Intersection Improvements
|
US Route 2/302 Intersection Improvements subsection links Main Page | Conceptual Design and Project Plans | Evaluation of Alternatives |
Description of the Project
Current studies show that over the past ten years the US Route 2 / 302 intersection in Montpelier, Vermont has moved from twelfth up to the sixth highest accident location in the State with fifty accidents within a period of five years. Since these studies were published the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the City of Montpelier and the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) have identified this junction as a substandard intersection. In response to this concern, the city of Montpelier and CVRPC undertook a scoping study to identify and evaluate the most reasonable alternative for improving this intersection.
Objectives for Improving the Intersection
- Reduce the number of accidents that occur due to the current conditions;
- Provide a safe access to adjoining parcels / businesses;
- Reduce the amount of congestion and delays for all users;
- Enhance safe bicycle and pedestrian access in and around the intersection;
- Incorporate planned transportation projects and potential development projects;
- Provide bus, truck and freight movements; and
- Create an aesthetically pleasing, functional, low maintenance streetscape consistent with the City's gateway goals.
After holding both local and regional concerns meetings, an exhaustive list of alternatives was developed and examined by a study committee comprised of the City, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) and adjacent landowner representatives. Due to the large number of commercial and residential driveways in close proximity to the intersection, special consideration was taken as part of the design improvement alternatives. Once a list of alternatives was created the committee then decided on the three most feasible alternatives.
Project Timeline
June 2001 - VTrans Project Definition Team reviewed pre-scoping report.
August 2001 - Final Scoping Report approved.
August 2002 - City obtained approval from VTrans to undertake the project through the Local Transportation Facilities (LTF) program. Montpelier entered into a Cooperative Agreement (CA) with VTrans for funding and assistance through this program.
January 2003 - City hired Bob Merchant as its Municipal Project Manager (P.E., Marcon Corp) to assist with project development.
May 2003 - City hired Lamoreaux & Dickinson as consulting engineers to perform design services.
Spring 2005 - Permitting & Environmental documents completed. R.O.W. funding allocated and authorized to commence May 2005. The project is in the preliminary final planning stage, and is at 85% completion. Right-of-Way plans are complete. Erosion control plans are complete. Funding will be 95% Federal $$, 0% State $$, 5% local $$.
2007 – Congress approved 100% federal funding for roundabout projects because of significant safety and efficiency benefits. Local share at 5% for preliminary engineering previous to funding change.
February 2008 – R.O.W. clearance certificate issued by VTrans. All property rights and agreements necessary to construct the project have been secured. Final design authorized for completion.
NOW (Spring 2008) – Final plans submitted in April, 2008 allowing for one month to complete final review. Environmental permits updated & resolved. Request for Qualifications to perform construction inspection services released for advertisement and due May 8th , award contract 3rd week of May. Anticipate VTrans approval of plans, specification & cost estimate (PS&E) by May 1st. Advertise for construction by end of May, award construction contract first week of July and construction anticipated to begin by approximately 3rd week of July (final completion October, 2009)
Project Impacts
Public notices will be provided regarding such items as detours and anticipated hours of construction as the different phases of the traffic control plan are implemented during construction. Once impacts on adjacent properties have been identified, Lamoureux & Dickinson will be contacting each property owner to discuss the project with them individually.
Roundabout Information Links
The following websites contain useful information on roundabouts:.
Photos and information on roundabouts:
http://www.roundaboutsusa.com
Visual simulation of how to drive / walk through a roundabout:
http://www.ci.clive.ia.us/events.htm#roundabout
Brochures showing the options for bicycles at a roundabout:
http://www11.myflorida.com/safety/ped_bike/brochures/pdf/htrrbt.pdf
For More Information
|
Lamoureux & Dickinson Jody Carriere 14 Morse Drive Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 878-4450 Jody@LDengineering.com |
City of Montpelier Public Works Department Tom McArdle 39 Main Street, City Hall Montpelier, VT 05062-2950 (802) 223-9508 tmcardle@montpelier-vt.org |
Posted April 24, 2008
Please send comments to: webmaster@montpelier-vt.org
Copyright © 1998-2008 City of Montpelier, Vermont.
Hosted by http://www.networksolutions.com