HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.25.25 TTAC Agenda Packet
MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
Tuesday March 25, 2025 – 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
Locally Determined Projects for the FY2026 Transportation Planning Work Program
4. Consider a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding MPOJC
Surface Transportation Block Grant, Transportation Alternatives Program, and Carbon
Reduction Program funding allocations
5. Update regarding the MPOJC FY2026 Transit Program of Projects
6. Update on the MPOJC Long Range Transportation Plan revision process
7. Update on metro area bicycle and pedestrian collision data
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, JANUARY 21, 2025 - 10:30 AM
CITY OF IOWA CITY – EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Scott Larson, Kelly Hayworth, Vicky Robrock
Iowa City: Scott Sovers, Ron Knoche, Mark Rummel,
Darian Nagle-Gamm, Jason Havel
North Liberty: Josiah Bilskemper, Ryan Rusnak
University Heights: Troy Kelsay
University of Iowa: Mia Brunelli
Johnson County: Dawn Alam, Ed Bartels
Tiffin: Doug Boldt
Iowa DOT: Sam Shea
STAFF PRESENT: Emily Bothell, Sarah Walz, Madelyn Stoen
1. CALL TO ORDER
Bothell called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM.
a. Recognize alternates
Ed Bartels was recognized as an alternate for Greg Parker (Johnson County).
b. Consider approval of meeting minutes
Knoche moved to approve, Larson seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY
BOARD REGARDING FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5307
TRANSIT OPERATING FORMULA FUNDING APPORTIONMENT FOR FY2024
Stoen explained that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has indicated that
MPOJC has a total of $4,954,667 available in FY2024 Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) Section 5307 operating assistance, which can be used for transit operating and
capital expenses. This amount includes Small Transit Intensive Communities (STIC)
funding.
Stoen explained that for more than 10 years, MPOJC has used the same local formula to
distribute these funds based on prior year transit statistics from each of the three systems:
25% operating/maintenance costs, 25% locally determined income (LDI), 25% revenue
miles, and 25% fare revenue. Prior to going fare-free on August 1st, 2023, Iowa City Transit
requested a review of the formula.
Stoen stated that after discussions with transit managers, the consensus was to adopt a
fixed percentage-based allocation to be used through FY27. Based on historic averages,
the Board approved the following fixed percentages to apportion FTA 5307 funds at their
July 2023 meeting: Coralville 16.10%, Iowa City 60.50%, and University of Iowa Cambus
23.40%. These percentages can be reviewed if or when there are major changes to any
of the transit systems.
Stoen noted the proposed apportionments for each agency for FY24:
• Coralville Transit: $797,701
• Iowa City Transit: $2,997,574
• University of Iowa Cambus: $1,159,392
Stoen asked for a recommendation to approve the FY24 FTA 5307 apportionments to the
Urbanized Area Policy Board.
Nagle-Gamm moved to approve; Hayworth seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE MPOJC POLICY BOARD REGARDING
THE MPOJC SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT, TRANSPORTATION
ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM, AND CARBON REDUCTION PROGRAM GRANT
FUNDING PROCESS
Bothell explained that MPOJC typically conducts the competitive grant process biennially,
with 2025 marking the next grant cycle year. This grant funding process has been
preferred by this Committee and the Urbanized Area Policy Board as it allows for two
years of funds to be distributed, allowing projects to receive larger funding awards.
Bothell stated that MPOJC staff anticipates approximately $10 million in Surface
Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding will be available for programming in FY2029-
2030, approximately $2 million in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding will
be available for programming in FY2027-FY2030, and approximately $3 million in Carbon
Reduction Program (CRP) funding will be available for programming in FY2026-2030.
Bothell noted that the 2025 grant funding process is expected to follow the tentative grant
funding timeline:
• February 3, 2025 – Notice of funding opportunity emailed to all jurisdictions.
• February 24, 2025 – STBG, TAP, and CRP applications due by 5:00 pm.
• March 5, 2025 – Regional Trails and Bicycle Committee (RTBC) meeting to review
and discuss projects.
• March 18, 2025 – Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) meeting to
review projects and provide a recommendation on funding allocations to the Urbanized
Area Policy Board (UAPB).
• May 2025 – UAPB meeting to review projects and approve funding allocations.
• July 2025 – Final FY2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program presented to
the UAPB for adoption.
Bothell asked for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding the
grant funding timeline.
Rusnak moved to approve; Havel seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
5. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE MPOJC POLICY BOARD REGARDING
PARTICIPATION IN THE IOWA DOT PAVEMENT DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM
Bothell explained that the Institute for Transportation at Iowa State University developed
the Iowa Pavement Management Program (IPMP) to establish a comprehensive system
for managing pavement conditions across all roads in the state. The Iowa Department o f
Transportation (DOT) funds the collection of pavement condition data every four years for
local routes. Bothell noted that local agencies, such as Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPOs), have the option to purchase pavement condition data for local
routes every four years, allowing for a two-year data collection cycle. Pavement condition
data was last collected on local routes in the metro area in 2023, funded through the
Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG). The next scheduled data collection, funded
by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), is set for 2025.
Bothell stated that if the MPO choses to participate in the program in 2027, the estimated
cost will be between $45,000 and $60,000. Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG)
funding would be utilized to cover this expense.
The cities of Iowa City and Coralville both expressed interest in participation in the
program, stating that they have found the data useful.
Bothell asked the Committee for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board
regarding participation in the program.
Knoche moved to recommend, Boldt seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
6. UPDATE ON THE MPOJC FY26 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM &
FY26-29 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULES
Walz stated that the Work Program includes all state and federally required planning
processes and documentation, ongoing and routine projects, and special projects
requested by member entities. Walz noted that the solicitation for Work Program projects
begins in February and that if communities have projects in mind for the Work Program,
they should reach out to MPO staff. The Work Program must be submitted to the Iowa
Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal
Transit Administration by March 31st, 2025. The Urbanized Area Policy Board will consider
the final Work Program in May.
Walz explained that the MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the
programming document for federally funded transportation improvements within the Iowa
City Urbanized Area, including streets, highways, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian
projects. Walz stated that this spring, the Urbanized Area Policy Board will allocate
approximately $10 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds, $2 million
in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds, and $3 million in Carbon Reduction
Program (CRP) funds which will be reflected in the FY26-FY29 TIP. The Urbanized Area
Policy board will consider the final Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for adoption
in July.
7. UPDATE ON THE SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT
Walz reminded the Committee that MPOJC was awarded a $300,000 Safe Streets and
Roads for All (SS4A) grant to create a Safety Action Plan in December 2023. The Request
for Proposals from consulting firms to assist in the creation of the Safety Action Plan was
published on January 10th, 2025. Walz stated that once the Requests for Proposals have
been received, staff would seek input from Committee members on the selection of a firm
and feedback throughout the creation of the plan. The MPO will also be in contact with
city managers regarding the matching funds required for the grant.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Havel stated that the City of Iowa City is in the study phase for the Burlington Street Bridge
project. There is an upcoming public meeting to discuss the project. They hope to
complete the study phase by the end of this year.
Sovers explained that the Gilbert Street bridge project is now complete and open to traffic.
The Rochester Avenue project is also mostly complete, with limited work remaining at the
Rochester Avenue and 1st Avenue intersection. Upcoming street projects include Court
Street, Muscatine Avenue, and North Gilbert Street.
Kelsay stated that work is being done on Melrose Avenue near the west edge of University
Heights.
Larson stated that the new section of the Oakdale Boulevard extension is now open. They
noted that the City of Coralville has received a grant to construct a roundabout at the
intersection of Heartland Drive and Commerce Drive.
Bilskemper explained that Ranshaw Way improvements near Hawkeye Drive are
expected to begin in 2027. The City of North Liberty is in the design stages for a
roundabout at Forevergreen Road and Jasper Avenue. Bilskemper stated that the city
also plans to add a wide sidewalk along Penn Street and North Liberty Road, connecting
pedestrians to the high school.
Bartels extended an invitation to the Johnson County Safety Action Plan workshop on
February 26th, 2025.
Brunelli stated that progress is being made on the design of the new Cambus maintenance
facility, having recently cleared the environmental review process with the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA). It is expected that the design phase will be completed this summer.
Nagle-Gamm updated the Committee on the Iowa City transit facility. This new facility, to
be located near Terry Trueblood, is currently in the early design stage. Nagle-Gamm noted
that Iowa City Transit ridership is up, seeing a further 26% increase to ridership after the
implementation of the fare free program. This increase sets up the Iowa City Transit
system to have seen a 70% increase in ridership by the end of the fare free pilot. Iowa
City Transit is also beginning its bus stop improvement program.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Nagle-Gamm moved to adjourn, Knoche seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Bothell adjourned the meeting at 11:00 AM.
Date: March 18, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #3: Consider a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board
regarding Locally Determined Projects for the MPOJC FY2026 Transportation Planning
Work Program
Each spring we compile a list of Transportation Planning Work Program projects for the upcoming
fiscal year. While this exercise is required by the Federal Highway Administration and Iowa
Department of Transportation, we also utilize it to schedule and plan ahead for the data collection
and research necessary to complete requested projects. The attachment lists the requested work
program projects we have received to-date from Committee members and other staff.
We are aware that additional projects and data collection needs will come up during the
year. While we are usually able to fit smaller unscheduled projects into our work – more significant
projects proposed during the year may not be able to be completed. If major projects are proposed
that would disrupt the Work Program, we typically discuss them with the Urbanized Area Policy
Board before committing significant staff time to them.
Please review the list of attached projects and let us know of any additions or clarifications. We
will augment this list with regularly-occurring projects and state and federally-required
transportation planning work, and bring the full Work Program to you at your next meeting for
consideration.
Please consider a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding the locally
determined projects for the FY26 Transportation Planning Work Program.
I will be available at your March 25th meeting to answer any questions you have.
Requested FY26 Work Program Projects
# Project Request Entity
1 Assist with two-way conversion of Jefferson and Market Streets Havel Iowa City
2 Perform traffic signal timing review and adjustment as needed Havel Iowa City
3 Complete signal warrants and intersection analyses as needed Havel Iowa City
4 Assist with application(s) for signal funding for the Dodge Street Reconstruction
Project
Havel Iowa City
5 Evaluation of snow emergency policies as they apply to on-street parking, towing, etc. Havel Iowa City
6 Review of traffic studies for developments and University projects Havel Iowa City
7 Contribute to the study and design phases of the Burlington Street Bridge project Havel Iowa City
8 Review signage and pavement marking plans for public improvement projects Havel Iowa City
9 Continue Bike Master Plan implementation Ralston Iowa City
10 Assist with GIS mapping Ralston Iowa City
11 Assist with grant writing for Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funding Ralston MPOJC
12 Review of development proposals as needed Ralston MPOJC
13 Perform onboard transit survey Robrock Coralville
14 Assist with Federal Transit Administration triennial review Robrock Coralville
15 Assist with setting a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) program goal Robrock Coralville
16 Perform traffic studies as requested Larson Coralville
17 Evaluate school-related traffic concerns as needed Larson Coralville
18 Assist with evaluating pavement management systems and data Larson Coralville
19 Perform traffic signal timing review and adjustment as needed Larson Coralville
20 Collect a trail count at the 1st Avenue / I-80 interchange Larson Coralville
21 Assist with transportation funding grant applications as needed Larson Coralville
22 Perform traffic studies as requested Rusnak North Liberty
23 Collect traffic data at: Hwy 382 at city limits and High Ridge Trail, Racine at 180th and
at Hwy 382, Cedar Street south of Main Street, and Stinocher at Hwy 1 and 5th Street
Rasmussen Solon
24 Assist with a traffic evaluation on Ireland Avenue south of railroad tracks Boldt Tiffin
25 Assist with an intersection analysis at S. Park Road / Village Drive Boldt Tiffin
26 Review of Hwy 6 from two-lanes to three-lanes from Main Street to Roundabout Boldt Tiffin
27 Perform traffic studies as requested From University Heights
28 Evaluate school-related traffic concerns as needed From University Heights
Date: March 18, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Emily Bothell; Senior Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #4: Consider a Recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board
regarding MPOJC Surface Transportation Block Grant, Transportation Alternatives
Program, and Carbon Reduction Program Funding Allocations
MPOJC manages a biennial grant process to distribute funding from the Surface Transportation
Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction
Program (CRP). For this funding cycle, the available amounts for programming are summarized
below, along with a list of the applications that have been received.
Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG): $10,412,327 for programming in FY29-FY30
1. Iowa City and the University of Iowa: Burlington Street Bridge – Building Better
Connections Project
2. North Liberty and Coralville: Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP): $2,107,999 for programming in FY27-FY30
1. Iowa City: North Dodge Street Improvements Project (Pedestrian Facilities)
2. North Liberty: West Forevergreen Road Trail (Covered Bridge Road to South Jasper
Avenue)
3. Coralville: Iowa River Trail Connection
4. Coralville: North Ridge Trail Reconstruction
Carbon Reduction Program (CRP): $3,077,209 for programming in FY26-FY30
1. University Heights: Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project
2. North Liberty: Dubuque Street Improvements – Phase 3
3. Iowa City: Iowa River Trail – West Bank
4. North Liberty: Ranshaw Way Phase 6 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvements
5. Coralville and Johnson County: Dubuque Street NE & Forevergreen Road Roundabout
Attached is a summary of each project submitted for each funding program, the final project
scores, and the scoring criteria used. This Committee may, by motion, amend any of the project
scores at the March 25th meeting. Project scores are meant to be one tool for consideration in
your deliberations and funding recommendations need not be based solely on scores.
Additionally, funding cannot be apportioned strictly according to the population of the MPOJC
municipalities.
Due to the size of the applications, they are not included in this packet but are available for
review using the following link: https://www.icgov.org/government/departments-and-
divisions/metropolitan-planning-organization-of-johnson-county/what-we-do/state-and-federal-
funds
Please be prepared to consider a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
regarding the apportionment of STBG, TAP, and CRP funding.
2
Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Applications
1. Iowa City and the University of Iowa
Burlington Street Bridge – Building Better Connections Project
Description: Replacement of two Burlington Street/Highway 1 bridges over the Iowa River,
reconstruction of portions of Grand Avenue, Byington Road, and Melrose Avenue to allow
for two-way traffic, bicycle facilities and pedestrian accommodations, and rehabilitation/
replacement of the pedestrian overpasses that cross Riverside Drive and Grand Avenue.
Total Project Cost: $70,000,000
Requesting: $10,000,000 in STBG funding
2. North Liberty and Coralville
Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2
Description: The joint project between the Cities of North Liberty and Coralville would
construct Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2 from the western limits of the eastern
section of future Forevergreen Road extension – Phase 1 to Naples Avenue. The
intersection of Forevergreen Road/Naples Avenue is planned as a roundabout. The newly
constructed urban section would include two vehicle travels lanes, a 10-foot-wide off-street
multi-use trail on the north side, and a storm system.
Total Project Cost: $6,795,000
Requesting: $2,264,000 in STBG funding
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Applications
1. Iowa City and the Iowa Department of Transportation
North Dodge Street Improvements Project (Pedestrian Facilities)
Description: This project will include sidewalk, curb ramp, and crosswalk improvements
within the Dodge Street corridor from Burlington Street to Governor Street.
Total Project Cost: $707,600
Requesting: $565,372 in TAP funding
2. North Liberty
West Forevergreen Road Trail (Covered Bridge Road to South Jasper Avenue)
Description: The project proposes constructing 4,680 linear feet of 8-foot-wide, multi-use trail
along the south side of West Forevergreen Road, which is classified as a major arterial
roadway. The trail would be constructed out of portland cement concrete (PCC) and would
extend from the western edge of the Fox Valley Subdivision to the east terminus of the west
Forevergreen Road/South Jasper Avenue roundabout.
Total Project Cost: $832,000
Requesting: $465,500 in TAP funding
3
3. Coralville
Iowa River Trail Connection
Description: This project will construct a 0.45 mile long section of 12 foot wide concrete trail
from the 1st Avenue trail, stretching along the north side of the Iowa River Landing, and
connecting to the Iowa River Trail by the Iowa River.
Total Project Cost: $575,000
Requesting: $347,750 in TAP funding
4. Coralville
North Ridge Trail Reconstruction
Description: This project will replace a 0.24 mile long section of the existing deteriorated
asphalt trail with a 10 foot wide concrete trail. It will also include the addition of a 105’ long
section of new 8’ wide sidewalk crossing CRANDIC railroad along the south side of
Forevergreen Road.
Total Project Cost: $385,000
Requesting: $303,620 in TAP funding
Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) Applications
1. University Heights
Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project
Description: Modify the existing Melrose Avenue corridor from Sunset Street to the east city
limit to create a complete street facility that extends on-street bike lanes from Iowa City, re-
aligns the north and south legs of the intersection with Koser/Golfview Avenue to improve
safety in the area, improves crosswalks, adds additional roadway/pedestrian lighting, install
new traffic signals and pedestrian buttons to current design standards.
Total Project Cost: $3,345,000
Requesting: $1,175,000 CRP funding
2. North Liberty
Dubuque Street Improvements – Phase 3
Description: The project would reconstruct Dubuque Street within the City of North Liberty
from just south of the East Cherry Street intersection (Dubuque Street Phase 1 limits) to just
south of the East Zeller Street intersection (future Dubuque Street Phase 2 limits). Existing
conditions include a two-lane asphalt roadway in varying condition, with minimal gravel
shoulders and open ditches. The reconstructed urban section would include two vehicle
travel lanes, a new roundabout at a busy intersection, a storm sewer system, and relocating
overhead utilities underground. The project will also reconstruct the existing 4-foot-wide
sidewalks to 5-feet-wide within the project area, which will include ADA compliant curb
ramps. The existing 10-foot wide multi-use trail on the east side would remain.
Total Project Cost: $4,495,000
Requesting: $1,765,000 in CRP funding
4
3. Iowa City
Iowa River Trail – West Bank
Description: Construction of a 10-foot-wide trail/wide sidewalk along the west bank of the
Iowa River and Riverside Drive/Old Highway 218.
Total Project Cost: $4,250,000
Requesting: $2,876,400 in CRP funding
4. North Liberty
Ranshaw Way Phase 6 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvements
Description: The project would fund the construction of the proposed pedestrian tunnel in
conjunction with the Ranshaw Way (Hwy 965) Phase 6 project, which is planned for City
Fiscal Year 2027. The City was awarded Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
(STBG) funding in 2021 in the amount of 3.9 million dollars of the estimated 11.3 million
dollar cost for the project, which will reconstruct Ranshaw Way from Hawkeye Drive south to
Forevergreen Road, a section of roadway approximately 4,000 feet (.76 mile) in length.
Existing conditions include a mostly two vehicle lane roadway in varying condition, with
gravel shoulders and open ditches. Notably, there are no pedestrian or bicycle
accommodations along this roadway section.
Total Project Cost: $2,470,000
Requesting: $877,000 in CRP funding
5. Coralville and Johnson County
Dubuque Street NE & Forevergreen Road Roundabout
Description: Construct a four-legged, single-lane roundabout to create a new intersection of
Dubuque Street NE, Rustic Ridge NE, and Forevergreen Road. Includes a 10’ shared use
path along the north side of Forevergreen Road that will connect to the Dubuque Street
Trail.
Total Project Cost: $2,829,000
Requesting: $1,585,371 in CRP funding
Summary of Applications for MPOJC
FY29-FY30 Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Funding
Funds requested: $12,264,000
Applicant Project Description 1a 1b 2a 2b 3 4 5a 5b 6a 6b 6c 7a 7b 7c 8a 8b 9a 9b 10 Total
Total Project
Cost
Local Match
Pledge
Previous
MPOJC Funding
STBG Funds
Requested
1 Iowa City & the
University of Iowa
Burlington Street Bridge –
Building Better Connections
Project
Yes Yes 5 3 3 0 5 5 0 0 3 3 3 7 7 0 0 0 5 0 9 58 70,000,000$ 42,000,000$ 7,300,000$ 10,000,000$
2 North Liberty &
Coralville
Forevergreen Road Extension –
Phase 2 No Yes 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 19 6,795,000$ 3,411,000$ -$ 2,264,000$
Total 12,264,000$
Shortfall (1,851,673)$
Approximate Funds Available: $10,412,327
Projects
FFC LRTP
Scoring Criteria Funding
Summary of Applications for MPOJC
FY27-30 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funding
Funds requested: $1,682,242
Applicant Project Description 1a 1b 2a 2b 3 4 5a 5b 6a 6b 6c 7a 7b 7c 8a 8b 9a 9b 10 Total
Total Project
Cost
Local Match
Pledge
Previous
MPOJC Funding
TAP Funds
Requested
1 Iowa City North Dodge Street Improvements
Project (Pedestrian Facilities)2027 Yes 5 2 X X 5 5 0 0 3 3 3 0 7 0 0 0 5 0 1 39 707,600$ 142,228$ -$ 565,372$
2 North Liberty
West Forevergreen Road Trail
(Covered Bridge Road to South
Jasper Avenue)
2027 No 5 2 X X 0 0 0 7 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 3 25 832,000$ 200,500$ -$ 465,500$
3 Coralville Iowa River Trail Connection 2028 No 5 1 X X 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 0 3 25 575,000$ 187,250$ -$ 347,750$
4 Coralville North Ridge Trail Reconstruction 2027 Yes 5 1 X X 5 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 20 385,000$ 76,380$ -$ 303,620$
Total 1,682,242$
Surplus 425,757$
Approximate Funds Available: $2,107,999
Projects
LRTP
Scoring Criteria
Year
Funding
Summary of Applications for MPOJC
FY26-30 Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) Funding
Funds requested: $8,278,771
Applicant Project Description 1a 1b 2a 2b 3 4 5a 5b 6a 6b 6c 7a 7b 7c 8a 8b 9a 9b 10 Total
Total Project
Cost
Local Match
Pledge
Previous
MPOJC Funding
CRP Funds
Requested
1 University Heights Melrose Avenue Complete Streets
Project 2026 Yes 5 1 X X 0 5 7 7 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 39 3,345,000$ 815,000$ 730,000$ 1,175,000$
2 North Liberty Dubuque Street Improvements –
Phase 3 2030 Yes 5 1 X X 5 5 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 7 34 4,495,000$ 1,775,000$ -$ 1,765,000$
3 Iowa City Iowa River Trail – West Bank 2030 Yes 5 1 X X 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 7 0 3 0 5 0 1 28 4,250,000$ 723,600$ -$ 2,876,400$
4 North Liberty Ranshaw Way Phase 6 Pedestrian
Tunnel Improvements 2027 Yes 5 1 X X 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 19 2,470,000$ 881,000$ -$ 877,000$
5 Coralville and
Johnson County
Dubuque Street NE &
Forevergreen Road Roundabout
2026/
2027 Yes 5 2 X X 0 5 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 19 2,829,000$ 568,629$ 675,000$ 1,585,371$
Total 8,278,771$
Shortfall (5,201,562)$
Approximate Funds Available: $3,077,209
Projects
LRTP
Scoring Criteria Funding
Year
Surface Transportation Block Grant , Transportation Alternatives
Program , and Carbon Reduction Program Scoring Criteria
MPOJC Policy Board Approved November 20, 2024
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 and Carbon Reduction Program projects.
2Lower-income neighborhoods are defined as being at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) by block group.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020).
Date: March 18, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Hannah Neel, Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #5: Update regarding the MPOJC FY2026 Transit Program of Projects
Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, and University of Iowa Cambus are programming projects
for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds in FY2026. These tables will be provided to you
at your March 25th meeting for review. The projects will also be included in the FY2026 Iowa
Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transit Funding applications MPOJC completes
for each transit system and in the FY2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Not every project listed in the Program of Projects will be funded; however, to be eligible for
federal funding, projects must be included.
This information is being distributed to you for your review and will be included in the draft
FY2026-2029 MPOJC TIP which will be presented to you at your May meeting. All three transit
agencies will hold public hearings and have their Program of Projects approved as part of their
Consolidated Funding Applications process by May 1.
Please contact me at hneel@iowa-city.org or at 319-356-5235 if you have any questions or
comments.
Date: March 18, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Madelyn Stoen, Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #6: Update on MPOJC Long Range Transportation Plan revision process
The MPOJC Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is a transportation planning document
designed to help guide decision making about transportation improvements and transportation
funding into the future. The LRTP is a compilation of plans and visions for all modes of
transportation (vehicle, transit, pedestrian, and bicycle) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area (Iowa
City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, University Heights, and portions of unincorporated Johnson
County). It includes elements such as community transit and bike/pedestrian plans, the MPOJC
arterial streets plan, population projections, historic transportation perspectives and background,
a summary of community transportation visions, existing and forecasted arterial street
deficiencies, and a fiscally constrained list of future transportation projects.
Per federal requirements, MPOs must update their Long Range Transportation Plans at least
every five years in order to receive federal funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (IIJA). In order to present the final plan to the MPOJC Urban Area Policy Board for adoption
in May 2027, the revision process will begin in July 2025. This is an update to Connecting
Communities 2050: Long Range Transportation Plan which was adopted in May 2022.
Throughout the revision process, staff will reach out to member communities for data and a list of
capital transportation infrastructure needs/projects for the years 2027-2055 to be considered for
inclusion in the plan. There will also be many opportunities for public engagement, and staff will
present updates to this Committee and the Urban Area Policy Board throughout this process.
The current Long Range Transportation Plan can be found here:
https://www.icgov.org/home/showpublisheddocument/1495/638261418400230000
I will be present at your March 25th meeting for any questions you may have.
Date: March 18, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner
RE: Agenda Item #7: Update on Metro Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Data
Ensuring the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians is a key priority for the MPO and its
member communities. Collision data is instrumental in identifying high-risk intersections and
corridors, developing safety strategies, and prioritizing improvements. This data also plays a
role in evaluating grant applications (e.g., TAP and STBG), helping to determine which
infrastructure projects should be prioritized. Additionally, the MPO’s Long Range Transportation
Plan uses bicycle and pedestrian collision data as a performance measure to track our progress
in improving safety.
The charts below show trends in reported bicycle and pedestrian collisions within the Urbanized
Area over time, including the severity of injuries. These data are sourced from the Iowa
Department of Transportation’s Crash Analysis Tool and represent incidents that occurred
within public street rights-of-way, including sidewalks. Collisions on I-80/380 or U.S.
Highway 218 are removed.
Bicycle Collisions
Figure 1 displays the number of bicycle crashes annually since 2012. From 2015-2023, the
number of bicycle collisions in the metro area generally decreased, dropping more than 60%
between 2016 and 2020. The significant reduction in crashes during 2020 is likely due to
COVID-19 restrictions.
While 2023 saw a notable decline in both total collisions and those resulting in serious injuries
or fatalities, the number of bicycle collisions surged by more than 60% in 2024. The number of
collisions resulting in injuries (Figure 2) reached the highest level since 2016, along with an
increase in the percentage of collisions causing serious injury or death. Whether this rise is due
to a combination of factors, an anomaly, or the beginning of a longer-term trend is uncertain.
Figure 3 compares bicycle collision data and the resulting severe injuries and fatalities from the
past five years (2020-2024) with the preceding five years (2015-2019).
While 74% of reported bicycle collisions occur within Iowa City’s municipal limits, collisions have
also been reported across the urbanized area, including 4 in North Liberty, 2 in Tiffin, and 5 in
Coralville.
2
23
30 30 27 26
16 20 21
12 11
17
12
24
3
1 1 3 6
2
2 2
2 1
1
4
1
1
1
1
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metro Area Bicycle Injuries
Minor Serious Fatal
Figure 1: Total annual bicycle collisions and percentage of incidents that result in
serious injury or fatality, 2012-2024.
Figure 2: The total annual number of injuries resulting from bicycle collisions, 2012-2024.
3
2015-2019 2020-2024 Trend
Bicycle Collisions 195 126 $
Serious Injury 15 8 $
Fatality 2 2 =
Figure 3: Comparisons of 5-year bicycle collision totals and resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Pedestrian Collisions
Figure 4 illustrates the number of pedestrian collisions annually since 2012. Similar to bicycle
collisions, pedestrian collisions in the metro area began to decrease around 2016, showing a
more than 60% reduction from 2016 to 2020. Although 2023 saw a significant drop in pedestrian
collisions, the number of pedestrian collisions surged by over 95% in 2024. The number of
collisions resulting in injury (Figure 5) reached its highest point, coinciding with an increase in
the percentage of collisions leading to serious injury or fatalities (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Total annual pedestrian collisions and percentage of collisions resulting in serious injury or
fatality, 2012-2024.
4
12
23
7
14
19
11
16 12
5
17 17
9
18
3
3
2
3
6
3
4
3
4
2 5
3
14
1
1
2
1
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metro Area Pedestrian Injuries
Minor Serious Fatal
Figure 5: The total annual number of injuries resulting from pedestrian collisions, 2012-2024.
2015-2019 2020-2024 Trend
Pedestrian Collisions 131 123 $
Serious Injury 17 28 #
Fatality 1 3 #
Figure 6: Comparisons of 5-year pedestrian collision totals and resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Figure 6 compares the most recent five years (2020-2024) of pedestrian collision numbers and
resulting severe injuries and fatalities with the previous 5-year data (2015-2019).
While 76% of reported pedestrian collisions occurred within Iowa City, incidents were also
recorded in surrounding areas: 4 in North Liberty, 4 in Coralville, and 1 in Johnson County.