TO: Chair and Members of the Board
FROM: Diane Colonna, Executive Director
DATE: January 11, 2017
Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING TASK ORDER WITH KEITH & ASSOCIATES FOR COLONIAL DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
BACKGROUND:
At the CRA meeting of December 13, 2016 Keith & Associates presented a concept plan to address pedestrian safety improvements on Colonial Drive. Northwest Medical Center staff persons utilize a parking area located on the south side of Colonial Drive, and cross Colonial at an area mid-block to get to the hospital property. The road is curved and visibility is limited, creating concerns over pedestrian safety.
The improvements that were presented included the following:
• Provide an approximately 10’ wide median with a pedestrian refuge area at the point where the majority of pedestrian crossings occur. New trees will be planted within the median.
• Provide hedges along the hospital property and the property to the south to discourage pedestrians from crossing at other locations
• Eliminate one of two westbound travel lanes in the subject area
• Increase the vehicular stacking area in the eastbound left turn lane (which currently backs up periodically)
• Install two (2) flashing pedestrian signs
• Provide additional sidewalks, traffic markings and curbing modifications.
There was discussion at the meeting about the possibility of installing a pedestrian signal, which would stop all traffic when pressed by a pedestrian. According to Keith & Associates’ traffic engineer, the amount of pedestrian traffic at this location does not meet the required warrants for a stop light (450 pedestrians at peak hour). There are also concerns about stopping traffic completely for longer-than-necessary periods in an area used frequently by emergency vehicles.
The Task Order provides for a survey of the area, plus engineering, landscape and construction plans, as well as construction oversight. The fees for the scope of work included in the Task Order total $37,600.
Keith and Associates prepared a preliminary construction cost estimate for the project, a copy of which is also in the back up. Note that the cost estimate of approximately $126,000 does not include permit fees, nor does it include survey and construction design/oversight fees. Associated with this Agenda item is a separate Resolution approving a Budget Transfer to provide the funding necessary to complete the project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Task Order with Keith & Associates for improvements to Colonial Drive.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total of the activities included in the Task Order is $37.600.
CONTACT PERSON: Diane Colonna, Executive Director