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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
City Manager’s Office
GENERAL INFORMATION
Agenda Date: 07/25/05 Communication No.: 05-412
Agenda Item Type: Resolution Roll Call No.:
Submitted by: Jeb E. Brewer, P.E., City Engineer
SUBJECT—
Iowa Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Fund Applications
SYNOPSIS—
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has an annual program to provide funds for Traffic Safety Fund (TSF) improvements. The deadline for this year’s applications is August 15, 2005. Staff has reviewed various locations and has developed five (5) projects for submittal: East Army Post Road Widening from South Union to SE 5th Street; SW 7th and Indianola Road Traffic Signal/Channelization Improvements; E. 29th and Hubbell Intersection Traffic Signal Upgrading; 5th, 6th, and 7th at Crocker Street—Traffic Signal Upgrading; and Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements on University Ave near Drake and at 4th Street and on East Grand at the Iowa State Capitol Building.
FISCAL IMPACT—
1. East Army Post Road Widening from South Union to SE 5th Street
Traffic Safety Funds Requested $ 500,000
Total Project Cost $1,000,000
2. SW 7th and Indianola Road Traffic Signal/Channelization Improvements
Traffic Safety Funds Requested $285,000
Total Project Cost $380,000
3. E. 29th and Hubbell Intersection Traffic Signal Upgrading
Traffic Safety Funds Requested $150,000
Total Project Cost $170,000
4. 5th, 6th, and 7th at Crocker Street—Traffic Signal Upgrading
Traffic Safety Funds Requested $150,000
Total Project Cost $180,000
5. Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements
Traffic Safety Funds Requested $150,000
Total Project Cost $180,000
RECOMMENDATION—
Approval and authorization to submit an application to the IDOT for Traffic Safety Funds for these five projects.
BACKGROUND—
The IDOT implemented an annual program beginning in 1988 to provide for traffic safety improvements. These improvements may include roadway construction projects to correct high-accident locations, upgrading of obsolete traffic control devices to comply with the requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or traffic studies to determine how to correct a safety problem.
Since the program began, Des Moines has been successful in receiving approval of 50 projects and approximately $10 million, including several major intersection improvements, traffic signal upgrades, and other safety projects. Applications are currently being accepted until August 15, 2005, for the next programming cycle. Staff has reviewed the accident history at various locations, and recommends that the following projects be submitted for the next funding cycle.
1. East Army Post Road Widening from South Union to SE 5th Street
This project would involve widening East Army Post Road to a five-lane facility in order to provide a center two-way left-turn lane. The project cost is estimated at $1,000,000. Traffic Safety Funds in the amount of $500,000 would be requested.
2. SW 7th and Indianola Road Traffic Signal/Channelization Improvements
This project would involve minor median and lane channelization improvements along with new traffic signals in order to allow dual left-turn lanes, eastbound. This left-turn movement would be controlled by traffic signals as a “protected only” left turn. The estimated construction cost is $285,000, which would be requested from Traffic Safety Funds.
3. E. 29th and Hubbell Intersection Traffic Signal Upgrading
This project would provide new traffic signals at this location, including left-turn phasing for Hubbell Avenue traffic. The estimated construction cost is $150,000, which would be requested from Traffic Safety Funds.
4. 5th, 6th, and 7th at Crocker Street—Traffic Signal Upgrading
This project would provide new traffic signals for these three intersections. These locations currently have “temporary” signals with wood poles and overhead wiring and support cables. The estimated construction cost is $300,000. The material costs, estimated at $150,000, would be requested from Traffic Safety Funds.
5. Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements
This project would provide pedestrian crossing enhancements at the following locations: (1) University Avenue in the Drake University Area; (2) University Avenue at 4th Street; and (3) East Grand Avenue at the Iowa State Capitol Building. These locations were identified through a review of crosswalks citywide. The improvements could consist of median installation, signing enhancements, including pedestrian-activated warning lights, traffic control signal, or other treatments where justified. The project is estimated at $180,000. Traffic Safety Funds in the amount of $150,000 would be requested.