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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-07-1999 - 8t ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 7, 1999 Action Agenda Item No. 8-t SUBJECT: Orange County Transportation Priority List for 2002 - 2008 DCHC MTIP DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections ATTACHMENT(S): 1) Proposed Priority List for 2002-2008 MTIP 2) Letter to DCHC MPO with attachment 3) Letter to Div. 7 BOT Member PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Lincoln ext. 2583 Craig Benedict ext. 2592 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane (336)227-2031 PURPOSE: To adopt Orange County's Transportation Priority List (follow-up of the November 22, 1999, work session). BACKGROUND: Biannually, the North Carolina Board of Transportation (BOT) adopts amulti-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that specifies needed transportation improvements across the state.. The Transportation Priorities List identifies projects within the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) planning area and projects in Orange County outside the MPO planning area. Orange County submits its Transportation Priorities List to both the BOT and to the. DCHC MPO to identify projects that are endorsed and requested by Orange County. Orange County's transportation priority 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 Durham-Chapel Hill- Carrboro metropolitan planning area. On November 9, 1999, the Board of Commissioners approved a draft list of priority projects to submit to the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) to be included in a Regional Transportation Priority List (projects within the MPO planning area). The DCHC Transportation Advisory Board (TAC) will receive the draft Regional Priority List endorsed by the Technical Coordinating Committee on December 8, 1999, and will release the draft priority list for public comment. Then, on January 12, 2000, the TAC will hold a public hearing on the draft Regional Priority List and approve a metropolitan planning area Regional Priority List to submit to NCDOT. NCDOT held a public hearing in October to receive transportation priority requests from agencies in Division 7 (which includes Orange County). Orange County did not present a priority list at that time; however, the Board of Transportation (BOT) will accepf written requests for transportation priority needs through December, 1999, to be considered in the development of the 2002 - 2008 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). FINANCIAL IMPACT: None at this time. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that the Board adopt the Transportation Priorities List. g:Uclincoln\tip02-08112-7abS.doc\11-23-99Uc1 ATTACHMENT 1 2 ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 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. 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 Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro metropolitan planning area. ORANGE GOUNTY PROJECTS WITHIN THE QURHAM-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. REQUESTED PROJECTS I) U-2805: Homestead Road Widening -This project remains Orange County's top priority far 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 (and served by Homestead. Road; and b) there will be a period of more than four years between completion of improvements to Airport Road. and construction of improvements to Homestead Road, and during that time, accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road was not improved at the same time as Airport Road.. 2) NC 86. construct bicvcle lanes from Chapel Hill (Whitfield Road) to Hillsborough (US 70). Scheduled improvements to Airport Road (NC86) 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.. This route is listed as priority I of the primary bicycle routes proposed in the .Orange County Bicycle .Transportation Plan adopted April 6, 1999. Orange County requests that bicycle lanes be constructed. ATTACHMENT1 3 3) US 70 Bypass Widening: from the intersection. of US 70 Business to the US 70 - I-85 Connector, widen US 70 Bypass to a four-lane divided section with bike and pedestrian improvements. This- project should be phased to address. traffic counts and existing congestion. Orange. County requests that this project be identified as a need and included in-the 2002-2008 STIP. OTHER REQUESTS 1) I-3306 Section A: widening of I-40 to six lanes from I-85 in Orange County to NC 147 (Buck Dean Freeway) in Durham County -Orange County requests that I-3306 Section A and I-3306 Section B be divided into two separate .projects and programmed separately in the TIP. Project planning and design for this facility is in progress. Orange County requests that the development of the Major Investment Study and Environmental Impact Statement for this project include insurance that the project will not have 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. COMMENTS ON OTHER TIP PROJECTS INITIATED BY NC DOT I) I-305: widening of I-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from I-40 at Hillsborough to Durham County Line -Even though this project remains an "UNFUNDED PROJECT', Orange County requests that its staff be allowed. to participate in the. planning of the facility. The County is specifically interested in the following infrastructure improvements as they relate to the I-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 I-85 -Orange Gounty 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. Constnrcting this wildlife comdor 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 lSR 1567) & Mt Herman Church Road (SR 1713) - NCDOT Division 7 Traffic have recommended that this intersection be included as a part of I-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. ATTACHMENT1 4 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 I-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 I-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 I-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'. h) Park and Ride Facilities -Orange Gounty 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. I) R-2630 DURHAM NORTHWEST LOOP (ENO DRIVE)• new multi-lane route from I-85 in Orange County to I-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 on a location outside ~of Orange County. 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 also endorses environmentally responsible construction of all transportation projects. Finally, the County supports adequate maintenance for existing transportation facilities. 1) Highway Improvements - In previous years Orange County has made TIP requests related to project 1-304. Because I-304 has been completed without these requested projects, Orange County is now asking that the following infrastructure improvements be made to the I-85/Buckhom 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 I-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 ATTACHMENT1 5 2002 - 2008 TIP as a line item to ensure optimal protection of the Sevenmile Creek watershed. The .Upper Eno watershed, of which Sevenmile Creek is asub-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 Buckhom Road and US 70 to include turn lanes and improved turning radii. c) Rail Road Crossing Improvements -Improve the Southern Railway /Buckhom Road (SR 1114) railroad crossing . 2) Transit Improvements - It is increasingly evident, through the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study and other research, that Orange County should begin Transit Planning to coordinate local transit planning with. the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study recommendations. In order to support transit in Orange County, the following improvements have been requested: a) Twenty Year Transit Development Plan for Oranae 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); b) Park and Ride Lot in the Buckhom 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 cleariy justified as it meets the warrants far a park and ride lot for two growing regions in North Carolina, the Triad and Triangle. 3) Bicycle tmprovements - As bicycle traffic continues to grow in Orange County, we continue to .request the following improvements: a) E-3606 Oranae County Bicycle Route Map and Sians 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 roadA with bicyclists will be necessary. ATTACHMENT 2 ORANGE COUNTY PLANING DEPARTMENT 306E REVERE ROAD I3II~ISBOROUGH, NORTB CAROLINA 27278 ~. 4~' ~. Y S= •<<i Ca~•~~~ December 7, 1999 Ms. Becky Heron, Chair Transportation Advisory Committee Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MP0 Durham DOT 101 City Hall Plaza Durham, NC 27701 Dear Ms. Heron: 6 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 Prouram." Our number one priority project continues to be improvements to Homestead Road (U-2805) to address school safety issues. Further advancement of Homestead Road is nrquested for the following reasons: a) in the year 2000, the completed widening of Airport Road will approximately double its capactity and provide increased access to the land served by Homestead Road; and b) as curnently programmed there will be a period of more than four years between completion of improvements to Airport Road and construction of improvements. to Homestead Road, and during that time, accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road was not improved at the same time as Airport Road. It is important that improvements to Homestead Road not be delayed from the scheduled construction date in 2004. We were disappointed that the construction date has already slipped from mid-2001 to 2004. 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, Alice M. Gordon, Chair g:lkklincolnltip02-08\99mpolt~.doc\1123-99Uci ATTACHMENT 2 7 ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ORANGE COUNTY PROJECTS WITHIN 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 also endorses environmentally responsible construction of all transportation projects. Finally, the County supports adequate maintenance for existing transportation facilities. 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 pro}ect 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. REQUESTED PROJECTS Q U-2805: Homestead Road Widenina -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 more than four years between completion of improvements to Airport Road and construction of improvements to Homestead Road, and during that time, accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road was not improved at the same time as Airport Road. 2) NC 86. construct bicvcle lanes: from Chapel Hill (Whitfield Road) to Hillsborough (US 70). Scheduled improvements to Airport Road (NC86) 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. This .route is listed as priority I of the primary bicycle routes proposed in the Orange County Bicycle .Transportation Plan adopted April 6, 1999. Orange County requests that bicycle lanes be constructed. 3) US 70 Bvpass Widening; from the intersection of US 70 Business to the US 70 - I-85 Connector, widen US 70 Bypass to a four-lane divided section with bike and pedestrian improvements. This project. should be phased to address traffic counts and existing congestion. Orange County requests that this project be identified as a need and included in the 2002-2008 STIP. g:Uclincoln~ip02-08Unplistdoc111-29-99Uc1 ATTACHMENT 2 OTHER REQUESTS 8 1) I-3306 Section A' widening of I-40 to six lanes from I-85 in Orange Countv to NC 147 !Buck Dean Freeway) in Durham Countv -Orange County requests that I-3306 Section A and I-3306 Section B be divided into two separate projects and programmed separately in the TIP. Project planning and design for this facility is in progress. Orange County requests that the development of the Major Investment Study and Environmental Impact Statement for this project include insurance that the project will not have detrimental land use impacts to the Orange. County Comprehensive .Plan. Orange County is opposed to any widening of I-40 through Orange County unless there is a commitment by NCDOT to provide HOV .and/or dedicated bus lanes. COMMENTS ON OTHER TIP PROJECTS INITIATED BY NC DOT I) 1-305' widening of I-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from I-40 at ~~ Hillsborough to Durham Countv Line -Even though this project remains an UNFUNDED PROJECT', Orange County requests that its staff be allowed to participate in the planning of .the facility. The County is specifically interested in the following infrastructure improvements as they relate to the I-85/US 70 Economic Development District: a) Erasion 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 Bicvcle Plan for Durham and Orange Counties and adequate guardrails on overpasses. c) Wildlife Corridor Under I-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 Comdor Open Space Master Plan: Proposals for Linking Duke Forest and Eno River State Park." d) Intersection of Pleasant Green Road lSR 1567) & Mt Herman Church Road (SR .1713 - NCDOT Division 7 Traffic have recommended that this intersection be included as a part of 1-305 because of its proximity to the I-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 lSR 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 I-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". g:Udincoln\tip02-08Mplistdoc\11-29-99~d ATTACHMENT 2 9 f) Mt Herman Church Road lSR 1713? -Preliminary plans by the Planning & Environmental Branch, Division of Highways of NCDOT indicate that this road may be relocated as part. of I-305.. Orange County requests that this road be designed with 12' wide travel lanes and 4' wide bicycle lanes for a tatai paved width of 32'. g) OId NC 10 (SR 1710) -Preliminary plans by the Planning 8~ Environmental Branch, Division of Highways of NGDOT indicate that this road may also be relocated as part of I-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`. 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. R-2630 DURHAM NORTHWEST LOOP (ENO DRIVE): new multi-lane route from I-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 on a location outside of Orange County. g:lklincolnltip02-08Mp1ist,doc111-29-99Ud ATTACHMENT 8 10 .ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 306E REVERE ROAD ffiLISBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 t,,.,, p , Y° +^ p ~ ;~/i tat•~~~ December 7,1999 Mr. J. Douglas Galyon Division 7, Member NC Board of Transportation 1 South Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27611- Dear Mr. Galyon: Enclosed with this letter you will find this year's Orange County Trans rtation Priority List for Consideration of Funding in The North Carolina Po Transportation Improvement Program " The first section addresses three 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. It is important that improvements to Homestead Road not be delayed from the scheduled construction date in 2004, and it would be desirable if the project could be .advanced. We were disappointed. that the construction date has already .slipped from mid-2001 to 2004. 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 Sincerely: Alice Gordon, Chair g:~klincoonltip02-08Wraftbotdx\71-23-99Ud /02-7-~~ ALICE M. CORDON, CHAIR STEPHEN H. HALKIOTIS, V/CE CHAIR MARGARET W. BROWN MOSES CAREY, JR. BARRY/ACOBS ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS P.O. BOx 8181 200 S. CAMERON STREET HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. 27278 December 7, 1999 Mr. J. Douglas Galyon Division 7, Member NC Board of Transportation 1 South Wilmington Street Raleigh, N.C. 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 Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Transportation Improvement.Program." The first section addresses three 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. It is important that improvements to Homestead Road not be delayed from the scheduled construction date in 2004, .and it would be desirable if the project could be advanced. We were disappointed that the construction date has already slipped from mid-2001 to 2004. 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. Sincerely, 0~,:.-m. Alice M. Gordon, Chair You Count /n Orange County AREA CODE(919) 245-2130 FAX(919) 644-0246 ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING IN THE NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 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. 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 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. REQUESTED PROJECTS I) 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 more than four years between completion of improvements to Airport Road and construction of improvements to Homestead Road, and during that time, accident exposure will be increased because Homestead Road was not improved at the same time as Airport Road. 2) NC 86. construct bicycle lanes: from Chapel Hill (Whitfield Road) to Hillsborough (US 70). Scheduled improvements to Airport Road (NC86) 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. This route is listed as priority I pf the primary bicycle routes proposed in the Orange County Bicycle Transportation Plan adopted April 6, 1999. Orange County requests that bicycle lanes be constructed. 3) US 70 Bvaass Widening: from the intersection of US 70 Business to the US 70 -1-85 Connector, widen US 70 Bypass to a four-lane divided section with bike and pedestrian improvements. This project should be phased to address trafFc counts and existing congestion. Orange County requests that this project be identified as a need and included in the 2002-2008 STIP. OTHER REQUESTS 1) I-3306 Section A: widening of I-40 to six lanes from I-85 in Orange County to NC 147 Buck Dean Freeway) in Dufiam County -Orange County requests that 1- 3306 Section A and I-3306 Section B be divided into two separate projects and programmed separately in the TIP. Project planning and design for this facility is in progress.. Orange County requests that the development of the Major Investment Study and Environmental Impact Statement for this project include insurance that the project will not have detrimental land -use impacts to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. Orange County. is opposed to any widening of I-40 through Orange County . unless there is a commitment by NCDOT to provide HOV and/or dedicated bus lanes. COMMENTS ON OTHER TIP PROJECTS INITIATED BY NC DOT I) 1.305: widening of I-85 to six lanes and reconstruction of interchanges from I-40 at Hillsborough to Durham County Line -Even though this project remains an "UNFUNDED PROJECT', Orange Gounty requests that its staff be allowed to partiapate in the planning of the facility. The Gounty is specifically interested in the following .infrastructure improvements as they relate to the I-85/US 70 Economic Development District: a} Erosion Control Measures -Orange Gounty requests that permanent erosion control measures be included in the project. b} Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities -Orange County requests that its staff beallowed 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 I-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 NGDOT .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 Rark." 2 d) Intersection of Pleasant Green Road (SR 1567) & Mt Herman Church Road (SR 1713) - NCDOT Division 7 Traffic have recommended that this intersection be included as a part of I-305 because of its proximity to the I-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 NG 751 to University Station Road (SR 1712 -Due to the needs of the Pleasant Green .Road\US 70 intersection, Orange Gounty requests that US 70, from NC 751 to University Station Road, be upgraded to provide for a suitable transition from/to I-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 Heenan Ghurch Road (SR 1713) -Preliminary plans by the Planning 8 Environmental Branch, Division of Highways of NGDOT indicate that this road may be relocated as part of I-305. Orange Gounty 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 NG 10 (SR 1710,E - Preliminary plans by the Planning & Environmental Branch, Division of Highways of NCDOT indicate that this road may also be relocated as part of I-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'. 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. I~ R-2630 DURHAM NORTHWEST LOOP (ENO DRIVE)• new multi-lane route from I-85 in Orange County to I-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 on a location outside of Orange County. 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 also endorses environmentally responsible construction of all transportation projects. Finally, the County supports adequate maintenance for existing transportation facilities. I) 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 3 infrastructure improvements be made to the I-85/Buckhom Road Economic Development District: a) Erosion Control Measures - NCDOT currently has no plans for erosion control measures after completion of construction for. project I-304: widening of I-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 Gounty requests that permanent erosion control measures be included in the 2002 - 2008 TIP as a line item to ensure optimal protection of the Sevenmile Creek watershed. The Upper Eno watershed, of which Sevenmile Creek is asub-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 tum lanes and improved turning radii. c) Rail Road Crossing Improvements -Improve the Southern Railway / Buckhom Road (SR 1114) railroad crossing. 2) Transit Improvements - It is increasingly .evident, through the .Triangle Fixed Guideway Study and other research, that Orange Gounty should begin Transit Planning to coordinate local transit planning with the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study 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); b) Park and Ride Lot in the Buckhom 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. 3) Bicycle Improvements - As bicycle trafFc continues to grow in Orange County, we continue to request the following improvements: a) E-31306 Orange County Bicycle Route Map and Signs for Orancre 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. 4 acncEM. coRVOx, chwR ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ~aH ~ "~ P.O. Box 8 i 8 i M~tR'GARETW. BROWN ^~~~ ~~ ~ 200 S. CAMERON STREET 6uRRr,.ucae~s HILLSBOROUGH,. N.C. 27278 November 16,1999 Mr. Jeff Ingham, P.E. Project Development Engineer Project Development & Environmental analysis Branch NCDOT, P.O. Box 25201 - Raleigh, NC 27611 SUBJECT: Statement of the Orange County Commissioners Relative to Project I-3306, Widening I-40 to Six Lanes Dear Mr. Ingham: At their meeting on November 16,1999, the Orange County Commissioners listed the following concerns for presentation at the "Citizens Informational Workshop" on I-40 . widening to beheld on November 17 at Chapel Hill High School: 1. The Orange County Commissioners continue to request that this project be split into two separate projects (one in Orange County and one in Durham .County) rather. than two phases. 2. As a means of addressing increased. traffic volumes, and consistent with the County's previous statements concerning I-40 widening, (an Orange County section and Durham County section) the Commissioners believe that HOV lanes. are needed. 3. We request assurance in writing that this "workshop" is not the design public hearing. Futhermore, we request notification in writing when the design public'hearing-is to be held. 4. If the project as described changes, we request that Orange.County be notified in 'writing so that the County may participate in the modifications. 5. A new high school is to be conshvcted between New Grady Bmwn School Road (SR 1221) and I-40; we request that the Orange County Schools System be notified of the proposed widening and that noise walls be constructed to shield the school. 6. The I-40/O1dNC 86 (SR 1009) interchange south of Hillsborough is the County's primary Economic Development District. We request that noise walls be constructed here and that measures be taken to reduce light pollution. Also, traffic signals are needed at this interchange.. An intersection expansion to include additional right: and left turn lanes will be required to access I-40. Pazk and ride lots are needed in this area as well. 7. All along the I-40 corridor, we request that you take into account the Orange County Land Use Plan and where we are likely to have future population concentrations. You Count In Orange County AREA CODE (919) 732-8181: 968-4501: 688-7331:227-2031: FAX (919) 644-0246 Ext; 2130 8. While not adjacent to an urban area, the New Hope Church Road interchange should be analyzed for the provision of signals as traffic volumes on I-A~0 increase. . 9. NCDOT has performed a preliminary assessment of noise impacts at certain locations in Orange County.. A more thorough and faz-reaching analysis of such impacts and provision of sound barriers in the affected azea is needed after the specific requests made above are addressed.. 10. Increased traffic will result in additional exhaust emissions and have direct impacts on air quality in southeastern Orange County. These impacts should receive serious consideration including coordination. with the Orange County Commission for the Environment. - 11.-From an engineering perspective, can you tell us how this six lane segment between ' eight lanes of I-85 to the west and eight lanes of I-40 to the east affects congestion _ and impacts air quality? Also, how will HOV lanes beaccommodated in the six lane .section and how will that affect tr~c engineering capacity`? . 12. Construction impacts including erosion and dust have implications for both water and air quality and must be addressed early on; likewise, a plan to manage traffic during construction is required. - ~ . I shall look forward to your written response on the above items. Please call if you have questions or need clarification. . Sincerely, ' ~~ ~. Alice M. Gordon, Chair Board of County Commissioners ~~ cc: Craig Benedict, Planning Director Kazen Lincoln, Transportation Planner