ~ ~ 10. We would like to request that during 1999, following Commission acceptance: of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the IDOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Azterial at the euliest poaibJe date. Thank you for your consideration of these commems. Sincerely, Il ~V--'tJr - Terry Duggan. Chair DMATS Policy Board CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1999 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study The State of Iowa Department of Transportation held a public meeting on February 16, 1999, on the Southwest Arterial project. IDOT has a ten day period under which additional information can be submitted for the record. The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) has sent a letter to IDOT supporting the project and giving their position on several of the elements. Mayor Terry Duggan and all six members of the City Council are members of the DMA TS Board of Directors. Also, in the annual City Council Goal Setting, the Southwest Arterial has appeared as a priority for the City of Dubuque for the last several years. I respectfully request that the Mayor and City Council approve the enclosed resolution supporting the construction of the Southwest Arterial, as previously adopted by DMA TS. DJJ ~;tl~ Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/j Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager ~ ~ CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1999 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director J/.:(;(~ SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study INTRODUCTION The Environmental Assessment for the Southwest Arterial corridor study was approved by the Federal Highway Administration for public review and comment on January 19, 1999. A copy of the Environmental Assessment is attached. DISCUSSION Through a series of public meetings, both in small group and city-wide meetings, several alternative locations were developed to construct a roadway within the project corridor limits to best accommodate the traffic needs and result in the least impact on the environment. As a result of this public process, the alignment designated as Alternative B-1 was selected as the preferred alignment for the Southwest Arterial, and it was determined that two access alternatives would be studied and presented in the final draft of the Environmental Assessment. The two alternatives under consideration differ in the type of access control that will be implemented along the corridor. The interchange alternative will provide priority I access control, where access to the highway is allowed only at interchange locations. The intersection alternative would provide priority II access controls, which allows access to the highway only at interchange and selected at-grade locations. The minimal allowable spacing between at-grade access locations would be one-half mile. RECOMMENDA TION I would recommend that the City Council adopt the same position as the Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMA TS) as follows: ;. 1 . The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 15 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/151 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the IDOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to present a recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. MAK/vjd . RESOLUTION NO. -99 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Whereas, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Iowa Department of Transportation have prepared an Environmental Assessment for a proposed four-lane roadway on a new alignment in Dubuque County. Said roadway to be designated as "Iowa Highway 32", or commonly called the "Southwest Arterial", and Whereas, the City Council has reviewed the Environmental Assessment of the project dated January 19, 1999, and Whereas, the Southwest Arterial is one of the urban area's top transportation priorities and part of the long-range transportation plan for the urban area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 15 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. Section 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. Section 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. Section 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. Section 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. Section 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/151 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. . Section 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. Section 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. Section 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. Section 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. Passed, approved and adopted this _ day of , 1999. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Mary A. Davis, City Clerk -> C~TY OF DUBUQUE; paga 3 . 2-17-1999 3:53AM FRCJv1 P.3 . EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION O'UBUgUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTAnON STUDy EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS (J1'PA) (PJ) (WIW) ECIA ~GIONAL PLANNING AFFILIA'nON E.C.I.A. BUSINESS GROWI'H. INC. January 26, 1999 Catherine Dwm. B~ PhD. Chair Iowa Department of Transponation Commission IoW':l Department of Transportation 800 Lincoln Wq Ames. Iowa 50010 Dear Commissioner Dunn: t The Dubuque Metropolitan hra Transportatioa. Study ~ has reviewed the Draft Fmal Environmental Assessment for the Southwea.Aztcria1 and app~ the following conunents: 1. In August 1995 the DMATS Policy Board made a comtl'J",nvont to fund up to 15% of the Federal portion of the proposed consuuaion and rigbt-of-wayc:0st5 from rvD?O ISTEA and TEA-21 SlP funds. We reaffirm thatcomm.itmem. 2. We request that a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transpomttion ~on and the DMATS Policy Board establishing the framc:work for development of the Souchw_ Arterial. 3 . We believe that project should be developed with Priority One access control for it'. entire length. 4. It is our opinion that two of the proposed five inteid1:o1nV1 in the preferred alternative will be needed in the long term, but are not imm~ necessary. As a result, we believe tblt that the EngJish Mill Road Extension :and Intcrcbmge can be delayed until such time as it is jutrifiM by regional cira11acion needs. However, we request that purchase of right of W7:f for the interchange and English Mill Road Extension be included in the project. Similarly, we believe that the proposed Oaldand Farms R.oad Interchange is also not justified by current traffic conditions, but will be in the long term. Therefore, we request that Iowa Department of Transportation purchase right of way for this interchange but not proceed with construction until such time as the intercbmge is justified by regional circulation needs. 5 . We propose that the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20AVest Dodge Street access control project. I " Ii II II II II ii ,I I! Suite 330. Nesler Centre. P.O. Box 1140. Dubuque. lA 52004-1140. (319)556-4166. Fax (319}5S6-0346 E-Mail: eciatlmwcLnet -. ..,-- .-._-~ -> CITY OF OUBUQUE; Page 4 4 2-17-1999 3:54AM FROM P.4 6. It is our opinion. that the North CaSCllrle Road and Highww:y 61/151 imercbanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the South'MSt Arterial. 7 . We would like to discuss with you the eventual disposition of all l'02d rel.ocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads. We believe that this discussioD should take place at a tN"hnicallevel and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected qcncies. 8. We believe that there may be better and! or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrim Accommodation guidelines. We would like to address those issues with your staff and reach. an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access that could be spelled out in the Memorandum of Understanding. 9 . We request that following acceptance of the rmal Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement c:onidor preservation OD the proposed Southwest A.rterial Corridor. , ~ 1 O. We would like to request that during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the IDOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Art.erial at the euliest possible date. Thank you for your consideration of these com:mem:s. ~[2 Terry Duggan, c~ DMATS Poli<.y Board (. CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1999 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study The State of Iowa Department of Transportation held a public meeting on February 16, 1999, on the Southwest Arterial project. lOOT has a ten day period under which additional information can be submitted for the record. The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) has sent a letter to lOOT supporting the project and giving their position on several of the elements. Mayor Terry Duggan and all six members of the City Council are members of the DMA TS Board of Directors. Also, in the annual City Council Goal Setting, the Southwest Arterial has appeared as a priority for the City of Dubuque for the last several years. I respectfully request that the Mayor and City Council approve the enclosed resolution supporting the construction of the Southwest Arterial, as previously adopted by DMA TS. f:7"J ~;tIJ-= Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/j Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager (. CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1999 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director Jl:/){wiJ SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study INTRODUCTION The Environmental Assessment for the Southwest Arterial corridor study was approved by the Federal Highway Administration for public review and comment on January 19, 1999. A copy of the Environmental Assessment is attached. DISCUSSION Through a series of public meetings, both in small group and city-wide meetings, several alternative locations were developed to construct a roadway within the project corridor limits to best accommodate the traffic needs and result in the least impact on the environment. As a result of this public process, the alignment designated as Alternative B-1 was selected as the preferred alignment for the Southwest Arterial, and it was determined that two access alternatives would be s}udied and presented in the final draft of the Environmental Assessment. The two alternatives under consideration differ in the type of access control that will be implemented along the corridor. The interchange alternative will provide priority I access control, where access to the highway is allowed only at interchange locations. The intersection alternative would provide priority II access controls, which allows access to the highway only at interchange and selected at-grade locations. The minimal allowable spacing between at-grade access locations would be one-half mile. RECOMMENDA TION I would recommend that the City Council adopt the same position as the Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMA TS) as follows: , .' 1 . The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 15 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/151 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to present a recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. MAK/vjd I RESOLUTION NO. -99 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL LOCA TION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Whereas, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Iowa Department of Transportation have prepared an Environmental Assessment for a proposed four-lane roadway on a new alignment in Dubuque County. Said roadway to be designated as "Iowa Highway 32", or commonly called the "Southwest Arterial", and Whereas, the City Council has reviewed the Environmental Assessment of the project dated January 19, 1999, and Whereas, the Southwest Arterial is one of the urban area's top transportation priorities and part of the long-range transportation plan for the urban area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 1 5 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. Section 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. Section 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. Section 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. Section 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. Section 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/1 51 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. I Section 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. Section 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. Section 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. Section 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. Passed, approved and adopted this _ day of , 1999. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Mary A. Davis, City Clerk . 2-17-1999 3:53AM FRG1 -> C~TY OF OUBUQUE; P-v- 3 P.3 EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTAnON STUDy EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS (JTPA) (PJ) (WTW) ECIA ~GIONAL PLANNING AFFJUA'nON E.C.I.A. BUSINESS GROwrH. INC. January 26, 1999 Catherine Dunn, BVM, PhD, Chair Iowa Department of Transportation Commission Iowa Depanment of Transportation 800 Lincoln Way .Ames. Iowa 50010 Dear Commissioner Dunn:. , The Dubuque Metropolitan Arf2 TraDSpOrtatioo Study Bo~ baa reviewed the Draft Ymal Environmental As.tessment for the Southwea Arterial aw:l ~ the following comments: 1. In August 1995 the DMA TS Policy Board made a commimvont to fund up to 15% of the Federal portion of the proposed conmuction and right-of-way costs trom MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. We reaffirm that cormnitmem. 2. We request that a Memorandum of Understanding be c:D:CUted between the Iowa Department of Transportation ColJunj,sion md die DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Soudlw_ Arterial. 3. We believe that project should be developed with Priority One access control for it'. entire length. 4. It is our opinion that two of the proposed five inteiC'j,:a~gr-.' in the preferred alternative will be needed in the long tenD, but are not ;m~ necessary. As a result, we believe tblt that the E"~ish Mill Road Extension cmd Interchange can be delayed until such time as it is juscified by regional ciras1arion needs. However, we request that purchase of right of W7:f tor the interchange and English Mill Road Extension he i~duded in the projea. Similarly, we believe that the proposed Oakland Farms Road. Interchange is also not justified by current traffic conditions, but will be in the long term. Therefore, we request that Iowa Department of Transportation purchase right of way for this interchange but not proceed with construction until such time as the intercbange is justified by regional circulation needs. 5 . We propose that the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20AVest Dodge Street access control project. I I' d I 1 II i! ,I I! i: :1 ., I, I' ,I II Suite 330. Nesler Centre. P.O. Box 1140. Dubuque. LA 52004-1140. (319)556-4166. Fa..\': (319)556-0348 E-Mail: eeiat.mwC:i.net . 2-17-'999. 3:'5"4..;M'~-' FROM -> CITY OF DUBUQUE. Page 4 ~ P.4 .> 6. It is our opinio.o that the North euc.~~ Road and Highway 61/151 ~ should be included in the proposed projea: and built concurrently with the South~ Arterial. 7. We would like to discuss with you the eventual disposition of all I'Olld rd.ocar.ions, non-ramp improvementS, frontage roads and access roads. We believe that this discussion should take place at a rN"hniallevel and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understtnding between the affected ap:ncies. 8. We believe that there may be better andl or less expemive options lor providing bike and pedestrian acCC$$ that is consistent with the deparcment.s Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines. We would like to address those issues with your Staff and reach an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian atCC$S that could be spelled out ia the Memorandum of Understanding. 9. We request that following acceptance of the rmal Environmental.As3essmentthar the Commission implemem corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. , :: 10. We would like to request that during 1999, fon~ Co,i:rt.n,;ssion acceptance of the Pinal Environmenm Assessment, that the Coauniasion would amend the IDOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Anerial at the earliest possible date. Thank you for your consideration of these COmmeDtS. Siacerely, {1 l~~ OMATS Polic.y Board .. CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1 999 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study The State of Iowa Department of Transportation held a public meeting on February 16, 1999, on the Southwest Arterial project. lOOT has a ten day period under which additional information can be submitted for the record. The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) has sent a letter to lOOT supporting the project and giving their position on several of the elements. Mayor Terry Duggan and all six members of the City Council are members of the DMA TS Board of Directors. Also, in the annual City Council Goal Setting, the Southwest Arterial has appeared as a priority for the City of Dubuque for the last several years. I respectfully request that the Mayor and City Council approve the enclosed resolution supporting the construction of the Southwest Arterial, as previously adopted by DMA TS. flAJJ ~/!tJ ~ Mithael C. Van Milligen MCVM/j Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager E .~>"~ CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM February 17, 1999 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director JJ;;/;(~ SUBJECT: Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment and Location Study INTRODUCTION The Environmental Assessment for the Southwest Arterial corridor study was approved by the Federal Highway Administration for public review and comment on January 19, 1999. A copy of the Environmental Assessment is attached. DISCUSSION Through a series of public meetings, both in small group and city-wide meetings, several alternative locations were developed to construct a roadway within the project corridor limits to best accommodate the traffic needs and result in the least impact on the environment. As a result of this public process, the alignment designated as Alternative B-1 was selected as the preferred alignment for the Southwest Arterial, and it was determined that two access alternatives would be studied and presented in the final draft of the Environmental Assessment. The two alternatives under consideration differ in the type of access control that will be implemented along the corridor. The interchange alternative will provide priority I access control, where access to the highway is allowed only at interchange locations. The intersection alternative would provide priority II access controls, which allows access to the highway only at interchange and selected at-grade locations. The minimal allowable spacing between at-grade access locations would be one-half mile. RECOMMENDATION I would recommend that the City Council adopt the same position as the Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMA TS) as follows: 1 . The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 15 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/151 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. ACTION TO BE TAKEN The City Council is requested to present a recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. MAK/vjd RESOLUTION NO. -99 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Whereas, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Iowa Department of Transportation have prepared an Environmental Assessment for a proposed four-lane roadway on a new alignment in Dubuque County. Said roadway to be designated as "Iowa Highway 32", or commonly called the "Southwest Arterial", and Whereas, the City Council has reviewed the Environmental Assessment of the project dated January 19, 1999, and Whereas, the Southwest Arterial is one of the urban area's top transportation priorities and part of the long-range transportation plan for the urban area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The City Council supports the commitment made by the DMA TS Policy Board to fund up to 1 5 percent of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. Section 2. That a Memorandum of Understanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Southwest Arterial. Section 3. That the project should be developed with Priority One access control for its entire length. Section 4. That the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange and the Oakland Farms Road Interchange be delayed until such time as justified by regional circulation needs, and that purchase of right-of-way for the interchange be included in the project. Section 5. That the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20/West Dodge Street access control project. Section 6. That the North Cascade Road and Highway 61/151 interchanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. Section 7. That the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads be discussed at a technical level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected agencies. Section 8. That there may be better and/or less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines, and that an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access be included in the memorandum of Understanding. Section 9. That following acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. Section 10. That during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Arterial at the earliest possible date. Passed, approved and adopted this _ day of ,1999. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor Attest: Mary A. Davis, City Clerk 4 f -> C~TY OF DUBUQUE; Pag. 3 2-17-1999 3:53AM FROM P.3 . . . . EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION DUBugUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDy EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS (JI'PA) (PJ) (W1W) ECIA ~GIONAL PLANNING AFFILIATION E.C.IA BUSINESS GROW1'H. INC. January 26,1999 Catherine Dunn. BVM, PhD~ Chair Iowa Department of Transportation Commission Iowa Department of Transportation 800 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 Dear Commissioner Dunn: ~ The Dubuque Metropolitan Azea Transportatioo Study ~ has reviewed the Draft F'mal Environmental Assessment for the Southwest Arterial and appr~ the following comments: 1. In August 1995 the DMA 1'$ Policy Board made a cotmT'itrTV!nt to fund up to 15% of the Federal portion of the proposed constrUction and right~f-wayc0st5 from MPO ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. We redfirm that commitment. 2. We request that a Memorandum of Understanding be executed betWeen tb.e Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Policy Board establishing the framework for development of the Soumweat .Arterial. 3 . We believe that project should be developed with priozity One access conuol for it's entire length. 4. It is our opinion that two of the proposed five interChanges in the preferred alternative will be needed in the long term, but are not jznm..rliately neceswy. As a result, we believe tha that the En~ish Mill Road Extension and Intcrcbange can be delayed until such time as it is justified by regional cira11ation needs. However, we reque.tt that purchase of right of way for the interchange and English Mill Road Extension be included in the projea. I I' t! II II II !l ii .1 I! Similarly, we believe that the propo5Cd Oakland Farms Road Interchange is also not justified by current traffic conditions, but will be in the long term. Therefore, we request that Iowa Department of Transportation purchase right of way ror this interchange but not proceed with COnstnlction until such time as the interchange is justified by regional circulation needs. 5 . We propose that the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the ~ 20AVest Dodge Street access control project. Suite 330. Nesler Centre. ?Q. Box 1140. Dubuque. lA. 52004-1140. (319)556-4166. Fax (319)5S6-0348 E-Mail: eeia@mwc:i.net f . -. -- ._---. -> CITY OF DUBUQUE; Page 4 2-17-1999 3:54AM FROM P.4 . 6. It is our opinion that the North Casc.rle Road and Highway 61/151 imercbanges should be included in the proposed project and built concurrently with the Southwest Arterial. 7. We would like to discuss with you the eventual disposition of all road relocaEiollSt non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads. We believe that this discussion should take place at a t~J,nical.level and be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the affected qcacies. 8. We believe that there may be better and! OT less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines. We would like to address those issues with your staff and reach an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access that could be spelled out in the Memorandum of Understanding. 9. We request that follawing acceptance of the Fmal Environmental Asse9ment that the Commission implement eoaidor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Co.rridor. -t ~ 1 O. We would like to request that during 1999, following CO"'U'lission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the CoImnission would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest An:erial at the euliest possible date. Thank you for your consideration of these commcms. ~{2 TerryDuggan.c~ - OMATS Policy Board .. 2-17-1999 3:53AM -> C~TY OF DUBUQUE; Pag. 3 .. F'RGi P.3 EAST CENiRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION OUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION S'tt1Dv EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS (JTPA) (IV) (WIW) ECIA ~IONAL PLANNING AFFJUA'I10N E.C.I.A. BUSINESS GROWI'H. INC. Januazy 26, 1999 Catherine Dunn. BVM, PhD. Chair Iowa Department ofT1'U1Sporution Commission Iowa. Department of Transportation 800 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa .50010 Dear Commissioner Dunn: ~ The Dubuque Metropolitan./vf2. Trusportatioo Study ~ hu reviewed the Draft Fmal Environmental.Assessment for the Southwest Arterial md ~ the following . comments: 1. In August 1995 the DMATS Policy Board made a CO"'>mirrnMlt to fund up to 15% of the Federal portion of the proposed conmuaion and rigbt-of-waycosu :from ~ ISTEA and TEA~21 STP hmds. We reaffirm thatc:ommitmem. 2. We request that a Memorandum ofUndersta.nding be ez:ecuted between the Iowa Department of TranspolUtion C~...on and the DMA TS Policy Board estab1iabing the framework for development of the Souchweat Arterial. 3 . We believe that project should be developed with Priority ODe access control for it'. entire length. 4. It is our opinion that two of the poposed five intc:rCbaDges in the preferred alternative will be ~ed!d in the long term, but are not ;mnl,.rli!JfeJy necessary. As a result, we believe that tba the En~ish Mill Road F.xteDsion :and Interchange can be d.e1ayed until such time as it is juta6ecl by regional cirmlation needs. However, we reque.tt that purchase of right of W7!f for the intercl1ange and EnrJish Mill Road Extension be included in the projea. Similarly, we believe that the proposed Oa~12nd Farms Road Interchange is also not justified by current traffic conditions, but will be in the long tenD. Therefore, we request that Iowa Department of Transportation purchase right of way for this interchange but not proc:ud 'With construction until such time as the interchange is justified by regional circulation needs. 5. ~e propose that the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Mighw2y 20/W est Dodge Street access control project. I I' " " II 1/ II it .1 I' Suite 330. Nesler Centre. P.O. Box 1140. Dubuque. LA 52004-1140. (319)556-4166. Fa.\: (31915~6-034S E-MaU: ecia@mwcLnet "' -. . . ; -- . -. -...... 2-17-'999 3:54AM FROM -> CITY OF DUBUQUE; Page 4 .. # P.4 6. It is our opinio.o. that the North Otsc-At" Road and Highway 61/151 ~ should be included in the proposed projca and built coaa.vrently with the Southwest Arterial. 7. We would like to discuss with you the eventual disposition of all road rd.ocalions, non-ramp improvements. frontage roads and access J'08ds. We believe that this discussion should take place at a tllt"J,nicallevel and be refIec:ted in a Memormdum of Understaoding between the affected -paries. 8. We believe that there may be better and! OJ" less expensive options for providing bike and pedestrian accas that is consistent with the deparcment.s Bic:yde and Pedestrian Ac:commodatioo guidelines. We would like to Iddress those issues with your staff and reach an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access that could be spelled out i.a the Memorandum of Understanding. 9. We request that following accepamc:e of the ruW Environmental Assessment Ow the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. l ~ 10. We would like to request that during 1999, foll~ ~m',sion ac:ceptaDCC of the Pinal Environr11ent9! Assessment, that the Oxmniasion would amend the lOOT Five Year Plan to include design of the Southwest Aneria1 at the earliest possible date. Thank you for your eoasideration of these commems. 7' {2 T:::::t. :tr' OMATS Policy Board CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING Government Body: CITY COUNCIL Time: 6:00 O'CLOCK P.M. Date: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18. 1999 Place of Meeting: PUBLIC LIBRARY AUDITORIUM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above identified governmental body will meet at the time, date and place as set forth above. The TENTATIVE AGENDA for the meeting is as follows: SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Discussion on Environmental Assessment for Southwest Arterial Project Following Special Meeting -- Review Fiscal Year 2000 Department Budgets for following: Civic Center Division, Recreation Division, Park Division, Finance Dept. and Parking Division This notice is given pursuant to Chapter 21, Code of Iowa, 1997, as amended, and applicable local regulations of the City of Dubuque, Iowa and/or governmental body holding the meeting. ,~ t' ANY VISUAL OR HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE OR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT (319) 589-4120 OR TDD (319) 589-4193 IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. - """"Ill I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Improvement of Iowa Highway 32 in Dubuque County Project Numbers STP - U - 2100(12) -- 70 - 31 STP - 32 - 1 (10) - 2C - 31 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT u.s. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration and IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Planning and Research Division Office of Project Planning Submitted Pursuant to 42 use 4332(2)(c) (l tP~ 9fh:z# For: e DivisIOn A mstrator Federal Highw~ Administration ~~ of Approval )"Or Public Availabilit The following persons may be contacted for additional information concerning this document: Bobby W. Blackmon. Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration 105 Sixth Street Ames, IA 50010 - 6337 Telephone: (515) 233-7300 Harry S. Budd, Director Office of Project Planning Iowa Department of Transportation Ames. IA 50010 Telephone: (515) 239-1391 ........ 2-17-1999 3:53AM -> C~TY OF DUBUQUE; paga 3 FROM P.3 ~ EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION D"UBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTAnON STUDy EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS (JTPA) (PJ) (WlW) ECIA RF,:GIONAL PLANNING AFFILIA'I'XON E.C.IA BUSINESS GROWI'H, INC. January 26, 1999 Catherine Dunn. BVM, PhD. Chair Iowa Department of Transportation Commission Iowa Department of Transportation 800 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 Dear Commissioner Dunn: t The Dubuque Metropolitan Azea Transportatiou Study Boatd lw reviewed the Draft Ymal Environmental Assessment for the Southwea Arterial and appr~ the following comments: 1. In August 1995 the DMA TS Policy Board made a commttl'TV'!'1t to fund up to 15% of the Federal portion of the proposed construction and right-of-way costs from lvfi?O ISTEA and TEA-21 STP funds. We re2ffirm that commitment. 2. We request that a Memorandum ofUnders.tanding be executed between the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission and the DMA TS Polq Board establishing the ~ork for development of the 50uthwelt A:terial. 3 . We believe that project should be developed with priozity One access control for it', entire length. 4. It is our opinion that two of the proposed five interChanges in the preferred alternative will be needed in the long term, but are not i1nm~ necessary. As a result, we believe tha that the English Mill Road Extension and Interchange can be delayed until such time as it is justified by regional circulation needs. However, we request that purchase of right of'Wrf for the interchange and English Mill Road Extension be included in the projea. Similarly, we believe that the proposed Oakland Farms Road Interchange is also not justified by current traffic conditio~ but 'Will be in the long term. Therefore, we request that Iowa Department of Transportation purchase right of way for this interchange but not proceed with constnlction until such time as the interchange is justified by regional circulation needs. 5 . We propose that the interchange at Highway 20 should be built as part of the Highway 20AVest Dodge Street access control project. I I' Ii II II II I' ,I ji Ii .1 I' Suite 330. Nesler Centre" P.O. Box 1140.. Dubuque. LA 52004-1140.. (319)556-4166" Fa.\: (319)53S-034$ E-Mail: ecia~mwci.net _. 4. __ . __. __" 2-17-1999 3:54AM FROM -> CITY OF OUBUQUE; Page 4 . P.4 6. It is our opinion that the North ClSce,.le Road and HighW'llY 61/151 imerc:banges should be included in the proposed projea: and built concu.rrmtly with the Southwest Arterial. 7. We would like to cfucuss with you the eventual disposition of all road relocations, non-ramp improvements, frontage roads and access roads. We believe that this disCUS$ion should take place at a tl'!o"h.nicallevel and be reflected in a Memormdum of Understanding between the affected agc:ncies. 8. We believe that there may be better and! or less expensive options for provictin.g bike and pedestrian access that is consistent with the department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation guidelines. We would like to address those iSlUes with your staff and reach an agreement for bicycle and pedestrian access that could be spelled out in the Memorandum of Understanding. 9. We request that following acceptance of the Fmal Environmental.Assessment that the Commission implement corridor preservation on the proposed Southwest Arterial Corridor. ( ~ 1 O. We would like to request that during 1999, following Commission acceptance of the Final Environmental Assessment, that the Commission would amend the IDOT Five Yeu Plan to include design of the Southwest Azterial at the earliest possible date. Thank you for your consideration of these COmm.eD13. ~{2 TetryDu~C~ OMATS Policy Board I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures i Hi iv I. Description of the Proposed Action............................................................................. 1 II. Project History... .... ................ ............... ............................ ............ ................ ....... .......... 1 A. Decisions Made to Date..................................................................................................1 B. Related Projects.............................................................................................................. 7 III. Need for the Project... ................. ........... ............. ................. ....... ................. ............ ..... 7 A. Present Facility ... ...... ........... ................................................................ ............. ..............7 B. Traffic Data .......... ...... ..... ...... .............. ... ............ ..... ........... ... ...... .......... ... .......... .......... ... 8 C. Accident Study... .... ............. ..................... ..... .... ....... ... ...... ............ ...... .... ................... .....8 D. Sufficiency Ratings. ............................ ....... .............................. ..................................... 11 IV. Proposed Alternatives ....... .................... .......... ............. .............. ................................ 12 A. General....... .......... ............... ......... '" ......... ............ ....... ... ......................... ... .................. 12 B. Interchange Alternative (Priority 1 Access Control)...................................................... 16 C. Intersection Alternative (Priority 2 Access Control) ......................................................18 D. Summary of Construction Alternatives................................................... .................. ..... 19 E. No-Build Alternative. ..... ......... ............. .......................... ... ...................... ........ ......... ......20 F. Bicycle and Pedestrian Path...................................................................... .......... .........20 V. PROJ ECT IMPACTS ......... .............................. ...... .......... .............. ....... ......... ............... 21 A. Socio-economic impacts........ ..... ........... ................ ...... ... ......... ..... ..................... ...........22 B. Right of Way Impacts................................................... ............................................. ....24 C. Farmland Protection Policy Act.. .......................................... ................................... ......25 D. Secondary Impacts................ ............................................................................... ........25 E. Environmental Impacts. ................................................................ ........... ........... ..... ......26 1. Air and Noise Impacts.... .............................. ......................... ............... ... ............ .... 26 2. Non-Wetland Natural Areas and Endangered Species ..........................................27 3. Wetlands................. ..................... ................... ..... ..................... .............................27 4. River and Floodplain Crossings.............................................. ................... ....... '" ... 28 5. Water Quality................................ .... ................... ........................................ ...... ..... 29 6. Parks and Recreational Facilities.... ................ ........................ .................. ..............29 7. Cultural Resourcesl Historic Properties .................................................................. 30 8. Hazardous Waste............................................................................ ................... ....33 9. Affected utilities............... ................................................................. ......................34 F. Soilsl Geotechnical.... .......... ............................... .............................................. ....... ..... 35 1. Quarry.............................. ........................... ..................................... ................. ......35 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I I I 2. Lead mines...... .... ............ ................................ ....... ........................................... .....35 3. Shale I Rock..................... .......... ........................................................ ....................36 VI. SUMMARy............................. ......... .............................. .............. ................ ..... .............36 VII. COMMENTS AND COORDINA TION............................................................................. 36 A. Agency Comments and Coordination .......... ..... ................ .................................... ........36 8. Public Involvement.. .............................. ...... ...... .............................. ..............................37 Appe n d ix A.............................................................................................................................. 40 AERIAL MAPPING - SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ALTERNATIVES Appendix 8..... ...... ............ .............. ..... ...... ..... ....... ............................ ......... .................... ....... 8-0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DELETED DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DELETED ................................... 8-1 Project Pre-Location Study....... ............ ............ '" .............. ........... ... .............. ...................... 8-1 1. Transportation...................................................................................................... 8-1 2. Land Development.................................................................... ......... ....... ........... 8-1 3. Environmental....................................................................................................... 8-1 4. Farmland .. ............. ........ ..... ..................... .................. ............. ..... ... ............. ... ...... 8-3 5. Community Acceptance ....... ......... ..................... ...... ... ... ........................... ............ 8-3 6. Implementation Costs................................................ ........................................... 8-3 7. Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................8-3 Project Concept Study..................................................................... ... ................................. 8-4 1. First Level Screening of Alternatives and Access Scenarios ................................ 8-6 2. Second Level Screening of Alternatives............................................................... 8-7 3. Third Level Screening of Alternatives................................................................. 8-13 4. Third Level Screening Conclusions ..... .......... .............................................. ....... 8-13 Appendix C Comments and Coordination ii I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1 Project Year 2020 Traffic Volumes .......................... .... ... .............. ....... ...... ........... 10 2 U.S. 20 and Northwest Arterial Intersection - ALAS NODE NO. 342033.............. 11 3 Summary of Construction Costs and Anticipated Impacts .................................... 20 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Summary of Construction Costs.............................. 21 5 Right of Way Impacts......... ........................... ............ ........... ............. .................... 24 6 Prime Farmland Impacts....................................................................................... 25 7 Jurisdictional Wetland Impacts................... ............. ....................... ...................... 28 8 Potentially Significant Archaeological Sites Affected ............................................ 32 9 Potentially Significant Architectural/Historic Resources ........................................ 33 10 Potential Hazardous Waste Sites ......................................................................... 34 11 Project Public Involvement...... ...... ......................... ................. .............................. 38 Hi I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LIST OF FIGURES Fiaure Paae 1 Project Location Map ............ ....................... ............................ ......... .................... 2 2 Study Area.............. .............. ...................................................................... .......... 3 3 Cedar Cross EA (19B?) Preferred Alignment........................................................ 4 4 Alignment Alternatives ... ............................................................. .......................... 6 5 1993 Traffic Volume Counts.................................... ......... ........... ......................... 9 6 Preferred Alignment. ........................................ ..................................................... 13 ? SW Arterial Typical Sections............................... .................................................. 14 B Side Road Typical Sections..... ....................... ........................ ....... ......... .............. 15 iv I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The Southwest Arterial (IA 32) is a proposed four-lane roadway on a new alignment in Dubuque County. The proposed improvement would begin south of US 61/151, south and west of the City of Dubuque corporate limits, and extend northerly and westerly to US 20. The project length is approximately 5.6 miles (9.0 kilometer). A project location map (Figure 1) is included. Figure 2 shows the general study area. A single preferred alignment location has been established for the proposed roadway. However, two access altematives are presented for the preferred alignment. One alternative provides Priority 1 controlled access, with interchanges only at selected locations. The second alternative provides Priority 2 controlled access, with intersections and interchanges. A paved bicycle and pedestrian path, constructed parallel to the roadway, is also proposed as a part of the project. II. PROJECT HISTORY A previous Environmental Assessment was completed on March 25, 1987 for the City of Dubuque, of what was then identified as the Cedar Cross Arterial. The Cedar Cross Arterial was to be a City of Dubuque roadway, and was expected to serve primarily local traffic. Figure 3 shows the preferred alternative for the Cedar Cross alignment on a vicinity map. However, this roadway was never constructed and area policymakers determined that an arterial roadway should be constructed farther to the west in order to relieve traffic on the collector system and provide a roadway that would better serve the needs of existing and future development. The current study for this more westerly roadway, the Southwest Arterial (IA 32) began in November 1996. A. Decisions Made to Date This Study is being conducted by WHKS & Co., under contract with the City of Dubuque and lOOT. The WHKS & Co. team is under the direction of a Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) Coordinating Committee, composed of: · Michael A. Koch, P.E. - Public Works Director, City of DUbuque · David Pesch - Senior Transportation Planner, East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA); recently resigned · Stephen Williams - Senior Transportation Planner, East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) · Mark Jobgen, P.E. - County Engineer, Dubuque County · Laura Carstens - Planning Services Manager, City of Dubuque · Tamara Nicholson, P.E. - Office of Project Planning, lOOT · Robert Krause - East Central Iowa Transportation Center Planner, lOOT · Paul Buss - Zoning Administrator, Dubuque County 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALE IN MILES 6 12 24 ~ I ~ I 40 4 l:;: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE 1 PROJECT LOCATION MAP I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE 2 STUDY AREA I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ SCALE IN IIII..ES o 0.1 1.8 I o 0.1 1.0 1.& 2.0 SCALE IN KILOIIETERS ..... ~ II: W Ii: oee: ~ CITY OF DUBUQUE Co. "'II LEGEND ---- 1987 E.A. Preferred Alternative Alignment - - S.W. ArI:8rial PrefemKI Alternative Alignment OAKLAND FARMS ROAD CI c: m c: g c: m , 8 'iI " " , , , , , ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWeSTARTE~L Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE 3 CEDAR CROSS EA (1987) PREFERRED AUGNMENT I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Michael Koch is the contract manager. Because various agencies are involved, the following approval process was instituted. The consultant team coordinates the Study with the Coordinating Committee. Recommendations are discussed first with the Coordinating Committee, and then presented to the DMA TS Policy Committee for approval. The Policy Committee recommendations are then forwarded to lOOT for review and concurrence. The work tasks for the Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment (EA) and Location Study were initially divided into two phases. The work in the first phase was to investigate the Southwest Arterial corridor and to recommend issues, alignment alternatives, and design standards for further consideration in the second phase. The results of the first phase study were presented in a Project Pre-Location Study, dated March 10, 1997. Following a review by lOOT staff, a letter (dated March 26,1997) was issued to Mike Koch, presenting the staff recommendations. In addition to the topics normally evaluated for an EA, the consultant was directed to study the following items in the second phase: 1. Connect the Southwest Arterial to US 20 only at the Northwest Arterial. 2. Study Alternatives B, B-1, B-2, C, C-1, and C-2. Figure 4 shows the alignments recommended for the second phase and the study area in greater detail. 3. Study two options with access only at interchanges (Access Priority 1). One option would have access onto the Southwest Arterial only at US 20 and US 61/151, with no access in between (grade separations at the existing sideroads). The other option would allow interchanges throughout, between US 20 and US 61/151. 4. Study alternatives with Priority 3 access control. Under this control, the preferred rural spacing between access locations is one-fourth mile (0.4 kilometers), but 1,000 feet (300 meters) spacing is allowed. This option would not have interchanges. 5. Study soil problems throughout the corridor, with the quarry being a particular concern. A subsequent directive from lOOT (in a letter to Mike Koch dated January 7,1998), modified Item 4 (above). Access control was changed to Priority 2, with the number of at-grade intersection connections to the Southwest Arterial limited to major roadways only. The minimum allowable access spacing for Priority 2 Access Control is one-half mile (0.8 kilometers). Six (6) alternative alignments and three access scenarios were evaluated in the second phase. The approach used for the Study was to have all team members study the area associated with all alternatives. The study area includes land that would be needed if interchanges were to be constructed at major roadway intersections. A Project Concept Statement, presenting interim second phase findings and recommendations, was prepared and presented to the DMA TS Policy Committee and lOOT in April, 1998. It has been determined that Alternative B-1 is the preferred alternative alignment and that two access alternatives for the B-1 alignment are to be presented in the Environmental Assessment 5 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALE IN IIlLES 0 0.1 1.0 I I I I rL, . U 1.0 1.5 U SCALE IN K1LOIIETERS E~RONMENTALASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE 4 ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I B. Related Projects Other area projects that may impact IA 32 include: 1. The four lane extension of the Northwest Arterial, from the current north terminus, to the intersection of IA 386 and US 52 in Sageville (scheduled for construction in the year 2001). 2. A project to rebuild US 20 and modify existing accesses, from Swiss Valley Road to Devon Drive, was under design, but has been suspended until the Southwest Arterial Study is completed and other planning I design issues have been resolved. 3. A planning study has been initiated for the addition of a second US 20 bridge across the Mississippi River. This bridge and other improvements would create a four-lane facility across the river and through East Dubuque, Illinois. As a part of this Study, the project consultants will also evaluate an alternative that would extend the Southwest Arterial to the south and east, in order to provide a new four-lane facility and crossing of the river. The Southwest Arterial would then become US 20. The potential impacts caused by this future designation are not addressed in this document. 4. A Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) project is underway to extend Seippel Road, from Old Highway Road to existing US 20. This roadway will provide direct US 20 access for a planned 800 acre (323.7 hectares) industrial park being developed by the City of Dubuque, north of US 20. The local representatives on the project Coordinating Committee have indicated that the next update of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) Transportation Improvement Plan will include a southerly extension of Seippel Road, from US 20 to English Mill Road. Seippel Road would then be directly connected with the Southwest Arterial. III. NEED FOR THE PROJECT The primary need for this improvement is to provide a four-lane, divided arterial between US 20 and US 61/151. The improvement is necessary because there is no direct route through this part of the metropolitan area. City streets and county roads in the area are inadequate to meet the anticipated future traffic demands. With the continuing development in the metropolitan area, the Southwest Arterial is needed to relieve congestion on the existing collector system and provide an improved level of service. The roadway will provide a safe and convenient route to meet the existing and future traffic demands. The Southwest Arterial is on the DMATS Long Range Transportation Plan, and will be constructed and maintained by IDOT as IA 32. IDOT is recommending that the Southwest Arterial be functionally classified as a Principal Arterial. A. Present Facility IA 32 currently extends only from US 20, north to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Drive. This section of IA 32, north of US 20, is named the Northwest Arterial. The Northwest Arterial is 7 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I currently a four-lane facility, upgraded from a two-lane roadway in 1997. All existing Northwest Arterial intersections with area streets and roads, including the intersection of the Northwest Arterial with US 20, are signalized, at-grade intersections. The Northwest Arterial has a posted speed limit of 45 mph (72 kilometer/hour). US 20 has a posted speed limit of 50 mph (80 kilometerlhour) in the vicinity of the Northwest Arterial intersection. B. Traffic Data Figure 5 shows the 1993 lOOT traffic count volumes for the Southwest Arterial area roadways. Table 1 lists the projected design year 2020 average daily traffic volumes for the alignment alternatives and access scenarios. The DMA TS traffic forecasting model has been reviewed and accepted by lOOT, for purposes of comparing the traffic volumes associated with each alignment alternative. The model is based on future (Le. projected or anticipated) land use and industrial growth, consistent with the City of Dubuque planned future land use and anticipated zoning. A local road connection between Key West Drive and Oakland Farms Road was included in the modeling and is presented as an important connection to the Southwest Arterial for the preferred alignment alternative. The forecasted traffic volumes with this connection would have approximately 7,000 vehicles per day more than the same roadway with local access only at US 61/151. Note that this comparison is of traffic volumes for the Priority 1 alternative (interchanges only). c. Accident Study The 1989 through 1995 accident statistics for relevant intersections on US 20 and US 61/151 were reviewed. The US 61/151 intersections near the southern termini of the Southwest Arterial all have accident rates that are below the statewide, average, urban accident rate for the same time period. The accident statistics for the US 20 intersection with the Northwest Arterial (the north approach) are shown in Table 2. The existing south approach is an access to a frontage road serving several businesses, including a Wal-Mart store and a Lowes (home improvement store). 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I o N U) o II:: ~ 10 W U) ..: Iii ~ ~ ~ C! 9 - II) .... S2 ~ 0 z 1.'S 1/)- U) 0"1- o O~ u. o >- t- - o ~ w :) a :) m :) C JFK ::2[ S ----:! s~ ~~a ;"'1:: _05 """go ~~ m a ~ DUBUQUE CORP. ~~OyOcY ~t~ C c(5 Za::: ~CI) <(~ 0<( IL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RGURE 5 1993 TRAFFIC VOLUME COUNlS I I >- >w- or- .... .!:!! -c M M 52i!6u O...en"N U<Cc:J.J. Gl....ONO 5-~.~:::= :J3:uO.... .g-S.s~N C:J-CN"? Oc: 'a.. en co=?1- ....a..en C:I- Glen E CIl CIl _ CIl - Gl 0 CIlZ ~t - al CO -- .... 0 c: ... ala.. E c: o ... .> c: w I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I en >- ~en OW et~ 0;:) ~5 ~> 00 :lu:: ~LL ~~ wI- --J: CDI-O :COS ~'CN ;~ -et NW ('1)>- :::0 ..JW ~t; ~W W-, 1-0 ~~ eta.. :: en :2 '5 al o Z w > ~ Z a: w .... I-N ..J>. c:(:: Z 0 0;: -Q. 1-.... o W ~ W I- ~ w > ~ c:( Z a: W.... 1-.... ..J>. c:(:: w ... C).g ZQ. c:(.... ~ o a: w I- Z Cii ;: CII 1:: c:( ;: Z o o <Xl 1/)- .... o o <Xl N- N o o N M- N o N en ;:) o o N -:t- .... o o CO 0" .... o o N O- N o o -:t_ CO .... ~ a: CII '0 as U Ul as o Z .... II) .... - .... CO en ;:) o o " o M o o CO M- M o o .... I/) M j::' ~ W .... o N en ;:) o o o a:i N o o o .... M o o -:t. .... M j::' en w ~ o N en ;:) o o (") o o <Xl N N .... (") o o CO N .... o o (J) CO- .... o o " N- .... o o (J) CO- .... ~ I- a: o ~ .... II) .... - .... CO en ;:) ~ I- ;:) o ~ .... II) .... - .... CO en ;:) c: ~~(Jj o-UI- :J31<c .gm~ CEO ~.- .s::. O-c:t:: >.1ll3: :t::o-c ua:Gl ~Sm - lii .!: >. :SGl'E -g .~ jjj g Cii "CQ)O Ul ~ ~ (ij- :EUl~...J-C ::: Gl .- CII 0 -EE'E:SE o llJ~OO~ Q::ou..c:_ I->Q)-o U(ijmS- >.-g3:Ul~ ~E_g-g~ 2(ij1ll1ll~ :Jr:::..c:1i: Ul - Gl t:: -- (ijuuo-c -CIllUlr:::O OGl"5GlE E:SIll....- Gl III III en E .... .... _2 ~,g-E~.2 ..., _ U O::-c~....Ql OQl co- r:::-c~enCi osc-:Jr::: -ceE--E Q) :J III UlGlUlUlO ~(ij:GEQl Ul ~ Q) :J 'ai Q);>Ul_.... E 0 :J 0 Ul :J..c:-c>Ql _Ulr:::= E g~.!1!;g2 EE~~g 1ll-E~oQ) ~>~t:j5 ----......... ....NM-:tl/) iIi CII o Z I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 2 U.S. 20 and Northwest Arterial Intersection - ALAS Node No. 342033 Personal Accident Percent Injury Rate Above(+)/ Property Accidents (Accidents per Below(-) Total Damage (Total Total Million Entering Statewide Year Accidents Accidents Injuries) Fatalities Vehicles) (MEV) Rate Project Statewide 1989 9 7 2(8) 0 1990 7 5 2(7) 0 1991 10 7 3(5 0 1992 6 4 2(4 0 1993 11 2 9(16) 0 1994 6 3 3(4 0 1995 17 12 5(8) 0 Total 66 40 26(52) 0 1.3 0.9 I +44% . . The accident rates for the years shown, for the US 20 intersection with the Northwest Arterial, are 44 % higher than the statewide average urban accident rate for the same time period. The Northwest Arterial and the entrancel frontage road on the south leg of the intersection were controlled by stop signs until signals were installed in 1991. However, due to the large number of left-turning accidents at this intersection, the permitted left-turn phasing for east bound and west bound US 20 was removed in November 1996. Left turns were then only allowed during protected left turn phases. No statistics are available to quantify the accidents that have occurred since 1995. The improvement to the US 20 1 Northwest Arterial intersection in 1997 included improved auxiliary lanes and protected left turn phasing for the north, east, and west approaches. The improvement did not provide a protected left turn phase for the south approach. A local petition was presented to the Dubuque City Council in late February 1998 for the installation of a protected left turn phase for the south approach to the US 201 Northwest Arterial intersection. The petition cited safety concerns as the reason for the request. D. Sufficiency Ratings Sufficiency ratings in Iowa measure three major components: · The roadway's structural adequacy; · Motorist safety; and, · Capability to accommodate specific traffic volumes with a minimum of conflict. 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A rating of 90-100 is classified as excellent; 80-89 is good; 65-79 is fair; 50-64 is tolerable; and 0-49 is poor. The sufficiency rating for US 20 in the vicinity of the Northwest Arterial intersection is 78 (fair). The sufficiency ratings for US 61/151 in the project area are listed as good to excellent. However, it should be noted that a planning study of US 61/151 has been requested by the Transportation Center in order to address substandard roadway elements and the replacement of existing dual bridges, over Catfish Creek and Illinois Central Railroad tracks, because of structural deficiencies. IV. PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES A. General Figure 6 shows the proposed roadway location and related characteristics. Appendix B provides a synopsis of the other alignment alternatives that have been considered but deleted from further study. Two alternatives are under consideration for one proposed roadway location (the preferred alignment). The two alternatives differ in the type of access control that will be implemented. The interchange alternative will provide Priority 1 Access Control. Under Priority 1 control, access to the highway is allowed only at interchange locations. An example of a highway with Priority 1 Access Control is US 20 in Delaware County. Refer to the plates in Appendix A for aerial mapping showing the preferred alignment location and the access alternatives. The intersection alternative will provide Priority 2 Access Control. Under Priority 2 control, access to the highway is allowed only at interchange and selected at-grade locations. The minimum allowable spacing between access locations is one-half mile (0.8 kilometer). However, limiting highway access to public road intersections at one mile (1.6 kilometers) intervals is preferred. An example of a highway with Priority 2 Access Control is US 20 in Dubuque County, from the Peosta interchange to the Delaware County line. Projected, design year traffic for the Southwest Arterial warrants initial construction of a four-lane divided facility. Suggested typical cross sections for the Southwest Arterial are shown in Figure 7. The typical section for the transitional areas at US 20 and US 61/151 would narrow the roadway width at these locations, providing improved intersection operation and a narrower "footprint" to reduce impacts. Proposed sideroad typical sections are shown in Figure 8. 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ o I o SCALE IN .ILEI U I I LEGEND o ~ o x 1.0 rL, U t.O U U SCALE IN K1LOIIETERS INTERCHANGE INTERSECTION WATER CROSSING BRIDGE CLOSE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTA nON FIGURE 6 PREFERRED ALIGNMENT I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ Roadway 3.6 m 111.81') Lane 3.6 m 111.81') Lane 28.0 m (q 1.84' j Median 20.8 m (68.24') ~Roadvay ............. ...... .........:..... ...... 3.6 m (11.81') Lane 3.6 m U 1.81'} Lane .... ..... .0... .::......... ...:._:... .... "0"..:: TYPICAL CROSS SECTION 3.6 II ~ Roadway 3.6 m Hi.Sl,} (ll.81') Lane Lane 2.7 m <a.86,} ~ Roadway 3.6 m 3.6 m (11.81') U 1.81') ane Lane CD Paved Shoulder vlth 0.3 m vlde 150 IllIII high sloped curb. .~:.:..t...~.: .....:. .....~.:.....::~....,:.... ..:......:.. TYPICAL CROSS SECTION Transitional Areas at U.S. 20 and U.S. 61/151 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa FIGURE 7 S.W. ARTERIAL TYPICAL SECTIONS IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 3.0 m (Cj.84') Shoulder 3.6 m UI.8!') Lane i I I 4.8 m (15.75') Left Tum Lane 3.6 m (11.81') Lane 3.0 m (Cj.84') Shoulder '. ';~;:~:~~::'''''~; :....;:~::.~::. ::~:. '::;:~:.:\:=.~; :":;.:~:_\\ =;....: ';:-;:~:::'{:=:7.: :::;:~:: 3.0 m (Cj.84') Shoulder 3.6 m U1.81') Lane TYPICAL CROSS SECnON English Mill Road i I I 4.8 m (15.75') Two Way Left T um Lane 3.6 m (11.81') Lane 3.0 m (Cj.84') Shoulder TYPICAL CROSS SECnON North Cascade Road Oakland Farms Road ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION '. ';~:;:~:~~::,,,:,~; :):-:.:/:.' ::~,: '::;:-:.:.:'::=.~; :-:;.:~'.::\ ~:......: ::;:~:::'{:=~: :....;:~::. FIGURE 8 SIDE ROAD TYPICAL SECTIONS I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Both access alternatives for the preferred alignment have certain features in common, including: · The construction of a local road on new alignment is presented, connecting Oakland Farms Road and Key West Drive. Providing access to the Southwest Arterial for this local road significantly increased the projected traffic. The local road and related system modifications significantly improve the transportation network in the area. Only an interchange with the Southwest Arterial is presented at this location because of the existing topography and anticipated soil conditions. The interchange concept would have IA 32 as the major roadway, and the local road as the minor roadway, going over 1A32. · An extension of English Mill Road to the east is presented, to intersect with the Southwest Arterial. The intersection of this roadway with the Southwest Arterial is presented only for the development of an interchange, due to existing topography and the required Southwest Arterial profile. The interchange concept would have IA 32 as the major roadway, and the local road as the minor roadway, going over IA 32. · The intersection of the Southwest Arterial with US 20 is presented only for the development of an interchange. The lOOT Soils Engineer has visited the quarry and reviewed the preliminary profile through the quarry. An at-grade intersection of IA 32 and US 20 would require 80 to 85 feet (24 to 26 meter) high embankments through the quarry and the Soils Engineer does not recommend that these high embankments be constructed. Therefore, an intersection at this location is not considered feasible. The interchange concept would have US 20 as the major roadway, and IA 32 (Southwest and Northwest Arterials) would be the minor roadway, going under US 20. B. Interchange Alternative (Priority 1 Access Control) This alternative begins approximately 1,900 feet (579 meters) east of US 61/151, on Olde Davenport Road. The alternative crosses US 61/151, passes under Old Military Road and proceeds westerly and northerly, to an ending location approximately 1,050 feet (320 meters) north of US 20. The project would reconstruct the segment of the Northwest Arterial from US 20, north to the south end of the existing dual bridges over the Middle Fork of Catfish Creek and the Illinois Central Railroad. It is anticipated that the dual bridges will be used as constructed. The total length of the Southwest Arterial is approximately 5.6 miles (9.0 kilometers). Five (5) interchanges are proposed: 16 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1. aide Davenport Road is relocated to the south and east, widening to a divided four- lane facility, connecting to the Southwest Arterial at US 61/151. A 2 quadrant interchange is proposed, with the Southwest Arterial over US 61/151, the major roadway. With this interchange design, the existing intersection of aide Davenport Roadl Key West Drive with US 61/151 would be closed. Key West Drive would be dead-ended at US 61/151, but a local road connection is proposed, opposite the west interchange ramps. Approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers) of existing US 61/151 would be reconstructed to the west in order to improve horizontal sight distance. The alignment shift away from the existing aide Davenport Road intersection is necessary to avoid impacting gravesites in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Approximately 19 acres (7.7 hectares) of land owned by the cemetery will need to be acquired. This land was the planned location for future cemetery expansion, but contiguous, privately held land is available to the south and north, assuming a willing seller. The planned main access to US 61/151 for the industrial park at Lake Eleanor Road is located approximately 2,500 feet (762 meters) north of the Southwest Arterial intersection with US 61/151. If the diamond interchange were constructed, the length of the northbound acceleration ramp and taper would need to be reduced to provide sufficient access spacing. The construction of a partial cloverleaf, with loop 1 ramp combinations in the southeast and northwest quadrants is a desirable alternative. The configuration matches the turning movements and fits well with the existing terrain and Granger Creek. To the south, the first access would be at Tamarack Drive, requiring the closing of an existing entrance to a farmstead on the east side of US 61/151. A frontage road would be constructed from Tamarack Park, north to the farmstead to maintain access. 2. A modified diamond (3 quadrant) interchange is proposed for a new road to be constructed between Key West Drive and Oakland Farms Road. The Southwest Arterial would go under the new local road. A loopl ramp combination would be constructed in the southeast quadrant because excessive fill heights would be needed for a ramp in the northeast quadrant. Old Military Road would be dead-ended on each side of the Southwest Arterial. Old Military Road and Jordan Lane, west of the Southwest Arterial, would be relocated to connect with the new local road. 3. A diamond interchange is proposed at North Cascade Road, with the Southwest Arterial going under North Cascade Road. With this design, approximately 3,700 feet (1,128 meters) of North Cascade Road would be reconstructed to correct substandard horizontal and vertical geometry. A 0.7 mile (1.1 kilometer) granular surfaced frontage road is included to provide access to a farmstead and to part of a farm parcel that would otherwise be land-locked by the improvement. 4. A 2-quadrant interchange is proposed at the extension off of English Mill Road. The Southwest Arterial passes under the proposed local road extension. The local road extension provides for a future, planned, main entrance to the northerly part of FOR Park and also provides access to approximately 130 acres (52.6 hectares) of existing farmland that would be landlocked without this access. The local representatives on 17 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I the project Coordinating Committee have indicated that the next update of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) Transportation Improvement Plan will include a southerly extension of Seippel Road, from US 20 to English Mill Road. Seippel Road would then be directly connected with the Southwest Arterial at this interchange. 5. An interchange is proposed at US 20, with the Southwest Arterial passing under US 20. With this interchange, a frontage road would be required for the first access point south and west of the interchange. The intersection of Old Highway Road with US 20 will also need to be relocated to the south, based upon the final ramp design. A diamond interchange has been used for this report, but the ultimate improvement is contingent on other modifications currently under study by lOOT for US 20, from Devon Drive to near Swiss Valley Road. C. Intersection Alternative (Priority 2 Access Control) This altemative begins approximately 1,900 feet (579 meters) east of US 61/151, on Olde Davenport Road. The altemative crosses US 61/151, passes under Old Military Road and proceeds westerly and northerly, to an ending location approximately 1,050 feet (320 meters) north of US 20. The project would reconstruct the segment of the Northwest Arterial from US 20, north to the south end of the existing dual bridges over the Middle Fork of Catfish Creek and the Illinois Central Railroad. It is anticipated that the dual bridges will be used as constructed. The total length of the Southwest Arterial is approximately 5.6 miles (9.0 kilometers), the same length as the interchange altemative. Olde Davenport Road is relocated to the south and east, widening to a divided four-lane facility, connecting to the Southwest Arterial at US 61/151. For this altemative, the existing intersection of Olde Davenport Road/ Key West Drive with US 61/151 would be closed. Key West Drive would be dead-ended at US 61/151. Approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers) of existing US 61/151 would be reconstructed to the west in order to improve horizontal sight distance. The shift away from the existing intersection is necessary to avoid impacting gravesites in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Approximately 19 acres (7.7 hectares) of land owned by the cemetery will need to be acquired. This land was the planned location for future cemetery expansion, but contiguous privately held land is available to the south and north, assuming a willing seller. Six (6) connections are proposed for this altemative, including three interchanges, two at- grade intersections, and one location for at-grade field entrances. 1. An at-grade, signalized intersection is proposed at US 61/151. This intersection would operate at an intersection Level of Service 'C' for the Year 2020 projected traffic. 2. A modified diamond (3 quadrant) interchange is proposed for a new road to be constructed between Key West Drive and Oakland Farms Road. The Southwest Arterial would go under the new local road. A loop/ ramp combination would be constructed in the southeast quadrant because excessive fill heights would be needed 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I for a ramp in the northeast quadrant. An at-grade intersection with the Southwest Arterial is not feasible at this location because of the existing topography. Old Military Road would be dead-ended on each side of the Southwest Arterial. Old Military Road and Jordan lane, west of the Southwest Arterial, would be relocated to connect with the new local road. 3. An at-grade access locations proposed between Catfish Creek and North Cascade Road, in order to meet the lOOT Access Policy for Priority 2 access control. The agricultural entrances (Type 'C') would be located approximately 3,100 feet (945 meters) south of the North Cascade Road intersection on both sides of the roadway. 4. An at-grade, signalized intersection is proposed at North Cascade Road. Approximately 3,700 feet (1128 meters) of North Cascade Road would be reconstructed to correct substandard horizontal and vertical geometry. This intersection would operate at an intersection level of Service 'C' for the Year 2020 projected traffic. 5. A 2 quadrant interchange is proposed at the extension off of English Mill Road. An at- grade intersection with the Southwest Arterial is not feasible at this location because of the existing topography. The Southwest Arterial passes under the proposed local road extension. The local road extension provides for a future, planned, main entrance to the northerly part of FOR Park and also provides access to approximately 130 acres (52.6 hectares) of existing farmland that would be landlocked without this access. The local representatives on the project Coordinating Committee have indicated that the next update of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS) Transportation Improvement Plan will include a southerly extension of Seippel Road, from US 20 to English Mill Road. Seippel Road would then be directly connected with the Southwest Arterial. 6. An interchange is proposed at US 20, with the Southwest Arterial passing under US 20. With this interchange, a frontage road would be required for the first access point south and west of the interchange. The intersection of Old Highway Road with US 20 will also need to be relocated to the south, based upon the final ramp design. A diamond interchange has been used for this report, but the ultimate improvement is contingent on other modifications currently under study by lOOT for US 20, from Devon Drive to near Swiss Valley Road. Total costs for this alternative with interchanges and intersections are listed in Table 4. D. Summary of Construction Alternatives Project construction costs and anticipated impacts for each of the two alternatives presented for the Southwest Arterial are summarized in Table 3. 19 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 3 Summary of Construction Costs and Anticipated Impacts Length IA 32: 5.6 miles (9.0 kilometers) IA 32: 5.6 miles (9.0 kilometers) US 20: 0.7 mile (1.1 km) US 20: 0.7 mile (1.1 km) US 611151: 1.0 mile (1.6 km) US 611151: 1.0 mile (1.6 km) Right of Way 444 acres (179.7 hectares) 375 acres (151.8 hectares) Needs 14 acres (5.7 ha) landlocked 20 acres (8.1 ha) landlocked Farms: 1 Farms: 1 Displacements Businesses: 23 Businesses: 23 Residences: 13 Residences: 13 Non-Profit Organization: 1 Non-Profit Organization: 1 Diagonal 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers) 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers) Severance Estimated $ 48.6 million $ 44.7 million Costs E. No-Build Alternative The "no-build" alternative essentially consists of existing streets and highways. There would be no physical change or improvement in pavement or shoulder widths, roadway horizontal or vertical geometry, or other capacity-related improvements. The "no-build" alternative was considered for this project, however, the alternative would not accomplish the primary objective of improving the level of service in the project area. The Southwest Arterial (IA 32) will connect US 20 and US 61/151, two principal arterial highways, and will provide an arterial through an area that is currently served only by city streets and local county roads. Because the "no-build" alternative would not provide a safe and efficient transportation facility to meet existing and future traffic demands, it has been eliminated as a viable option for this project. F. Bicycle and Pedestrian Path A bicycle and pedestrian path is proposed as a part of the Southwest Arterial project. The City of Dubuque and DMA TS identify that the purpose of the proposed path is to provide a 20 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I connection between the bicycle and pedestrian path planned for the Northwest Arterial and the planned long-term development of the Southwest Arterial corridor in the southern Dubuque metropolitan area. The path adjacent to the Southwest Arterial is a Priority 4 link in the approved DMATS 2020 Long Range Bike/ Hike Plan (dated April 3, 1996). The path associated with the proposed Southwest Arterial would provide important bicycle and pedestrian connections between: . Large developed residential, commercial and industrial areas north of US 20; . Future development of FDR Park; . The Dubuque Technology Center and the Dubuque Industrial Center West; · Future land use development of the area associated with the Southwest Arterial corridor; and . Other pedestrian and bicycle traffic generators. The path would be constructed parallel to the Southwest Arterial, generally east and north of the proposed right of way, for either access control alternative. Refer to the plates in Appendix A for the approximate location of the path. Approximate costs for the path are listed in TableA. Table 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Summary of Construction Costs Interchange Intersection Alternative Alternative (Priority 1 ) (Priority 2 ) Right ofWa $004 Grading and $ 1.7 $ 1.6 Paving Structures $ 1.6 $ 0.9 Barrier Walls $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Estimated $ 3.8 million $ 3.0 million Costs V.PROJECTIMPACTS The following sections provide discussions about the impacts of the preferred alignment and the two (2) access alternatives. The impacts due to the preferred alignment are often similar. Where the alternatives are different due to the different access control and related construction impacts, the discussion clarifies the different impacts. Unless otherwise stated, the impacts are the same. 21 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A. Socio-economic impacts The proposed action is not expected to present significant adverse impacts to the social and economic character of the project corridor. There are no unique social conditions in the immediate project vicinity. The economic character of the study area could be enhanced by the proposed improvement, due to the extensive existing commercial development along US 20 and US 61/151 (near Key West), and the proximity to the newly developed Dubuque Technology Park, a light industrial park at the intersection of Lake Eleanor Road and US 61/151. The Southwest Arterial will connect US 20 and US 61/151, where there currently is no direct connection. The roadway will provide improved access to the Dubuque Regional Airport (located to the south off of US 61) and could benefit existing businesses, as well as promote the expansion and/ or introduction of new businesses to proposed industrial parks and to adjacent, undeveloped land. With the extension of the Northwest Arterial north to US 52 and the development of the Southwest Arterial, IA 32 will provide a beltway around the west side of the City of Dubuque. The roadway will divert traffic from area local roads and streets and will improve traffic circulation. A new local road connection is proposed into Key West to provide a collector and access to the Southwest Arterial for the residences and businesses located in this community. Within the study corridor, existing land use is generally rural in character, with the majority of the land devoted to row crops and pastureland, and zoned for agriculture. Farmsteads and residences are located in the area. Residences are located in Key West, near the south end of the project, and adjacent to North Cascade Road, Oakland Farms Road, and Old Military Road. Strip retail/ commercial development is located adjacent to US 20, near the north end of the project, and adjacent to US 61/151, near the south end of the project. Much of the land adjacent to US 20 and US 61/151 is developed or is undergoing development. Mount Olivet Cemetery is located near Key West and would be impacted by the preferred alignment. The alignment, which shifts away from the existing Olde Davenport Road intersection with US 61/151, passes west of and avoids existing gravesites and cemetery buildings and facilities. Approximately 19 acres (7.7 hectares) of land owned by the cemetery will need to be acquired. This land is undeveloped at this time but the cemetery Administrator has indicated that the land is the planned location for future cemetery expansion. Expansion plans center on a mausoleum and chapel located near Old Military Road. Contiguous, privately held land is available to the south and north; assuming a willing seller, but the land to the north may be more compatible with current expansion plans. The proposed closure and possible abandonment of Old Military Road near the cemetery may also provide additional land for expansion. Two active rock quarries are located south of US 20 in the project area. The preferred alignment will pass through and impact only the more easterly quarry, operated by River City Paving, a division of Mathy Construction. As a result of the Southwest Arterial, direct access to US 20 for this quarry would be eliminated. In a meeting with the operators of the affected quarry, the loss of direct access to US 20 was considered a significant economic impact. Future land uses have been reviewed and presented in two (2) recent documents prepared by the City of Dubuque. A Development Needs Study and a Comprehensive Plan were 22 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I prepared and were responsive to input provided by Dubuque County and the general public. The documents show that in order for the Dubuque metropolitan area to grow and respond favorably to regional economic conditions, public improvements will need to be undertaken so that additional areas can support private development of residential, commercial and industrial land uses. The need is particularly evident in the south metropolitan area, where the Southwest Arterial is proposed. New transportation access to and through the southern metropolitan area is needed so that effective development can occur on a well-planned and efficient basis. Planned future land uses include multi-family and single-family residential, commercial, and industrial. Land use in Dubuque County is controlled by zoning. The most significant impacts of the proposed improvement will be the displacements of homes, a farmstead, and businesses. Additionally, the project will require the acquisition of property and will create diagonal land severance. Right of way impacts are detailed in the next section of the report. The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, provides for payment of just compensation for property acquired for a federal- aid project. In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation has developed an early acquisition program to assist those individuals that meet certain hardship criteria. Moreover, it is the policy of the state of Iowa that displaced individuals receive fair and equitable treatment, and do not suffer disproportionately from highway programs intended for the public as a whole. Persons required to move as a result of a highway construction project, whether owners or tenants, will be eligible for relocation assistance advisory services, and are eligible for moving payments. Replacement housing payments and reimbursement for certain expenses incurred in purchasing replacement housing (such as increased interest costs caused by higher mortgage interest rates) will be available on a case-by-case basis depending on eligibility. Every attempt will be made to provide comparable (equal or better) housing for all relocatees. Relocation assistance agents are employed by the Iowa Department of Transportation to explain all of the available options. Business displacements will be eligible for a moving payment and may qualify for re- establishment expenses. Finally, any difficulties in locating replacement housing should be minimized by incorporating additional lead-time into the relocation planning process. Complicated relocation problems that may arise will be addressed by the State's commitment to provisions of 49 CFR 24.404 (Replacement Housing of Last Resort). An Estimate of Relocation Assistance has been developed for the Study and is included by reference. The primary benefit of this project will be an increase in operational safety and an improved level of service. This 4-lane facility will also provide a continuous beltway around the west side of the City of Dubuque, where none now exists. The continuous route will connect US 61/151 on the south, US 20, and US 51 on the north, providing an efficient and safe highway. The improved access may attract the development of new homes and businesses. The project will require the relocation and reconstruction of approximately 5,400 feet (1646 meters) of a 10 inch (250 mm) diameter petroleum pipeline, outside of the road right of way. Other impacts to public service facilities are discussed in a later section. Any adjustments will be coordinated with local utilities in order to maintain essential services 23 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I during the construction period. Temporary inconveniences could occur during construction. However, access through the area will be provided for local traffic and emergency vehicles. B. Right of Way Impacts Preliminary right of way estimates and potential displacements are shown in Table 5. These estimates are based on preliminary design and are subject to additional modifications during the final design phase of project development. The estimated acquisition cost related to the anticipated displacements is $ 11.2 million. The impacts to existing businesses and a church (non-profit organization) along US 20 account for $ 7.4 million of the total. The cost for undeveloped land along US 20 needed for right of way and a construction detour is estimated at approximately $ 2.3 million. Table 5 Right of Way Impacts . . . Interchange Alternative Intersection Alternative (Priority 1) (Priority 2) ... Right of Way 444 acres (179.7 hectares) 375 acres (151.8 hectares) Needs 14 acres (5.7 ha) landlocked 20 acres (8.1 ha) landlocked Farms: 1 Farms: 1 Displacements Businesses: 23 Businesses: 23 Residences: 13 Residences: 12 Non-Profit Organization: 1 Non-Profit Organization: 1 Diagonal 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers) 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers) Severance As shown in the above table, there will be land and business acquisitions required because of the elimination of access. The loss of access results from the implementation of access control and the physical "lay of the land." A further negative impact resulting from this project will be diagonal severance. This results when the right of way requirements are not parallel to property lines. Diagonal severance's are usually disruptive and cause inefficiencies to farm operations. The diagonal severance caused by either alternative affects eleven (11) farm owners. The alternatives have been evaluated in the context of Iowa Code Section 306.9, but no feasible and prudent alternatives exist that would avoid diagonal severances. 24 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I c. Farmland Protection Policy Act A Farmland Conversion Impact Rating form was used to determine farmland impacts and project impacts to prime and unique farmland within the project limits. The results of this review are as follows: Table 6 Prime Farmland Impacts . Alternative Total Farmland Prime Farmland Interchange Alternative 423 acres 31.8 acres (Priority 1) (171.2 hectares) (12.9 hectares) Intersection Alternative 362 acres 22.2 acres (Priority 2) (146.5 hectares) (9.0 hectares) The completed Form AD-1006 is included in the Appendix C, Comments and Coordination. D. Secondary Impacts Existing land use within the corridor is primarily agricultural, with increasing residential development adjacent to existing roads. The predominant existing use of the land for agriculture is expected to change, with the land increasingly used for residential housing and commercial uses. Local zoning and roadway access limits will provide controls for the local officials to control the anticipated growth. The Southwest Arterial is forecast to relieve traffic on a number of local streets and roadways in the vicinity. These local roads are currently used because there is no direct, arterial route in the vicinity. An important consideration to businesses and industries that rely on highways for commerce is to be located in communities with access to a safe and efficient transportation system. The Southwest Arterial will connect US 20 and US 61/151, where there currently is no direct connection. The roadway will provide improved access to the Dubuque Regional Airport (located to the south off of US 61). With the extension of the Northwest Arterial north to US 52 and the development of the Southwest Arterial, IA 32 will provide a beltway around the west side of the City of Dubuque. This improved roadway system is highly desired by businesses and is an import component of the developing industrial parks currently under construction by the City of Dubuque. The predicted secondary impacts of the construction of the Southwest Arterial are anticipated to be minimal and short-term. The enhanced climate for regional economic growth provided by improved traffic flow and greater community access will result in offsetting economic gains that will, over the long term, represent a positive economic influence on area commerce. 25 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I E. Environmentallmpacts 1. Air and Noise Impacts a) Air Quality Analysis Due to the primarily rural and open nature of the roadway corridor under study, the Southwest Arterial is only expected to have a minimal affect on air quality. Air quality impacts are expected to be limited to the construction period. Contractors will be required by standard construction specifications to comply with state regulations, including limits on the generation of fugitive dust. Also, this project is in a rural area where the state implementation plan for attaining and maintaining the national ambient air quality standards does not contain any transportation control measures. Therefore, the conformity procedures of the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 do not apply to this project. b) Noise Analysis The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has established noise abatement criteria for various types of land uses. Traffic noise analyses must be sufficient to identify traffic noise impacts and, if necessary, consider abatement measures. For the Southwest Arterial corridor, the most restrictive land-use would be Category B (Residential), with a noise abatement criterion of 67 dBA Leq. Leq is a statistical descriptor of an equivalent steady-state sound level for a time period. Leq can be generally described as the equivalent or average noise level discerned by the listener. The dBA label is a unit (A-weighted decibels) representing the sound level (noise) detectable by the human ear. The introduction of a 4-lane arterial, through a landscape that is primarily rural and open, will increase traffic noise levels into a relatively quiet area The FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model was used to estimate future noise levels, for the year 2020 projected future traffic volumes. From US 61/151 to Relocated Oakland Farms Road, the generalized 67 dBA Leq contour is calculated to be approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters) from the near lane centerline. From Relocated Oakland Farms Road to US 20, the generalized 67 dBA Leq contour is calculated to be approximately 200 feet (61.0 meters) from the near lane centerline. Following construction, no residences or park land will be located within 200 feet (61.0 meters) of the proposed alignment and, therefore, no residences or park land will be exposed to levels exceeding the 67 dBA noise abatement criteria level. Accordingly, no specific noise abatement features are proposed for the improvement. It is recommended that future noise sensitive development occur beyond the calculated 67 dBA Leq contour distance from the proposed improvement. As with air quality, contractors will be required by standard construction specifications to comply with requirements for monitoring short-term noise impacts during the construction period. 26 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2. Non-Wetland Natural Areas and Endangered Species The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) both provided responses to the Letter of Intent issued during the early coordination for the Study. The DNR listed several plant species that were observed in the Mines of Spain State Recreational Area, located southeast of the project area. The following state-listed plant species were included in the letter: · Glandular wood fern - State threatened · Jeweled shooting star - State threatened · Narrowleaf Pinweed - State threatened · Great Plains Ladies'-tresses - Special concern The DNR also indicated that there is an old record of Indiana bats (federal and state threatened) wintering in the area. The FWS listed several federal threatened and endangered plant and animal species which may be present in the project area, including: · Bald eagle - Threatened · Pleistocene snail - Endangered · Prairie bush clover - Threatened · Northern monkshood - Threatened · Western prairie fringed orchid - Threatened Field surveys and the survey reports for threatened and endangered species have been completed by the project biologists and are included by reference. DNR and FWS have reviewed the reports, and the reports were found to be adequate for evaluating the study area for threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Neither the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have records of any significant natural communities occurring in this area. Field surveys conducted by project biologists did not identify any significant natural communities within the study area for any of the alignment alternatives. No threatened or endangered plant and animal species were identified within the study area. No unique natural upland areas or wildlife habitats will be affected by the proposed roadway. 3. Wetlands Project biologists evaluated potential wetland impacts by first reviewing Dubuque County Soil Survey Maps, US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Maps and then by performing a field review of the study area for each alternative. The report documenting the findings of the investigation, included by reference, has been submitted to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Corps of Engineers for additional evaluation and formal concurrence, as part of the environmental review process. Table 7 summarizes the jurisdictional wetland impacts for the preferred alignment alternative. 27 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 7 Jurisdictional Wetland Impacts Alternative Wetland Site Description Interchange Alternative 0.1 acres (0.4 ha) Degraded wet meadow (Priority 1) Intersection Alternative 0.1 acres (0.4 ha) Degraded wet meadow (Priority 2) Construction activities for the preferred alternative alignment would affect a degraded wet meadow near a farm impoundment. This location exhibits some wetland characteristics, but the area has been tiled and used for agricultural purposes since the 1960's. For jurisdictional wetlands filled by this project, a Section 404 permit will be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) prior to construction in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act. The COE will likely require compensatory mitigation. The final environmental document will include a commitment to wetland replacement. Iowa DOT generally mitigates wetland losses at a ratio of 1: 1. The conversion of the identified wetland site is an unavoidable impact of this project No feasible or prudent alternative exists to avoid this area. 4. River and Floodplain Crossings The preferred alignment alternative crosses Granger Creek, the main branch of Catfish Creek, and the South Fork of Catfish Creek. None of the crossing locations exhibit riparian or wetland vegetation. A triple 12' x 12' reinforced concrete box (RCB) culvert is anticipated for Granger Creek. Bridge structures are anticipated for the Catfish Creek crossings. It should be noted that the crossing point of the main branch Catfish Creek is near the north line of Section 10, Township 88 North, Range 2 East. Catfish Creek has protected stream status from the south line of Section 9, Township 88 North, Range 2 East to the source. The reach of Catfish Creek with protected status is approximately one mile (1.6 meters) upstream of the crossing location and will not be impacted by either alternative. No channel changes are proposed for any crossings. Project impacts to aquatic life and stream habitat in these waterways are expected to be negligible. Short-term, minor sedimentation near bridge construction areas will occur during the time of construction. 28 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I However, appropriate erosion control measures, designed to preserve the existing aquatic resources, will minimize construction affects. The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Therefore, a floodplain development permit will be required. The proposed project is not expected to cause significant flooding risks. Floodplain impacts will be minimized by providing adequate structures, with waterway openings sufficiently sized to meet Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations. SpeCific crossing sizes that conform with the criteria are determined during final design by hydraulic analyses, involving evaluation of channel and floodplain flow conditions before and after fill and structure placement. Final structure sizes are based on the limits of allowable backwater or increased water surface generated as a result of the floodplain construction. 5. Water Quality Bridge construction will be coordinated with the US Army Corps of Engineers (CaE) through Section 404 procedures or other appropriate permit procedures. Short-term, minor sedimentation near bridge construction areas will occur during the time of construction. However, appropriate erosion control measures, designed to preserve the existing aquatic resources, will minimize construction affects. Construction will also conform to Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) standards and will comply with local applicable flood insurance standards. Compliance with both COE and DNR permit systems generally is completed after project design has been formalized so the detailed design plans are available for permit evaluation. Ground water quality should not be appreciably affected by construction operations. Soil erosion during construction is of particular concern for water quality. A Pollution Prevention Plan will be established for the project work. The Plan will control potential sources of pollution during construction by requiring protective measures by project contractors. 6. Parks and Recreational Facilities Two parcels of land (207 acres (83.8 hectares)), north of North Cascade Road, were acquired in fee title by the City of Dubuque in early 1967 and developed into Franklin D. Roosevelt (FOR) Park. No Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF) were used to acquire or develop this property. While the Cedar Cross Study was being completed, FOR Park was closed by the City of Dubuque in Fiscal Year 1984, as a means of reducing the Park Division's operating budget. The preferred alignment alternative would impact the southwest portion of the former FOR Park. During the Cedar Cross Study, a group of citizens opposed any alignment that might have impacted FOR Park. Subsequently, a group of citizens tried unsuccessfully to have a golf course constructed on the property. Other citizens routed a petition that urged for the preservation of the park and argued that any roadway alignment should 29 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I stay out of the park boundaries. However, there now is City and general public support for using the southwest part of the park for roadway right of way. There is equally strong agency and public support for the future use of the northeast part of the property as a park. This parcel has much more rugged topography and contains a number of abandoned lead mines. The anticipated use as a park is consistent with the need for parkland for planned future residential development in this area of the community, as identified by the City of Dubuque Planning Services and Leisure Services Departments. The City of DUbuque developed a letter providing background information about FOR Park. The letter indicates that the former park property currently has three uses: · 55 acres (22.3 hectares) are rented for farmland · A model airplane club leases a piece of the property for private use · A Children's Zoo leases a piece of the property. The Children's Zoo is open to the general public. This information was provided to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for review and a 4(f) determination. Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Act of 1966 (as amended) states in part: "It is the policy of the United States Government that special effort be made to preserve the natural beauty of the countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites." (49 U.S.C., Section 303) A meeting was held with lOOT, FHWA, and the project consultant. The area used by the Children's Zoo was determined to be Section 4(f) eligible. However, the area affected by the preferred alignment would have no direct impact on the zoo or access to the zoo. The preferred alignment alternative will not impact park or recreational lands. 7. Cultural Resourcesl Historic Properties The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and related cultural resources laws, regulations, and guidelines all focus on the "protection of historic properties" and use the same basic definition: "Historic property" means any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register. This term includes... artifacts, records, and rernains that are related to and located within such properties (36 CFR 800.2). Preliminary reviews of the project corridor indicated a potential for the presence of significant cultural resources. Because this project will require the acquisition of property and a conversion of the new right of way to transportation uses, archaeological and architectural/historic cultural resource surveys are underway. The surveys are to determine the presence of resources eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Cultural resource work is being coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). 30 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Preliminary cultural resource survey data clearly identify the presence of a potentially significant early building tradition in the general project area. Scattered throughout are clusters of limestone resources (including standing buildings, structures and ruins) which may represent a layer of history that pre-dates the present agricultural landscape. These limestone resources potentially date to several decades before the Civil War and may be linked to the lead and zinc mining history for which this part of northeast Iowa is well known. a) Archaeology Within 36 CFR 60 (concerning the National Register), the term "site" is defined to mean: The location of a significant event, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a building or structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself maintains historical or archeological value regardless of the value of any existing structure. The Phase I archaeological survey report, included by reference, has been completed for the study area and submitted to SHPO for review. Within the area potentially affected by the preferred alignment alternative, a total of 8 (eight) sites were identified for avoidance, further assessment, or Phase 1/ testing, if proposed impacts resulting from the planned roadway are unavoidable. Phase 1/ investigations focus on determining significance (i.e. National Register of Historic Places eligibility) and data collection for determining mitigation requirements. Table 8 lists the potentially significant archaeological sites identified which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 31 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 8 Potentially Significant Archaeological Sites Affected " Site Size NRHP Eligibility Recommendations (ha) , 1308550 0.195 Prehistoric Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliqible 1308575 8.1+ Historic Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliaible 1308584 0.2 Prehistoric Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliaible 1308594 0.1 Historic Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliaible 1308595 0.12 Prehistoric Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliaible 1308596 0.0078 Prehistoric Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliaible 1308598 0.06 Possibly contributing site Avoidance or further to lead mininq district assessment 1308626 0.025 Prehistoric Components- Avoidance or Phase II Potentiallv Eliaible For the preferred alignment alternative, 5 (five) sites were identified with prehistoric components, and 2 (two) sites were identified with historic components. One additional site may contribute to a possible historical archaeology district which is representative of the 'lead mining era and limestone building tradition in Dubuque County. This site, 1308598, is not considered to be potentially individually NRHP- eligible, but is considered to be potentially contributing to the significance of the district. b) Architectural/Historic Resources An architectural /historic survey is underway to identify historic properties in the study area eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP). Several properties more than 50 years old have been identified and are being evaluated under National Register criteria. Table 9 lists a number of potentially significant architectural/historic resources identified for the preferred alignment alternative. This listing is not a complete record of all resources potentially affected, and further archival research is ongoing. The architectural/historic survey will be completed after selection of the Preferred Alternative. The Environmental Assessment will be completed prior to 32 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I making a final assessment of impacts and will be coordinated with the Iowa State Historic Preservation Officer. The results will be included in the final environmental document for this project. Table 9 Potentially Significant Architectural IHistoric Resources ... Architectural/Historic Resource Description .. .. . 1. Farmstead, north of North Cascade Rd. 2. Farmstead, south of North Cascade Rd. 3. Integrity of National Register Site- Mt. St. Bernard Seminary 4. Farmstead, north of US 61/151 5. Farmstead, south of Olde Davenoort Rd. The preferred alignment alternative will be a minimum distance (from centerline of the near lanes) of 700 feet (213.4 meters), but not directly impact National Register Site, the Mt. St. Bernard Seminary. This distance is beyond the generalized 67 dBA Leq contour, so noise impacts should not be significant. The Mt. St. Bernard site is now a privately owned residence. The site is located on Table Mound and is situated at an elevation that is higher than the proposed roadway. Although the site is shielded by existing trees, that will not be affected by construction, portions of the proposed roadway will be visible from the site. 8. Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste has become an important consideration in highway project development in that current legislation has required the identification of known sites where hazardous substances are present. Stringent safeguards are now in effect to ensure against the release of these substances into the environment. Highway agencies want to be aware of such sites in location highways so that costly Cleanup liabilities and/ or project delays can be avoided. A corridor-wide Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Study was performed in the first phase of the Study and is included by reference. Several regulatory agencies were contacted for sources of historical information and a visual reconnaissance of the study area was performed. Table 10 lists the areas of potential environmental concern and provides comments on each site. 33 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 10 Potential Hazardous Waste Sites Site Descriptions Comments 1. Gasoline Pipeline Rupture Location is north and west of Preferred Alignment. Remediation is ongoing and should not be affected by construction 2. Mike Finnin Ford (Car Potential use and storage of hazardous Dealer) at intersection of materials. The site will be affected by US 20 and NW Arterial construction 3. Junk Yard on N. Cascade The site will be affected by Road construction 4. Riley's Olds-Mazda- This site was constructed after the Subaru (Car Dealer) near completion of the Phase 1 Site intersection of US 20 and Assessment. Potential use and storage NW Arterial of hazardous materials. The site will be affected by construction. 5. Mt. Olivet Cemetery Registered underground storage tank, but should not be affected by construction The affected potential hazardous waste sites are intermittent, low level generators. No known CERCLA (Superfund), LUST (Leaking Underground Storage Tanks), or RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery) sites will be affected by the proposed alternatives. 9. Affected utilities The preferred alignment alternative would cross an existing Northern Natural Gas 16 inch (400 mm) diameter pipeline. The replacement length of the existing pipeline within the crossing area would be approximately 300 feet (91 meters), equal for all alignment alternatives. The preferred alignment alternative would cross an existing Amoco Oil Company 10 inch (250 mm) diameter petroleum pipeline and would require the replacement approximately 5,400 feet (1646 meters) of pipeline. The preferred alignment alternative would require the relocation and reconstruction of approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) of 10 inch (250 mm) diameter and 1,000 feet (300 meters) of 16 inch (400 mm) diameter existing water mains at US 20. The relocated and reconstructed utilities should not result in interruptions of service. 34 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The preferred alignment alternative would pass east of two electrical substations, south of US 20. The substations are owned by Alliant Utilities (formerly Interstate Power Company) and by Maquoketa Valley REC. Neither the substations nor the overhead high voltage power lines that go south from the substations will be affected by these alignrnents. Access to the substations would be provided by a proposed frontage road on the south side of US 20, west of the Southwest Arterial. F. Soilsl Geotechnical Several soilsl geotechnical issues have been identified. 1. Quarry An active quarry is located approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) south of US 20. The preferred alignment alternative would require the construction of a roadway embankment through the quarry. In order to construct the Southwest Arterial through the quarry, the roadway must pass under US 20, and an interchange is proposed. lOOT Soils Design has reviewed the IA 32 preliminary profile under US 20, and has indicated that a stable embankment could be constructed at this location for the 40- 45 feet (12 to 14 meter) high fills required. Blasting near an active roadway may be a concern; if the quarry remains in operation after the Southwest Arterial is constructed. One issue is the potential interference from radio transmissions when using electrical or radio ignition devices. Another issue is the possible damage to vehicles and occupants from flying rock fragments after blasting. The safe distance to protect the roadway from flying debris is a function of the blasting charge, rock types, and depth of drilling. If blasting is kept a minimum distance of approximately 100 feet (30 meters) back of the right of way line, it could be safe to continue operating the quarry, after the Southwest Arterial were open to traffic. Given the current operation of the quarry and the location of the Southwest Arterial, this separation distance could be provided. 2. Lead mines The Southwest Arterial passes through an area noted for lead and zinc mining activity. The preferred alignment alternative would not impact any identified lead mines. However, the exact locations of abandoned lead mines on available mapping are imprecise. Aside from the cultural resource issues associated with mine locations and related features, mineshafts could have relatively large cavities and extend several hundred feet in length. These mines and shafts could be susceptible to collapse. The lead mine sites may also have contaminated soils resulting from the mining activities. If during construction, the preferred alignment alternative would impact a lead mine(s), additional research and subsurface excavation would be necessary to evaluate the construction impacts and required treatment of contaminated soils. The Iowa Department of Transportation will comply with all applicable regulations should a lead mine be impacted during construction. 35 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 3. Shale I Rock Significant shale deposits, primarily located south of Catfish Creek, and highly variable soils exist throughout the study area. Construction on or through shale is an issue for the preferred alignment alternative. The horizontal and vertical alignments will be developed to limit the areas where special geotechnical measures would be required to stabilize the roadway embankment. It is anticipated that several rock cuts will be required to construct the Southwest Arterial, but that this material can be used for constructing the roadway embankment. VI. SUMMARY This environmental assessment concludes that the proposed improvement is necessary for safe and efficient travel within the project corridor and that the improvement will have no significant adverse social, economic, or environmental impacts of a level that would warrant preparation of environmental impact statement. Selection of a construction alternative will be made following completion of the public review period and corridor public hearing. Unless significant impacts are identified as a result or the public availability of this document or as a result of the corridor public hearing, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared for this proposed action as a basis for federal - aid corridor location approval. VII. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A. Agency Comments and Coordination This document will be circulated to appropriate federal, state and local agencies for review and comment. Responses from reviewing agencies will be considered during further development of the project. Notification of the date and place of the public hearing for this proposed improvement will be published at the time the Environmental Assessment is made available for pubic review. The following agencies were notified for early coordination of this project: * · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service · U.S. Department of Interior, Office of the Secretary · U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service · Federal Emergency Management Agency · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers * * * * 36 I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I I I I I * · U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources · Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Letter concerning Hazardous Materials Sites · Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Section · Iowa Department of Economic Development · Iowa State Historic Preservation Officer · East Central Iowa Intergovernmental Association/Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study · City of Dubuque · Dubuque County Engineer · Dubuque County Conservation Board · Dubuque County Board of Supervisors · City of Asbury · City of Peosta * * * * * * * A " * " indicates that agency comments were received and are included in Appendix C. B. Public Involvement An extensive Public Involvement Plan (PIP) was made an integral part of the project. The prior Cedar Cross study had encountered intense public opposition, and the PIP for the Southwest Arterial was developed to involve the public from the outset of the study. Table 11 lists the public involvement activities that have occurred as a part of the Study. 37 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 11 Project Public Involvement Activity Dates December, 1996 Janua 23,28,29,1997 June 9, 10, 11, 12, 1997 November3,4,5, 17, 18, 19, 1998 A nl 13,14,15,20,21,22,1998 Februa 12, 1997 November 24, 1997 November, 1996 Februa , 1997 June, 1997 October, 1997 March, 1998 December, 1998 The Small Group meetings listed above were held at Table Mound School, located near Key West, to provide easy access for residents and business people in the vicinity of the Southwest Arterial. The mailing list for invitations to the meetings and for distribution of the newsletters started at 396 and has grown to a list of 585. 38 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Whenever a round of Small Group meetings was planned, additional meetings were held with the following organizations: · Ground Transportation Committee - Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce · West Side Business Association · DMATS Technical Committee with City of Dubuque Staff · DMA TS Policy Committee The meetings were instrumental in providing early guidance to the consultant team for alternative alignment locations and level of access control to be considered. Also, the meetings following the Pre-Location Study in March, 1997, and the Project Concept Statement in April, 1998, provided opportunities for informing the public about the decisions agreed to by the DMA TS Policy Committee and lOOT and for the consultant team to receive additional comments. The largest negative public response concerned the alignment alternatives that would have located the southern terminus of the Southwest Arterial through Key West and ending at Lake Eleanor Road. The pUblic submitted 132 signed copies of a form letter objecting to the impacts to Key West and the existing fire - rescue building located on Lake Eleanor Road. These alignments are no longer recommended for the Southwest Arterial (refer to Appendix B). Following the decision to include only one alignment in the EA, only 10 form letters have been received in opposition. However, the letters supported the Southwest Arterial alignment location (presented in this EA), but took exception to the proposed extension of Oakland Farms Road. The determination of the preferred alignment location, with local road modifications and access alternatives, was presented to the public at the Small Group NO.4 meetings, and was favorably received by most of the attendees. The impacts at US 20 are controversial, but actual impacts are the subject of an additional study of the US 20 corridor, initiated by lOOT in Summer, 1998. This Environmental Assessment document will be made available to all appropriate federal, state and local agencies for review and comment. These responses from reviewing agencies will be considered during further development of the project. Notification of the time and place of the public hearing will be announced when the Environmental Assessment is made available for public review. 39 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A AERIAL MAPPING - SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ALTERNATIVES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I '.~~-::r-1"~.~~=:=1 ; L,~..' - IIA I , ,/ '\.1 1,1. .,_~-:__~_) \.~ 1~---\ )1 \, \ .1-.---,_ . . .;.J .,1 rJl'T , , "1 . ~ - - -",. - -.- OIIIdand F_ l'* L~ ~ i ~ i~ SCAL! IN F!!T . 201. 401. ..ID ~ ~ I I I" 11.. 2400 SCALE IN METERS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE A 1 INTERCHANGE ALTERNATIVE PLATE INDEX MAP I I I I .. ..... '.::Ji '-<7~~\-. r.io, II " ,~) '\,1 ,.' -~~j', ''^, 1--": ) ~] " I, ,I \ ,\ ) ~ " I I I .,L - ... r'; \ '- Iii -'-1 - ~-I - ~I II \-'-, - II I:; \~\ II I , ~ II, I I --------<:---- ~/ '1" -',_ '_i 'j /'~, / ~/I ,/ /... I I I .. - - .,. ....- o.ldand FMm. ROIIlI L,---------t-:- - I ~ I. ./" l .", ~ I I I I I lOa flOO SCALE 1111 METERS 2400 I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE A2 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE PLATE INDEX MAP I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LEGEND -- AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS Proposed 4 - lane Paving Proposed Entrance r Relocated Paved Side Road Proposed Frontage Road New Brldge(s) Possible Displacement of Residences or Businesses Proposed Road Closure * CLOSE Dubuque Corporate limits Proposed Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert Petroleum Pipeline = : 580 --1 Proposed Recreational Trail Stationing ________1 Note: Photo Year 1994 NOTE: THE ABOVE SYMBOLS REPRESENT APPROXIMATE lOCATIONS AND ARE NOT TO SCALE. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI IN FlIT . 210 ..0 ~ 1-.1. 1000 1 SCALI IN MITIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ~ J 1 PLATE 1 INTERCHANGE AL TERNA TIVE STA. 314 TO STA. 343 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI! IN FI!I!T . NO "0 1"0 ~~l seALllN IIITIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ~ J ~ ..~ PLATE 2 INTERCHANGE AL TERNA TIVE ST A. 323 TO ST A. 347 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI! IN FI!I!T . rn m 1* ~. '-L 1 SCALI IN MITIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLATE 3 INTERCHANGE AL TERNA TIVE 5T A. 344 TO ST A. 386 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI! IN FlIT o rn m 1* ~ -:~ 1 SCALI IN M!lIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ~ I' ./- !~ PLATE 4 INTERCHANGE ALTERNATIVE ST A. 378 TO ST A. 422 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PLATE 5 INTERCHANGE AL TERNA TIVE OAKLAND FARMS ROAD NEAR KEY WEST uJ SCALE IN FEET 1000 1 SCAU IN IIETERS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ~ J '" ~ I I 1 I I 1 I I I" I I I I 1 I I I I I }~, 'j- ~ i SCALI! IN FI!I!T ./' . . - ~ ' . ~;- '-,l.- 1 . if. ~. .... .l: ^ SCALI! IN MITIRS -~~~~~~~----T---------- ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT I PLATE 6 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL I INTERCHANGE ALTERNATIVE Dubuque County, Iowa : STA. 417 TO STA. 456 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I .... -.;,; -"""",'.i.. . "<''>.'< ~:': -Iti/IJ!}~'.-~ff~Ji. :-,:~ ~-~ SCAL! IN F!!T o 210 ... ~ LJ. 1000 r SCALI IN IIlTeRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ~ J ./" il PLA TE 7 INTERCHANGE ALTERNATIVE ST A. 456 TO ST A. 490 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI IN FI!T I 210 110 1000 ~-~l SCALI! IN MITIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL ~ J .". i~ PLATE 8 INTERCHANGE ALTERNATIVE ST A. 489 TO ST A. 531 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II ~ ".4......,: < '-';.' . r:,;,~ ", j.;i!ii~ j;'lrWl;~:f', : . "f k, ,:dti;llt/I'~"';i\"h ,I '~':'~':';"::':;~';l!' rJll'U:~ft::~;:::t!i-:,}:l', L ,,' , "1 F),;;; ';.<5 It' . 250 ~ SCALf IN F!!T 110 ~ SCALE IN II1TERS .". 1 PLATE 9 INTERCHANGE AND INTERSECTION Al TERNA TIVES STA.531 TO STA. 563 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLATE 10 INTERCHANGE AND INTERSECTION AL TERNA TIVES ENGLISH MILL ROAD EXTENSION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI!! IN FI!!I!!T o 250 110 1000 ~.?( SCALI IN MITIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ,... i~ J ~ ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I '"'''.;.' '.,.. -r:, t~ ~-"~ SCALI! IN FI!I!T . rn m 1* ~ l-r ,[ SCALE IN METERS i~ J .,. .~ PLATE 11 INTERCHANGE AND INTERSECTION AL TERNA TIVES ST A. 549 TO ST A. 585 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PLATE 12 INTERCHANGE AND INTERSECTION AL TERNA TIVES STA. 585 TO END OF PROJECT AND HWY. 20 WEST NO PHOTO AVAILABLE . ",'" " '... .~ '; , '<'- .- ">;....~,... '~,'?N, . l.r' . .:'i\f:J1 .~ -~~. ./ *' , '. .1 ,7 '; , ,,~' \QUARDT~~ . '''.1 0:1 rr( :r f, ;.. "~ ~ \. ~.. ~".. ~. :.1....;' Ii, / .. Ii~. ~- ~. ..,. - 'f" I~t .:....~ ,,1 -- J '.1 , .:i'\...'l(;l SCALE IN FEET o 250 500 M. I_~ SCAL! IN MeT!RS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I j/.~ l' ~ i d r 'I. 1000 .L ~ J .,. ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ ~ . , 'f ;1. / IA.. '.'-';. ,# ~. ~. .*'~~'" 1"('. . "~ ~ J '" l .~~ ~..:. ~ r:~'~' ,..ill SCALI! IN FI!I!T D 25D liD ~~ SCALI IN MUIR. 1DDD 1 " " ""- .~~. .........~ '- ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL PLATE 13 INTERCHANGE AND INTERSECTION AL TERNA TIVES STA. 573 TO END OF PROJECT AND HWY. 20 EAST Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I o 250 ~ SeAL! IN IIIT!RS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLATE 14 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE STA. 314 TO STA. 343 .~ I .,. .~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI! IN FI!I!T o 250 110 M. L,~ SCALI! IN IIETeRS 1000 ,( ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL .~ J .,. ~ PLATE 15 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE STA. 323 TO STA. 347 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I I SCALI! IN FI!I!T . 250 110 M. I_,l SCAL! IN IIITI!RS ~ I .,. ~ 1000 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL PLATE 16 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE ST A. 344 TO ST A. 386 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCALI IN F!!T . 250 liD M9 1 0 20 SCALI IN IIETERS 1000 ,( ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL PLATE 17 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE ST A. 378 TO ST A. 422 Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ 'L ~ J ~ , w.:! SCALE IN F!ET . no "0 1"0 ~ IT 1 SCALE IN MUIRS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL PLATE 18 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE OAKLAND FARMS ROAD NEAR KEY WEST Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I .: -f. ... -,:.1 t 'II . I ~ ~J' .':1 ., .~C.. '~";' If J " f Ii \. ., , " . 'I .. \ "- .... ~ i SCALE IN FEET ./" ~-~' .~ ... ~ -1= 1 . t .~.', J: . SCALE IN linERS - - __~~'L...- _'.;;Jr_ - - - - T - - - - - - - - -- ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT I PLATE 19 SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL I INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE Dubuque County. Iowa : STA. 417 TO STA. 456 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 . :S. ....".'~...........'i, \~. . ". \ . \ \ \;~.",\c\ > ;i~ .... j/ci\y..:.;.;......,...l \ . ..' . ..' J:j~" .;;". ~:, \ J'~.., ;. 'J);JIJ.r'~. .i:,.,. "~:~l'.-.;~:'.'." )'.',i;.~: (;~_.' '.< . . .'if: . .: _ .- . "f-, - -- SCALE IN FELrr . 210 .1. 1008 ~~~ - r 110 2" JOO SCALE IN METIRS ~ ~ ---T---------- I PLATE 20 I INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE : ST A. 456 TO ST A. 490 I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SCAL~ IN F~~T 100 L,r SCAL~ IN METIRS 1000 ,( o 250 ~. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ~ I 1 PLATE 21 INTERSECTION ALTERNATIVE STA. 489 TO STA. 531 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX B DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DELETED I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DELETED The work tasks for the Southwest Arterial Environmental Assessment (EA) and Location Study were initially divided into two phases. The work in Phase One was to investigate the Southwest Arterial corridor and to recommend issues, alignment alternatives, and design standards for further consideration in Phase Two. The results of the Phase One study were presented in a Project Pre-Location Study, dated March 10, 1997. A. Project Pre-Location Study Figure 8-1 shows the alignment alternatives presented in the Project Pre-Location Study. Comparative analyses and evaluations were made of various. Qualitative assessments were made of the transportation, land development, environmental, and farmland impacts, community acceptance, and the cost of implernentation for the alternatives considered. 1. Transportation Alternative A would require a difficult alignment with steep grades through extremely rugged terrain. Alternative D would have an extremely difficult profile with steep grades. This alternative would provide poor service for local traffic. The alternative may impact the Dubuque Regional Airport. The 8 and C alignments provide adequate horizontal alignments and vertical profiles. All alignments, except Alignment A, could be constructed with a connection with English Mill Road, which could serve as a future connection to Seippel Road. 2. Land Developmen.t Alternative A would potentially irnpact Table Mound School and the businesses at U.S. 52. It does not support planned residential and industrial development. Alternative D does not support planned residential and industrial development. It would irnpact homes at N. Cascade Road and at the intersection of Old Military Road with U.S. 151 (Graceland). The 8 and C alternatives will impact some existing residences and businesses, but provide better support for residential, commercial, and industrial development throughout the larger study area. 3. Environmental Alternative A has the highest potential for environmental impacts. Alternative D has a high potential for impacting the Swiss Valley Park area. The 8 and C alternatives may have impacts, probably at the Catfish Creek crossings. Alternatives C, C-1, and D would not impact FDR Park lands. 8-1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE B-1 ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 4. Farmland Farmland will be effected by all alternatives. The C and C-1 alternatives would have the lowest impacts. 5. Community Acceptance There is no known agency support for Alternative A, but the public showed moderate support for this alternative. There is moderate agency and public support for Alternative D. Alternatives B, B-1, and B-2 have the highest agency and public support. Alternatives C and C-1 have the lowest agency and public support. 6. Implementation Costs Construction costs would generally be high for all alternatives because of the terrain. Alternative A would avoid the quarry, but would be costly because of impacts and terrain. Alternative B-2 would be lesS' costly because it would avoid the quarry. Alternative D would be the most costly alternative. 7. Conclusions and Recommendations Altematives A and D were not recommended for further consideration in Phase Two. Altematives B, B-1, and B-2 were recommended for further consideration in Phase Two. The B - Alignments all utilized, to varying degrees, the Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Park land for roadway right of way and had the highest community acceptance. Altematives C and C-1 were recommended for further consideration in Phase 2. These alignments avoid the former FDR Park land for roadway right of way, which, at the time of the "Project Pre-Location Study", was considered a potentially significant consideration. Following a review of the "Project Pre-Location Study' by IDOT staff, a letter (dated March 26, 1997) was issued to Mike Koch, presenting the IDOT staff recommendations. In addition to the topics normally evaluated for an EA, the consultant was directed to study the following items in Phase Two: B-3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1. Connect the Southwest Arterial to US 20 only at the Northwest Arterial. 2. Study Alternatives B, B-1, B-2, C, C-1, and C-2. 3. Study two options with access only at interchanges (Access Priority 1). One option would have access onto the Southwest Arterial only at US 20 and US 61/151, with no access in between (grade separations at the existing sideroads). The other option would allow interchanges throughout, between US 20 and US 61/151. 4. Study alternatives with Priority 3 access control. Under this control, the preferred rural spacing between access locations is one-fourth mile (0.4 kilometer), but 1,000 feet (300 meters) spacing is allowed. This option would not have interchanges. 5. Study soil problems throughout the corridor, with the quarry being a particular concern. A subsequent directive from lOOT (in a letter to Mike Koch dated January 7,1998), modified Item 4 (above). Access control was changed to Priority 2, with the number of at-grade intersection connections to the Southwest Arterial limited to major roadways only. The minimum allowable access spacing for Priority 2 Access Control is one-half mile (0.8 kilometer). B. Project Concept Study Six (6) alternative alignments and three access scenarios were evaluated in Phase Two (see Figure B-2). All alignment alternatives meet US 20 at the Northwest Arterial. The approach used for this study was to have all team members study the area associated with each alternative. The study area included land that would be needed if interchanges were to be constructed at major roadway intersections. Early in the Study, alignments were developed which address the various significant, unresolved issues. Alignment B-2 was identified as a necessary alternative, in case the roadway could not be constructed on stable, high fills through the quarry. All other alignments pass through the quarry on a desirable horizontal alignment. Alignments C, C-1, and C-2 were developed, in part, to avoid the boundaries of the former FOR Park. Because of the many possible alternatives, six alignments and three access scenarios, a phased, three-level process was used to evaluate the alternatives. None of the alternatives would impact any threatened or endangered plant or animal species; any identified natural areas or wildlife habitat; or any existing parkland or recreational areas. Therefore, these factors were not used to compare alternatives. The alignments and access scenarios considered and deleted are described below. B-4 I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I ~ o I aCALE IN .ILEI 0.1 I I 1.0 ~ U 1.0 1.6 2.' SCALE IN KILOMETERS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE B-2 ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1. First level Screening of Alternatives and Access Scenarios a) Traffic lOOT initially requested a review of three access scenarios. Two of the scenarios compared access concepts for interchanges. One scenario was for interchanges only at US 20 and US 61/151, with no access in between. The other interchange scenario would provide additional access to other proposed and existing roadways. A comparison of the projected traffic volumes for each scenario is shown in Table 1. Table 1 Comparison Interchange Traffic Volumes Traffic Volumes Alignment Interchanges Interchanges Difference (%) throughout at both ends only I. .. .. .. 8 21 ,400 16,300 5,100 (+31%) 8 -1 22,200 13,600 8,600 (+63%) 8 -2 N/A N/A N/A C 18,100 15,500 2,600 (+17%) C -1 21 ,000 13,400 7,600 (+57%) C-2 20,600 13,100 7,500 (+57%) b) Public Input Input from the public concerning the desirable level of access was solicited during all rounds of small group discussions. Participants consistently indicated a strong preference for a route that would provide for through traffic, with limited access for local traffic. The DMA TS Policy Committee, and especially the City of Dubuque Council and Mayor, have also consistently indicated a preference for limited access between US 20 and US 61/151. c) First Level Screening Conclusion The access scenario that would provide interchanges at both ends only has substantially lower projected traffic volumes and would not provide the level of local access that is preferred by the public and local policy makers. This scenario is not consistent with the City of Dubuque planned future land use and anticipated zoning. 8-6 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I For these reasons, the access scenario with interchanges at US 20 and US 61/151 only was not recommended for further consideration. 2. Second Level Screening of Alternatives A second level of criteria was then applied to the remaining 11 alternatives, listed in Table 2. As discussed previously, an interchange would be required at US 20 for Alternatives 8,8-1, C, C-1, and C-2, for both interchange and intersection scenarios. Table 2 Alternatives for Level 2 Screening .. With With Alignment Interchanges Intersections throughout throughout ... . . 8 X X 8 -1 X X 8 -2 N/A X C X X C -1 X X C-2 X X a) Alignment Alternative B Figure 8-3 depicts alignments 8, 8-1, and 8-2. The Alternative 8 alignment is characterized by: 1. The southern terminus is the Lake Eleanor Road intersection with US 61/151. 2. The alignment passes through the southwest parcel of FOR Park, using the property for roadway right of way. 3. The north terminus is at the Northwest Arterial at US 20. The alignment is relatively straight, passing through an active limestone quarry, adjacent to English Mill Road. 8-7 I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I I I I -I ~ ICALE IN .ILEI 0 U 1.0 I I I rL, . U 1.0 1.6 2.1 ICALE IN KILOIIETERI ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE B-3 ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES B, B-1, and B-2 I I I I I I I I !I I I I I I I I I I I b) Alignment Alternative B-2 Alignment Alternative B-2 is similar to the other B alignments except that a significantly curved alignment would be developed to avoid the existing quarry, south of US 20. The alignment around the east side of the quarry has less than desirable horizontal geometries, and includes a 390 meter radius (4030') curve and a 350 meter radius (50 00') curve. The B-2 alignment matches the other B alignments south of North Cascade Road. The southern terminus is at the Lake Eleanor Road intersection with US 61/151. Because of the horizontal geometries near US 20 and the large volume of rock excavation required to develop a B-2 profile under US 20, an interchange alternative for this alignment was not considered feasible. c) Alignment Alternative C Figure B-4 depicts alignments C, C-1, and C-2. The Alternative C alignment is characterized by: 1. The southern terminus is the Lake Eleanor Road intersection with US 61/151. 2. The alignment avoids FOR Park for roadway right of way. 3. The north terminus is at the Northwest Arterial at US 20. The alignment is relatively straight, passing through the active limestone quarry adjacent to English Mill Road. d) Alignment Alternative C - 1 This alignment is similar to Alternative C except the southern terminus is near Olde Davenport Road. The terminus near Olde Davenport Road was identified during Phase One as a location that would have fewer social and economic impacts than the Lake Eleanor Road intersection. The C-1 alignment is just west of Mount Olivet Cemetery, and would be on the east slope of Table Mound. The alignment would impact Old Military Road. e) Alignment Alternative C - 2 This alignment is similar to Alternatives C and C-1, from near Oakland Farms Road to US 20. The alternative is farthest southwest of all the alternatives. At Oakland Farms Road, Alignment C-2 continues to the Southeast, crossing under Old Military Road. The southern terminus at US 61/151 is near Tamarack Drive, the entrance to an existing, expanding commercial and industrial park. B-9 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ SCAL! IN KILU 0 U 1.0 I I I I rL, . U 1.0 1.6 2.1 SCALE IN KllOllETERS E~RONMENTALASSESSMENT SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL Dubuque County, Iowa IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FIGURE B-4 ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES C, C-1, and C-2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The following list of other relevant evaluation factors was applied to each alternative: . Safety! Capacity . Potential Cultural Resource Impacts . Engineering Feasibility!Constructability f) Safetyl Capacity The accident rate at the intersection of the Northwest Arterial and US 20 has been 44 % higher than the statewide average for urban intersections. Intersection improvements and signal phasing modifications have probably improved intersection safety. However, providing protected only phasing for US 20 left turning vehicles does increase overall delay and reduces intersection capacity. An earlier evaluation of this intersection by another consultant indicated that a signalized intersection at this location would operate at a Level of Service "0" under future traffic volumes that are similar to those currently projected for the intersection alternatives. An interchange between IA 32 and US 20, with US 20 as the major roadway, would substantially improve safety and increased capacity. Alternatives B, B-1, C, C-1, and C-2 would provide an interchange at US 20 for all scenarios. Alternative B-2 is the only alternative that would connect to the existing at-grade intersection at US 20. It is likely that safety would not be improved at this location by this alternative, and that the capacity of the intersection would be less than desirable. g) Cultural Resources Preliminary data from the team archaeologists indicates that most of the sites affected by alignments B-2, C, C-1, and C-2 are complicated and will probably be significant; requiring Phase III recovery and mitigation measures. The B-2 alignment passes through lead mines and other resources east of the quarry, and a grid of lead mines and related cultural resources between English Mill Road and North Cascade Road. The C, C-1, and C-2 alignments pass through a large area that contains a variety of resources; including lead mines, parts of standing limestone buildings, building ruins, and prehistOric resources. The C alignment would also require Phase III work for a residence, once a farmstead, adjacent to (west of) Key West Drive. The sites affected by Alignments B and B-1 have less potential to require Phase III work for a large area, except for a farmstead located north of North Cascade Road. h) Engineering Feasibility IConstructability All alignments will require cuts and fills because of the existing rugged terrain. All alignments were established to minimize excavations through shale, fill sections on shale side slopes, and to utilize draws (valleys) to provide more gentle profiles. However, the B-2 alignment is "forced", in the sense that it is intended to pass around the quarry, and the profile will require a substantial rock cut (approximately B-11 I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2,000 feet (610 meters) long; varying 5 feet to 50 feet (1.5 meter to 15 meter) deep on centerline). The C-2 alignment has even more substantial cuts and fills at Old Military Road. From the south, the profile requires approximately 2,400 feet (732 meters) of embankment construction varying from 20 feet to 45 feet (6.1 meters to 13.7 meters) in height. Old Military Road follows a ridge top, and the Southwest Arterial profile suitable for only 45 MPH requires a rock/shale cut approximately 1,100 feet (335 meters) long. The cut would yield an estimated 700,000 cubic yards (535,188 cubic meters), with a maximum depth of 80 feet (24.4 meters). North of Old Military Road, the profile requires approximately 1,400 feet (426.7 meters) of embankment construction varying from 20 feet to 65 feet (6.1 meters to 19.8 meters) in height. The B-2, C, C-1, and C-2 alignments all would impact identified lead mines. Aside from the cultural resource and hazardous material issues, the mines and shafts may have relatively large cavities and extend several hundred feet in length. These areas could be susceptible to collapse. If the roadway were situated near the lead mines, additional research and exploration would be needed to determine the impact to the roadway and the special measures necessary to avoid settlement or collapse. Alignments B, B-1, C, C-1, and C-2 have a desirable horizontal alignment that passes through a quarry. However, these alignments are only feasible if an interchange is constructed with US 20. Construction of a diamond interchange with US 20 has been discussed with the lOOT Methods Section and the proposed layout, grades, etc. were found to be acceptable. The profile of the Southwest Arterial through the quarry has also been reviewed with lOOT Soils Design, and a stable roadway embankment could be constructed through the quarry. The alignment through the quarry would require the construction of bridge(s) (approximately 500 feet (152.4 meters) long on tangent alignment) over English Mill Road and Catfish Creek. Alignment B-2 would pass north and east of the quarry on a less than desirable horizontal alignment, including a 390 meter radius (4030') curve and a 350 meter radius (5000') curve. The design speed in the vicinity of the quarry would be less than 55 MPH. The alignment would require the construction of curved bridge(s) (approximately 600 feet (182.9 meters) long) over English Mill Road and Catfish Creek. The bridge(s) would be superelevated at 6 % cross slope. i) Second Level Screening Conclusions Individual characteristics of each alternative alignment have been assessed and cross-compared. Based on this relative comparison, Alternative B-2 was not recommended for further consideration. This alignment has several deficiencies including: · Does not improve safety or capacity at the US 20 intersection; · Has a forced, undesirable alignment for this planned roadway; B-12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . Passes through two areas with the highest concentrations of lead mines in the entire study area; . Affects significant prehistoric and historic cultural resources; · Requires a substantial rock cut in the vicinity of the quarry; and . Has the lowest traffic volumes of all intersection alternatives. Similarly, Alternative C-2 was not recommended for further consideration, for either the interchange or intersection scenarios. This alignment has several deficiencies including: . Affects prehistoric and historic cultural resources; . Passes through an area with lead mines . Requires and 80 feet (24.4 meters) high cut under Old Military Road and the large fills for the roadway approaches to Old Military Road are not feasible. 3. Third Level Screening of Alternatives a) General Table 3 lists six (6) other alternatives that were evaluated but deleted in the third level screening. Table 3 Remaining Alternatives . With With Alignment Interchanges Intersections throughout throughout ... 8 X X C X X C -1 X X 4. Third Level Screening Conclusions The 8 alignment would not impact known lead mines, and wetland impacts should be minimal. However, the alignment has significant social and cultural resource impacts, especially in the Key West area. Neither the intersection or interchange alternatives are recommended for further consideration. The C alignment has significant social and cultural resource impacts, especially in the Key West area. The alignment would impact known lead mines and the highest quality wetland within the study area of all the alternatives. The interchange with Oakland Farms Road would require a significant channel change of Catfish Creek. 8-13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Neither the intersection or interchange alternative is recommended for further consideration. The C-1 alignment has significant cultural resource impacts, but fewer social impacts than the C or B alternatives. The alignment would impact known lead mines and the highest quality wetland within the study area of all the alternatives. The interchange with Oakland Farms Road would require a channel change of Catfish Creek. Neither the intersection or interchange alternative is recommended for further consideration. Based on the information gathered, an analysis of relevant factors, and a relative comparison of alternatives, the consultant recommended that the B-1 Alignment be considered the preferred alternative for the Southwest Arterial. The EA would present two alternatives for the Preferred Alignment, Access Priority 1 (interchange alternative) and Access Priority 2 (intersection alternative). These recommendations were accepted by the Project Coordinating Committee and presented to the OMA TS Policy Committee on April 1, 1998. The OMA TS Policy Committee concurred with the Coordinating Committee and recommended to lOOT that the B-1 Alignment be considered the preferred alternative to be presented in the EA. In a letter to Mike Koch, dated May 11, 1998, lOOT concurred with these recommendations. B-14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C Comments and Coordination I U.S. Department of Agriculture I FARMLAND CONVERSION IMPACT RATING Date Of Land Evaluation Request 9/18/98 Federal Agency InvolvedFederal Hlghway Administration County And State Dubuque County, Iowa I PART II (To be completed by SCS) Date ReqUS;;?r~ ~.i. 11.'1.1 Does the site contain prime, unique, statewide or local important farmland? Yes No Acres Irrigated I Average Farm Size (If no, the FPPA does not apply - do not complete additional parts of this form). ')g 0 - I ~ , 0 Major Crop(s) Farmable Land In Govt. Jurisdiction Amount Of Farmland As Defined in FPPA (Jl/rA -.{'~yie~ Acres: 34.1; J~() % 77 Acres: &:~ ~g r % /6 Name Of Land Evaluation System Used Name Of Local Site Assessment System Date land Evaluation Returned By SCS 7J~ i ~ IT ~t:, "v'Ile, t7.1>tJ/~ ~. t "" I" Alternative Site Rating PART III (To be compmted by Federal Agency) Site A * Site B** Site C A. Total Acres To Be Converted Directly Llna ~A? B. Total Acres To Be Converted Indirectly 1 Ll ?n C. Total Acres In Site 4?':l ':lh? PART IV (To be completed by SCS) Land Evaluation Information A. Total Acres Prime And Unique Farmland B. Total Acres Statewide And Local Important Farmland C. Percentage Of Farmland In County Or Local Govt. Unit To Be Converted I D. Percentage Of Farmland In Govt. Jurisdiction With Same Or Higher Relative Value PART V (To be completed by SCS) Land Evaluation Criterion Relative Value Of Farmland To Be Converted (Scale of 0 to 100 Points) I PART I (To be completed by Federal Agency) Name Of Project IA 32 - Southwest Arteri a 1 Proposed Land Use Hi ghway Constructi on I I I PART VI (To be completed by Federal Agency) I Site Assessment Criteria (These criteria are explained in 7 CFR 658.5(b) I 1. Area In Nonurban Use 2. Perimeter In Nonurban Use 3. Percent Of Site Being Farmed 4. Protection Provided By State And Local Government 5. Distance From Urban Builtup Area 6. Distance To Urban Support Services 7. Size Of Present Farm Unit Compared To Average 8. Creation Of Nonfarmable Farmland 9. Availability Of Farm Support Services 10. On-Farm Investments 11. Effects Of Conversion On Farm Support Services 12. Compatibility With Existina Aaricultural Use I I I TOTAL SITE ASSESSMENT POINTS PART VII (To be completed by Federal Agency) I Relative Value Of Farmland (From Part V) rota I Site Asse~sment (From Part VI above or a local site assessment) TOTAL POI NTS (Total of above 2 lines) I Site Selected: I Date Of Selection Site D . 3/,9 ~#:L - O.or ~R S'I O.6~ ""tt SlJ Maximum Points 15= 10 TIT 10 8 8 20 lzr 15- 20 20 20 N/A - - N/A - - 10 ::> ::> ?I:; r:; I:; r:; r:; I:; ?n 11:; 1r:: ?r:; n () 1n r:; I:; 160 87 88 100 51 50 160 87, 88 260 138 139 Was A Local Site Assessment Used? Yes 0 No 0 I Reason For Selection: . *8-1 Alternative-Access Option with Interchanges Throughout **8-1 Alternative-Access Option with Intersections Throughout I I (See Instructions on reverse side) Form AI" .- I I I I I I 1------- . .....-..--.--:--. I I 'I I I I I I >- 10- .8 I I 54-5:( - STATE OF I . ",--" '/r-: TERRY E. BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES L.ARRY J. WIL.SON, DIRECTOR March 25, 1997 /' I ~ \' \ Michael A. Ze1inskas, P .E. WHKS & Co. P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, IA 50402-1467 Dear Mr. Ze1inskas: Reference is made to your letter of January 21, 1997 requesting the Department's early coordination - review and comments on the proposed Southwest Arterial Project (lOOT Project No. STP-U-2100(l)- -70-31) for Dubuque County. A cursory review showed that the proposed route could cross Catfish Creek or its tributaries and could impact the streams and the associated riparian corridors. The EA should address any potential impacts the roadway would have on these corridors as to hydraulics and habitat. As alternative routes are being considered, it is not possible at this early stage to fully evaluate the environmental impacts and the Department may have other conunents and concerns pending completion of the EA. Thank you for the opportunity to conunent. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 515-281-5029. <( D. Riessen, P .E. rvisor, Water Resources Section WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING 1 DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 1515-281-5145 1 TOO 515-242-59671 FAX 515-281-8895 ~~~1 r_ I I ,I I I I I I I. I...... .. I'~" " I:.... .... I.;, .. L'. '. ?- ~ 10 I I DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DA VID J. LYONS. DIRECTOR 1'('23242Sp, 'i" A, -6"..-, f)':'<' '... ~ ,,;> 0-- u ~J, i:~' r~~/ill~ 1:J;]1 ~b " r.. .. . ".> '1:- J';,L...\c-'l.. ~ I D Q' ~. \1.1 H . (C.: - Co 9. H.. J.K.:;,.; Co. ---t ~'l /. Ci', ' "---~:.:--"/ \._,) ~. STATE OF I TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GOVERNOR March 20, 1997 Michael A. (Tony) Zelinskas, P.E. Project Manager WHKS & Co. 1412 6th Street SW P.O. box 1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 RE: IA 970225-246 Dear Mr. Zelinskas: The Iowa State Clearinghouse has performed the required review of the grant application for the IDOT Project/No. STP-U-2100-70-31, Dubuque County, Iowa in accordance with the Iowa Intergovernmental Review System. . The review: did not generate any comments from those who examined the file. found no serious environmental problems which may result from the 'project or program. indicated that the proposal conforms to pertinent planning to this area. did not show that the proposal would result in duplicating any existing activity or project. The Clearinghouse is pleased to recommend that the application be approved. A copy of this letter must be sent to the federal agency as evidence that the review has been performed. Sincerely, s~.;(~__ Steven McCann Federal Funds Coordinator 515/242-4719 SRM: lk 200 EAST GRAND AVENUE I DES MOINES, IOWA 50309 I TEL:'5151242-47oo I FAX: 515/242-4809 EMAIL: info@ided.state.ia.us I TTY: 5151242-4861 I http://wwW.state.ia.uslided I~ - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I~ 18 I . I United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Fedetdl Building 210 Walnut St., Ste. 693 Des Moines, IA 50309-2180 Mr. Michael A. (Tony) Zelinskas WHKS & Company 1412 6th Street, SW Post Office Box 1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 ..-. , " <<~:. "~ . ' ;~~~ /'/' l.....: . . ..-! \~:J I " ..'" - '-., '. \ I..' " , ' , . , "J '( ", \: \'11.1 ;,1' ;: \:.-,-;\~'"i"!.i'~'-.'!:" ...,,~;;, \:{"" '0';; ", :'-'--" '''''/ .... ", ,"/ March 3, 1997 Dear Mr. Zelinskas: I have reviewed the Iowa 32 proposed construction work plan. We have no comments at this time. If you have any site specific questions, feel free to contact Gregory Martin, District Conservationist, at 204 South Center Avenue, Epworth, Iowa 52045-0027 or call at (319) 876-3418. ~OYBro~~ State Conservationist AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER I" I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I> a- 18 I I ...--' l ~.:', FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Rock Island Field Office (ES) 4469 - 48th Avenue Court Rock Island, Illinois 61201 t:" ;; . ,'. -, ~ ;'" ;; ... ,'.. ~(VJ,H.;\.:~:.~~:,; . (, ,. ""6s. ~~ S i.":~:::;:> COM: 309/793-5800 ------ FAX: 309/793-5804 United States Department of the Interior IN REPLY REFER TO: February 19, 1997 Mr. Michael A. (Tony) Zelinskas, P.E. WHKS and Co. 1412 6th Street, SW, P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 Dear Mr. Zelinskas: This responds to your letter of January 21, 1997, requesting our comments on your plans for proposed highway improvements on IA 32 in Dubuque County, Iowa. To facilitate compliance with Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, Federal agencies are required to obtain from the Fish and Wildlife Service information concerning any species, listed or proposed to be listed, which may be present in the area of a proposed action. Therefore, we are furnishing you the following list of species which may be present in the concerned area: Classification Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Threatened Bald eagle Haliaeetus Leucocephalus Breeding, Wintering Endangered Pleistocene snail Discus macclintocki North-facing algific talus slopes Threatened Prairie bush clover Lespedeza leptostachya Dry to mesic prairies with gravelly soil Cont'd. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. Michael A. (Tony) Zelinskas, P.E. 2. Classification Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Threatened Northern monkshood Aconitum novaboracense North-facing slopes of the driftless area; hillside seeps Threatened Western prairie fringed orchid Platanthera leucophaea Mesic to wet prames The threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is listed as breeding in Dubuque County, Iowa. It is also listed as wintering along large rivers, lakes and reservoirs in Dubuque County. During the winter, this species feeds on fish in the open water areas created by dam tailwaters, the warm water effluents of power plants and municipal and industrial discharges, or in power plant cooling ponds. The more severe the winter, the greater the ice coverage and the more concentrated the eagles become. They roost at night in groups in large trees adjacent to the river in areas that are protected from the harsh winter elements. They perch in large shoreline trees to rest or feed on fish. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. The eagle may not be harassed, harmed or disturbed when present nor may nest trees be cleared. The endangered Iowa pleistocene snail (Discus macclintocki) is found on north-facing slopes of the driftless area in Dubuque County, Iowa. It occupies algific (cold producing) talus slopes at the outlet of underground ice caves along limestone bluffs within a narrow regime of soil moisture and temperature. There is no critical habitat designated. It must not be harmed, harassed or disturbed. The prairie bush clover (Lespedeza leptostachya) is listed as threatened in Iowa where it is considered to potentially occur statewide based on historical habitat. It occupies dry to mesic prairies with gravelly soil. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious damage or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This speci,es should be searched for whenever prairie remnants are encountered. The northern monkshood (Aconitum novaboracense) is listed as threatened in Dubuque County, Iowa. It occupies north-facing slopes in the driftless area of northeast Iowa and one slope along the Iowa River. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious damage or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. Michael A. (Tony) Zelinskas, P .E. 3. The western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara) is listed as threatened and is considered to potentially occur statewide based on historical records and habitat distribution. It occupies wet grassland habitats. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious damage or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should be searched for whenever wet prairie remnants are encountered. The Corps of Engineers is the Federal agency responsible for wetland determinations, and we recommend that you contact them for assistance in delineating any wetland types and acreages within the project boundary. Priority consideration should be given to avoid impacts to any wetland areas. Any future activities in the project area that would alter wetlands may require a Section 404 permit. Unavoidable impacts will require a mitigation plan to compensate for any losses of wetland functions and values. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clock Tower Building, P.O. Box 2004, Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, should be contacted for information about the permit process. These comments provide technical assistance only and do not constitute the report of the Secretary of the Interior on the project within the meaning of Section 2(b) of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, do not fulfill the requirements under Section 7 of the End,angered Species Act, nor do they represent the review commems of the U.S. Department ofthe Interior on any forthcoming environmental statement. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments early in the planning process. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Heidi Woeber of my staff. Sincerely, /;) 1tJ~ /I y~ ~ Richard C. Nelson !'( Supervisor HW:sjg I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I> Ia- o 10 I United States Department of the Interior <,":C:0o-,-o?\\ OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY / ..' .~~ Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance (:~ J;: /,,.' . ,>-'~ I Denver Federal Center, Building 56, Room 1003 \". ""/(S .,):.n P.O. Box 25007 (D-108) 1(" ~ .' I Denver, Colorado 80225-0007 \~;( , J CO, . ./J ~)"(\) j ,- l' -\-. , ,~t~,~// . ,~.....::J r 11 . /' February 19, 199T'----=---/ WHKA & Co. Attn: Michael A. Zelinskas, P.E. 1412 6th street, SW P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 Dear Mr. Zelinskas: Thank you for your recent letter regarding the Southwest Arterial Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Location Study, IDOT Project No. STP-U-2100(1)-70-31 in Dubuque county, Iowa. The Department of the Interior has no comments on the Letter of Intent. However, if you have not done so, a copy of the document should be provided to the National Park service, 1709 Jackson st. Omaha, Nebraska 68102, and the u.s. Fish and wildlife Service, 4469 48th Ave. Court, Rock Island, Illinois 61201 for their review and comment. If we can be of further service or if you have any questions, please contact William Allan at (303) 236-6900. Sincerely, ~'fn.~ jOfRobert F. Stewart ;' Regional Environmental Officer cc: NPSjOmaha FWSjRock Island ----- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I> a- 18 I Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VII 2323 Grand Blvd.. Suite 900 Kansas City. MO 64i08-2670 FEB / 8 /997 [R[EC[E~V[E[) The Honorable Terry Duggan Mayor, City of Dubuque 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 FEB 2 0 1997 WIlKS a co. Dear Mayor Duggan: We have received a Letter ofIntent from WHKS & Co., on behalf of the City, for the following project: Highway Iowa 32 Southwest Arterial Your community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Activities described above are under the purview of your community and should be reviewed to determine whether or . not they meet the minimum requirements of your community's floodplain management regulations. In addition, a floodplain development permit is required prior to a commencement of construction/development activity. You should refer to your community's floodplain management ordinance for the definition of development. Since this is an Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) project, the community can either comply with the community requirements by obtaining a "Record of Coordination-Floodplain Management" form or receive a State floodplain development permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). If the above development is located within the floodway, the community must obtain a "no-rise" Certificate/Statement as to the effects of possible flooding on the watercourse if this development is permitted. This analysis must be performed by a licensed engineer as required by your floodplain management ordinance. . You are also reminded that the above project will be reviewed along with the community's floodplain man.agement program from time to time either by this office or the appropriate state agency responsible" to review floodplain management programs at the local level. Part of this review will be directed at how well the community permits these flood-prone projects and whether the completed project measures up to the community's floodplain management standards. Projects that fail to comply with the community's standards and Federal regulations will be required to mitigate any improved floodplain development. I I I I. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I If you should have any questions concerning this process and requirements, please contact Ross Richardson of my staff at (816) 283-7005. cc: Michael A. Zelinskas, P.E., WHKS & Co. Ross Richardson, Iowa CCO Bill Cappuccio, NFIP State-Coordinator Sincerely, ~~~ Stephen R. Harrell, Director Mitigation Division ... I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I> a- 10 (.) I I lID STATE OF I ..~......... ,..') ?A: ~r.:- '" '.... ..' c,'2,., I<:I.-""~ /\.. 0.:-'). ,.'"",;0' ..I ':";~ ..j) ~ ( f'E~FYJ7 ',) ~ t~~ f:.l;crt~rF ~~ :~'.~.l (, .. . :<... " ~'. ,,. J J/ ~~~ ,r' "~'~~:J DEPARTMENT OF NATUR~LRESOURCES' . LARRY J. WI&..:?N, DIRECTOR ............, TERRY E. BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR February 14, 1997 WHKS & Co. ATTN: Michael A. (Tony) Zelinskas, P.E. P.O. Box 1467 Mason City,lA 50402-1467 Rc. L.. IDOT Project No. STP-U-2100(1)--70-31 - Dubuque County, Iowa Dear Mr. Zelinskas: Thank you for inviting our comments on the impact of the above referenced project on protected species and rare natural communities. Staff within the Department has reviewed environmental requests from Paul Christiansen and David Lyon regarding this IDOT project. Please find enclosed copies of the Department's letters to: Paul Christiansen dated January 27, 1997 and David Lyon dated February 10, 1997. This letter is a record of review for protected species and rare natural communities in the project area. It does not constitute a permit and before proceeding with the project, you may need to obtain permits from the DNR or other state and federal agencies. If you have any questions about this letter or if you require further information, please contact Sherry Baudler at (515) 281-8675. (~(~ LARRY J. WILSON, DIRECTOR IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NA TURAL RESOURCES WW:slb Enclosures 97-22L.DOC WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / DES MOINES. IOWA 50319/515-281-5145/ TDO 515-242-5967 I >- LARRY J. W1LSON~ DIRECTOR IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NA TURAL RESOURCES 1& LlW:slb I (.) enclosure I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LARRY J. WILSON. DIRECTOR ilia STATE OF I TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GOVERNOR February 14~ 1997 David L. Lyon~ Biology Dept. Cornell College 600 First Street West Mt. Vernon~ IA 52314-1098 RE: Review of Area Southwest of Dubuque - IDOT Project Dear Mr. Lyon: Thank you for inviting our comments on the impact of the above referenced project on protected species and rare natural communities. There is an old record of Indiana bats (federal and state endangered) wintering in the area. If the project will not disturb caves or old mines~ there should be no impact to the species. Nixon Wilson of the University of Northern Iowa Biology Department is working for Martha Maxon on RUST Waterloo office. Mr. Wilson conducted a netting survey for bats along "Cedar Cross" corridor but found no threatened or endangered species. The Department has corresponded with Paul Christiansen regarding the southwest bypass. Please find enclosed our letter to Mr. Christiansen dated January 27, 1997. This letter is a record of review for protected species and rare natural communities in the project area. It does not constitute a permit and before proceeding with the project, you may need to obtain permits from the DNR or other state and federal agencies. If you have any questions about this letter or if you require further information~ please contact Sherry Baudler at (515) 281-8675. 97-21L.DOC WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING I DES MOINES. IOWA 5031 9 I 515-281-5145 I TOO 51 5-242-5967 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t: ~ I ilia STATE OF I DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LARRY J. WILSON. DIRECTOR TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GOVERNOR January 27, 1997. Paul Christiansen 554 Linn Ridge Road Mt. Vernon, IA 52314-9771 RE: . Southwest bypass - Dubuque, Iowa Dear Mr. Christiansen: Thank you for inviting our comments on the impact of the above referenced project on protected species and rare natural communities. The following state-listed plants species are found in the area: Glandular wood fern - Dryopteris intermedia - State threatened Jeweled shooting star - Dodecatheon amythystinum - State threatened Narrowleaf Pinweed - Lechea intermedia - State threatened Great Plains Ladies'-tresses - Spiranthes magnicamporum - Special concern All of these species were observed in Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. This letter is a record of review for protected species and rare natural communities in the project area. It does not constitute a permit and before proceeding with the project, you may need to obtain permits from the DNR or other state and federal agencies. If you have any questions about this letter or if you require further information, please contact Sherry Baudlerat (515) 281-8675. \/~ LARRY J. WILSON, DIRECTOR IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NA TURAL RESOURCES WW:slb 97 -15L.DOC WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING I DES MOINES. IOWA 50319 I 515-281-5145/ TOO 515-242-5967 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I>- ~ 10 I I DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LARRY J. WILSON, DIRECTOR ~.~0 9'iOlj"';> f<:.:.' /~ I._{:>. n;'.'.J ......." --:~{\"\ - ~J i~ED:S:J7 '-.7: ". .: ".;-""",.,'1 '..,1 ;-~~.~.;: :.~ L.;, ;:::" i~ i}: ":-3 t t ";' Ll 'r"', ."" 'J - ol,,' ~'.i . i .., -, -:. (jL ,~ \ >,,' ..< ..~ l........:J.:: ').,...\,..."~ ~J \ ~?-. ",~'j , ~/ .,- ----- - STATE OF I TERRY E. BRANSTAD. GOVERNOR 7 February, 1997 Mr. Michael A. Zelinskas, P.E. WHKS & Co. 1412 6th Street, SW, P.O. Box1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 SUBJECT: Dubuque County, Southwest Arterial, lOOT Project No. STP-U- 21 OO( 1)--70- 31 Dear Mr. Zelinskas: This is in response to your letter of January 21, 1997, addressed to Pete Hamlin. If I hove inferred the purpose of that communication correctly, then Pete Hamlin is no longer the appropriate contact. that position is now occupied by Joe Obr, who is the Bureau Chief over all persons mentioned below. Included among these is Lavoy Hooge, the Supervisor of the Solid Waste Section, in which I work. I om assuming that the purpose of your communication is to identify any potential problems related to, environmental contamination which might crop up along the route of the proposed project. I hove checked 0 computer data base used by this department to answer some of the related questions. Attached you will find o map which identifies locations associated with either the Federal CERCLA or RCRA programs. Of the sites appearing in the data base only the one labeled RCRA generator appears to be within the corridor of concern. I would odd that I am not familiar with any sites being handled under the State's hazardous waste site programs which fall within this area either. I have also included a mop illustrating the LUST (leaking underground storage tonk) sites in the data bose. There appear to be several which ore of potential interest. I om not, however, the authoritative contact for LUST related information. Keith Bridson is the supervisor of that section and Jim Humeston is the staff person responsible for the portion of the state in question. This leaves one other central office group which might have information of interest. that is the Emergency Response group. I would suggest Ron Kozel os your contact, he is directly answ0rable to Mr. Obr. Finally, there is also Field Office 1 in Manchester which might have information which is not necessarily available to the central office, here in Des Moines. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 515/281-7040. Respectfully, /;! , LL- ~d g.P.D..~ Environmental Specialt__~ WALLACE STATE OFACE BUILDING / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319/515-281-5145/ TOO 515-242-5967/ FAX 515-281-8895 I ::rJ C) Z ::rJ ::D o m ""1J'C) () I (Dl :D r :D :D .. a. . C). . )>,.' )> en r LE L..--- )> CO ~ en I CD C. :J I j r I I CJ) 0' C , I t""fo ::r ~ I CD CJ) ,..... I 0 I c c- c I .c c I CD \ I '; (") m I ::JJ () I r )> I Q) ~ I c.. I :D () :0 I )> I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t..--- ::0 r o C '> Q) (f) \ ~ 0 -I . j en o C ..-fa :::r ~ CD en ..-fa \ o C 0- .C .c C CD I CooyJ Ci~e: it' ~"?,\.~ .-.l""} r r:4- ~l/) .. r C en -I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I> I~ 10 I FEE 12"37 12:S0Ft'1 PECPEATIOf'l A~;ST F'Gt1S F'.1/1 MIDWEST FIELD AREA FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL FORM DATE: 2 1/<2- I TIME: //;\/) ~ SUBJECT: ..;;vrt.w~~f- ,~y"*,V1:" I ~ft/II,-t'"\ +rC b-A / JvJtr..~.4-5JA- -r:1.1'1 .?Cl/../t-r/ . /-1f- (/-2/~-()) r /Iv I-f jc/ t- {:. 7 D - J I TO: FROM: GREAT PLAINS SYSTEMS OFFICE, OMAHA, NEBRASKA, RECREATION GRANTS Jim Grasso NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW: o SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: we have no cOll"I:lents on the ~ject project. /~~~ RECREATION GRANTS FAX NUMBER: 402-221-3360 IF THERE IS A PROBLEM, PLEASE CALL: 402-221-3358 or 402-221-3371. ~...," ..........1- - " COOp~f.Uwe J>togr..m tor Oul.dl;t-l;lf' Re<l"1:_tfo I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I P I ~~~f.O ST,,~ol' j ^ =u ~ ~Tt1 ~ ~ "I' ~ :! ""<4t PRO'It.c. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION VII 726 MINNESOTA AVENUE KANSAS CITY, KANSAS 66101 ,/~ (",. .;,\,:;" ::~c :'1) ,,'1.' '.<- ,,":." . /,.~ . ,~' '~j}~.>1 ~~~~Z.:~.>/ fEB 06 1991 Mr. Michael A. Zelinskas, P,E. WHKS & Co. 1412 6th Street, SW, P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, IA 50402-1467 Dear Mr. A. Zelinskas: RE: Early Projection Coordination Southwest Arterial Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Location Study mOT Project No. STP-U-2100(1)--70-31 Dubuque County, IA This is in response to your January 21, 1997, request for project input regarding the Southwest Arterial Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Location Study located in Dubuque County, Iowa. We are enclosing a list of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulated facilities that are located within the designated project area. RCRA records were reviewed for these facilities and at this time, no hazardous waste releases have been identified or reported. Please note that EP A shall not be liable for loss or injury resulting from reliance upon the infonnation enclosed. Records are available for review between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. We hope that this information will be of help to you. If you have any questions, please contact Messrs. Spencer Dulaney or Brian Mitchell of my staffat (913) 551-7058. Sincerely, ~ u. t-1-I~ Larry A. Hacker, Chief Iowa RCRA and State Programs Branch Air, RCRA, and Toxics Division Enclosure cc: Jo~ph Obr, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (wI encl) RECYCLE ~ ",,",CCItlMIIIllCYCtD'_ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I>- I~ IU I PROJECT Southwest Arterial Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Location Study Regulated Facility Listing (i.e., Designated Southwest Arterial Corridor) Handler Name/Address Regulated Activity Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Iowa Department of Transportation Highway 151 South Dubuque, Iowa Truck Country of Iowa Highways 61 and 151 South Dubuque, Iowa Small Quantity Generator I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I I I~ 1_0 .0 I 5LIS"'-{ DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS CLOCK TOWER BUILDING - P.O. BOX 2004 ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204-2004 re.c'cf) '..' /~/q 7 . / I REPl V TO ATTENTION OF: January 31, 1997 Operations Division Mr. Michael A. Zelinskas, P.E. WHKS and Company Post Office Box 1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 Dear Mr. Zelinskas: Our office reviewed your letter dated January 21, 1997 concerning the proposed construction of the Southwest Arterial Highway in Dubuque, Iowa. It appears that your proposed project may impact waters of the United States (including wetlands). When detailed plans for the proposed highway construction project are complete, you will be required to apply for Department of the Army (DA) authorization for your project. Enclosed for your use is a joint application packet entitled "Protecting Iowa Waters." This packet contains the necessary application forms, drawing sheets, instructions, and information for DA and State of Iowa permits to perform work in waters within Iowa. Detailed instructions for completing the application are located on pages 3 through 6 in the Joint Application Packet. In addition, the application form and drawing sheets are on self-copying paper, so please press down firmly with a hard point pen when completing them, or please type them. The copies of the application form and drawing sheets are identified at the bottom of each page as to which agency should receive which copy. The copy of the completed application form and drawing sheets marked "Corps of Engineers" and any other pertinent information should be mailed to: U.S. Army Engineer District, Rock Island ATTN: CENCR-OD-S Clock Tower Building - Post Office Box 2004 Rock Island, Illinois 61204-2004 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -2- The copies of the completed application form and drawing sheets marked "Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Attention: Floodplain Permits Section, and Sovereign Lands" and any other pertinent information should be mailed to: Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 900 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034 Please forward a copy of all approvals to this office when you receive them. Should you have any questions, please contact our Regulatory Branch by letter, or telephone me at 309/794-5367. Sincerely, /~f)~r Michael D. Hayes Project Manager Regulatory Branch Enclosures State Historical Society of Iowa The Historical Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs Michael A.'Zelinskas, P. E. Project Manager, WHKS & Co. 1412 6th Street SW P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, Iowa 50402-1467 ,...,.... 'i ~ ,.., ,~'" nC\:) t l"_ ,)..;. .~............. ,,0,::> .,..'< ., .~>\ ..f?v' .:".. ",' \'\,\ 1(\7 fi':',." .."., I (~', 'f..'",. i : '\ ~~'. .i'jI, J...I ., t.. : ; ..,...., " , \ ..., 'II,~ i.. ,,,. ". .', ,7 , .' I ~~;;.~ ~ #~~..:.::.'\ ....\' '.),/ c;~). . ..., ,~...(). ';\ '/ ~\..:.~ , ,~). I 22 . ,', ~:;./ Ic'Q26~t,~:-\; In reply please refer to: R&C#: 970131113 January 31, 1997 RE: FHWA - DUBUQlJE COUNTY - CITY OF DUBUQUE - STP-U-2100(1)-70-31 - SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND LOCATION STUDY Dear Mr. Zelinskas, Thank you for providing our office with information concerning the above referenced project. Previous cultural resource investigations in the Dubuque area have documented the presence of a high density of significant historic properties located in the Dubuque area. Some of these significant historic properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places either as individual properties or in historic districts. Based on the provided information, it is difficult to determine whether any of the previously recorded historic properties will be affected by the proposed undertaking. However, there appears to be a high probability that significant historic properties will be located within the proposed project area. Intensive archaeological and historical site surveys should occur in the Area of Potential Effect prior to proposed construction activities. We will be able to provide further comments on this project after we have received the forthcoming report(s). Weare pleased that you have contacted us very early in the planning stage. We look forward to further coordinating with your firm and the Iowa Department of Transportation on this project. When submitting additional correspondence concerning this project to our office, please refer to the Review & Compliance Number, provided above, that has been assigned to this project by our office. Should you have any further questions, please contact me at the number provided below. Sincerely, ~*"es~~~ Community Programs Bureau (515) 281-4358 cc: Randy Faber, Office of Project Planning, IDOT Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager, City of Dubuque o 402 Iowa Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1806 (319) 335-3916 "ffi, 600 E. Locust T Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290 (515) 281-6412 o Montauk Box 372 Clermont, Iowa 52135-0372 (319) 423-7173 . I I ,I :1 ,I I ,I <I "I '.1 I, I I :1 I, " .)- 10- o 10 I :1 Suite 330. Ne,l.. Cent<< · P.O. Box 1140 · Dubuque.IA 52004.1140 · 13191556.4166 · Fax 13191556-0348 EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMbJ.4TAL ASSOCIATION DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY JOB TRAINING PROGRAM (JTPA) - SDA 8 E.C.LA. BUSINESS GROWTH, INC. February 12, 1997 Michael Zelinskas, P.E. WHKS & Company P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, IA 50402-1467 RE: SAI:IA970108-001 Dubuque Southwes,t Arterial Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Location Study Dear Mr. Zelinskas: / The staff of the East Central Intergovernmental Association has completed the I.G.R. review of your proposal as described above. As the Areawide Clearinghouse, the following disposition' concerning this application is made. -L No Comment Necessary. The application must be submitted as received by the Clearinghouse with this form attached as evidence that the required review has been performed. ' .. Comments Are Attached. The application must be submitted with this form plus the attached comments as evidence that the required review has been performed. --------------- AREAWIDE CLEARINGHOUSE COMMENTS: ' Sincerely, W' iam J. Baum ' E ecutive Director WJB:sm \ - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I EASTCENTR-AL INTERGOVERNME1;TAL ASSOCIATION I '. . '.'(. "-', /':' '. ". DUBUQUE METROPOUTAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY /: ," ,~\ EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY " ('-'i JOB TRAINING PROGRAM (JTPA) - SDA 8 :",1 E.C.I.A. BUSINESS GROWTH, INC. . .iL-Lr<.: '<~/ , . (~, j " . 0/ January 24; 1 ~~!/ Michael Zelinskas, P.E. WHKS & Company P.O. Box 1467 Mason City, IA 50402-1467 RE: SAI:IA970 108-001 Dubuque Southwest Arterial Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Location Study Dear Mr. Zelinskas: We have received your notification regarding the proposal as described above. The review of your proposal is being initiated this date. We will advise you within 30 days should a meeting regarding the proposal be necessary. If you have any questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, ~Gon;~r Management Advisor JG:sm .0 o I . 5uile 330. N"J" Cen'" . P.O. BUK 1140 . Dubuque. IA 52004.1140 · (319) 556-4166 · F aK (319) 556.0348