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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.05.24 TTAC Agenda PacketMEETING NOTICE MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee Tuesday November 5, 2024 – 10:30 a.m. Emma Harvat Hall Iowa City City Hall AGENDA 1.Call to order; recognize alternates; consider approval of meeting minutes 2.Public discussion of any item not on the agenda* 3.Consider a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding safety target setting and performance measures for the MPO as required by the Federal Highway Administration 4.Consider a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) scoring criteria for funds allocated by MPOJC 5.Discussion regarding potential Federal Functional Classification changes for MPOJC Urbanized Area roadways 6.Update on the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study 7.Update on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant 8.Other Business 9.Adjournment *Public input is permitted on any agenda item. Please indicate to the Chair if you wish to comment on an agenda item. To request any disability-related accommodations or language interpretation, please contact MPOJC staff at 319-356-5230 or kent-ralston@iowa-city.org 48 hours prior to the meeting. MINUTES DRAFT MPOJC TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024 - 10:30 AM CITY OF IOWA CITY – EMMA HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Vicky Robrock, Scott Larson, Kelly Hayworth Iowa City: Scott Sovers, Ron Knoche, Mark Rummel, Darian Nagle-Gamm, Jason Havel North Liberty: Ryan Rusnak, Josiah Bilskemper University Heights: Louise From University of Iowa: Brian McClatchey Johnson County: Greg Parker, Tom Brase Iowa DOT: Cathy Cutler STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Sarah Walz, Hannah Neel, Madelyn Stoen 1. CALL TO ORDER Ralston called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM. a. Recognize alternates None. b. Consider approval of meeting minutes Hayworth moved to approve, Knoche seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None. 3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE MPOJC FY2025 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM Ralston explained that the Work Program includes locally requested projects that were received from each member entity and general projects and procedures as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration. Additionally, Ralston explained that the projects that were requested represent a small portion of the work that is being completed. Other items in the work program include routine business, carryover projects for each locality, and daily requests from each community. Ralston asked for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding approval of the FY2025 Transportation Planning Work Program. Larson moved to approve the recommendation; McClatchey seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2024-2027 TIP ADJUSTING THE PROJECT TERMINI FOR THE IOWA DOT I-380 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Neel explained that the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the document for all surface transportation projects that receive state or federal funds, including street and highway, transit, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian projects, in the Iowa City urbanized area. Neel noted that, MPOJC submits the TIP annually to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to document the status of local transportation projects using state and federal funds. Neel explained that projects must be included in the TIP with accurate scope and funding sources. Neel expressed the purpose of this amendment is to change the terminus for the New Bridge, Grade and Pave, Traffic Signs for the I-380 Improvement Project in Johnson County, Iowa. Neel asked for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board to adjust the project termini for the Iowa DOT I-380 Improvement Project. Larson moved to approve the recommendation; Rusnak seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 5. UPDATE ON THE MPOJC FY2025 TRANSIT PROGRAM OF PROJECTS Neel shared that Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, and University of Iowa CAMBUS are applying for FY2025 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds. Neel noted that these projects will be included in the FY2025 Iowa Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transit Funding application, which the MPOJC completes for each transit system. Additionally, they will be included in the FY2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Neel clarified that not every project listed in the Program of Projects will be funded; however, to be eligible for funding, projects must be included in the Program of Projects. Finally, Neel mentioned that all three transit agencies will hold public hearings and have their Program of Projects approved as part of their respective Consolidated Funding Application processes. 6. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD REGARDING APPROVAL OF DRAFT FY2025-2028 MPOJC TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) PROJECTS Neel reiterated that the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the local programming document for all federal and state surface transportation and transit projects. Neel noted three pending updates to the draft TIP document: Iowa City’s new transit facility, Johnson County’s roundabout project on Dubuque Street NE at the intersection of Forevergreen Road and Rustic Ridge Road should not be in the TIP document; but in the Transportation Program Management System (TPMS), and the project on Gilbert Street will be removed from the TIP because the project is underway and therefore, does not need to be included. Neel stated that the Iowa DOT added three new projects into the TIP: a bridge deck overlay on the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City railway project, 3.0 miles east of I-380, programmed in 2026 for approximately $2.4 million in State PRF funds, approximately $2.5 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds and $3.2 million to pave Highway 6 and Tiffin from Grant Street to Park Road, the total has been programmed in 2027, and approximately $9.3 million in STBG funds and $7.4 million for a new bridge and right-of-way on Highway 6 over the Iowa River, 0.2 miles east of the east junction of Highway 1 in Iowa City, programmed in 2028. Neel also noted that at their March 2023 meeting, the Urbanized Area Policy Board awarded $9.3 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds to four projects programmed for FY2027-2028. Neel explained that these projects include Coralville's Dubuque Street NE and Forevergreen Road Roundabout project, which received $675,000, in the second phase of North Liberty’s South Dubuque Street Reconstruction project, which received $1,100,000; University Heights’ Sunset Street and Melrose Avenue project, which received $225,000; and Iowa City's Burlington Street Highway 1 Bridge Improvement project, which received $7,300,000. All noted projects are programmed in FY2027 except Iowa City’s Burlington Street Highway 1 Bridge Improvement project. Neel explained that Iowa City’s project will be programmed in FY2028. Neel stated that Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program 5307 operating funds were also apportioned by the Policy Board in January and the estimated FY2025 funding amounts are included in the FY2025-2028 TIP. Larson noted two proposed changes to the FY25-2 TIP. First, the projects on US 6 E, west of Lowes W to the I-80 bridge, will have an increased cost estimate of $6 million. Second, the project on 5th Street can be removed from the TIP because the project is underway. Neel requested a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding the approval of the Draft FY2025-2028 TIP. Nagle-Gamm moved to approve the recommendation with the modifications noted by Larson; Brase seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 7. UPDATE ON THE CRANDIC BUS RAPID TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY Ralston explained that in the fall of 2023, the Urbanized Area Policy Board authorized a Bus Rapid Transit feasibility study on the CRANDIC rail corridor between Penn Street in North Liberty and Burlington Street in Iowa City. This study aimed to see how findings compared to those from the 2020 Rail Passenger Study completed by HDR. Ralston noted that the consultants have identified three optimal routes and they have conducted a screening analysis against established goals. The results of this analysis have been presented to a steering committee. Ralston further stated that the consultants requested a 60-day extension. The extension was approved; two more steering committee meetings will be held during this period. Afterward, the consultants will hold a public comment period. 8. UPDATE FROM IOWA DOT DISTRICT 6 STAFF ON MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE URBANIZED AREA Cutler noted that the westbound I-80 ramp in Coralville has been opened. Construction on the bridge’s barrier rails has not been completed. Cutler also stated that all permanent lanes will be open to traffic by the end of 2024. Cutler mentioned that on Penn Street, barrier rails were installed to accommodate traffic. Furthermore, Penn Street’s current configuration will remain through the fall. 9. OTHER BUSINESS Larson stated that Coralville’s full trail alignment at First Avenue and I-80 will now be open to the public. Larson explained that construction work on the north side of the interchange was completed, and the alignment can now be used to support travel demands. From shared that University Heights will no longer install traffic-speed cameras. From explained that state legislation required localities to install their traffic cameras by January 1st, 2024, and the community did not meet that deadline. Sovers stated that Iowa City’s Gilbert Street and Dubuque Street projects are both under construction. Sovers noted that the Rochester Avenue project is entering its final phase, which is the intersection of Rochester Avenue and First Avenue. Sovers stated that Iowa City expects to complete the project by fall of 2024. Rusnak provided an update on traffic signals, stating that one will be installed on Forevergreen Road and Kansas Avenue. Also, the temporary traffic signal at Kansas Avenue and Jones Boulevard will be replaced with a permanent signal. Rusnak also stated that in collaboration with Johnson County, North Liberty is reconstructing Penn Street from west of I-380 to James Avenue. Finally, Rusnak noted that the North Liberty Road trail is being designed to connect to the IRC trail. Nagle-Gamm gave an update on Iowa City’s new transit facility and stated that they will soon begin creating designs. Additionally, Iowa City is updating its FY2023-2025 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) plan. Nagle-Gamm explained that due to a lack of contracting opportunities, the plan has not been updated for many years. Nagle-Gamm also gave an update on the fare-free pilot program for Iowa City Transit and stated that ridership has increased by an average of 44%. City staff are preparing to present the results to the Iowa City City Council. Additionally, Nagle-Gamm noted that staff are working on developing a long-term plan that will consider Iowa City’s climate action goals and the necessary steps needed to achieve them. McClatchey stated that Cambus submitted a Low- or No-Emission grant application to expand and modify maintenance facilities. McClatchey stated that this grant would make space for police services and help cover the cost of six electric buses. Additionally, Cambus received an award that would pay for automated passenger counters. Hayworth gave an update on the pop-up metro presentation. Rummel shared that Iowa City Transit intends to update its surveillance cameras by mid- summer. Additionally, Rummel noted that four new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at both the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp and the Dubuque Street Ramp. The remaining stations will be undergoing expansion soon. 10. ADJOURNMENT Nagle-Gamm moved to adjourn the meeting; Havel seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Ralston adjourned the meeting at 11:09 AM. Date: To: From: Re: October 29, 2024 Transportation Technical Advisory Committee Kent Ralston; Executive Director Agenda Item #3: Consider a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding safety target setting and performance measures for the MPO as required by the Federal Highway Administration As you may recall, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) now requires that MPO’s set targets for five safety performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program and report them to the State DOT by February 27th each year. For each measure, we will need to choose one of the following options: 1) support the State’s targets (below) by agreeing to plan and program projects so that they contribute to the accomplishment of the State’s target for each performance measure, or 2) set our own quantifiable target for each measure within our metropolitan area. Similar to the safety target setting, the FHWA also requires that MPO’s set targets for pavement, bridge, and system reliability performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program and report them to the State DOT every two-years. Previously, the MPO unanimously chose to support the State’s two and four-year targets (below). Since that time, and as part of the State’s two-year review and update to the FHWA, the DOT revised three of the adopted four-year performance measures. 2 Subsequently, for each of the adjusted four-year targets, we will also need to choose one of the following options: 1) support the State’s adjusted four-year targets by agreeing to plan and program projects so that they contribute to the accomplishment of the State’s adjusted targets for the performance measure, or 2) set our own quantifiable target for each measure within our metropolitan area. In either event, we are required to state how our annual projects programmed in our Transportation Improvement Program show progress towards meeting the adopted targets and provide similar information about how projects are satisfying the performance measures in our next required update to the Long Range Transportation Plan in 2027. While MPO targets are not formally evaluated to measure annual progress toward meeting adopted targets, the State’s targets will be reviewed by the FHWA. Similar to past years, I recommend that we adopt the State’s targets. If at any time we feel that creating our own local targets would provide an additional benefit, we will have an opportunity to do so each year. As in years past, staff does not see a clear benefit to adopting our own criteria. I have attached supporting information from the Iowa DOT for your reference. Please be prepared to consider this item and provide a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board. I will be at your November 5th meeting to answer any questions you may have. Date: October 29, 2024 To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Emily Bothell; Senior Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #4: Consider a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) scoring criteria for funds allocated by MPOJC MPOJC grant applications for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funding will be available in February 2025. Before we begin the grant application process, we would like the Committee to review the adopted STBG, TAP, and CRP scoring criteria (attached). These scoring criteria were last reviewed and approved by the Urbanized Area Policy Board in November 2022 for the 2023 grant application cycle. In addition to evaluating grant applications, these criteria were also utilized to score and rank projects included in the MPOJC 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, which was adopted in May 2022. The criteria align with the 'Guiding Principles' outlined in the MPOJC 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan, ensuring that the MPO is funding projects that meet the organization’s goals. Please be prepared to make a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding the STBG, TAP, and CRP scoring criteria. Revisions may include any changes that the Committee considers appropriate. However, staff recommends that any modifications to the scoring criteria align with the 'Guiding Principles' in the adopted Long Range Transportation Plan. Please keep in mind that the scoring criteria is just one tool for assessing and comparing potential grant-funded projects. The Policy Board is not obligated to award funding solely based on project scores. I will be available at your meeting on November 5th to answer any questions you may have. Surface Transportation Block Grant , Transportation Alternatives Program , and Carbon Reduction Program Scoring Criteria MPOJC Policy Board Approved November 16, 2022 1: Economic Opportunity – Supports metro area growth, innovation, job creation, and productivity A. Project improves/provides direct access to planned growth area, existing jobs, or retail +5 B. Project involves more than one MPO jurisdiction +1 each (Points Possible: 7) Total Points Possible: 12 (13%) Score: 2: Environment1 – Preserves and protects our natural resources, including land, water and air quality A. Project promotes air quality improvements via congestion reduction through one or more of the following: Geometric improvements (physical improvements that improve motorist operations), ITS/signalization improvements, Reduction of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), Improvement to turning movements +1 each (Points Possible: 4) B. Project preserves the natural environment through Stormwater Management practices such as: Incorporating permeable pavements, bioretention, soil restoration, etc. +1 each (Points Possible: 3) Total Points Possible: 7 (8%) Score: 3: Quality of Life – Enhances livability and creates vibrant and appealing places that serve residents throughout their lives A. Project directly enhances safe route(s) to school, or improves transportation choices for locations specifically serving multi-family developments or elderly populations +5 Total Points Possible: 5 (5%) Score: 4: System Preservation – Maintained in good and reliable condition A. Maintenance or improvement to existing facility/infrastructure +5 Total Points Possible: 5 (5%) Score: 5: Efficiency – Builds a well-connected transportation network and coordinating land use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles travelled, and fossil fuel consumption A. Project in a corridor with existing congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak hours according to the adopted MPO Travel Demand Model) +7 B. Project in a corridor with forecasted future congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak hours according to adopted MPO Travel Demand Model, LOS map is attached) +7 Total Points Possible: 14 (15%) Score: 6: Choice – Offers multi-modal transportation options that are affordable and accessible A. Project is on existing bus route (bus route map is attached) +3 B. Separated trail or wide sidewalk (8’ or wider) +3 C. Project reduces modal conflict (pedestrian hybrid beacons, grade separation, dedicated bicycle lanes or sharrows, bus pull-off, etc.) +3 Total Points Possible: 9 (10%) Score: 7: Safety – Designed and maintained to enhance the safety and security of all users A. History involving two or more documented bicycle or pedestrian collisions in the last five years (collision maps are attached) +7 B. Top 25 highest MPO accident locations or top 10 highest accident mid-blocks in last three years (accident tables are attached) +7 OR C. Sight distance or related safety issue documented by an expert (planner/engineer) +7 Total Points Possible for A&B: 14 (15%) OR Total Points Possible for C: 7 Score: 8: Health – Invites and enhances healthy and active lifestyles A. Project extends regional trail network (map is attached) +3 B. Project addresses critical gap in the regional trail network +5 Total Points Possible: 8 (9%) Score: 9: Equity2 – Provides access and opportunity for all people and neighborhoods A. Project improves transportation network in lower-income neighborhoods +5 B. Focus of the project is to correct ADA non-compliance +3 Total Points Possible: 8 (9%) Score: 10: Local Commitment – Gauges local commitment to the project including local and/or state funds pledged A. Local match 20.1% - 30% +1 B. Local match 30.1% - 40% +3 C. Local match 40.1% - 50% +5 D. Local match 50.1% - 60% +7 E. Local match 60.1% - or more +9 Total Points Possible: 9 (10%) Score: Total Score: 1Not used to score Transportation Alternatives Program or Carbon Reduction Program projects 2Lower-income neighborhoods are defined as being at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) by block group. Source: 2020 Decennial Census Date: October 29, 2024 To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Emily Bothell; Senior Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #5: Discussion regarding potential Federal Functional Classification changes for MPOJC Urbanized Area roadways The MPOJC grant application for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding will be available in February 2025. These federal funds can only be used for roadways classified as collectors or higher on the Federal Functional Classification (FFC) system. To prepare for the grant solicitation, staff requests that each community review the current FFC map and submit any necessary revisions by November 30, 2024. The functional classification system categorizes roadways into five classes, identifying which roads qualify as Federal Aid Routes. The classes, ranked from highest to lowest, are: interstates, principal arterials, minor arterials, collectors, and local streets. Higher-classified roadways offer better mobility but provide limited access to individual properties, while lower-classified roadways allow greater access to properties but offer less overall mobility. To be included in the FFC system, roadways must demonstrate a high level of transportation connectivity within your jurisdiction. Roadways that do not show this connectivity or new roadways not included in a community’s Capital Improvement Program will not be approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, only 35% of the total road mileage within the urban area can be designated within the Federal Functional Classification System. Please review the current FFC map (link below) and identify any roadways you would like to add to the system and/or request revisions including classification adjustments or removals. Once staff receives these requests, we will work with the Iowa DOT to obtain 'pre-approval'. After receiving 'pre-approval' from the DOT, staff will present a recommendation to the Committee and Urbanized Area Policy Board for final approval. I will be available at your meeting on November 5th to answer any questions you may have. Link to the Highway Network Interactive Map: https://iowadot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ee5e09b37329492587f8dd 4dca4f8e75 Date: October 29, 2024 To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director Re: Agenda Item #6: Update on the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study Last fall the MPO Policy Board gave staff direction to hire a consultant to complete a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Feasibility study on approximately 9.0 miles of the CRANDIC freight rail line between Penn Street in North Liberty and Burlington Street in Iowa City. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) and Nelson Nygaard were awarded the contract and the study was led by a steering committee comprised of representation from Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Johnson County, the University of Iowa, CRANDIC Railroad, the Iowa DOT, and Greater Iowa City, Inc. The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of providing BRT service in the study corridor and to make comparisons with previous passenger rail studies conducting in the same corridor (completed in 2020). The study is now complete and confirms that converting the existing freight rail line for BRT service is feasible. Following are key take-aways from the study: • A two-tier screening process was utilized to determine a final set of alternatives with differing start/end points. Tier 1 screening compared 8 alternatives against 18 criteria and Tier 2 screening compared 3 final alternatives against 11 additional criteria to develop a final alternative. • The final alternative would provide weekday service on 15-minute frequencies during peak hours servicing a total of 18 stops and an end-to-end travel time of 27 minutes. Service is reduced to 30-minute frequencies on nights and weekends. • Total daily ridership is estimated at 3,665 in 2024 increasing to 4,360 in 2045. For comparison, Iowa City Transit had a weekday average ridership of 3,443 in FY23. • Total estimated capital cost for implementation is $92 million which includes 7 new 40’ electric buses and charging equipment, a new maintenance facility, necessary improvements to the fixed guideway and crossings, stop platforms/improvements, park and ride facilities, a new north transit center, and a 10’ wide adjacent trail facility (where not currently present). The cost estimate does not include payment to CRANDIC for the purchase or lease of the tracks. • Total estimated annual operations and maintenance cost is $2.35 million and is based on annual costs from Iowa City, Coralville, and Cambus transit systems. A formal presentation will be provided to the MPOJC Policy Board at their November 13th meeting. The presentation slides will be provided to you at your November 5th meeting for reference. I will be available at your meeting to answer any questions you may have. Date: October 29, 2024 To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #7: Update on the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant On December 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the MPO a $300,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to create a Safety Action Plan focused on reducing roadway deaths and serious injuries. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the SS4A discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. SS4A program grants go directly to regional, local, and Tribal communities for implementation, planning, and demonstration projects driven at the local level to improve safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. The adoption of a Safety Action Plan will in turn make urbanized area communities eligible for demonstration and implementation grants through the same program to correct issues identified in the Plan. At its November 13 meeting, the Urbanized Area Policy Board will vote to approve a contract to accept funds, which will allow the MPO to publish a request for proposals for a consultant to complete the Safety Action Plan. The MPO will be in touch with communities in late November regarding matching funds and other details. Members of the TTAC will serve as an advisory committee in shaping the plan.