HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-19-1993 - VIII-C 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT.
Meeting Date: October 19, 1993
Action Agenda
Item # -e,
SUBJECT: NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: PLANNING PUBLIC HEARING: YES X NO
ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT:
- TIP Hearing Schedule
- County Objective specific to TIP Carol Carter, Ext.2595
- Draft 9/7/93 BOCC Minutes Gene Bell, Ext. 2589
- Staff evaluations of priority projects
- Proposal for presentation at
NCDOT Public Hearings TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough - 732-8181
Chapel Hill - 967-9251
Durham - 688-7331
Mebane - 227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider endorsement of an Orange
County priority list for presentation
before the North Carolina Board of
Transportation at the annual
Transportation Improvement Program
Public Hearings scheduled for 10/28/93 .
BACKGROUND: The N.C. Board of Transportation adopts
annually a multi-year TIP outlining needed
transportation improvements and the method
and schedule for funding such projects.
Prior to adopting the program, a series of
statewide public hearings are held in each
of the state's 14 highway divisions to
obtain input from local officials and
citizens. Orange County is located in
Division 7 along with Alamance, Guilford,
Rockingham, and Caswell counties. The
public hearing for Division 7 is scheduled
for Thursday, October 28, 1993 in
Jamestown.
On September 7, 1993 the Transportation
Planner presented a list of
potential projects which could be
included on the Orange County priority
list for funding consideration by NCDOT
through the TIP. The Commissioners
narrowed down the recommendations to
2
the following:
1) Improvements to Homestead Road
2) I-85 Corridor Projects
a) best management practices for
erosion control during and after
construction
b) bike and pedestrian access
c) wildlife corridor
3) Street Paving Programs
4) Intersection Improvements Countywide
5) Railroad Grade Crossing Improvements
Countywide
Staff has reviewed each of these
items and has developed project
summaries for each, as well as
a proposed statement for presentation
at the NCDOT Public Hearing. '
RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that County
CommissionChair Moses Carey, and/or
Commissioner Alice Gordon, our County
representative on the DCHC TAC, attend the
TIP hearing and speak in support of
identified transportation improvement
needs.
05'L3'9: 14: 06 Z 519 752 2417 STRTE4;1DE PLAN 02
#3 (9/22/93) 3
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PRbGRAM UPDATE MEETINGS - 1993
DIV . 1 WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 17 - COLLEGE OF THE ALBEMARLE , LECTURE
AUDITORIUM B-202 , ELIZABETH CITY
DIV , 2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 -- JONES COUNTY CIVIC CENTER , NC 58 EAST ,
TRENTON
DIV , 3 WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 10 - RENDER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ,
103 SOUTH COWAN STREET, BURGAW
DIV . 4 TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 16 --- EDGECOMBE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ,
AUDITORIUM, 201 ST , ANDREW STREET, TARBORO
DIV. 5 MONDAY , OCTOBER 25 WAKE COUNTY OFFICE PARK, COMMONS BUILDING ,
4011 , CARYA DRIVE , RALEIGH.
•
DIV. 6 TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 23 --- CHARLIE ROSE AGRI-EXPO CENTER,
US 301 SOUTH , FAYETTEVILLE
DIV. 7 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 --- GUILFORD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE,
MEDLIN CAMPUS CENTER BOARD ROOM - 333,
US 29A-70A, JAMESTOWN
DIV. 8 TUESDAY , .OCTOBER 26 ---- PITTSBORO MEMORIAL LIBRARY,
US 64 (WEST STREET) , PITTSBORO
9 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8 ----- THOMASVILLE .WOMENS CLUB,
15 ELLIOTT DRIVE, THOMASVILLE
DIV, 10 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 --. MARSHVILLE', 2 . 5 MILES NORTH OF TOWN ON
SR 1741 (HAMILTONS CROSSROAD)
DIV. 11 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13 -- WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE, THE PITT
AUDITORIUM, THOMPSON HALL, , WILKESBORO
DIV. 12 TUESDAY , OCTOBER 12 ---- CATAWBA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE,
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER AUDITORIUM,
•
2550 US 70 SE, ,HICKORY
•
DIV. . 13 THURSDAY , OCTOBER 21 --- MCDOWELL TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE.,
AUDITORIUM, MARION
DIV. 14 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 ---- TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AUDITORIUM,
2300 US 64 EAST , .MURPHY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 -- REGIONAL HIGH TECHNICAL CENTER,
AUDITORIUM, 10 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE ,
WAYNESVILLE INDUSTRIAL PARK, WAYNESVILLE
3GISTRATION BEGINS AT 1 :00 PM MEETING BEGINS AT 2:00 PM
PRELIMI
NARy •
4
7/8/93
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
GOAL - ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS
FOR ORANGE COUNTY
OBJECTIVE 1
Establish a planning process which presents Orange County's requests to
NCDOT in a timely manner and coordinates those requests with other
jurisdictions, as appropriate.
PLAN OF ACTION
A. Establish procedures for the preparation of Orange County's annual
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) recommendations for County
jurisdiction outside the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan
Area Boundary.
1. Obtain copy of draft State TIP. July 1993
Prepare report which summarizes
previous County requests, status
of requests in draft TIP, and
identifies possible projects for
inclusion in upcoming TIP request.
Coordinate preparation of report
with municipalities so as to
identify projects of mutual interest
and support.
2 . Present report to Planning Board August 1993
and solicit possible projects for
inclusion.
3. Present report to 'BOCC and solicit September 1993
possible projects for inclusion
(BOCC may wish to conduct public
hearing on possible projects during
course of regular meeting) .
4 . Presentation of proposed County TIP October 1993
request to BOCC for official action.
5. Presentation of County request at November 1993
DOT Division Seven public hearing.
B. Establish procedures to coordinate Orange County efforts
to improve secondary roads with those of NCDOT, including the
scheduling and presentation of the annual Secondary Roads
Improvements Program at public hearing.
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DATE f7 ?3 5
ITEM
7
hearing is required to receive citizen comments on housing needs, objectives,
2 and potential strategies which should be included in the CHAS document.
3
4 Commissioner - Wilihoit asked that information on the number of
5 outhouses in the County be included in this report.
6
7
8 VII. REPORTS
9 ThilifinnangLIMMINAILlpicaux (TIP)
10 Transportation Planner Carol Carter presented information on the
liN.C. Department of Transportation annual Transportation Improvement Program
12 (TIP) . The N.C. Board of Transportation adopts annually a multi-year TIP
S3 outlining needed transportation improvements and the method and schedule for
14 funding such projects.
15 The Planning Board received a report on the TIP, process on August
1616 and identified several items for consideration in the County's upcoming TIP
17 request. These items included safety improvements at railroad crossings, the
18 wildlife corridor at the I-85/ITS 70 interchange identified by UNC planning
19 students, and intersection sight distance improvements at Efland-Cedar Grove
20 Road and Carr Store Road. The Planning Board identified two areas of concern
21 inside the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) urban area and requested that
22 they be coordinated through the proper channels. These items were widening and
23 safety improvements to Homestead Road and intersection improvements to Erwin
24 Road and Dobbins Drive. In addition, the planning staff as well as the chair
of the Transportation Advisory Subcommittee feels that highway improvements
within the proposed economic development districts are worthy of consideration.
27 Carol Carter will follow up on requests from the commissioners to
28 check on bridge maintenance and to check on getting a traffic light at New Hope
29 Church Road.
30 Commissioner Gordon stated that chances are the County will only get
31 their top priority. She will advocate for Homestead Road to be paved to NC86.
32 She will continue to endorse the other requests as listed in the agenda
33 abstract and other items as identified by the County Commissioners. She feels
34 that it is premature to endorse the road improvements for the economic
35 development districts until such time that they are identified and officially
36 approved.
37 Carol Carter asked that any suggestions for inclusion in the TIP be
38.forwarded to her. She will prepare a final list for board approval in October
39 or November.
40'
41
42 VIII. IT3KB: DJCZBIQI! -..REGULAR Anna
43 Lt. .ODELL COLEY: COUNTY mimics REGARDING THE KEEPING '01' WILD
44 &KUALA
45 Health Director Dan Reimer stated that the Ordinance regulating the
46 keeping of wild animals dangerous to persons and property within Orange County
47requires the Orange County Health Department to report to the Board of County
48 Commissioners of Orange County whenever the department has cause to believe
49 that any person is violating or threatening to violate this ordinance. They
"received an anonymous complaint that there was a wild bear being kept on
Yarborough Road in Mebane. When Animal Control investigated the complaint they
52 found Mr. Odell Coley in possession of a female ',Himalayan,' bear. Since he was
6
ORANGE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL PRIORITY PROJECTS
I. Homestead Road - It was indicated at the September 7, 1993 presentation to the
Board of Commissioners that staff would work to coordinate the final Homestead Road
request with both Chapel Hill and Carrboro. At this point neither jurisdiction has made
a final decision on their preferred project scope for Homestead Road. Carrboro is
studying four different options. They are as follows:
a. Widening of Homestead Road to a five lane facility from High School Road
to Airport Road. (in current DCHC Regional Priority List)
b. Widening of Homestead Road to a five lane facility from Old NC 86 to
Airport Road. (recommended in NCDOT feasibility study)
c. Widening of Homestead Road as described in option one, along with the
construction of Eubanks Road to five lanes between Old NC 86 and Airport Road
and extending Eubanks Road from Old NC 86 to Union Grove Church Road.
Rogers Road between Homestead Road and Eubanks Road would be widened to
a four lane facility.
d. Widening of Homestead Road to four lanes between Old NC 86 and Airport
Road. Widening Eubanks Road to five lanes and extending as mentioned in
option three. Rogers Road and Old NC 86 would be widened to accommodate
the volume of traffic that will need to use north-south arterials.
NOTE: All options should include enhancements (bikelanes and sidewalks) as part of
the project scope.
Chapel Hill is also looking at various scenarios, however no exact options have been
determined at this time. They do intend on working with the MPO to retain the project
on the regional priority list.
It is anticipated that the DCHC Regional Priority List will be presented to the TAC in
late November or early December. It is due to NCDOT by January 1, 1994.
Orange County staff has kept the local request for Homestead Road consistent with last
year's request. It is also consistent with what is presently on the DCHC Regional
Priority List. It is recommended to keep the request as such, and if the DCHC changes
the project scope, Orange County should contact NCDOT regarding it's final
recommendation prior to January 1, 1994.
,i/C2F
/D//?/
1
ORANGE COUNTY PRIORITY LIST
FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE
NOR'T'H CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
PRESENTED AT THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PUBLIC
HEARING ON OCTOBER 28, 1993
Orange County appreciates the opportunity to participate in the North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program process. Like so many jurisdictions across the state, we have
transportation needs we feel are necessary to provide our citizens with a safe and efficient
multimodal system throughout the County. Although our needs are extensive, we have
concentrated our priority list on those projects we feel are most critical to all in Orange County.
We would also like to commend the North Carolina Department of Transportation on its use of
recycled and alternative materials in road construction projects. We encourage you continue the
practice of using alternative materials such as shredded tires and recycled asphalt on all projects
statewide.
Our transportation needs list is divided into two sections. The first section deals with selected
projects within the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro metropolitan planning area. The second.
section deals with projects in the remaining portions of Orange County which lie outside of the
urbanized area boundary.
PROJECTS
JECTS 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.
Y Homestead Road Widening
This is Orange County's top priority for new road projects requested from TIP funds.
Last year the Orange County Board of Commissioners supported the request by the Durham -
Chapel Hill - Carrboro MPO to widen and make safety improvements on Homestead Road.from
High School Road (SR 1834) to Airport Road (NC 86). The requested improvements also
included bicycle and
y pedestrian facilities. Although a small portion of this project was funded,
the County feels a broader scope needs to be assigned to the project limits. Homestead Road
is a connector facility for
y the Carrboro and Chapel Hill 11 communities and is the primary route
2
to Chapel Hill High School. A background investigation of this facility indicates safety
problems associated with turning movements along the entire corridor limits. Left turns into
driveways of large traffic generators such as the Duke Power Building and the Brookstone
development, as well as at major intersections with Airport Road, prove dangerous due to sight-
distance problems in existing road design.
Substantial future traffic increases are expected on Homestead Road. Several residential
developments are under construction in the vicinity of the Brookstone development and the
Southern Human Services Complex will be constructed on Homestead Road in the near future.
Orange County urges the North Carolina Board of Transportation to review the project limits
for TIP Project U-2805 and revise the scope to include improvements from High School Road
to Airport Road (NC 86), as described in the Regional Priority List.
II. Bridge over Morgan Creek at Arboretum/Ashe Place [Independent Bicycle Program
Proj ectl.
The current TIP proposes a feasibility study in 1997 for pedestrian and bicycle improvements
for a Morgan Creek Bridge. Orange County supports the DCHC TAC recommendation that this
project be programmed for a feasibility study in 1994 and construction in 1995. [Estimated
construction cost is $50,000]
III. Two Projects Related to Traffic in Orange and Chatham Counties: US 15-501
Widening from Morgan Creek to the Chatham County Line [R-9421 and the
Chatham Connector [R-29241.
Orange County's major concern is with the timing of these two projects. Orange County
supports the building of a southern connector road in Chatham County to handle traffic between
Chatham County and destinations in the Research Triangle Park and Durham. Otherwise
increased traffic will come through the already congested intersection between US 15-501 and
SR 1008 and funnel through Chapel Hill. Orange County cannot support the widening of US
15-501 south of Chapel Hill from Mt. Carmel Church Road (SR 1008) to the Chatham County
line unless a Chatham Connector is built previously or at the same time.
Recognizing that these roads cross county and DOT district lines, the Commissioners encourage
continued coordination of transportation planning at the county, municipal, district and
Metropolitan Planning Organization level to handle this regional traffic.
TV. Projects Built with the STP Attributable Allocation
Orange County supports the DCHC TAC position that the STP Attributable Allocation be
reflected as a separate item in the TIP. It is the County's position that the federal ISTEA
legislation delegates to the TAC the authority to allocate these funds to projects selected by the
TAC, in cooperation with NCDOT, rather than have the project selection rest solely with the
NCDOT.
3
PROJECTS IN ORANGE COUNTY OUTSIDE OF THE
URBANIZED AREA BOUNDARY
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 also endorses environmentally responsible construction of all transportation projects.
Finally, the County supports adequate maintenance for existing transportation facilities.
I. I-85 Widening Projects
A) I-304 and I-305 - Best Management Practices (BMP's) for Erosion Control
during and after widening construction of both portions of I-85. Last year the
Orange County Board of Commissioners requested a line item in the TIP for
funding of BMP's for both I-85 widening projects. The construction contract for
I-304 has been awarded and is scheduled to begin on September 27, 1993.
NCDOT Division 7 officials and the contract engineer met with State and County
Erosion Control Officers, the County Engineer, and the County Transportation
Planner on September 21, 1993 to physically evaluate erosion control measures
needed on the I-304 project limits. This meeting represents a cooperative effort
between NCDOT and the County and we request these efforts continue until
completion of both projects. Among other concerns, the County desires input
into the erosion control measures in order to ensure optimal protection of the
Sevenmile Creek watershed, a possible future water source. 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) I-305 - widening of I-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from
Orange Grove Road to Durham County Line
1) Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities - Orange County has worked over the
last year with the MPO to produce the Regional Bicycle Plan for Durham
and Orange Counties. This plan represents the first such study to identify
both rural and urban bicycle needs for one region. An element of the plan
is to provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities at interchanges of major
highways. Some of Orange County's major commuter roads that -
interchange with I-85 include NC 86, Old NC 86 (SR 1009), and US 70. --
These facilities are often used for bicycle and pedestrian travel as well,
and the County requests that accommodations be made for these two
alternate modes of travel when designing and constructing the I-85
widening. Features requested for inclusion are sidewalks, bike lanes, and
adequate guardrails on overpasses.
2) I-305 Wildlife Corridor Under I-85 - In 1993 the Orange County
Planning Department, in conjunction with the UNC Chapel Hill
Department of City and Regional Planning compiled a report titled "New
4
Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan: Proposals for Linking Duke
Forest and Eno River State Park." One of the recommendations of the
study is to construct a wildlife corridor under the I-85/US 70 interchange
in conjunction with TIP Project I-305. This crossing would have two
positive effects at the I-85/US 70 interchange:
1) it would reduce the amount of vehicular incidents on I-85
due to wildlife crossing in traffic, and;
2) the corridor would provide a safe connector for wildlife
migrating between the Duke Forest and Eno River State
Park.
NCDOT was consulted during the study and advised on a staff level of the need for a
6' x 100' culvert along the stream under the I-85/US 70 interchange. This culvert specification
is recommended by Tom Hoctor, a wildlife corridor specialist from the University of Florida
at Gainesville.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is now formally requesting this wildlife corridor
be addressed in the early stages of planning for the I-305 project. We encourage your planners
to include this as an element in the environmental assessment scheduled in 1997, the design, and
the final construction of the project.
U. Intersection Improvements - Countywide
Orange County recognizes that intersection improvements provide immediate safety benefits
without the environmental impact or cost of full roadway improvements. We request the
following intersections be programmed either through Transportation Improvement Program
funding or Safety Program funding for improvements which can be implemented as soon as
possible. Each of these locations are listed on the NCDOT High Accident Location Analysis
for Orange County.
1) NC 86 / New Hope Church Road (SR 1723) experiences two types of traffic
during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. NC 86 carries daily commuters to Chapel
Hill, Hillsborough, and I-40 as well as students to New Hope School. Delays and
dangerous vehicular movements are experienced due to the high amount of left
turns at this intersection. We request it be improved to include turn lanes on all
approaches.
2) US 70 Bypass / Miller Road (SR 1555) also carries both local commuter traffic
and Orange High School traffic. We appreciate the study in early October which
indicates the need for a full traffic signal at this location. We encourage you to
place the signal as soon as possible. We also request the intersection be studied
for other improvements which will provide for safer traffic movement.
5
Also on the High Accident Location List or identified by staff and in need of evaluation are the
following locations:
3) NC 54 / Southern Drive (SR 2016)
4) NC 86 / US 70 Bypass
5) US 70 / St. Mary's Road (SR 1002)
6) Carr Store Road (SR 1352) / Oland Cedar Grove Road (SR 1004)
(Orange County appreciates NCDOT's quick response in providing a caution light
at this intersection in response to concerns expressed by area residents in May).
III. Railroad Grade Crossing Improvements - Countywide
There are several at-grade railroad crossings throughout the County which are in need of
improvements, from track crossings to grade work on the roadway facility. The main line of
the Southern Railway traverses the entire county. Motorists travelling roadway facilities which
cross the railway encounter a multitude of signs warning of dangerous grade crossings. An
inspection of existing crossings countywide indicates sight-distance problems, potential
"bottoming out" grade problems, intersection grade problems, and substandard warning devices.
Orange County requests railroad crossings countywide be improved to provide for safer travel
conditions. Crossings of note include:
1) Southern Railway / Buckhorn Road (SR 1114)
2) Southern Railway / Mt. Willing Road (SR 1120)
3) Southern Railway / University Station Road (SR 1712)
4) Southern Railway / Mt. Herman Church Road (SR 1713)
Each of these crossings need roadway refinements to provide for better sight-distance and grade
changes.
IV. Maintenance of Brides
Orange County has many bridges on its road system. We realize maintenance of all of these
bridges is an enormous task, however many of our bridges are beginning to need some
maintenance. In particular, the bridges along the Interstate are becoming somewhat of an
eyesore. Rusting metal, and concrete streaked and discolored with rust from the runoff from
the unpainted metal, cause a less than appealing appearance. We request that bridges over the
interstate be painted.
V. Brid ge Replacement Projects
The Orange County Board of Commissioners also continues to support the following TIP
projects currently programmed in our jurisdiction. We hope to see them completed in a timely
manner.
6
* B-2598 - NC 157 Bridge Replacement - FY 95
* B-2100 - SR 1005 Bridge Replacement - FY 94
* B-2599 - SR 1148 Bridge Replacement - Under Construction
* B-3010 - SR 1352 Bridge Replacement - FY 98
* B-3218 - SR 1538 Bridge Replacement - FY 2000
* B-3219 - SR 1540 Bridge Replacement - FY 2000
* B-2852 - SR 1734 Bridge Replacement - FY 97
Thank you for your consideration of these requests.
Submitted this 28th day of October, 1993
ORANGE A/44.-OUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By:
Moses Carey, Jr., hair
7
II. Paving of Rural Roads - Unpaved rural roads has been, and will continue to be, an
important transportation issue for Orange County. Currently pavement improvements
are only funded through the North Carolina Highway Trust Fund Secondary Roads
Improvement Program. Orange County annually averages pavement of approximately
12 miles of roads in the program at the current time. Last year the commissioners
requested the N.C. Board of Transportation investigate reallocation of ISTEA funds to
enable more Trust Fund dollars to be spent on paving programs in the county. NCDOT
has been unresponsive to this request due to the financial constraints of the TIP budget.
This year the Commissioners have expressed the desire to look at funding of pavement
projects through the TIP process. An important component of the TIP process not to be
overlooked is the structure of the funding calendar for projects included in the TIP. The
TIP is an eight year planning and budgeting document for NCDOT and FHWA
transportation projects. Projects included in the program are typically budgeted for six
to eight years prior to construction. In other words, a project added to this year's TIP
typically cannot be funded until the year 2000. :..,,..:..:<;:>::, > :::'•:;>'«::::>:>:,>:::
YP Y Y
They would also be subject to the State and Federal planning guidelines which could
extend the project even longer.
In comparison, the NCDOT Surface Pavement Program is an annual program where the
allocation of eligible funds can fluctuate significantly. Projects identified annually for
the program are typically improved during the same fiscal year.
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a. Each Board of Transportation member and Division Engineer receive
"discretionary funds" to spend freely in their representative division. These funds
are not a part of the TIP process, therefore direct contact with local Board of
Transportation members is necessary to obtain any portion of them. These funds
also must be allocated by the Board member during the present fiscal year. The
Commissioners could contact Mr. Doug Galyon,Division 7 Board Member or Dr.
Gorman Gilbert, Orange County At-Large member to lobby for these funds to be
spent on select unpaved roads in the County.
b. Allocations and priority listings for the Secondary Roads Improvement
program are developed annually. Again, contact with the NCDOT Board
members is imperative in order for them to be aware of the needs of the County
in regard to this program. Dialog is encouraged over the next six months to
encourage more funds be allocated for Orange County in next year's program.
8
c. For residents who are willing to financially contribute toward pavement of
their roads, NCDOT continues to sponsor the Property Owner Pavement
Participation program. This program requires financial participation of all
property owners on an unpaved road. In this case, the property owners would
initiate the process with NCDOT.
It is recommended that Orange County utilize each of these options in attempting to
accelerate the paving of our gravel roads. Each of these would result in much more
timely improvements than the TIP process.
III. 1-85 Widening Projects - As can be noted in the Draft Statement to NCDOT,
progress is being made to coordinate BMP efforts on this project. As is mentioned in
the statement, it is imperative that the County remain in communication with the NCDOT
Division 7 office, as well as the Planning and Design Branches in Raleigh, on the I-85
projects to ensure all improvements desired by the County are addressed early in the
process by NCDOT.
IV. Intersection Improvements - Countywide - These types of improvements can be
funded through various NCDOT "pots" of money. As was reviewed in the Paving of
Rural Roads section, TIP dollars can be utilized for these types of projects, however the
timeframe for construction can sometimes be prolonged due to the required process. TIP
funds are required for extensive improvements where costs are high. Another important
source of funding for these types of projects is from the designated "Safety
Improvements" funds. These funds are generally allocated by the Division office and are
used for various types of projects, including intersection improvements. The attached
Draft Statement includes a request for NCDOT to review the intersection priority list for
funding of both TIP and Safety allocations.
V. Railroad Grade Crossing Improvements- Countywide-These projects are funded
from a separate "pot" of money designated especially for rail crossing improvements.
NCDOT relies heavily on localities to inform them of potential problems. The timing
for construction of these types of projects is typically not as lengthy as other TIP
projects. For those crossings that need improvements other than typical placement of
stop-bars, etc., the local jurisdiction should make sure NCDOT is aware of the need for
extensive improvements. Coordination with the Division office is quite helpful.
Summary
Staff evaluations find that four of the five priorities expressed by the Commissioners are
appropriate for funding through the TIP process. It is possible that the Secondary
Pavement Program could actually suffer a severe setback by being included in the normal
TIP process.
9
Another key finding in the evaluations is that it is imperative that the County work in a
coordinated manner with the NCDOT Division 7 offices. The Division Engineer is an
important contributor to all projects and it is important that he be informed on a continual
basis of the county's transportation needs. The Division office can also see that the
county is included in the planning and review process of major projects such as I-85.
10
ORANGE COUNTY PRIORITY LIST
FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE
NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
PRESENTED AT THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PUBLIC
HEARING ON OCTOBER 28, 1993
Orange County appreciates the opportunity to participate in the North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program process. Like so many jurisdictions across the state, we have
transportation needs we feel are necessary to provide our citizens with a safe and efficient
multimodal system throughout the County. Although our needs are extensive, we have
concentrated our priority list on those projects we feel are most critical to all in Orange County.
I. Homestead Road Widening
Last year the Orange County Board of Commissioners supported the request by the Durham -
Chapel Hill - Carrboro MPO to widen and make safety improvements on Homestead Road from
High School Road (SR 1834) to Airport Road (NC86). The requested improvements also
included bicycle facilities. Although a small portion of this project was funded, the County feels
a broader scope needs to be assigned to the project limits. Homestead Road is a connector
facility for the Carrboro and Chapel Hill communities and is the primary route to Chapel Hill
High School. A background investigation of this facility indicates safety problems associated
with turning movements along the entire corridor limits. Left turns into driveways of large
traffic generators such as the Duke Power Building and the Brookstone development, as well as
at major intersections with Airport Road, prove dangerous due to sight-distance problems in
existing road design.
Substantial future traffic increases are expected on Homestead Road. Several residential
developments are under construction in the vicinity of the Brookstone development and the
Southern Human Services Complex.
Orange County urges the North Carolina Board of Transportation to review the project limits
for TIP Project U-2805 and revise the scope to include improvements from High School Road
to Airport Road (NC 86).
II. I-85 Widening Projects
A) 1-304 and I-305 - Best Management Practices (BMP's) for Erosion Control during and
after widening construction of both portions of I-85. Last year the Orange County Board of
Commissioners requested a line item in the TIP for funding of BMP's for both I-85 widening
projects. The construction contract for I-304 has been awarded and is scheduled to begin on
September 27, 1993. NCDOT Division 7 officials and the contract engineer met with State and
County Erosion Control Officers, the County Engineer, and the County Transportation Planner
on September 21, 1993 to physically evaluate erosion control measures needed on the I-304
project limits. This meeting represents a cooperative effort between NCDOT and the County
and we request these efforts continue until completion of both projects. Among other concerns,
the County desires input into the erosion control measures in order to ensure optimal protection
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of the Sevenmile Creek watershed, a possible future water source. 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) I-305 - widening of I-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from Orange
Grove Road to Durham County Line
1) Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities - Orange County has worked over the last year with the
MPO to produce the Regional Bicycle Plan for Durham and Orange Counties. This plan
represents the first such study to identify both rural and urban bicycle needs for one region. An
element of the plan is to provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities at interchanges of major
highways. Some of Orange County's major commuter roads that interchange with I-85 include
NC 86, Old NC 86 (SR 1009), and US 70. These facilities are often used for bicycle and
pedestrian travel as well, and the County requests that accommodations be made for these two
alternate modes of travel when designing and constructing the I-85 widening. Features requested
for inclusion are sidewalks, bike lanes, and adequate guardrails on overpasses.
2) 1-305 Wildlife Corridor Under I-85
In 1993 the Orange County Planning Department, in conjunction with the UNC Chapel Hill
Department of City and Regional Planning compiled a report titled "New Hope Corridor Open
Space Master Plan: Proposals for Linking Duke Forest and Eno River State Park." One of the
recommendations of the study is to construct a wildlife corridor under the I-85/US 70
interchange in conjunction with TIP Project I-305. This crossing would have two positive
effects at the I-85/US 70 interchange:
1) it would reduce the amount of vehicular incidents on I-85 due to wildlife
crossing in traffic, and;
2) the corridor would provide a safe connector for wildlife migrating
between the Duke Forest and Eno River State Park.
NCDOT was consulted during the study and advised on a staff level of the need for a
6' x 100' culvert along the stream under the I-85/US 70 interchange. This culvert
specification is recommended by Tom Hoctor, a wildlife corridor specialist from the
University of Florida at Gainesville.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is now formally requesting this wildlife
corridor be addressed in the early stages of planning for the I-305 project. We
encourage your planners to include this as an element in the environmental assessment
scheduled in 1997, the design, and the final construction of the project.
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III. Intersection Improvements - Countywide
Orange County recognizes that intersection improvements provide immediate safety
benefits without the environmental impact or cost of full roadway improvements. We
request the following intersections be programmed either through Transportation
Improvement Program funding or Safety Program funding for improvements which can
be implemented as soon as possible. Each of these locations are listed on the NCDOT
High Accident Location Analysis for Orange County.
1) NC 86/New Hope Church Road (SR 1723) experiences two types of traffic
during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. NC 86 carries daily commuters to Chapel
Hill, Hillsborough, and I-40 as well as students to New Hope School. Delays and
dangerous vehicular movements are experienced due to the high amount of left
turns at this intersection. We request it be improved to include turn lanes on all
approaches.
2) US 70 Bypass / Miller Road (SR 1555) also carries both local commuter
traffic and Orange High School traffic. We request it be studied for various
alternatives which will provide for a safer intersection.
Also on the High Accident Location List or identified by staff and in need of evaluation
are the following locations:
3) NC 54 / Welcome Drive (SR 2016)
4) NC 86 / US 70 Bypass
5) US 70 / St. Mary's Road (SR 1002)
6) Carr Store Road (SR 1352) /Efland Cedar Grove Road (SR 1004) (Orange
County appreciates NCDOT's quick response in providing a caution light at this
intersection in response to concerns expressed by area residents in May).
IV. Railroad Grade Crossing Improvements - Countywide
There are several at-grade railroad crossings throughout the County which are in need
of improvements, from track crossings to grade work on the roadway facility. The main
line of the Southern Railway traverses the entire county. Motorists travelling roadway
facilities which cross the railway encounter a multitude of signs warning of dangerous
grade crossings. An inspection of existing crossings countywide indicates sight-distance
problems, potential "bottoming out" grade problems, intersection grade problems, and
substandard warning devices. Orange County requests railroad crossings countywide be
improved to provide for safer travel conditions. Crossings of note include:
1) Southern Railway / Buckhorn Road (SR 1114)
2) Southern Railway / Mt. Willing Road (SR 1120)
3) Southern Railway / University Station Road (SR 1712)
4) Southern Railway / Mt. Herman Church Road (SR 1713)
Each of these crossings need roadway refinements to provide for better sight-distance and
grade changes.
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The Orange County Board of Commissioners also continues to support those TIP projects
currently programmed in our jurisdiction. We hope to see them completed in a timely
manner.
Finally, as a member of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning
Organization, we will continue to work with the Transportation Advisory Committee to
develop a complete list of project priorities for the portion of Orange County that lies in
the urbanized area boundary.
Submitted this 28th day of October, 1993
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
By:
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair