Council
Communication

Office of the City Manager

Date

May 4, 2009

Agenda Item No. 7

Roll Call No. 09-

Communication No. 09-275

Submitted by: Jeb E. Brewer, P.E.

City Engineer

AGENDA HEADING:

Approving and authorizing the execution of Iowa Department of Transportation Agreement for E. Indianola Avenue Widening – S.E. 14^th Street to S.E. 16^th Court.

SYNOPSIS:

Recommend approval of Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Agreement No. 2010-TS-015 for $500,000 in Traffic Safety Improvement Program project funding for E. Indianola Avenue Widening – S.E. 14^th Street to S.E. 16^th Court. This project is the first phase of the E. Indianola Avenue Widening project, which will reconstruct E. Indianola Avenue to increase traffic capacity, improve safety, and provide pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Amount: $4,700,000

Funding Source: Various funding sources as follows:

$700,000 Iowa DOT Traffic Safety Improvement Funds (includes $200,000 in prior agreement)
$500,000 Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program Funds
$2,700,000 Federal Surface Transportation Program Funds
$800,000 2009-10 CIP, Page Street-14, East Indianola Avenue Widening – S.E. 14^th to Army Post Road, STR213, G.O. Bonds

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

On October 8, 2007, by Roll Call No. 07-1994, the City Council approved the East Indianola Avenue Corridor Study. On March 10, 2008, by Roll Call No. 08-435, the City Council approved the design concept for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on the East Indianola Avenue Widening – S.E. 14^th Street to Army Post Road project.

East Indianola Avenue from S.E. 14^th Street to E. Army Post Road is intended to be reconstructed as a “complete street” design. A “complete street” design includes accommodation for not only vehicular traffic, but also mass transit, pedestrians, commuter and recreational bicyclists, and other recreational users. Providing facilities for all users helps reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles using the roadway, and also encourages alternative commuting options and recreational activities. The bicycle features in particular are an important part of the City’s effort to gain recognition as a bike friendly community.

The design concept included a 4-foot sidewalk on the east side of the roadway and an 8-foot multi-purpose trail (sidepath) on the west side. Both the sidewalk and sidepath will provide a safe route for students walking or biking to either Jackson Elementary School or to Weeks Middle School at Indianola Avenue & Park Avenue. The 8-foot sidepath will also provide a continuous connection to the 10’ trail through Ewing Park, and will accommodate pedestrians, recreational bikers, and in-line skaters.

From S.E. 14^th Street to Ewing Park, the proximity of existing homes and the limited available right-of-way width make a “complete street” design much more challenging. Two traffic lanes in each direction are still required to handle the anticipated traffic. A raised median will not be included in this section, but a two-way left-turn lane will be provided from Jackson Elementary School to Ewing Park. From Evergreen Avenue to Jackson Elementary School, this center turn lane will not be included in order to minimize the total roadway width and the impacts to adjacent homes and businesses. From Evergreen Avenue north to S.E. 14^th Street, turn lanes will again be provided to accommodate the heavy turning traffic.

The E. Indianola Avenue Widening from S.E. 14^th Street to S.E. 16^th Court project will begin construction in 2009 and has an estimated cost of $4,700,000 that will be funded from the following sources:

Traffic Safety Improvement Program $700,000 (includes $200,000 in prior agreement)

Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program $500,000

MPO Surface Transportation Program $2,700,000

G.O. Bonds $800,000

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION(S):

Date: September 22, 2008

Roll Call Number: 08-1641

Action: Approving Iowa Department of Transportation Agreement for E. Indianola Avenue Widening – S.E. 14^th Street to S.E. 16^th Court. (Council Communication No. 08-569