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Consider a Resolution to Support the NCDOT Improvement Project at the W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Ln. Intersection.
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Staff: |
Department: |
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Ben Hitchings, Director |
Planning and Development Services |
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Bergen Watterson, Transportation Planning Manager |
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Pat Wilson, Division Project Engineer |
NCDOT |
Overview: Town staff has been working with representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Town of Carrboro to finalize design for an intersection improvement project at the W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Ln. intersection. This project was originally envisioned as a roundabout to improve traffic safety and flow, and improve safety for bicycles and pedestrians at the same time. After much analysis and discussion with both Towns’ staffs and representatives to the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO), NCDOT determined that the impacts to adjacent properties, including business relocations, and the associated costs were too much to justify the minimal traffic improvements that would result from the project.
As a result, the Towns and NCDOT reclassified the highway improvements as a bicycle and pedestrian project, and NCDOT was able to identify an alternative source of funding. NCDOT is managing and funding the project in its entirety. The project includes continuous sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks and signals at all intersections, a median on W. Franklin St., improved directional signage, bike loop detectors, and minor lane reconfigurations to improve traffic flow. Additional detail can be found in the staff memorandum.
Because the project cost is estimated to be in excess of $250,000, NCDOT requires a resolution from the Town Council in support of the project. They are also requesting feedback on the project as part of the resolution, if the Council wishes. The Carrboro Board of Aldermen adopted a resolution in support of the project on September 4, 2018. NCDOT expects to bid the project this fall, begin construction in spring 2019, and conclude construction before the students return in August.
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Recommendation(s): |
That the Council adopt the attached resolution in support of the NCDOT improvement project at the intersection of W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Lane.
Key Issues:
• This has been a long-standing priority for the Town and will meet multimodal safety goals as currently designed
• Town staff and MPO Board representatives have worked closely with NCDOT and their consultant to finalize the design of the intersection, and are satisfied that it meets Town requirements and goals
• There will be minor property acquisition necessary
Fiscal Impact/Resources: The Town does not have any fiscal responsibility for this project.
Where is this item in its process?
Council Goals:
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Create a Place for Everyone |
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Develop Good Places, New Spaces |
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Support Community Prosperity |
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Nurture Our Community |
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Facilitate Getting Around |
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Grow Town and Gown Collaboration |
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Attachments: |
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• Resolution |
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• Draft NCDOT Presentation |
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• Staff Memorandum |
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• Intersection Concept Plan |
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• TCAB Recommendation |
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE NCDOT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT THE W. FRANKLIN ST./E. MAIN ST./MERRITT MILL RD./BREWER LN. INTERSECTION (2018-11-07/R-6)
WHEREAS, the 2016-2025 State Transportation Improvement Program included funding in FY17-19 for improvements to the W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Ln. intersection; and
WHEREAS, NCDOT, their consultant, and the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro evaluated numerous alternatives for the intersection, all of which resulted in prohibitive property impacts and costs; and
WHEREAS, the project was reclassified as a bike-ped safety project and an alternative funding source was identified; and
WHEREAS, the estimated project cost is $350,000 and is to be funded and managed in its entirety by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT); and
WHEREAS, the project as currently designed includes primarily bicycle and pedestrian improvements, minor vehicle lane reconfigurations to improve traffic flow, and small impacts to adjacent properties; and
WHEREAS, the construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2019 and be finished by August 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council supports the NCDOT project to construct improvements at the W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Ln. intersection.
This the 7th day of November, 2018.
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The Agenda will reflect the text below and/or the motion text will be used during the meeting. |
presenter
PRESENTER: Pat Wilson, Division Project Engineer, NCDOT
RECOMMENDATION: That the Council adopt the attached resolution in support of the NCDOT improvement project at the intersection of W. Franklin St./E. Main St./Merritt Mill Rd./Brewer Lane.