HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-25-1997 - E1c ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
� G
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 20, 1997
Action Agenda
Item
SUBJECT: NC DOT's Public Involvement Process for Improvements to Homestead Road
DEPARTMENT: Planning& Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: Yes_X—No
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes_X—No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Slade McCalip
NC DOT Handout for the Citizens Informational Extension 2595
Workshop held on June 25, 1997
NC DOT's Public Officials Meeting Minutes TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
NC DOT's Citizens Informational Workshop Minutes Hillsborough - 732-8181
Durham - 688-7331
Mebane - 227-2031
Chapel Hill - 967-9251
PURPOSE: To consider information that may change the design and construction schedule of
planned improvements to Homestead Road.
BACKGROUND: On June 25, 1997 NC DOT held an informational meeting at the Chapel Hill
Town Council Chambers for elected officials on planned improvements to
Homestead Road. In attendance were the following officials and staff members:
Elected Officials:
Rosemary Waldorf,Mayor, Town of Chapel Hill
Pat Evans, Council Member, Town of Chapel Hill
Dr. Alice Gordon, Commissioner, Orange County
NC DOT Staff:
Missy Dickens, Planning and Environmental Branch
Neil Dean, Planning and Environmental Branch
Julie Hunkins, Planning and Environmental Branch
Yvonne Goldblatt, Planning and Environmental Branch
2 ,
John W. Watkins, Division Engineer
Mike Cowan, Division Construction Engineer
H.T. Moon, Right of Way Engineer
NC Board of Transportation Members:
Doug Galyon, Division 7 Member
Chapel Hill Staff:
Richard Ternell
Charles Quinlan, Police Department
Orange County Staff:
Slade McCalip, Planning Department
At the meeting, NC DOT staff proposed four different cross-section designs for
Homestead Road. These included:
1) a five lane curb and gutter road that would include wide (14') travel lanes (to
accommodate bicycles)with sidewalks on both sides of the road,
2) a three lane paved shoulder(4' wide to accommodate bicycles)road that would
not include sidewalks (this is what is currently programmed in the STIP for
construction beginning in 2001),
3) a hybrid of both road design types whereby one half of a three lane road would
have 14' wide lanes (for bicycles) with a sidewalk on the same side with a 4'
paved shoulder on the opposite lane (for bicycles) with no sidewalk (the intent of
this design type is to provide a sidewalk on one side of the road and also to
prepare for the eventual need to widen the road to five lanes with the widening
occurring only on the side of the road which has the paved shoulder), and
4) that only a portion of the road be widened to five lanes with the remainder
widened to three lanes (with Seawell School Road as the likely transition area
from five to three lanes).
As the meeting progressed, it became apparent that there were three main issues
of concern to local officials. These included:
1) the adequacy of the proposed capacity improvements for moving vehicles (i.e.,
are five lanes needed now instead of three),
2)whether or not sidewalks would be provided, and
3) whether or not bicycle facilities would be included in the proposed
improvements.
3 .
It should also be noted that the citizens informational meeting was held
immediately after that of the elected officials. Most citizens preferred that
sidewalks be built as a part of the improvements to Homestead Road. However,
NC DOT requires that local governments partially fund approximately 30% of
new sidewalk construction. Because this road is physically located outside the
city limits of the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and because NC DOT does
not maintain sidewalks, a local government would have to agree to accept and
maintain the newly constructed sidewalks.
The proposed improvements programmed in the 1998-2004 State Transportation
Improvement Program include widening the road to a three lane facility with four
foot paved shoulders to accommodate bicycles. If additional lanes, curb and
gutter, etc. are requested, then construction will be delayed until additional
funding for such improvements can be secured.
RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that the Board consider coordinating their
comments to NC DOT on the proposed design of Homestead Road with the
Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Since Homestead Road is located in the
transition area for each town it will eventually be located within their respective
municipal boundaries. Additionally, a town-county agreement will be necessary
to implement sidewalks with this project until this area is annexed by the towns.
4 .
r
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Planning and Environmental Branch
d� JAQ R �
� 2
fi 0
OF TRAM
HOMESTEAD ROAD (SR 1777)
FROM HIGH SCHOOL ROAD (SR 1834) TO NC 86
CHAPEL HILL
ORANGE COUNTY
TIP PROJECT U-2805
JUNE 25, 1997
CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
5
i
CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
HOMESTEAD ROAD(SR 1777)
FROM HIGH SCHOOL ROAD(SR 1834)To NC 86
CHAPEL HILL, ORANGE COUNTY
STATE PROJECT No. 8.2501101
TIP No. U-2805
PURPOSE OF THE CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
The purpose of the Citizens Informational Workshop is to involve the public in the
project planning process. If you have comments or suggestions about the proposed
improvements described in this handout, please inform a representative of the North Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT). We have provided a comment sheet upon which you
may write your questions or concerns. We will keep a record of your comments, both oral and
written, and we will fully consider your ideas,comments, and suggestions.
The NCDOT realizes individuals living close to a proposed project want to be informed
of the possible effects of the project on their homes and businesses. However, exact information
is not available at this stage of the planning process. Additional design work is necessary before
the actual right of way limits can be established. More detailed information will be available at a
later date. The purpose of this workshop is to gather your input before final design decisions are
made.
Written comments on this project may be left with NCDOT representatives at the
Citizens Informational Workshop or submitted through the mail. If additional information is
needed or you would like to submit comments after the Workshop, please address your requests
and comments to:
Mr. H. Franklin Vick,P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Division of Highways
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh,North Carolina 27611
A summary regarding NCDOT's public involvement and project planning process is
attached for your information.
DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation's 1997-2003 Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) proposes to improve existing Homestead Road (SR 1777) by
widening the existing roadway from High School Road (SR 1834) to NC 86. The proposed
widening will provide needed safety improvements and capacity benefits for automotive traffic.
6 .
u
i
� r
:
ISS oSg�l
ORA E r
1 aft bony
UMYSS.fY 7
LOAr
JaL t W.~
6 � 1
ii
PROJECT
LIMIT
UP
1� tnt k
Ml _>7 Im
' t .sa —�
PROJECT I
1 LIMIT w:s N
�iu
E?:•
:i:r
km a"wwwws
A"o.n
� Lai
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
DMSION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
BRANCH
SR 1777(HOMESTEAD ROAD)
SR 1824(HIGH SCHOOL ROAD)TO NC N
CHAPEL HILL
ORANGE COUNTY
T.L P. PROJECT NO.U- 2805
0 Mae 1/2 FIG. 1
7 .
Data collected from July 1, 1992 through June 30, 1995 shows that the accident rate
along this portion of Homestead Road is approximately 2.5 times the statewide average on
similar routes. Currently, traffic volumes on Homestead Road range from 4,800 vehicles per day
(just west of Rogers Road [SR 1729]), to 9,800 vehicles per day (just west of NC 86). In the
year 2020, anticipated traffic volumes range from 9,800 vehicles per day (just west of Rogers
Road [SR 1729]), to 17,000 vehicles per day(just west of NC 86).
The proposed improvements include widening the existing cross-section to a three-lane
shoulder section. Paved shoulders that can be used by cyclists will also be provided. The
widening is expected to require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way plus easements. NCDOT is
studying both symmetrical and asymmetrical widening alternatives.
PROJECT SCHEDULE AND CO T
The schedule for right of way acquisition and construction of this project, as well as
preliminary cost estimates, are summarized below:
PROJECT SCHEDULE AND ESTIMATED COST
PROJECT STAGE PROGRAM SCHEDULE CURRENT COST
RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION FY 2000 $ 1,900,000
CONSTRUCTION FY 2001 $ 1,600,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 3,500,000
CURRENT STATUS
Currently, planning and environmental studies for the proposed improvements to
Homestead Road (SR 1777) are in progress. Planning studies and conclusions regarding this
project will be summarized in an Environmental Assessment, which will address the impacts that
the proposed highway project may have on the natural and human environment. The
Environmental Assessment is scheduled to be completed in March, 1998. It is anticipated that a
public hearing for the project will be held in the spring of 1998.
8 .
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND THE PROJECT PLANNING PROCESS
PROJECT PLANNING
Planning and environmental studies for highway projects are conducted in order to
comply with either the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act. The type of document published following the planning study
depends on the magnitude of the project and its expected environmental impact. These
documents may be one of the following types:
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EA Environmental Assessment
CE Categorical Exclusion
These documents discuss the purpose and need for the proposed improvements, evaluate
alternatives, and analyze the project's impact on both the human and natural environment. Areas
of concern which these documents address include:
-Efficiency and safety of travel
-Neighborhoods and communities
-Relocation of homes and businesses
-Economy of project area
-Historic properties and sites
-Wetlands
-Endangered species
-Wildlife and plant communities
-Water quality
-Floodplains
-Farmland and land use plans of project area
- Hazardous materials involvement
-Traffic noise and air quality
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN PROJECT PLANNING
As stated above, project planning and environmental studies are conducted in order to
comply with NEPA. NEPA requires that"agencies make diligent efforts to involve the public in
preparing and implementing their NEPA procedures."
Public involvement is an integral part of NCDOT's project planning process. The
concerns of citizens and interest groups are always considered during project planning studies.
Often, additional project alternatives are studied, or recommended alternatives are changed,
based on comments received from the public.
9 .
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC INVO V KENT
NCDOT provides a number of opportunities for citizen and interest group participation
during project planning. Some of these opportunities are listed below:
SCOPING LETTER Published in N.C. Environmental Bulletin. This letter notifies
agencies and groups on the State Clearinghouse mailing list that a
project study has been initiated and solicits comments from them.
CITIZENS Informal meeting with the public. NCDOT staff conduct these
INFORMATIONAL workshops to speak one-on-one with citizens about projects.
WORKSHOP Comment sheets are provided for citizens to write down their
questions, comments, and concerns. The number of workshops
scheduled for a project depends on the scope and anticipated
impact of the project.
NEWSLETTER On some projects, newsletters are sent to area residents and interest
groups. Newsletters describe the project, discuss the project's
status,and outline the alternatives being studied.
DOCUMENT Copies of environmental documents are submitted to the State
DISTRIBUTION Clearinghouse for distribution and a notice is published in the N.C.
Environmental Bulletin. Upon request, NCDOT will provide
copies of the document to the public. Copies are available for
public viewing at NCDOT Raleigh and Division offices; the State
Clearinghouse office; local government offices, including the local
council of government office; and local public libraries.
SMALL GROUP Presentations are given at the request of neighborhood associations
MEETING or other interest groups.
PUBLIC HEARING One or more formal public hearings for the public record are held.
Format typically involves a short presentation followed by an
opportunity for citizens to comment.
CITIZEN LETTER Citizens are encouraged to write NCDOT and provide information
and express concerns regarding proposed improvements.
Correspondence from citizens and interest groups is considered
during the course of the planning study and is included in the
project file.
10 .
Engineer: Dickens
COMMENT SHEET
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO HOMESTEAD ROAD (SR 1777)
CHAPEL HILL, ORANGE COUNTY
TIP NO. U-2805
June 25, 1997
NAME:
STREET ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS (if different from above):
COMMENTS, CONCERNS,AND/OR QUESTIONS REGARDING TIP PROJECT U-2805:
Additional comments can be sent to Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager, Planning and
Environmental Branch, North Carolina Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 25201, Raleigh,
North Carolina, 27611.
NLL. U I,r cxt t7KK,0-rn r d.c.71 J—r , —y r"` HU9 4 y I t .U[
11 .
July 8, 1997
MEMORANDUM TO: File
FROM: Missy Dickens,PE,Project Planning Engineer
Planning and Environmental Branch
SUBJECT: Public Officials Meeting Minutes for Homestead Road
(SR 1777 ,From High School Road(SR 1834)to NC 86,
Chapel Hill,Orange County,Federal Aid Project
STP-1777(1),State Project 8.2501101,TIP Project LL2806
A Public Officials Meeting for the subject project was held on June 25, 1997 at ,
2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Chapel Hill Town Hall. This meeting preceded the
Citizens Informational Workshop which was held at the same location from 4:00 tQ 7:00_
p.m. Planning and Environmental Branch representatives were;
Julie Hunkins,PE Missy Dickens,PE
Yvonne Goldblatt Neil Dean
The following officials attended:
Rosemary Waldorf Town of Chapel Hill
Richard E.Ternell Town of Chapel Hill
Charles Quinlan Chapel Hill Police Department
Pat Evans Chapel Hill Town Council
Slade McCalip Orange County Planning Department
Alice Gordon Orange County Board of Commissioners
Doug Galyon NC Board of Transportation
Mike Cowan NCDOT Division 7 Construction
H.T.Moon NCDOT Division 7 Right of Way
J. W.Watkins NCDOT Division 7
I opened the meeting by describing the project;infomnal discussion follow"Id
regarding alternatives and concerns. Following are points dw were discussed. ;
A three-lane shoulder section is what is currently funded in the Transportation
improvement Program(TIP),although volumes may warrant a five-lane
section.
o With a five-laude curb and gutter section,sidewalks could be constructed in ;
accordance with the NCDOT Pedestrian Policy.
• Doug Galyon stated that if the local governments support the construction of a
five-lane curb and gutter facility under this project,he can lobby for funds.
NCDOT%P&E BRANCH Fax:919-733-9794 Aug 4 '97 9:22 P.03 12 .
• The following options were discussed regarding widening scenarios:
1)widening to five-lane curb and gutter facility;2)address five-lane curb and
gutter widening in the EA and phase-construct it;3)construct a three-1 ate_
facility with curb and gutter and sidewalk on one side off-center of the I
foot right of way;4)widen to a five-lane curb and gutter for the eastern:
section and taper to a three-lane shoulder section for the western section;
(Seawell School Road would be a likely transition point).
• Any delays caused in the project schedule by changing the project scope
would likely come from fu xUft concerns;planning and design schedules
would not be affected by a change in scope at this point in the process.
• Bicycle facilities that would likely be provided with a three-lane shoulder
section are four-foot paved shoulders,while those that would be likely bye
provided with a five-lane curb and gutter facility are 14-foot outside lanes.
• Alice Gordon expressed concern over safety at the Airport Road(NC 86)
intersection,especially regarding the crest vertical hill just west of that
location. I stated that improving this vertical alignment is part of the scope of
this project.
• The Chapel Hill High School P'I'SA has communicated a desire to see aI
pedestrian signal,or at kart a sign with a flasher,at the High School Road
intersection.
• Much research has been done regarding the safety of two-way left turn lanes.
They are found to be significantly safer than no turn-lanes and in many cases
to be of comparable safety with medimn-divided facilities with intermittently
permitted left t»ins.
• It was asked if ctaient traffic prolecdms mcludid a new landfill access on the
west end.
• Slade McCalip asked about access management,and the point was made]that:
unless NCDOT were to buy cwMal of access,access management has 0 be
monitored and controlled at the local level by zoning laws and land use plans.
• Bus turnouts can be provided if Chapel Hill is willing to pay the ardditioral
cost.
• Land owned by LtNC-CH,which is to be developed in the future,is accessed
from Homestead Road(other than access,the property has no frontage on
Homestead Road).
• The part of the project that lies outside the Chapel Hill town limits is uWde
the joint planning jurisdiction of Chapel-Hill and Carrboro.
cc: John Watkins,PE
Kathy Lassiter,PE
Glenda Gibson,PE
Julie Hunkins,PE
INCDOT/P&E BRANCH Fax:919-733-9794 Aug 4 '97 9:23 P.04 13 .
July 7, 1997
MEMORANDUM TO: File
FROM: Missy Dickens,PE,Project Planning Engineer
Planning and Environmental Branch
SUBJECT: Citizens Informational Workshop Minutes for Homesteadl
Road(SR 1777),From High School Road(SR 1934)i to
NC 86,Chapel Hill,Orange County,Federal Aid Project i
STP-1777(1),State Project 8.2501101,TIP Project Lf 2805
A Citizens Infonnational Workshop for the subject project was held on June 25.
1997 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.in the Council Chambers of the Chapel Hill Town Half.
Approximately 35 citizens attended NCDOT staff in attendance included: Julie i
Hunkins,Missy Dickens,Neil Dean,and Yvonne GoldM&of Planning and I
Environmental;Henry Moon of Division 7 Right of Way Office;Mike Cowan of the
Division 7 Office;and Todd Dudley of the Citizens Participation Unit.
The handout stated that proposed improvements included widening to a three-large
shoulder section with four-foot paved shoulders to be used by bicycles. The aerial
photograph mosaic which was displayed showed northside,symmetrical,and"de 1
construction limits,each 36 meters(120 feet)wide(including 30 meters[100 feet)of
right of way plus up to 3 meters 110 feet]of casement on each side. In verbal discu�sions:
with citizens,NCDOT staff mentioned that five-lane wideeniag now was a viable
alternative.
Recurring issues included the desire for sidewalks and bicycle facilities. Some
People expressed the opinion that the widening was not needed,while others seemed to
support a five-lane widening when they realized that would enable the construction�f
sidewalks and would require the same amount of additional right of way. Furdmm�ce,
many people expressed desire concerning impacts to their particular property or
subdivision Comment sheets in the project file provide more specific information
regarding these comments.
CC. Kathy Lassiter,PE
Glenda Gibson,PE
Julie Hankins,PE
Missy Dickens,PE