HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C: Transportation Priorities for North and West Eugene
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
c
Work Session: Transportation Priorities for North and West Eugene
Meeting Date: September 25,2006
Department: Public Works
www.eugene-or.gov
Agenda Item Number: C
Staff Contact: Mark Schoening
Contact Telephone Number: 682-5243
ISSUE STATEMENT
A set of transportation priorities for West and North Eugene has been developed for consideration by the
City Council. The priorities include capital improvements, transportation planning studies and
regulatory changes. The capital improvements include the Beltline Corridor from Coburg Road to River
Road and West 11th Avenue from Terry Street to Greenhill Road. The transportation planning studies
include a transportation corridor study of West 11th and EmX corridor study of West 11th. The two
studies would be integrated and conducted concurrently. The regulatory changes include the initiation
of changes to the land use code and an associated administrative rule to implement access management
for the City's arterial and collector street system.
BACKGROUND
Previous Council Direction
At the City Council meeting held on July 12, 2006, the City Council passed a motion that:
1. Rescinds its May 24, 2006, motion regarding the MPC resolution;
2. Continues to support a collaborative process that includes ODOr, if ODOT should change its
position;
3. Does not support the WEP in its current alignment or the recent FHW A proposed southern
alignment. The southern alignment could only be considered along with a wide range of other
projects in the collaborative process;
4. Supports adoption of the FY06-09 MTIP including all projects except the WEP; and
5. Directs staff to return with a proposed list of transportation priorities for North and West Eugene
including projects on the Beltline corridor and West 1 fh, and calls for a work session this fall to
consider how to advance these priorities.
At the joint meeting of the City Council and Lane Transit District Board of Directors on June 12, 2006,
the City Council passed a motion to:
Direct the City Manager to coordinate the process with LTD and the Eugene Planning Commission
to recommend a corridor for study, and that the Planning Commission's recommendation be
brought back to the City Council and LTD Boardfor afinal decision. The Planning Commission is
encouraged to include a public involvement component in its deliberations.
LICMOl2006 Council AgendasIM060925IS060925C.doc
Capital Improvements
The three processes to move forward with the two capital projects, the Beltline Corridor from Coburg
Road to River Road and West 11th from Terry Street to Greenhill Road are outlined in Attachment A.
The three processes include updating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Transportation
System Plan (Transplan), transportation project development, and project prioritization for the FY 2010
- 2013 State Transportation Improvement Program. Attachment B is "A Citizen's Primer - Oregon's
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program."
To remain in compliance with federal regulations, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is in
the process of updating the RTP. The updated RTP is scheduled for adoption by the Metropolitan Policy
Committee (MPC) in March 2007. As part of this update, the West Eugene Parkway could be removed
from the RTP and the financially constrained project list. This action would allow the Beltline Corridor
from Coburg Road to River Road and West 11th from Terry Street to Greenhill Road projects to move
from the illustrative project list to the financially constrained project list. Currently, the study of the
Beltline Corridor from Coburg Road to River Road is included in the financially constrained project list
and construction is included illustrative project list. An update to Transplan to ensure consistency with
the RTP would occur within one year as required by the state Transportation Planning Rule (TPR).
These steps are necessary before the projects can be included in the State Transportation Improvement
Program.
Later this year, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) plans to initiate the transportation
system planning for the Beltline Corridor between Coburg Road and River Road. Transportation system
planning is a process to identify a preferred alternative. It includes defining the transportation problem,
conducting public outreach, identifying and evaluating alternatives, and identifying a preferred
alternative. The development section (D-STIP) of the draft FY 2008 - 2011 STIP includes $2.5 million
for the Beltline Corridor between Coburg Road and River Road. The funds would be used for the
environmental documentation required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A). The
implementation of the preferred alternative would be dependent upon funding for construction in the
construction section (C-STIP) of a future STIP.
The development of a project for West 11th from Terry Street to Greenhill Road would follow a similar
process. The corridor study discussed in subsequent paragraphs could constitute the transportation
system planning for the project. The project would then have to be prioritized for funding in the last two
years of the development section of the FY 2010 - FY 2013 STIP. The implementation of the preferred
alternative would be dependent upon funding for construction in the construction section (C-STIP) of a
future STIP.
Transportation Plannin2: Studies
The West 11th Transportation Corridor Study would extend from Lane Transit District's (LTD) Eugene
Station to Greenhill Road. In addition to providing a comprehensive transportation study of the West
11 th corridor, the study would integrate two other regional planning study needs. The first study need is
the EmX corridor study from the Eugene Station to Beltline. Attachment C is an Agenda Item Summary
for the September 19, 2006, LTD Board of Directors' meeting regarding the West 11th Transportation
Corridor Study and how it might integrate with an EmX corridor study on West 11th. The second study
need is the transportation system planning for the West 11th from Terry Street to Greenhill Road project.
LICMOl2006 Council AgendasIM060925IS060925C.doc
The West 11th Transportation Corridor Study would be a collaborative process with L TD, Oregon
Department of Transportation, Lane County and Lane Council of Governments. In addition, it is
anticipated that the University of Oregon's School of Architecture and Allied Arts will be a study
partner.
Re2:ulation
The FY 2007 work program for the Public Works Department includes the development of an access
management policy. The goal of access management is to increase the safety and mobility of the City's
arterial and collector street system. Access management involves managing the location, spacing and
design of driveways, local streets, medians, median openings and traffic signals. An access management
policy would be implemented through changes to the land use code and an associate administrative rule.
The development of an ordinance amending the land use code will be guided by a Department Advisory
Committee. It is anticipated that this effort will begin early in 2007.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The council may:
1. Support the capital improvements, transportation studies and regulatory changes for West and North
Eugene;
2. Support one or more of the capital improvements, transportation studies and regulatory changes for
West and North Eugene; or
3. Not support any of the capital improvements, transportation studies and regulatory changes for West
and North Eugene.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends that the City Council pass a motion that:
1. Identifies the Beltline Corridor from River Road to Coburg Road as the City's top priority for
funding in the State Transportation Improvement Program and West 11th from Terry Street to
Greenhill Road as its second priority.
2. Identifies West 11th as its priority for the next EmX corridor study.
3. Supports a transportation corridor study of West 11th and the City's application for $150,000 of
STP-U planning funds for the study.
4. Supports the initiation of regulatory changes to the Land Use Code and associated administrative
rule that would implement access management on the City's arterial and collector street system.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to:
1. Identify the Beltline Corridor from River Road to Coburg Road as the City's top priority for funding
in the State Transportation Improvement Program and West 11th from Terry Street to Greenhill Road
as its second priority.
2. Identify West 11th as the City's priority for the next EmX corridor study.
3. Support a transportation corridor study of West lIth and the City's application for $150,000 of
STP-U planning funds for the study.
4. Support the initiation of regulatory changes to the land use code and associated administrative rule
that would implement access management on the City's arterial and collector street system.
LICMOl2006 Council AgendasIM060925IS060925C.doc
ATTACHMENTS
A. Transportation Project Development and Funding
B. LTD Agenda Item Summary for West Eugene Transportation Study
C. A Citizen's Primer - Oregon's State Transportation Improvement Program
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Mark Schoening
Telephone: 682-5243
Staff E-Mail: mark.a.schoening@ci.eugene.or.us
LICMOl2006 Council AgendasIM060925IS060925C.doc
Capital Project Development
ODOT and local partners
conduct Transportation
System Planning
FY07 Beltline
FY07 West 11 th
Funding programmed in
Development STI P for
environmental
documentation
2008-2011 DSTIP for
Beltline
Environment Studies
conducted
Alternatives considered
Mitigation Developed
Record of decision signed
Regional Transportation Plan and
Transportation System Plan (Transplan)
Funding programmed in
Construction STI P
Amend Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Amend Transportation System Plan (Transplan) within
March 2007 ..... one year of amending RTP as required by the TPR
-Remove WEP ..... -Remove WEP
-Move W. 11 th and Beltline to -Move W. 11 th and Beltline to Financially
Financially Constrained Project Constrained Project List
List
FY 2010-2013 State Transportation
Improvement Program
City Council establishes
Transportation
Modernization Priorities
W. 11th and
Beltline
Metropolitan Policy
----. Committee considers
council priorities and
establishes priorities
for the Metropolitan
Planning
Organization
Lane County Board of Region 2 Area
Commissioners ----. Commissions on
considers MPC Transportation and
priorities and rural Lane County
Lane County priorities establish priorities
and establishes for available
priorities for Lane funding
County
Transportation Project Development & Funding
Oregon Transportation
Commission considers
recommendations for
Five ODOT regions
and adopts the State
Transportation
Improvement Plan
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AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
I
DATE OF MEETING:
September 19, 2006
ITEM TITLE:
WEST EUGENE TRANSPORTATION STUDY
PREPARED BY:
Stefano Viggiano, Assistant General Manager
ACTION REQUESTED:
None. Information and discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
In the aftermath of the decision not to pursue the West Eugene
Parkway, the Eugene City Council has directed city staff to develop a list
of transportation priorities for North and West Eugene. The list will
include a corridor study of West 11th Avenue. It is expected that Eugene
will request planning funds through the Surface Transportation Program
to pay for this study. The timing and scope of the study have not been
fully determined.
City staff are interested in incorporating transit options into the planning
work and have asked L TO to participate in the study. L TO staff believe
that transit should be incorporated into the study and that EmX is clearly
an option that should be considered for this corridor.
Recall that at the L TO Board and Eugene City Council agreed on a
process for the selection of the third EmX corridor at a meeting on June
12, 2006. The possible consideration of EmX for West Eugene presents
several choices for proceeding with the corridor selection:
1. The City Council and L TO Board select the West Eugene corridor to
be the next EmX corridor to consider and decide not to go through a
corridor selection process.
2. The City Council and L TO Board proceed with the EmX corridor
selection process and, if the selected corridor is not West Eugene,
pursue that corridor instead of West Eugene.
3. The City Council and L TO Board proceed with the EmX corridor
selection process and, if the selected corridor is not West Eugene,
pursue both that corridor and the West Eugene corridor. Note that
this option is problematic from a staff resource and a capital funding
standpoint.
Clearly, this decision will need to be made in coordination with the City of
Eugene. The City Council is scheduled to discuss West and North
Eugene transportation issues on September 25, 2006. If the Board has
position on this issue, it can be communicated to City staff prior to that
meeting.
ATTACHMENTS: None
PROPOSED MOTION: None
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lrore9on
.' Department
of Transportation
When does the state prepare the STIPt
It takes about 21/2 years to prepare the STIP.The work begins in
odd-numbered years. The STIP Clock below shows when the process
starts and finishes. There also is a flow chart on pages 8-9 that shows
is the Statewide Transportation
(STIP)t
The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is
the funding and scheduling document for major road, highway, and
transit projects in Oregon. It lists projects for the next four years
What
Improvement Program
is a time when ODOT is working
however, there is only one approved
the process steps
In odd-numbered years, there
on three different STIP cycles;
STIP in effect at any time.
and state money cannot be
listed in the STIPe It's the law!
The STIP is important because federal
spent on projects u
Every state adopts
nless they are
its own STIPe
Oregon Transportation Commission
usually in August.
The STIP is adopted by the
(OTC) in odd-numbered years
Projects are listed in the STIP based on where they are located and
which program is paying for them.
document that is used to
listed in the STIP typically
The STIP is not a plan; it
schedule and fund projects
come from local- and/or state-approved plans
is a budget
The proj ects
3
STIP CLOCK
a four-year period, but projects in year four are
information-funding is not obligated to them.
The STIP covers
included for
You can learn more at the STIP web site. See the STIP Users' Guide or
view the adopted STIP at: www.oreQ"on.Q"ov/ODOT/HWY/STIP
2
How can citizens participate effectively
n the STIPt
n the STIP processt
While Oregon's STIP is adopted by the Oregon Transportation
Commission (OTC), many groups are involved in the process
Who participates
is the
STIP projects are chosen from adopted plans, so the most important
way to affect the STIP is to get involved with the transportation
planning for your community. Local plans that are used to prepare
the STIP include:
way into the STIP
Getting involved before a project makes its
most effective way to influence a project.
The following list shows some of the agencies and interest groups
involved with the STIP process
on Transportation (ACTs)
Area Commissions
(TSPs)
City and county transportation system plans
Cities and counties
Advisory Committee (FAC)
agenCIes
Federal
Freight
Indian
metropolitan areas (RTPs)
(TIPs)
improvement plans
Regional transportation plans for
government transportation
ODOT
Transit agency plans
Tribal
(MPOs)
governments
Metropolitan Planning Organizations
ODOT program
advisory groups
districts
tribal
facility plans
Major highway projects are selected from local transportation plans
and are prioritized by each of Oregon's five highway regions. To learn
about highway planning projects in your region, go to:
www.oreQ"on.Q"ov/O DOT /TD /TP / resourcelinks. sh tml
port
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are planning agencies
that prepare and adopt transportation plans for large cities. Oregon's
MPOs include: Bend, Central Lane, Corvallis, Portland Metro,
Rogue Valley, and Salem/Keizer.
Transit districts
The process for selecting new construction projects in metropolitan
areas is a cooperative process between the MPO and ODOT. Citizens
in large urban areas should contact their MPO about their process.
Go to www.oreQ"on.Q"ov/ODOT/TD/TP/resourcelinks.shtml for a
Area Commissions on Transportation (ACTs) advise the OTC about
transportation issues. Most highway regions have several ACTs and
each ACT covers several counties. For information about the ACT
5
listing of MPOs and other transportation planning agencies
live, go to
on. Q"ov/ 0 DOT/CO MM/ act_main. shtml
where you
www.ore
4
What programs are funded through the
STIP and how much money is nvolvedt
is the STIP document organizedt
How
and how
STIP cycle.
shows the main ODOT programs
through them during the current
The pie chart below
much money will flow
The STIP is organized in four sections. The Introduction explains
how ODOT prepares the STIPe It also describes the programs that
pay for the projects listed in the STIPe
IP
Only)
2006-2009 ST
lists all approved construction
organized by highway region, and
state's highway regions is on the
(C-STIP)
C-STIP is
(for State Program
SPECIAL
PROGRAMS*
$71 M
A third section includes the "Development STIP" (D-STIP), which
lists multi-year planning and engineering projects. This section
also lists projects of statewide significance and federal "earmarks"
approved by Congress. Earmarks are for special projects and the
money may only be spent on that project. Projects in the D-STIP
are not yet approved for construction; they are still getting ready for
construction.
The last section of the STIP lists adopted criteria that affect some
there are criteria for selecting Bridge,
For example,
Preservation,
programs
Pavement
OPERATIONS
$82 M
and Modernization projects
Programs such as Pavement Preservation, Safety, Modernization, and
Bicycle/Pedestrian are the building blocks for the STIPe The STIP
process is all about deciding which projects to approve and which
program(s) should pay for them.
7
Bicycle/Pedestrian, Transportation Enhancement,
ncludes
and other programs.
*
6
STIP
APPROVAL
DRAFT STIPI
PUBLIC REVIEW
PROJECT
SELECTION
GOALS AND
FUNDING
,/
I~
,/
,/
OTC
Public review of draft STI P
Regions and ACTs review
public input and may modify
the draft STIP
Regions and ACTs identify
and scope potential projects
Regions prepare
draft list of programs,
projects and funding
ODOT managers evaluate
system goals and needs
Highway Finance Office
determines available funding
STI P participants
and comment on
recommendations
Governor approves
MPO TIPs
Final STIP submitted to
federal funding agencies*
Air quality modeling and
conformity reviewed for
affected areas
ODOT Advisory Committees
and MPOs comment on the
draft STIP
Fiscally constrained analysis
to ensure STIP projects stay
within available funds
TI Ps added into final STI P
ODOT staff and ACTs use
systems and criteria to select
projects and forward recom-
mendations to the OTC
review
9
(FTA)
Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA)
Federal Transi
Administration
ODOT advisory committees
and other stakeholders
review final STI P
Draft STIP available
for public review
approves program
funding levels
8
Program data and management systems are used to monitor
conditions on state highways and help managers prioritize needs
The following table lists some of the important management systems
and databases for the state's highway system. For some programs, the
OTC adopts criteria that are used along with the management system
to decide which projects to select. The Pavement Preservation and
use OTC select
listed
Projects listed in the STIP come primarily from two sources: local
transportation plans or program data and management systems.
Where does ODOT find the projects
n the STIPt
projects
adopted criteria to help
Bridge programs
the STIP, especially
influence the
Local transportation plans contribute projects to
Modernization projects. OTC criteria and policies
selection of projects from local plans. Plans may include
USED
FOR
RESPONSIBLE
DIVISION
PROGRAM DATA
AND MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
Repair and
replacement
Highway - Bridge
Bridge Management
System
CONTENTS
20 year plan-part of
local land use plans
PREPARED BY
Cities and counties;
ODOT participates
PLAN TYPE
Transportation System
Plan
monitor
congested areas
dentify and
Transportation
Congestion Management
System
20 year plan-lists needs
and funding sources
Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO)
Regional Transportation
Plan
Highway res u rfaci ng
Development -
Planning Analysis
Highway - Preservation
Management
Pavement
System
Long-term plans that
identify needs
Federal agencies,
tribal governments,
Land Management
Agency Transportation
Plans
Crash-prone areas
Highway - Traffic Safety
Safety Management
System
Concept designs for
specific locations
state agencies
ODOT, MPOs, local
governments
Refinement Plans/
Facility Plans
Replace culverts and
mprove fish habitat
Highway - Hydrologist/
Fish Biologist
Culverts/Fish Passage
database
Long-term plans for
transit services
Transit districts and
agencies
Transit Agency
Strategic Plans
Asset replacement
and
Highway - Region Traffic/
Operations
umination
II
Signs, Signals,
database
Special reports like the
Bridge Options Report or
1-5 Conditions Report
studies and
Special
reports
mprovements
measures
Preventive
and repairs
Highway - Geologist/
Region Traffic Manager
Slides and Rockfalls
database
ODOT
o
project
rocesst
Where does the STIP fit into the
What programs are in the STIPt
development and construction p
The STIP is one of the last steps in the project approval process. The
sequence for most transportation improvement projects is as follows
are some of ODOT's major programs. Some programs
several funding sources that are managed separately.
Listed below
include
more of the
Klamath,
PREPARED BY
Local government
MPOs
Tribal governments, e.g.
Umatilla, Warm Springs
PLANNING PHASE - Projects are identified in one or
ODOT
of plans/systems
SOURCE DOCUMENT
Facility plans
Regional transportation plans
Transportation system plans
following types
Federal agencies, e.g.. BLM
U.S. Forest Service
STIP FUNDING/SCHEDULING PHASE - Projects are selected
from plans and approved in the STIPe
ODOT
Tribal government plans
Federal agency plans
Oregon Transportation
Management System
PROGRAM NAME USED FOR
Modernization Building/expanding roads and highways
Public Transportation Multiple programs for capital purchases
Programs and operations
Pavement Preservation Resurfacing state highways
State and Local Bridge Building/repairing bridges
Highway Safety Improvements to reduce crashes and make
highways safer
Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements for these users
Transportation Projects that improve the appearance and
Enhancement function of the transportation system
Operations Multiple programs that affect highway
operations (signals, rockfalls, signs, lighting)
PROJECT DELIVERY PHASE - State highway projects are assigned
to a project team in the region where the project is located for design
and construction. To learn more about how projects get built, go to
www.orel!on.l!ov/O DOT /HWY /0 PD /PD l!uidebook. shtml
3
There are other programs funded through the STIPe For more
information, go to the STIP web site and browse through the Program
Descriptions chapter of the STIP Users' Guide at:
www.orel!on.l!ov/O DOT /HWY /STIP
2
know how far
some examples
Participation Tips
To effectively advocate for a project, proponents must
along the path to completion the project is. Here are
like
How would a typical project approval
workt
The example below outlines the typical approval process for a
Modernization program project (i.e., a project that adds capacity,
highway widening or new interchanges).
process
PROCESS STEP
Local city or county
Transportation System Plan
or Highway Corridor Study
(20-year plans)
away)
Development STIP
(construction 4+ years
Construction STI P
(construction within 4 years)
Project Delivery
(project design and right-of-
way issues)
PROJECT STATUS
Our town has congestion problem
but we're not sure how to fix them
The bridge doesn't seem to be
meeting current traffic needs.
Fixing the highway is in the local
plan but the solution is not clear.
We need an environmental study
for a major project.
The engineering design is complete
and the local match is approved.
The city is scheduling future utility
work.
MODERNIZATION PROGRAM PROJECT APPROVAL PROCESS
Project identified in local, state, or regional transportation plan.
Project refinement plan prepared using combined state/local funding.
Project environmental impact study prepared; sometimes this is funded
through the D-STI~
Project recommended to be in the STIP by the ACT and approved by the
OTC (approval may require several attempts).
After STIP approval, a project team designs the project and manages the
construction process (for state system projects).
II
The project is funded, but how wi
it affect my property?
for projects funded through other STIP programs
steps shown for a Modernization project.
The approval process
is similar to the
Contacts
ODOT Highway Region
www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Hi
Some programs, such as Bicycle/Pedestrian and Transportation
Enhancement, have special application procedures. Other programs
have their own advisory committees that review projects before they
go into the STIP (e.g., Bike/Ped Advisory Committee, Transportation
Enhancement Advisory Committee)
ions.shtml
Commissions on Transportation:
www.oregon.gov/O DOT/CO MM/ act_main. sh tml
Area
information about the project approval process, see the
Guide at: on.gov/ODOT/HWY/STIP
For more
STIP Users
5
Local government contacts
www.bluebook.state.or.us/local/cities/cities.htm
www.ore
4
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. Klamath Falls
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. Pendleton
Baker City.
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OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
355 Capitol Street NE, Salem, OR 9730 I
888-275-6368
www.oregon.gov/ODOT