The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 10-06-1997 - 9c 1. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 6. 1997 Action Agenda Item SUBJECT: 1997 Orange County Transportation Priorities List DEPARTMENT: Planning& Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: Yes_X—No BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes_X No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Slade McCalip - Status of the 1996 Transportation Priorities List Extension 2595 - Status of the Orange County Non-TIP List - 1997 Draft Chapel Hill Transportation Priorities List TELEPHONE NUMBERS: - 1997 Draft Carrboro Transportation Priorities List Hillsborough - 732-8181 - 1997 Draft Orange County Transportation Priorities Durham - 688-7331 List Mebane - 227-2031 Chapel Hill -967-9251 PURPOSE: To receive a report on the annual process to develop Orange County's Transportation Priorities List and to adopt this year's list. BACKGROUND: Every year the N.C. Board of Transportation (BOT) adopts a multi-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that specifies needed transportation improvements across the state. In addition to the STIP, the Durham-Chapel Hill- Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) also develops a multi-year Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) that specifies needed transportation improvements in the urban area. Each year the Orange County Transportation Priorities List is sent to both the BOT and the DCHC MPO to identify projects that are both endorsed and requested by Orange County. The BOT and the DCHC MPO then develop their respective Transportation Improvement Programs using this information. At the September 2, 1997 meeting Dr. Gordon requested that the local priorities lists from the municipalities in Orange County be provided for the Board's consideration of this year's Orange County Transportation Priorities List. The status of the other local jurisdiction's transportation priorities lists are as follows: Chapel Hill - Planning Board has developed a draft list which was reviewed at a public forum on September 22, Council will consider the list for adoption on October 13; Carrboro - Transportation Advisory Board will consider the attached draft list for recommendation to Council on September 4, Council will consider the list for adoption on September 29; Hillsborough - Planning Board will develop a draft list on October 7, Town Commissioners will consider the list for adoption on October 13; 2. Mebane - No formal list is adopted by the local jurisdictions in the Alamance MPO, the member jurisdictions develop this year's regional priorities list based upon comments received at the TCC Meeting on last year's list, the Alamance MPO TAC will consider this year's proposed regional priorities list before (no meeting date has been set as of September 3, 1997) the NC BOT Public Hearing on October 30, 1997. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that the Board receive information on the annual STIP and MTIP development process and adopt this year's Orange County Transportation Priorities List. The last possible date for adoption is at the October 6, 1997 Commissioner's meeting. 3. STATUS (as of August 19, 1997) OF ORANGE COUNTY'S TIP PRIORITY LIST PRESENTED TO THE NC BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION ON OCTOBER 24, 1996 PROJECTS WITHIN THE DCHC PLANNING AREA: I. U-2805: Homestead Road Widening -Project construction is scheduled for the middle of 2001. SOURCE: 1998-2004 STIP. II. I-305: widening of I-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from OrangeGrove Road to Durham County Line -This project is still listed as an "Identified Future Need" with no scheduled dates for planning or construction. SOURCE: 1998-2004 STIP. III. I-3306 SECTION A: construct additional lanes on I-40 from I-85 in Orange County to US 15- 501 in Durham County-Project listed as an "Identified Future Need" with no scheduled dates for planning or construction. SECTION B: US 15-501 to NC 147 is scheduled for construction to begin in 2001. SOURCE: 1998-2004 STIP. IV. R-2630 DURHAM NORTHWEST LOOP(ENO DRIVE): new multi-lane route from I-85 in Orange County to I-85 in Durham County-This project is listed as an"Identified Future Need" with no scheduled dates for planning or construction. Also, a Final (or revised)Environmental Impact Statement(FEIS)must be developed because of possible impacts on Eno State Park. The FEIS is due to be completed approximately 6 months after a final corridor is selected for this highway. The final corridor was supposed to be selected in May of this year,but has not been selected to date. SOURCE: 1998-2004 STIP and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO planning staff. V. NC 86: construct bicycle lanes-This project is not currently scheduled for planning or construction. Project is listed in the 1998-2004 STIP as an"Incidental Bicycle Need",this means that if NC 86 is ever widened,then bicycle lanes will be built as part of the improvements. PROJECTS OUTSIDE THE DCHC AREA: I. 1-304: widening of I-85 to eight lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from NC 54(in Alamance County)to Dimmocks Mill Road -This project is under construction and should be completed soon. The only enhancement requested by Orange County to be constructed is the widening of Buckhorn Road from south of the bridge over I-40\85 to the rail road tracks south of US 70. SOURCE: 1998-2004 STIP II. Transit Improvements- a) Twenty Year Transit Development Plan for Orange County -This project is not currently scheduled for funding. Transit planning funds have been received to develop a Transit Oriented Development(TOD) study of possible residential densities that would be conducive to transit ridership for the I-40\Old NC 86 EDD. The TOD study should be completed next month. SOURCE: Slade McCalip, Orange County Planning 4. II. Transit Improvements Continued- b) Park and Ride Lot north of the Town of Hillsborough on NC 86 -This project is on"hold" until the BOCC approves the designation of this lot as a"regional park and ride lot". After the Board approves the designation,then NC DOT may pave the parking lot and TTA may provide signs and market this lot as a regional park and ride lot for the triangle region. c) Bus Turn Outs on both sides of NC 86 at the Orange County Northern Human Services Center-This project would not be funded if the parking lot at the Northern Human Services Center is paved by NC DOT. SOURCE: Carol Carter,NCDOT. III. Bicycle Improvements- a) Orange County Bicycle Route Map-Project scheduled to begin after October 1, 1997. SOURCE: 1998-2004 STIP b) Bicycle Safe Bridge Railings -This project must be requested as individual bridge projects and prioritized by need. SOURCE: Pat Puglisi,NCDOT. NEW PROJECTS SUGGESTED WITHIN THE DCHC PLANNING AREA: I) I-40\Old NC 86 EDD: Widen Old NC 86 to a multilane facility from I-40 to I-85. Suggested by: Orange County Transportation Planner Suggested because: Old NC 86 provides the main access to the I40\Old NC 86 EDD and is becoming congested as per the Traffic Impact Analysis for State Employee's Credit Union, Hillsborough,NC,April 1997. II) Bicycle Improvements: a)Bicycle Parking Racks-for Orange County Government Buildings. Suggested by: Orange County Transportation Planner Suggested because: An Orange County employee that bikes to work at the Planning Department has no place to lock up his bicycle and requested this improvement. b) Bicyle Route Signing-After Bicycle Mapping Project is completed. Suggested by: Orange County Transportation Planner Suggested because: This is recommended as part of the implementation of the 1993 DCHC Regional Bicycle Plan. NEW PROJECTS SUGGESTED OUTSIDE THE DCHC PLANNING AREA: I) I-85\Buckhom Road EDD: Request that a Park and Ride Lot be constructed. Suggested by: Orange County Transportation Planner Suggested because: This is a good location to site a Park and Ride Lot to encourage carpools and vanpools for destinations inside the Triangle and\or Triad Regions. Also proposed on page 2.1.3a of the Economic Development District Design Manual. 5. JULY 30, 1997 STATUS REPORT ON THE ORANGE COUNTY NON-TIP TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS LIST REVIEWED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON OCTOBER 2, 1995 Updated October 9, 1996 and February 18, 1997 1) NC 86 / NC 57 - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that this intersection be signalized and have left turn lanes constructed on all approaches. Status as of May 26, 1997: Partially installed, signalization will be completed after the access road to the Orange County Maintenance Facility is paved. 2) NC 86 and New Hope Church Road (SR 1723) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that left turn lanes be constructed on NC 86. Status as of May 25, 1997: Cost estimates prepared; exceed spot-safety limits and lack of other funds, no change. 3) 1-85 / Old NC 86 (SR 1009) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that the 1-85 Northbound ramps at Churton Street be signalized ahead of the widening of 1-85, (now an Identified Future Need and postponed till after 2004). This project meets warrants for signalization, but no funds available. Status as of May 25, 1997: No change. 4) NC 54 / Southern Drive (SR 2016) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that a left turn lane be constructed on NC 54. Status as of May 25, 1997: No change, funds not available. 5) NC 86 / Coleman LP (SR 1332) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that a left turn lane on NC 86 be constructed. Status as of May 25, 1997: Study done; lane desirable, but traffic volumes and accident history don't justify expenditure presently and funds not available. 6) US 70 Bypass/ Miller Road (SR 1555) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that left turn lanes be constructed on US 70. Status as of May 25, 1997: Lanes studied at same time signals installed; cost considerable due to fill work required; funds not available. 7) US 70 Bypass/ Lawrence Road (SR 1561) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that left turn lanes be constructed on US 70. Lanes desirable by NC DOT. Status as of May 25, 1997: no change, funds not available. 8) Carr Store Road (SR 1352) / Efland Cedar Grove Road (SR 1004) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that rumble strips be installed on both Efland Cedar Grove Road approaches to intersection. Status as of July 17, 1997: Additional traffic studies performed by NC DOT and no improvements warranted at this time. 9) NC 57 / NC 157 (GUESS RD) - Requested Oct., 2, 1995 that both roads be repaved and that rumble strips be redone and more added. Status as of May 25, 1997: Rumble strips re-done and 45 MPH advisory signs installed on NC 57; NC 57 re-paved. 10) US 70 /Old NC 10 (SR 1715) - Requested on Oct. 2, 1995 that intersection be studied for improvements. Status as of May 25, 1997: Study done; traffic volumes and accident history indicate nothing unusual at this time; will continue to monitor. 11) Rail Road Crossing at NC 86 (Blackwood Station) - Requested on Feb. 18, 1997 that the crossing be improved for bicycles. Status as of May 25, 1997: NC DOT has contacted railroad and requested that improvements be made at this location. Orange County contacted railroad and they said that they would make the improvements (approximately $ 20,000) if NC DOT would pay for them. 12) Old NC 10/Carriage Trail (SR 1889) - Request that the intersection be studied for adequate sight distance. Status as of May 25, 1997: NC DOT has contacted property owner and requested to be allowed to cut down trees to improve sight distance, owner has agreed to the request and the trees should be cut soon: 13). NC 57 at Solid Waste Conveinence Center - Request that the passing zone be studied for possible conflict with traffic ingress/egress at Solid Waste Convenience Center. Status as of May 25, 1997: NC DOT will place a "No Passing Zone" at this location. Previous requests (by ranking) that have been completed as of May 25, 1997: 2) NC 86 / US 70 Bypass - Request that the traffic signal be upgraded from existing three phase to an eight phase operation to provide for a protected left turn on each approach. Status: Completed. 6) Smith Level Road (SR 1919) / BPW Club Road (SR 1967) - Request that a traffic signal warrant analysis be conducted. Status: Completed. New requests (as of July 30, 1997) for consideration: 14) US 70 Bypass/ St. Mary's Road (SR 1002) - Request that a left turn lane be constructed on St. Mary's Road on north side of US 70. 15) Old NC 86 (SR 1009) / Oakdale Drive (SR 1133) - Request that a left turn lane be constructed on Oakdale Drive on west side of Old NC 86. - --- --- --- -ter �., � J•JJ r.vc,v:r 7. 4 ATTACHMENT I Preliminary Recommendations Town of Chapel Hill 1999-2005 Transportation Project Priority List (Notations fit bold describe changes from the 1996-2004 List) 1. Transit Capital Projects(FY1999-2003) No el ange from 1998-2004 List 2. South Columbia Street-Improvement of South Columbia from Manning Drive to Fordt arc Boulevard with bicycle and pedestrian a mmodations:minimize right-of-way takini x. No ct ange from 1998.2004 List 3. Estes Drive Extension-NC 86 to Greensboro Street(Carrborc),widen to three lanes with five foot bikelanes and sidewalks. Sidev,aiks added to project,no change in priority ranking 4. Pope RAW-Ephesus Church Road-construct 5 foot bicycle lanes. Project advanced from N9 priority in 1998-2004 List S. Estes Drive-NC 86 to Curtis Road,widen existing roadway to 12-1oot travel lanes,four-foot bicycle lanes and sidewalks. Side %Um added to project consistent with Parks and Recreation recommendation, no chime in priority ranking 6. Culbr;th Road-US 15-501 South to Smith Level Road(Carrboro)construct 5 foot bikeh nes and sidewalk. SidevAks added to project consistent with Planning Board recommendation,no cltW p in priority ranking 7. Estes Drive-Curtis Road to Fordhamr,Boulevard-coact sidrwsik along entire lengtt and pedestrian signal at intersection with Chapel Hill Library Drive. -" New l►rojec4 cembiolmg sidewalk construction as recommended by Parks and Rem ation Con mbsioo with priorky project 08 from 1998-2004 List 8. Eat F ranklin Stmt construct in fill sidewalks on both aides from Mhot Road to Eaftdo Project advanced from#13 priority in 1"8-2004 List S 8• 9. Ford tam Boulevard-construct sidewalk along west side from Willow Drive to Easi ate gypping Center Proji xt advanced from#10 priority in 1"8-2004 List 10. Seam ell School Road.Improventemis from Homestead Road to Estes Drive Extet sion,including turn lanes,bicycle lanes,sidewalks and transit accos=odations. Projo ct advanced consistent with Parks and Recreation Commission recos emendation,from#17 priority in 1998-2004 List 11. Uppe r Booker Creels Greenwsy-Construct a 10•foot bikeway form the Northern Come enmity Park to Weaver Diary Road Exte nsioa. Pro ji at advanced,consistent with Greenways Commission recommendation,from #15 u t 1996-2004 List 12. Piney Mountain Road-Improvements from NC 86 to Riggsbee Road,including turn I noes,sidewalks,bicycle lanes and transit accommodations. No cl snge from 1998-2004 List 13. Old 1:urti m-Chapel ffilt Road:U.S. 15-501 to 1-40-Construct five foot bikelanes and sidewalks. New itroject,consistent-with recommendation of U.S.15-501 Major investment Stuk 14. Mount Carmel Church Road:Improvements from U.S. 15.501 Soutar to Chatham Coutn y line,to be limited to Include bikelaacs,sidewalks,transit and safety impro vernents, Project description revised,as recommended by Plaanin`and Transportation Bonn Is and project advanced 1y+om#16 In 1998-2004 List 15. Mor6 in Creels Greenway:Construct s greenway from Southern village to Frank Porte Graham,Elementary School. Project advanced,consistent with Greenway►s Commission recommendation,from #19 hi 1995-2004 List 16.. Bolin Creek Cneeuny:Airport Road to Umstead Drive Now I ire jest requested by Ga eeaways Commission 17. Maim a&Drive:Construct a sidewalk on east side from Bowles Drive to Fordham Boulevard. Prga.-t advaaeed feom 018 in 1998-2004 List 18. Fordh an Boulevard:Coes&uct a sidewsJk along the north side,Manning Drive to Camp shad Street. Project advanced by n#20 h.1998-2004 List b 9. 19. Dry Creek Grrenway:Petry Creek Drive to Erwin Road New Project requested by Greenways Commission 20. Couttry Club Road:Construct a sidewalk on east side from South Road to Raleigh Street. Proji pct adraaced from 021 in 1998-2004 List 21. Merr tt NO Road:Construct a sidewalk on cast side from Cameron Avenue to EdY4 rds Place. Proj4 ct advaaeed from#22 in 1998-2004 List 22. Bolin CredklLittle Creels Greenway:Construct a gcanway from Chapel Hill Court amity Center to Anduast Drive. Proj#*d a&nnced bom#23 in 1995-2004 List W .UL TOWN OF CARRBORO NORTH CAROLINA P J�BUC HERINQ/MNSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Town of Carrboro annually adopts a list of transportation projects that are to be included within the N.C. Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement Program(TIP). The purpose of this agenda item was to allow the Board of Aldermen to receive public comment on the list of projects included within the 1997- 98 Carrboro TIP and endorse the TIP with any recommended changes. Kenneth Withrow, the town's Transportation Planner, presented the following proposed Transportation Improvement Program for 1997-98. Mr. Withrow answered the Board's questions concerning projects listed on the proposed TIP. 1997-1998 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CARRBORO DCHC URBANIZED AREA N.C.DOT PROJ. DESCRIPTION PROJ DESCRIPTION PROJ. DESCREPTION # g 1 Widen Highway Old 96 To 36 Feet With 8 Old NC 86:Widen facility to 36 k curb dt Lac Old NC 86:Old Fayetteville Rd to Curb and Gutter,Bikelaaa,and s ---E-2 gutter with bike lanes and sidewalk from Homestead Rd.Bikelanea and Sidewalk from the Irrtersection Of Old Old FayettevilleffItsborough Road sidewalks. Fayetteville/Hills borough Road to (Calvander) Homestead Road Calvaada Area 2 Widen Fates Drive To Three Callen From 13 Widen Estes Drive to three lanes 8vm U- SR 1780(Estes Drive),SR 1772 the Carrboro Town Limits to North H-7 Curb=tows limits to North Greensboro 2909 (Cmeemsbom Street)to NC 86. Greensboro Street,and include Bike Street with Bu7e Lanes and Right Turn Widen roadway to three lanes With Lanes and a Right Turn Lana Lane at North Greensboro Street four-foot payed shoulders. Widen Homestead Road To A Two-Lam 24 Homestead Road median and bicycle Section with 16-Foot Grm Malian E•7 improvements. between Higah School Road and Old NC 86. Widen shoulders four feet and marls for bikelanes. 4 Widen Seawell School Road to include four foot shoulder section for bikelanes between Homestead Road and Estes Drive. S Widen Eubanks Rod Between Old Highway Old 86 to Rollers Red to include a four-foot atroulder section for bikelanes. 6 Construct on a new location a Homestead Inc Seaweil School Road Extension. Ros65cawell School Red Co meaor to Bicycle lames&sidewalks. 36 Fax with curb and gutter,bikelaoe% and a ddewWk. 7 1 Provide Pedestrian and Bicycle Aecas 301 W[ST MAIN STReaT. CARR{ORO.NO 27510 • 19191 942 8741 • FAX 19191 944.7737 • TOO 19191 999.7717 AN COUA1,OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 11 October 15, 1997 Dr. Alice Gordon, Chair Transportation Advisory Committee Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO Durham DOT 101 City Hall Plaza Durham, NC 27701 Dear Dr. Gordon: Enclosed with this letter you will find this year's "Orange County Transportation Priority List for- Consideration. of Funding in The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program." Our number one priority project continues to be improvements to Homestead Road (U-2805) to address school safety issues. Our number one priority policy issue is the process used to initiate a feasibility study to consider a possible widening of Mt Carmel Church Road (R-3829) to a multi- lane facility. Further advancement of Homestead Road is requested for the following reasons: a) in the year 2000, the completed widening of Airport Road will approximately double its capacity and provide increased access to the land served by Homestead Road; and b) as currently programmed there will be a period of approximately two years during which accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road will not have been improved at the same time as Airport Road. The programming of a feasibility study for a possible widening of Mt Carmel Church Road (R-3829) to a multi-lane facility, without the participation of the local governments in Divisions 5, 7, and 8 that may be affected, is a serious concern to Orange County. We understand that this project was requested by the Division 8 BOT Member, Mr. G.R. Kindley. In the future we request that Orange County be consulted about feasibility studies in its jurisdiction before such studies are added to the TIP. We believe that before feasibility studies are included in the TIP, they should be requested and programmed in the same manner as all other transportation plans and projects through the normal Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) process. 12 Dr. Alice Gordon Page 2 October 15, 1997 Thank you for your time and consideration of Orange County's transportation needs. If you would like to discuss this matter in detail, please contact Beverly Blythe, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners at (919) 732-8181, extension 2130. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Sincerely:' DRAFT William L. Crowther, Chair 13 DRAFT AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Orange County appreciates the opportunity to participate in the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program process. We would also like to commend the Lead Planning Agency's staff: Mr. Mark Ahrendsen, Ms. Kimberley McCarter, Mr. Felix Nwoko, Mr. Wesley Parham, and Mr. Tim Saunders. We are very appreciative of their efforts and are looking forward to working with them in the future. POLICY ISSUE - PROJECT INITIATED BY NC DOT 1) R-3829: Feasibility Study to Widen Mt.Carmel Church Road (SR 1008) to Multi-lanes - Orange County requests the following: a) that the feasibility study (R-3829) be handled through the current Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) process for the 1999-2005 TIP; and b) that in the future, Orange County be consulted about feasibility studies in its jurisdiction before such studies are added to the TIP. REQUESTED PROJECTS 1) U-2805: Homestead Road Widening - This project remains Orange County's top priority for new road projects requested from TIP funds. Orange County requests the further advancement of Homestead Road in the TIP schedule for the following reasons: a) in the year 2000, the completed widening of Airport Road will approximately double its capacity and provide increased access to the land served by Homestead Road; and b) there will be a period of approximately two years during which accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road will not have been improved at the same time as Airport Road. Orange County supports the position of the Town of Chapel Hill with respect to the improvements of Homestead Road as expressed in a resolution concerning those improvements passed by the Council on September 22, 1997, and concurs that widening the road to a three lane cross section is sufficient. II) NC 86: construct bicycle lanes - from Chapel Hill (Whitfield Road) to Hillsborough (US 70). Scheduled improvements to Airport Road (NC 86) in Chapel Hill will extend bicycle facilities from UNC to Whitfield Road (SR 1731) in Orange County. NC 86 from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough is experiencing increasing numbers of bicyclists using this route and there are also two new schools along this route. Orange County requests that bicycle lanes be constructed. COMMENTS ON OTHER TIP PROJECTS INITIATED BY NC DOT 1) 1-305: widening of 1-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from Orange Grove Road to Durham County Line - Even though this project remains an "IDENTIFIED FUTURE NEED", Orange County requests that its staff be allowed to 14 DRAFT AS OF SEPTEMBER 29_, 1997 participate in the planning of the facility. The County is specifically interested in the following infrastructure improvements as they relate to the 1-85/US 70 Economic Development District: a) Erosion Control Measures - Orange County requests that permanent erosion control measures be included in the project. b) Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities - Orange County requests that its staff be allowed to participate in the determination of where and what type of facilities are to be included in this project. Among the features requested for inclusion are sidewalks and bike lanes (see the Regional Bicycle Plan for Durham and Orange Counties) and adequate guardrails on overpasses. c) Wildlife Corridor Under 1-85 - Orange County requests that its staff be allowed to participate during this part of the planning stage and that this issue be brought to the attention of the NCDOT Staff Biologist. Constructing this wildlife corridor is one of the recommendations presented in the "The New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan: Proposals for Linking Duke Forest and Eno River State Park." d) Intersection of Pleasant Green Road (SR 1567) & Mt Herman Church Road (SR 1713) - This intersection was studied by the NCDOT Division 7 Traffic Engineers last year. They recommended that this intersection be included as a part of 1-305 because of its proximity to the 1-85/US 70 interchange. The entire intersection needs to be realigned so that Pleasant Green Road can intersect US 70 at a 90 degree angle. e) US 70 from NC 751 to University Station Road (SR 1712) - Due to the needs of the Pleasant Green Road\US 70 intersection, Orange County requests that US 70, from NC 751 to University Station Road, be upgraded to provide for a suitable transition from/to 1-85. An example of the need for this project is the intersection of US 70 with Old No.10 (SR 1715) which is currently operating at level of service "F". f) Mt Herman Church Road (SR 1713) - Preliminary plans by the Planning & Environmental Branch, Division of Highways of NCDOT indicate that this road may be relocated as part of 1-305. Orange County requests that this road be designed with 12' wide travel lanes and 4' wide bicycle lanes for a total paved width of 32'. g) Old NC 10 (SR 1710) - Preliminary plans by the Planning & Environmental Branch, Division of Highways of NCDOT indicate that this road may also be relocated as part of 1-305. Orange County requests that this road be designed with 12' wide travel lanes and 4' wide bicycle lanes for a total paved width of 32'. 2 15 DRAFT AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 h) Park and Ride Facilities - Orange County requests that its staff be allowed to participate in the determination of where and what type of facilities are to be included in this project. II) 1-3306 SECTION A• widening of 1-40 to six lanes from 1-85 in Orange County to US 15-501 in Durham County - Orange County requests that 1-3306 Section A and 1-3306 Section B be divided into two separate projects and programmed separately in the TIP. Project planning for this facility is scheduled to begin in 1997. Orange County requests that it be included in the development of the Major Investment Study and Environmental Impact Statement for this project to insure that there are no detrimental land use impacts to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. Orange County is opposed to any widening of 1-40 through Orange County, unless there is a commitment by NCDOT to provide HOV and/or dedicated bus lanes. III) R-2630 DURHAM NORTHWEST LOOP (ENO DRIVE): new multi-lane route from 1-85 in Orange County to 1-85 in Durham County - Orange County is strongly opposed to having this facility within Orange County and is also very concerned about the environmental impacts to the Eno River State Park. Orange County requests that this facility be relocated outsidd"of Orange County. Thank you for your consideration of these requests. Submitted this 15th day of October, 1997 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DRAFT by: William L. Crowther, Chair 3 lb October 30, 1997 Mr. J. Douglas Galyon Division 7, Member NC Board of Transportation P.O. Box 25201 1 South Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27611 Dear Mr. Galyon: Enclosed with this letter you will find this year's "Orange County Transportation Priority List for Consideration of Funding in The North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program." The first section addresses two projects in Orange County that are within the Durham- Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Area. Our number one priority project continues to be improvements to Homestead Road (U-2805) to address school safety issues. Our number one priority policy issue is the process used to initiate a feasibility study to consider a possible widening of Mt. Carmel Church Road (R-3829) to a multi-lane facility. The second section describes the projects Orange County is requesting for the parts of the county that lie outside the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Area. We hope that you will be able to fund these highway, transit and bicycle improvements. Thank you for your time and consideration of Orange County's transportation needs. If you would like to discuss this matter in detail, please contact Beverly Blythe, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners at (919) 732-8181, extension 2130. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DRAFT Sincerely: William L. Crowther, Chair 17 DRAFT AS OF SEPTEMBER 29 1997 ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PRESENTED AT THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING ON OCTOBER 30, 1997 Orange County appreciates the opportunity to participate in the North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) process. Like so many jurisdictions across the state, we have transportation needs which should be addressed to provide our citizens with a safe and efficient multi-modal system throughout the County. We would also like to commend the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Division 7 staff: Division Engineer, Mr. John Watkins, Division Traffic Engineer, Mr. Vance Barham, District Engineer, Mr. T. J. Dyer, and County Maintenance Engineer, Mr. Chuck Edwards. We are very appreciative of their efforts and are looking forward.to working with them in the future. Our transportation list is divided into two sections. The first section deals with selected projects within the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro metropolitan planning area. The second deals with projects in the remaining portions of Orange County which lie outside of the Durham-Chapel Hill- Carrboro metropolitan planning area. ORANGE COUNTY PROJECTS WITHIN THE DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO . METROPOLITAN PLANNING AREA As a member of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, Orange County will continue to work with the Transportation Advisory Committee (DCHC TAC) to develop a complete list of project priorities for the portion of Orange County that lies inside the urbanized area boundary. However, there are selected projects in Orange County which we would like to address now because they have been the subject of discussions between the TAC and the Department of Transportation or because there are other special concerns. POLICY ISSUE - PROJECT INITIATED BY NC DOT 1) R-3829: Feasibility Study to Widen Mt.Carmel Church Road (SR 1008) to Multi-lanes - Orange County requests the following: a) that the feasibility study (R-3829) be handled through the current Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) process for the 1999-2005 TIP; and b) that in the future, Orange County be consulted about feasibility studies in its jurisdiction before such studies are added to the TIP. REQUESTED PROJECT 1) U-2805: Homestead Road Widening - This project remains Orange County's top priority for new road projects requested from TIP funds. Orange County requests the further i 18 DRAFT AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 advancement of Homestead Road in the TIP schedule for the following reasons: a) in the year 2000, the completed widening of Airport Road will approximately double its capacity and provide increased access to the land served by Homestead Road; and b) there will be a period of approximately two years during which accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road will not have been improved at the same time as Airport Road. Orange County supports the position of the Town of Chapel Hill with respect to the improvements of Homestead Road as expressed in a resolution concerning those improvements passed by the Council on September 22, 1997, and concurs that widening the road to a three lane cross section is sufficient. ORANGE COUNTY PROJECTS OUTSIDE THE DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO METROPOLITAN PLANNING AREA Orange County would like to give priority to identified safety needs on existing roads and bridges and to other transportation projects which foster alternatives to automobile travel. The County eke endorses environmentally responsible construction of all transportation projects. Finally, the County supports adequate maintenance for existing transportation facilities. Orange County requests the following projects: 1) Highway Improvements - In previous years Orange County has made TIP requests related to project 1-304. Because 1-304 has been completed without these requested projects, Orange County is now asking that the following infrastructure improvements be made to the 1-85/Buckhorn Road Economic Development District: a) Erosion Control Measures - NCDOT currently has no plans for erosion control measures after completion of construction for project 1-304: widening of 1-85 to eight lanes from NC 54 (in Alamance County) to Dimmocks Mill Road. NCDOT has installed temporary erosion control measures according to NCDOT standards. Orange County requests that permanent erosion control measures be included in the 1999-2005 TIP as a line item to ensure optimal protection of the Sevenmile Creek watershed. The Upper Eno watershed, of which Sevenmile Creek is a sub-basin, has been designated a WS-II watershed; thus the County is committed to protect the water quality by working with NCDOT to implement the strongest protection measures available. b) Capacity Improvements - Widen Buckhorn Road to 24 feet (two 12' travel lanes) and Improve the Intersection of Buckhorn Road and US 70 to include turn lanes and improved turning radii. c) Rail Road Crossing Improvements - Improve the Southern Railway/ Buckhorn Road (SR 1114) railroad crossing. II) Transit Improvements - It is increasingly evident, through the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study and other research, that Orange County needs to begin Transit Planning to coordinate local transit planning with the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study 2 19 } DRAFT AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 • recommendations. In order to support transit in Orange County the following improvements have been requested: a) Twenty Year Transit Development Plan for Orange County - Funding is requested to develop a long range transit plan that would integrate local transit systems with the planned long range transit improvements of the Triangle Region (i.e., Triangle Transit Authority's Triangle Fixed Guideway System) and the state (i.e., Governor Hunt's Transit 2001 Plan); and b) Park and Ride Lot in the Buckhorn Economic Development District - Orange County requests that a park and ride facility (from the adopted Orange County Economic Development District Design Manual) be constructed as a demonstration project with Transit 2001 Funds. This project is clearly justified as it meets the warrants for a park and ride lot for two growing regions in North Carolina, the Triad and Triangle. lll) Bic cl a Improvements - As bicycle traffic, continues to grow in Orange County the following improvements have been requested: a) E-3606 Orange County Bicycle Route Map - This map was requested in 1995 and we are pleased to see it included as Project E-3606 in the 1998-2004 TIP. We would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate our support for it as a project to be addressed in Federal Fiscal Year 1998; and b) Signs for Orange County Bicycle Routes - This project is requested to assist bicyclists in identifying the routes described in the Orange County Bicycle Route Map and to assist motorists in identifying those routes whereby "sharing the road" with bicyclists will be necessary. Orange County requests that this project be programmed for implementation after the completion of the Orange County Bicycle Route Map in Federal Fiscal Year 1999. Thank you for your consideration of these requests. Submitted this 30th day of October, 1997 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DRAFT by: William L. Crowther, Chair 3