HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.4.25 TTAC Agenda PacketMEETING NOTICE
MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
Tuesday November 4, 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.Virtual presentation on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) – Safety Action Plan
4.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
5.Consider a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board regarding elements of
the MPOJC Long Range Transportation Plan revision
a.Vision
b.Guiding Principals
c.Scoring Criteria
6.Update from Iowa DOT District 6 staff on area transportation projects
7.Other Business
8.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 13, 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,
Jason Havel
North Liberty: Josiah Bilskemper
University Heights: Troy Kelsay
University of Iowa: Mia Brunelli
Tiffin: Doug Boldt
Iowa DOT: Sam Shea
Johnson County: Dawn Alam, Ed Bartels
STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Sarah Walz
OTHER: Matt Burkey
1. CALL TO ORDER
Ralston called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM.
a. Recognize alternates
None.
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 URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE MPOJC FY2026 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
WORK PROGRAM
Ralston explained that the Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) includes all
locally requested projects from member entities and general projects and procedures as
required by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway
Administration, and Federal Transit Administration. Ralston stated that communities
should let staff know of any necessary modifications before the Work Program is provided
to the Urbanized Area Policy Board for final approval. Ralston noted that the MPO will also
continue to take requests for additional projects that may come up throughout the year
and complete those projects as time permits.
Ralston asked the Committee for a recommendation to approve the Transportation
Planning Work Program.
Hayworth moved to approve the Work Program, Kelsay seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
REGARDING APPROVAL OF DRAFT FY2026-2029 MPOJC TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) PROJECTS
Bothell explained that the annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the local
programming document for state and federally funded surface transportation and transit
projects, with this year's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) covering FY2026-
2029. Bothell encouraged Committee members to review the draft TIP to ensure that
projects are programmed in the correct year, for the correct amount, and have accurate
descriptions.
Bothell summarized each project included in the TIP and its funding amount. In FY29, the
Iowa DOT has allocated $1 in National Highway Performance Program and $1 million in
PRF funds for a culvert extension project along I-380 north of Swan Lake Road to north
of County Road F12.
Bothell explained that $10,412,327 in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding
was awarded to two projects. The first project, programmed in FY2029, is North Liberty
and Coralville’s Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2 project, receiving $838,084. The
second project is Iowa City and the University of Iowa’s Burlington Street Bridge – Building
Better Connections project, receiving $9,574,243. This project will be programmed in
FY2030 and included in next year's TIP (FY2027 – 2030).
Bothell stated that $2,107,999 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding was
awarded to five projects. Projects receiving funding include: Iowa City’s North Dodge
Street Improvements Project (Pedestrian facilities), programmed in FY2027 ($565,372);
North Liberty’s West Forevergreen Road Trail (Covered Bridge Road to South Jasper
Avenue) project, programmed in FY2027 ($465,500); Coralville’s North Ridge Trail
Reconstruction project, programmed in FY2028 ($303,620); Coralville’s Iowa River Trail
Connection project, programmed in FY2029 ($347,750); and Iowa City’s Burlington Street
Bridge – Building Better Connections project, programmed in FY2030 ($425,757) (to be
included in next year’s TIP (FY2027 – 2030)).
Bothell stated that $3,077,209 in Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funding was awarded
to three projects. The projects include: University Heights’ Melrose Avenue Complete
Streets project, programmed in FY2026 ($750,000); Coralville and Johnson County’s
Dubuque Street NE and Forevergreen Road Roundabout project, programmed in FY2026
($612,209), and North Liberty’s Dubuque Street Improvements – Phase 3 project, to be
programmed in FY2030 ($1,715,000) and included in next year’s TIP (FY2027-2030).
Bothell then summarized transit projects programmed in the TIP. Coralville Transit has
included 16 buses, two of which are light-duty electric. Iowa City Transit has included 26
buses, two of which are hybrid diesel-battery electric buses, and ten of which are heavy-
duty electric buses and their charging equipment. University of Iowa CAMBUS has
included 17 buses, six of which are heavy-duty electric buses.
Bothell asked the Committee for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board
approving the draft FY2026- 2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) projects.
Larson moved to approve the draft TIP proejcts; Bartels seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
5. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO THE URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
REGARDING FEDERAL FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION DESIGNATIONS FOR
URBANIZED AREA ROADWAYS
Bothell stated that in March, the Urbanized Area Policy Board approved the allocation of
approximately $10 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for two
local projects, including the Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2. Bothell explained
that to program this project in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the
Forevergreen Road Project must be classified under the Federal Functional Classification
(FFC) system. Bothell stated that MPOJC staff submitted the requested FFC amendment
to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and received preliminary approval
to amend the FFC System map for the Iowa City Urbanized Area as follows:
• Forevergreen Road, from Ranshaw Way/Coral Ridge Avenue to 12th Avenue –
change from a collector to a minor arterial.
• Forevergreen Road, from 12th Avenue to Dubuque Street NE – add as a minor
arterial.
Bothell asked the Committee for a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board
regarding the proposed amendments to the FFC system map.
Knoche moved to approve the amendments, Larson seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
6. UPDATE ON METRO AREA TRAIL COUNTS
Walz explained that each year, the MPO conducts bicycle and pedestrian counts along
the regional trail network. Walz noted that these counts are collected using an infrared
device that does not distinguish between bicycles and pedestrians. The MPO currently
has five counters and plans to acquire a sixth in July. Walz explained that in 2022, the
MPO shifted away from conducting weekly and biweekly trail counts to season-long counts
on major trails.
Walz stated that this year, counts will be collected along the Clear Creek Trail, the Iowa
River Corridor Trail, the Highway 1 Trail, and the Highway 6 Trail. Walz noted that last
year, counts were collected along the Iowa River Corridor Trail and North Liberty Trail.
Walz noted that if communities have a location where they would like a counter placed,
such as an area where they will be applying for a grant, they should reach out to staff to
request a count at that location.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
Rummel stated that Iowa City Transit will be moving to their summer schedule, with
reduced service on a few routes, including Oakcrest, South Gilbert, and Peninsula.
Rummel noted that the Downtown Shuttle will stop service for the summer.
Sovers gave an update on the Court Street project, stating that construction is
progressing. The North Gilbert Street project, from Brown Street to Kimball Road, is also
in progress.
Larson stated that the City of Coralville’s 5th Street project is now in phase three, with an
expected opening date of June 27th.
Kelsay noted that on May 22nd, there will be a Bike to Work Week breakfast outside of
City Hall in University Heights.
Shea stated that the Iowa DOT’s draft five-year program will be out later today for review.
Bilskemper explained that the North Liberty Trail extension is currently under construction
and is expected to remain under construction all summer. Design has started on Ranshaw
Way Phase 6, with utility relocations expected next year and construction in 2027.
Brunelli stated that the new CAMBUS facility project is expected to reach 100% design in
June, when it will then go to the Board of Regents for permission to proceed to bid. Brunelli
noted that there are a few construction projects on the west campus that are impacting
transit service, and that stops will be relocated. CAMBUS has also started an on-demand
service to the new North Liberty medical campus, with around 82 rides since its launch on
April 28th.
Knoche noted that next week is National Public Works Week and that there will be an
open house at the landfill on Sunday.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Knoche moved to adjourn, Larson seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Ralston adjourned the meeting at 11:00 AM.
Date: October 28, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #4: Consider a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board
regarding safety targets and performance measures for the MPO as required by the
Federal Highway Administration
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 Iowa DOT by February 27th each year. For each measure, we must 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. While MPO targets are not formally evaluated to measure progress toward
meeting adopted targets, the State’s targets will be evaluated by the FHWA.
In either event, we are required to state how the 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 the
next update to the Long Range Transportation Plan in 2027.
Similar to past years, I recommend that we (again) 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.
I have attached supporting information from the Iowa DOT for your reference. Please be
prepared to consider this item and make a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy
Board.
I will be at your November 4th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Date: October 28, 2025
To: Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
From: Hannah Neel, Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #5 (a, b, and c): Consider a recommendation to the MPOJC Urbanized
Area Policy Board regarding elements of the MPOJC Long Range Transportation
Plan revision
As mentioned at your May meeting, MPOJC staff is in the
process of updating the MPOJC Long Range
Transportation Plan, Connect 2055. The Plan will be the
culmination of a multi-year planning process in which
residents, municipal staff, and elected officials in the
metro area help create a regional vision of our future
transportation network.
This plan builds on the previous plan’s vision, guiding principles, and scoring criteria with some
minor modifications to ensure that the Plan is comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing.
5a. Vision
To ensure the strategic use of public investments and policies for the creation of a safe,
efficient, and equitable transportation network that enhances economic opportunity and growth
while preserving our environment and quality of life.
5b. Guiding Principles (Goals)
1) Economic Opportunity – supports growth, innovation, job creation, and productivity.
2) Environment – preserves and protects our natural resources, including land, water, and
air.
3) Quality of Life – enhances livability and creates vibrant and appealing places that serve
residents throughout their lives.
4) System Preservation – maintains the existing facilities in good and reliable condition.
5) Choice – offers accessible and affordable multi-modal transportation options.
6) Safety – enhances the safety of all users through a well-designed/maintained
transportation network.
7) Efficiency – builds a well-connected transportation network with coordinated land use
patterns to reduce travel demand and delay, miles traveled, and energy consumption.
8) Health – invites and enhances healthy and active lifestyles.
9) Equity – provides mobility and access for all people and all neighborhoods.
2
5c. Scoring Criteria
Historically, MPOJC has used a set of scoring criteria to prioritize capital infrastructure projects
for inclusion in the Long Range Transportation Plan, primarily due to fiscal constraints. The
current scoring criteria have been applied in two previous iterations of the Long Range
Transportation Plan, as well as for evaluating MPOJC grant applications.
To better align the scoring criteria with our guiding principles, staff is proposing several minor
changes to the language of the criteria to clarify its intent. Additionally, we are suggesting a few
new criteria for consideration under the categories of Environment, Quality of Life, and System
Preservation. The revised scoring criteria is attached for your review, with proposed changes
highlighted.
Please be prepared to discuss the vision, guiding principles, and draft scoring criteria at your
November 4th meeting and make a recommendation to the Urbanized Area Policy Board.
DRAFT SCORING CRITERIA
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 is sponsored by more than one MPO jurisdiction +1 each (Points Possible: 7)
Total Points Possible: 12
Score:
2: Environment – 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)
C. Project includes specific plans for planting shade trees or native plantings +3
Total Points Possible: 7 10
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 (within a ¼ mile), or provides direct access to for locations
specifically serving multi-family developments, elderly housing, or assisted living facilities +5
B. Project provides direct access to healthcare options or a grocery store +2
Total Points Possible: 5 7
Score:
4: System Preservation – Maintains existing facilities in good and reliable condition
A. Maintenance or improvement to existing facility/infrastructure +3
B. Project improves pavement condition or bridges that are in poor or very poor condition +3
Total Points Possible: 5 6
Score:
5: Efficiency – Builds a well-connected transportation network and coordinates land use patterns to reduce travel demand,
miles traveled, and fossil fuel consumption
A. Project is 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 is in a corridor with forecasted future congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak hours
according to the adopted MPO Travel Demand Model, LOS map is attached) +7
Total Points Possible: 14
Score:
6: Choice – Offers multi-modal transportation options that are affordable and accessible
A. Project is on an existing bus route (bus route map is attached) +3
B. Separated Project includes a trail or wide sidewalk sidepath (8’ or wider) +3 (10’ or wider) +5
C. Project reduces modal conflict (pedestrian hybrid beacons, grade separation, dedicated bicycle lanes or
sharrows, bus pull-off, etc.) +3
Total Points Possible: 9 11
Score:
7: Safety – Designed and maintained to enhance the safety and security of all users
A. Project is in a corridor with a history involving two or more documented bicycle or pedestrian collisions in the last
five years (collision maps are attached) +7
B. Project is in a corridor listed in the top 25 highest MPO accident locations or top 10 highest accident mid -blocks in
the last three years (accident tables are attached) +7
OR
C. Project will correct a sight distance or related safety issue documented by an expert (planner/engineer) +7
Total Points Possible for A&B: 14
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
A. Project includes a segment of a multi-use off-street trail that links communities (10’ or wider) +5
OR
B. Project includes a segment of a multi-use off-street trail (10’ or wider) +3
Total Points Possible: 8 5
Score:
9: Equity1 – 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 5
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
Score:
Total Score:
1Lower-income neighborhoods are defined as being at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) by block group.
Source: 2020 Decennial Census