HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/18/2007 - RESOLUTION 2007-086 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPRO ITEM NUMBER: 16
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: September 18, 2007
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Kathleen Bracke
SUBJECT
Resolution 2007-086 Authorizing the Mayor to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Among
the City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) for the US287 Environmental Overview Study(EOS).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of this Resolution.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed the US287 Environmental
Overview Study(EOS)for the portion of this state highway between Harmony Road in Fort Collins
and 29th Street in Loveland.
CDOT is requesting approval of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the US287 EOS
by the Fort Collins City Council as well as the other agencies involved in developing this report.
The City's Transportation Board has reviewed and approved a recommendation to City Council
supporting CDOT's request.
City staff from the Transportation Services Area participated in the development of the US287 EOS
project and confirms that the report's recommendations are consistent with the City's adopted
Transportation Master Plan,Master Street Plan, and South College Avenue/US287 Access Control
Plan.
BACKGROUND
The following information is an excerpt from the full US287 EOS Report which provides the project
background and Executive Summary. Full copies of the project report are available upon request
either in hard copy format or electronic format.
The approval of this MOU with CDOT does not require the City to be financially responsible for the
transportation-related improvements identified in this report. The intent of the US287 EOS and
MOU is to establish a formal relationship among the agencies so that as future development and/or
capital projects are envisioned,they can be designed and completed in a manner consistent with the
long-term vision for the corridor.
September 18, 2007 -2- Item No. 16
For more information regarding this project, please visit the project website:
htt)://www.dot.state.co.us/us287 or contact Carol Parr, Project Manager with CDOT Region 4,
telephone:(970)3 50-2170 or e-mail:Carol.ParrCadot.state.co.us or Kathleen Bracke,with the City's
Transportation Planning office, telephone: (970) 224-6140 or e-mail: kbracke(Wceov.com.
ATTACHMENTS
1. US287 Report—Preface and Executive Summary
2. Memorandum of Understanding for US287 EOS
3. Transportation Board recommendation
U< 2 7
I
US 287
Loveland to Fort Collins , Colorado
Environmental Overview Stu •
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US 287
Looking South midwaybetween Loveland and Fort Collins
January 2007
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c er>.agati�ra orERt1E1V srwr �
PREFACE
Rapid growth along the North Front Range of Colorado has created the need for a
transportation planning process that is responsive to resulting future transportation needs and
development pressures . is responsive to the natural and built up environment , and the resulting
future transportation needs . To successfully address this need . the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT ) developed and initiated the Environmental Overview Study ( EOS )
process . The EOS process is structured to provide a basis for long -term roadway
improvements and to provide support for local planning decisions while considering
environmental resources decisions . While no funds are currently programmed for construction ,
the intended outcome of the process is the preservation of a corridor for future transportation
improvements . Through this process , future improvements to the state highway system can be
integrated with other local and regional transportation plans resulting in a proactive ,
environmentally sensitive transportation vision Within the North Front Range .
The EOS process is intended to
be open and interactive , with all Scope and develop Purpose and Need U
interested local and regional B
agencies encouraged to actively L
Develop alternatives screening criteria � I
participate (.see figure at right ) . C
Throughout the EOS process .
public input is solicited to Collect and document traffic and environmental data I
N
develop an understanding of the V
important community values and Develop transportation improvement alternatives \ O
transportation needs and /�
L
deficiencies relating to the Evaluate alternatives and environmental impacts V
� E
Purpose and Need . the M
development of alternatives and r�
Provide final recommendations in EOS E
the selection of a recommended report and access control plan
T
alternative . Data collection .
technical analysis , and public and agency input are all collectively used in this collaborative
process to understand the nature and magnitude of the transportation needs v"ithin a corridor
and then develop realistic solutions that can be carried for; . ard for further analysis .
While the sections of an EOS are generally consistent vith National Environmental Policy Act
( NEPA ) documentation , an EOS is not a replacement for a NEPA decision document . An EOS
provides a level of environmental analysis that is more than a feasibility study but less than a
NEPA document . The EOS does not necessarily include full field survey vlork for all factors : it
does not include full state and federal agency coordination , it does not define impacts to the
resources : nor does it commit to mitigation . The depth of focus for the environmental factors
affecting the development of alternatives may vary depending upon the actual corridor that is
being studied . No alternative %vill be selected as the recommended alternative if it is believed
that there are significant social , economic , and/or environmental factors that Mould preclude an
alternative from ever becoming a preferred alternative through a formal NEPA process .
To provide consistency in the transportation planning process betvveen the affected agencies , a
cooperative agreement %vill be established through a memorandum of understanding ( MOU ) for
the EOS . This %:Frill allov,1 local agency or developer-funded projects a basis for making needed
transportation improvements or for making other improvements in a manner such that future
transportation improvements are not precluded . It is recognized that for any future
improvements that require federal funds . additional analysis and documentation Nvill be required .
This additional analysis 1.%jould build on the EOS evaluation . minimizing the risk of future
changes to the EOS findings .
�11 2C7
EHi•1Rr'1\YL'N7Al 01'FR41Ei{' SRiDY �
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Colorado Department of Transportation . Region 4 ( CDOT ) , the Cities of Loveland and Fort
Collins . Larimer County , and the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization have
recommended a transportation alternative that addresses safety , mobility . and the preservation
of environmental and other community values . Defined as a " context sensitive solution . " this
alternative identifies a right-of-way width needed for future improvements along a 7 . 1 mile
stretch of the US 287 corridor between 29`h Street in Loveland and Harmony Road in Fort
Collins . No funds are currently programmed for any of these improvements .
The recommended right-of-way RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE
along the US 287 corridor will FORT COLLINS . . _
ensure adequate area for the I „arm,ny
following future improvements ( see Widening to Six Lanes,
o" Intersection Improvements,
map to right ) : Bus Priority Treatments, and
Pedeshtan/Bicycle Facilities
Access Conhol Plan r'°b within the Corridor
Roadway widening to six Previously Completed g
in this Area 5
lanes to accommodate future
travel demand and
congestion . 41" `°'pent" s" IT2
Shift lanes West at Two
Intersection improvements to Locations to Minimize Impacts
accommodate peak- hour 't't Si
demand .
Slih St
Priority at intersections for
bus transit . Access Control Plan
in this Area Signalization Improvements
• Safety Improvements Throughout Corridor
including auxiliary lanes and
medians.
xa\St
Access Control south of
Carpenter Road to 291h
Street to define where and 2.
n
\,hat type of future access
changes or modifications can 34 LOVELAN D
occur.
r)T Fu_7e
wmw� CAS 217
EIYMONLI ML O RLIEW SWY M
Pedestrian and bicycle linkages.
Traffic signal timing improvements to improve coordination between signals.
The recommended widening to six lanes will be centered on the existing four lane roadway,
except in two locations where it will be shifted to the west: north of 7151 Street to avoid
impacting Resthaven Cemetery property, and an area north of Carpenter Road to reduce
potential impacts to an existing residential development.
The future right-of-way will provide adequate roadway width throughout the corridor for needed
travel lanes , shoulders, raised center median , and left and right-turn lanes at selected
intersections. The right-of-way also will provide room for pedestrian and commuter and
recreational bicycle linkages between Loveland and Fort Collins (see typical sections below).
144' ROW Imin.)
ISO Be I P' go I a, Is,
UNI. walk Pkwy I10' Roadway Pkwy walk U0k
Eant. (min.) (mina 18' Im[n.) (min.) bad.
8' 12' 12, 12' Medan 12' 1 12' 1 12. 8'
Bike Travel Travel Irovel Travel Trove[ Travel B ke
L 0 lo
ne
to
omm2t I # A V ..
US 287 Cross - Section North of 57th Street - 55 mph
140' Row (mn.l
10,
U0L Walk ftwy 108' Roadway Pkwy walk UI[k
Esrnt. min. (min.) (rnn.l jmin. E5mt.
7' 12' 12' I 1 12' 12' 12' 7'
Ike [ravel Travel travel Travel Travel Travel lke
on 20' n
Metllan' �{
US 287 Cross - Section South of 57th Street to 45 mph
Intersection improvements, such as turn lanes and median treatments, are recommended to
improve traffic flow and safety. Signal timing improvements are proposed to improve
interconnectivity traffic flow, connections to crossroads, and east-west travel . Bus signal priority
OT Page 4
r �� S 2607
5
can be developed at intersections as part of signal timing and turn-lane improvements . The
widened roadway •.vill have curb and gutter on both sides and will be designed for 55 miles per
hour ( mph ) north of 57`" Street and 45 mph south of 57L Street .
These future improvements will enable US 287 to accommodate forecast travel demand in the
corridor through the year 2030 . These improvements will also address the project's purpose
and need and associated goals as defined from input gained during public and agency scoping .
t,✓o public open houses in April and July 2005 . and from meetings with local groups ,
organizations , and local agencies . The purpose and need and associated goals are presented
in Sections 2 . 2 and 2 . 3 .
Eight build alternatives and a no-action alternative were evaluated during the US 287 EOS
study , leading to the identification of the recommended alternative . The recommended
alternative for US 287 between Loveland and Fort Collins provides the following benefits :
Accommodates modal alternatives
( auto/truck , transit, pedestrian . and us 2es will require widening to 6 - lanes
p regardless of improvements to parallel roads
bicycle ) .
Accommodates projected 2030 traffic
volumes . o Indicates need
for 6 lanes
Brings all improvements up to existing E
safety standards . Indicates need
o for 4 lanes
Does not preclude improvements to N
other north-south parallel routes ( see Indicates need
graphic at right which illustrates that � for 2 lanes
even if 4 lane improvements to parallel ''s%; �; U�o CO
roads are made , 6 lanes would be gGs h�o �°e h'%DPP
needed on US 287 ) . �8� cho a'a �°; �'o
ooa ova �d �',�
Improves traffic flow by applying access
control . °j.° fo r$ 40
Source : ° rD�. �0,
Addresses local plans and identifies Carter & Burgess. 2005 °Op coJ °j� for
right-of-%Vay footprints for all future
development along the corridor for the
next 20-plus years .
�) T Page 5
2 [ 7
� - - - E'1114i11Y1^ITA: �1'ER4L�Iti' SRi4Y �
The study considered environmental factors in the evaluation of the alternatives . Identification
of effects to the environment during early planning will make sure they are considered during
future road•.^.?ay design and construction . Major environmental findings related to the
recommended alternative include :
Tenwetlands were identified along the study corridor that potentially could be
considered under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers ( ACOE ) and would
require further delineation , impact analysis , coordination with the Corps of Engineers
and possibly mitigation . Minor alignment adjustments , design modifications ,
construction permits . and or mitigation may be necessary when roadway improvements
are proposed .
The corridor is adjacent to one site on the State Register of Historic Properties , the
Denies Barn . and two structures and one ditch that are potentially eligible for the
National Register of Historic Sites . As future NEPA proceeds . properties along the
corridor would need to be further evaluated for National Register status , concurrence
from the State Historic Preservation Officer ( SHPO ) would be needed and impacts would
need to be avoided if prudent and feasible .
Widening would likely require right-of-sway or easements from four publicly-owned
properties : Long View Farm , Manor Ridge Open Space . Robert Benson Lake . and
Redtail Grove Natural Area . Although none of these properties currently have public
facilities . nor are they open to the public . the City of Fort Collins has plans to develop
trails at the Redtail Grove Natural Area in the near future . Trails could also be
developed in the future at Long View Farm by Larimer County . Early right-of-
way/easement coordination with Larimer County and Fort Collins will be important to
minimize impacts to future trails , as well as to assess potential Section 4 (f) status and
impacts at the time of NEPA processing . Design modifications may be appropriate to
avoid or minimize impacts to these propertieswhen roadway improvements are
proposed .
The land along Redtail Grove Natural Area , where Fossil Creek goes through , needs to
be monitored for fossils during construction .
No Threatened or Endangered Species would be negatively impacted by future
widening .
Concurrent with the US 287 EOS study , an access control plan was prepared for the City of
Loveland and Larimer County from 29th Street to Carpenter Road . ( An access control plan
already exists for US 287 in Fort Collins from Carpenter Road north to Harmony Road . ) Formal
approval of this access control plan combined with the access control plan along US 287 in Fort
Collins would provide access management tools for the entire US 287 EOS study area .
OT Page 6
WI Us z[7
mw� ENi4TtON "X OMVIEW SWY t
Furthermore , a memorandum of understanding ( MOU ) between CDOT and local agencies
adopting the EOS findings will provide the basis for approving development of locally funded
transportation improvements along the corridor.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AMONG
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS ,
THE CITY OF LOVELAND,
LARIMER COUNTY,
AND
THE STATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
FOR THE
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE
US 287 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW STUDY
BETWEEN HARMONY ROAD IN FORT COLLINS
AND
29TH STREET IN LOVELAND
January 15 , 2007
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15 , 2007
Table of Contents
1 . Purpose.. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1
2 . Agreements . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2
3 . EOS Purpose and Need . . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 2
4. EOS Findings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. 3
4 . 1 . Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4 . 1 . 1 . Cross Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 . 1 . 2 . Intersection Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 . 1 . 3 . Other Recommended Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5. Other Agreements .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10
Approvals .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13
List of Figures
Figure 1 : Alignment Shift at Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 2 : Alignment Shift at Carpenter Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 3 : Cross- Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Page i
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AMONG
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS,
THE CITY OF LOVELAND,
LARIMER COUNTY,
AND
THE STATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
1 . PURPOSE
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizes the findings of the US 287 Fort
Collins to Loveland Environmental Overview Study, January, 2007 (hereinafter referred
to as "EOS") for the section of U. S . Highway 287 between 29th Street and Harmony Road
(hereinafter referred to as the "Segment") . Maintaining and enhancing areas throughout
the Segment in a thoughtful and deliberate way requires the cooperative involvement of
the City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County and the State of Colorado
Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as the Agencies) . This involvement
includes, but is not limited to, the areas of land use, transportation planning,
development, and implementation. With the rapid growth along the North Front Range of
Colorado, there is an essential need for transportation planning that is responsive to
development pressures and future transportation needs.
The purpose of this MOU includes the following:
• Best meet the purpose and need for the Segment by adopting and
incorporating the findings of the EOS (as defined in this MOU) .
• Preserve a roadway corridor for future transportation improvements in the
Segment.
• Support the integration of future improvements in the Segment with other
local and regional transportation system plans resulting in a proactive
transportation vision within the North Front Range.
• Establish a roadway footprint and associated right-of-way for future access
changes, per two relevant Access Control Plans (ACP) : 1 ) South College
Avenue (US 287) Access Control Plan Update Report by Felsburg Holt &
Ullevig, February, 2002, and 2) US 287 Carpenter Road to 29th Street in
Loveland Access Control Plan Report by Carter & Burgess, (add date of final
document) .
• Establish the number, location, and width of through lanes, auxiliary lanes,
medians, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, transit service facilities, and other
Page 1
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
roadway and right-of-way cross-section elements in the Segment for the year
2030 planning horizon.
• Provide consistency in the transportation planning process between the
Agencies .
This MOU does not supersede any requirements of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (NEPA), or other federal laws or regulations . Any federal action required for
future transportation improvements along the Segment shall be subject to the appropriate
federal laws, regulations, and guidance .
This MOU does not supersede any requirements of CDOT ' s Environmental Stewardship
Guide . The Environmental Stewardship Guide describes the process by which social,
economic, environmental, and engineering considerations are integrated in all aspects of
transportation decision-making, including policy, development, systems and project
development, and the design, construction, maintenance and operations of the system.
To meet the purpose of this MOU, it is appropriate for the Agencies to set forth the
general terms of their cooperation.
2. AGREEMENTS
• The Agencies agree to plan, approve, and implement transportation
improvements within or adjacent to the Segment consistent with the findings
of the EOS . The findings are conceptual in nature and are intended to guide
exact future transportation improvements . More detailed engineering and
coordination, based on these findings , will still be necessary to determine the
final detailed location and configuration of future transportation
improvements .
• The Agencies agree to consider the findings of the EOS before implementing
or approving land use changes or other improvements in the vicinity of the
Segment. These include, but are not limited to, the development of adjacent
trails or open space improvements .
• The Agencies agree to develop and adopt the necessary ordinances , official
documents, plans and maps as appropriate to fulfill their responsibilities under
this MOU.
I EOS PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose and need statement in the EOS describing transportation improvements
in the Segment was jointly developed by the Agencies in coordination with the North
Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO), and with public input
from residents and business/property owners and operators in and around the US 287
corridor. The purpose of the EOS project was to develop a concept and schematic
Page 2
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
design for the US 287 corridor that would provide safe and efficient mobility for all
modes by addressing the following needs :
• Congestion - US 287 is currently experiencing peak hour congestion at major
intersections which is expected to worsen.
• Modal Alternatives — Long-term regional and local growth forecasts indicate
increased demand for multi-modal transportation alternatives that may not be
accommodated with the existing infrastructure .
• Safety - The lack of consistent pedestrian and bicycle facilities through the
US 287 corridor and the numerous access points along the corridor increase
the likelihood of future pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle accidents .
4. EOS FINDINGS
• The EOS findings include an alignment and typical sections for the Segment.
These two elements result in a recommended footprint for edge of pavement
and corridor right-of-way. Other recommendations include priority for Bus
Rapid Transit (BRT) or other bus service and traffic signal improvements .
• Coupled with the EOS findings is a new access control plan (ACP) for the
portion of US 287 from Carpenter Road south to 29th Street. The ACP was
developed in close coordination with the EOS . The ACP will be managed
through the use of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and defines where
future access changes or modification can occur and what type of access can
be provided. Together, the EOS and new ACP, along with the existing ACP
for the portion of US 287 north of Carpenter Road to Harmony Road provide
guidance for future improvements in the Segment along the US 287 corridor.
• The EOS findings include the alignment of US 287 , the cross section by
location, and other recommended improvements in the Segment. These
improvements are described below.
4. 1 . Alignment
• The EOS findings identify 6-through lanes along US 287 within the Segment,
achieved primarily by widening equally on each side of the existing roadway
centerline .
• There are, however, two locations where an additional horizontal alignment
shift to the west is proposed to avoid impacts . These locations and the
resulting affects are described below:
■ Just north of 71 st Street, the Resthaven cemetery is located in the
northeast quadrant of the intersection with US 287 . The existing US
Page 3
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
287 right-of-way borders the western edge of the cemetery. With the
recommended alignment, this edge would be held at its current
position and the proposed US 287 roadway here would be widened to
the west. This results in a shift of the US 287 centerline approximately
40 feet to the west. The transition for this shift will be designed to
accommodate the posted speed (at the time of design) and the
associated design speed. The concept for this shift is shown in
Figure 1 .
■ Between Carpenter Road and Triangle Drive, the section is proposed
to be widened and realigned by an adjacent developer. The
dimensions and design criteria for this widening and realignment were
negotiated and agreed to prior to the initiation of the EOS ; so the
dimensions do not exactly match the cross-section recommended as
part of the EOS . This realignment of US 287 would result in about a
25 foot center-line shift to the west. The developer would be
dedicating up to 50 feet of right-of-way for this work. This
realignment would be accomplished with straight taper designs . The
concept for this shift is shown in Figure 2 .
(Intentionally Blank)
Page 4
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
r
Transition back to existing & '
US 287 centerline using
55 : 1 taper or reversing L
10 . 000 radius curves .
E
Centerline shift to p
west . approximatly 40ft . w
W
E`
qs
Future utility easement ,
15 feet wider than
Right- of-Way.
Existing and
proposed
future ROW
Approximate proposed
future edge of ROW. "
about 72 feet . west
of existing Right-of-Way.
& "in"
- �CR - 30
j
Transition back to existing
US 287 centerline using
55 : 1 taper or reversing
10 , 000 radius curves .
Figure 1 : Alignment Shift at Cemetery
Page 5
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15 , 2007
Transition back to existing �epC
Area where sidewalk would
US 287 centerline using need to be attached , and likely
55 : 1 taper or reversing retaining walls constructed
10 , 000 radius curves. to avoid impacts to
existing buildings .
r .,
Approximate 25 ft . shift
of centerline to the west .
L `s
Existing eastern curbline and
_ proposed future eastern curbline
Transition back to existing from Carpenter to Victoria Drive .
US 287 centerline using
55 : 1 taper or reversing
10 , 000 radius curves .
car enter Add right-turn lane in future .
ro
f isrok
Figure 2 : Alignment Shift at Carpenter Road
Page 6
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
4. 1 . 1 . Cross Section
• The proposed cross-section of a 6-lane US 287 was developed to be consistent
with the cross-sections typically used by each local agency and with CDOT ' s
standards . The proposed cross-section was adjusted in a portion of the
Segment to accommodate the existing 55 mph speed limit on US 287 until
such time that development and traffic require speed reductions . These
specific adjustments are described below and shown in Figure 3 :
■ From 57th Street south — US 287 currently has 0 . 5 mile signal spacing
(or less) and a speed limit varying from 45 mph to 50 mph. In the
future a 45 mph would be an appropriate design speed and posted
speed as traffic increases . At such time a reduction to a 45 mph speed
limit would be justified, the proposed cross-section with a raised
median could be implemented,
■ North of 57th Avenue to just south of Harmony Road - the existing
speed limit is 55mph in this section. In order to maintain this current
speed limit, the cross-section recommended is one that includes the
two-foot "shy zone" and mountable curb adjacent to the median.
4.1.2. Intersection Improvements
The proposed cross-sections apply to the US 287 roadway in the Segment
between intersections and can accommodate a standard intersection with single
left-turn lanes and no additional right-turn lanes . The single left-turn lane is a 12-
foot lane that is taken out of the median. This results in a six-foot raised median at
the turn lane north of 57th Street and a four-foot raised median at the turn lane
south of 57th Street. There are many locations in the study area where additional
median width will be required due to need for double-left turn lanes or separate
right turn lane(s). The locations where a wider median is proposed to
accommodate double-left turns are listed below:
• Carpenter Road, in the northbound, southbound, and westbound directions
• At 65th Street, northbound left
• At 29th Street, northbound left.
(Intentionally Blank)
Page 7
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15 , 2007
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Figure 3 : Cross-Sections
Page 8
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
In general, CDOT does not normally require separate right turn lanes on six-lane
facilities unless they are determined to be necessary for traffic capacity or other
operational purposes . For the EOS , it was determined that to maximize flexibility
for the future, a separate right turn deceleration lane would be included at every
signalized intersection. Decisions could be made in the future, based on traffic
data at the time of design, as to whether certain right-turn lanes could be omitted
or added.
Additionally, more detailed traffic analysis will be needed in the future at the time
of intersection design to determine the length of right and left-turn lanes .
The alignment, cross-section, and intersection improvement findings in the EOS
are presented in plan sheet format in the Appendix of the EOS document. These
conceptual design plan sheets are incorporated by reference into this MOU and
include the following elements :
• Alignment and widening (including the two locations where the proposed
alignment is shifted to the west) .
• Cross-sections north and south of 57th Street.
• Intersection locations where a wider median is recommended.
• Intersection locations where separate right-turn lanes are recommended
• Roadway lane, bicycle lane, sidewalk, and right-of-way locations.
4. 1 .3 . Other Recommended Improvements
Not shown on the EOS plan sheets is signal priority for bus service and traffic
signal improvements .
4. 1. 3. 1. Bus Signal Priority
The EOS findings include bus signal priority when, and if, this technology
is needed to improve bus travel time . Because the forecast level-of-service
along US 287 with the recommended improvements is acceptable with
relatively little delay, no specific bus priority improvements have been
identified. However, the recommended cross-section can accommodate
bus-priority at intersections by providing striping of the right-turn-
deceleration lane as a bus priority lane and providing initial signal time to
the bus-movement. If land use patterns, or traffic growth occurs differently
than forecasted and results in congestion at one of the intersections in the
Segment, bus signal priority can be accommodated within the
recommended cross-section.
Page 9
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
4.1. 3.2. Traffic Signal (Intelligent Transportation System) Improvements
Traffic signal improvements are included in the EOS findings .
Specifically, the recommendation includes future coordination between
the City of Fort Collins and the City of Loveland for all existing and future
traffic signals along the corridor. Good signal coordination reduces overall
travel delay and better serves regional travel, as typical on US 287 . This
improvement is not dependent up the widening of US 287 to 6-lanes, but
may be better served as new signals get added to the roadway consistent
with the Access Control Plan. For this recommendation, future signals or
signal improvements should accommodate signal communication, and
coordination with a master controller. No other specific intelligent
transportation system (ITS) improvements are recommended as part of the
EOS , but may be found to be appropriate during future studies or design
efforts . The findings of the EOS are compatible with most forms of ITS as
may be considered for this corridor in the future.
5. OTHER AGREEMENTS
IT IS MUTUALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY and BETWEEN the
AGENCIES THAT :
1 . The North Front Range MPO (NFRMPO) 2030 Regional Transportation Plan
vision was used in the development of the EOS Purpose and Need statement and
EOS goals . The Agencies agree to consider the recommendations of the EOS in
any updates to the RTP and to maintain consistency with the RTP while
implementing the recommendations of the EOS .
2 . This MOU does not create any financial obligations for any of the Agencies. Any
financial obligation of an Agency shall be subject to the execution of an
appropriate encumbrance document, where required. Agencies involved in or
affected by any particular or site-specific undertaking provided for herein will
cooperate with each other to agree upon a fair and equitable allocation of the
associated costs . However, notwithstanding any provision of this MOU, no
Agency shall be required to expend its public funds for such undertaking without
the express prior approval of its governing body or legally designated official. All
financial obligations of the Agencies shall be contingent upon sufficient funds
being appropriated, budgeted, and otherwise made available as provided by law.
3 . Should any section(s) or provision(s) of this MOU be judicially determined to be
invalid or unenforceable, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the
remaining provisions of this MOU.
4. This MOU supersedes and controls all prior written and oral agreements and
representations of the Agencies regarding the EOS for the Segment. No additional
or different oral representation, promise or agreement shall be binding on any
Page 10
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
Agency. This MOU may be amended or terminated only in writing executed by
the Agencies with express authorization from their respective governing bodies or
legally designated officials .
5 . It is expressly understood and agreed that the enforcement of the terms and
conditions of this MOU, and all rights of action relating to such enforcement,
shall be strictly reserved to the undersigned Agencies . Nothing in this MOU shall
give or allow any claim or right of action whatsoever by any other person not
included in this MOU. It is the express intention of the undersigned Agencies that
any entity other than the undersigned Agencies receiving services or benefits
under this MOU shall be an incidental beneficiary only.
6 . Any notice required or permitted by this MOU shall be in writing and shall be
addressed to :
City of Fort Collins
215 N. Mason Street
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Attn: Transportation Planning
City of Loveland
410 East 51h Street
Loveland, CO 80537
Attn: City Engineer, Public Works
Larimer County Engineering
200 West Oak Street, Suite 3000
P. O . Box 1190
Fort Collins, CO 80522- 1190
Attn: County Engineer
State of Colorado Department of Transportation
CDOT Region 4
1420 2nd Street
Greeley, CO 80537
Attn: Region 4 Planning and Environmental Manager
Page 11
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
7 . This MOU may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original and all of which together shall constitute one original MOU.
8 . No portion of this MOU shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any immunities
the Agencies or their officers or employees may possess, nor shall any portion of
this MOU be deemed to have created a duty of care that did not previously exist
with respect to any person not a party to this MOU.
9 . Any Agency may terminate its participation in this MOU by giving at least ninety
(90) days ' written notice to the other Agencies .
10 . This MOU shall be governed by and interpreted under the applicable laws of the
State of Colorado. Every term, provision, or condition herein is subject to and
shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of Colorado law, the
Charters of the various jurisdictions, and the ordinances and regulations enacted
pursuant thereto .
11 . By signing this MOU, the Agencies acknowledge and represent to one another
that all procedures necessary to validly contract and execute this MOU have been
performed, and that the persons signing for each Agency have been duly
authorized to do so.
(Intentionally Blank)
Page 12
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
APPROVALS
By signature below, the agencies certify that the individuals listed in this document as
representatives of the agencies are authorized to act in their respective areas for matter
related to this MOU.
THE AGENCIES HERETO have executed this MOU as of the last written date below :
For the County : COUNTY OF LARIMER, COLORADO
By:
Chair
Board of County Commissioners
ATTEST: Approved as to legal form
Deputy Clerk of the Board County Attorney
For the City : THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
By :
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Approved as to legal form:
City Attorney
(Intentionally Blank)
Page 13
Memorandum of Understanding among
The City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and CDOT
January 15, 2007
For the City: THE CITY OF LOVELAND
By:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Approved as to legal form:
City Attorney
For the STATE OF COLORADO
Department of Transportation ATTEST :
Chief Engineer Chief Clerk
CONCUR:
Regional Transportation Director
J:\—Transportation\071860\manage\report\EOS\MOU draft EOS 011507.doc
Page 14
ATTACHMENT
MEETING MINUTES of the
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
May 16,2007
5:45 p.m.
City of Fort Collins Municipal Building
215 N.Mason Street—Community Room
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Gary Thomas 482-7125
Vice Chair: Jeannette Hallock-Solomon 416-1239
Staff Liaison: Mark Jackson 416-2029
Administrative Support: Polly Bennett 224-6058
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: ABSENT:
Don Edmondson James Clausen
Sara Frazier Jeanette Hallock-Solomon
Neil Grigg Kevin Westhuis
Bill Jenkins
Ed Robert
Garry Steen
Gary Thomas
CITY STAFF: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Kathleen Bracke Carol Parr, CDOT
Mark Jackson Dave Wolfoll, Carter/Burgess
Polly Bennett
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thomas at 6:00 p.m.
2. INTRODUCTION
Thomas introduced Polly Bennett,who replaces Cynthia Langren as Executive Administrative
Assistant for Transportation Administration,and Staff Support member of the Transportation
Board. Polly began working for the City of Fort Collins as Administrative Secretary II in the
Streets&Traffic Departments in 2000. She transferred to Engineering as Administrative Support
Supervisor in 2002, and was hired by Mark Jackson as Executive Administrative Assistant for
Transportation Administration this month. A native of Fort Collins,her Great-Grandfather was
founding father, Abner Loomis, and her father,Tom Bennett, served as Councilman and Mayor in
the mid-1960s.
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2
Transportation Board
May 16, 2007
3. AGENDA REVIEW
The agenda was accepted unanimously.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES(March 2007)
Robert moved to approve the March 2007 Transportation Board meeting minutes as presented
(note: there was no meeting in April 2007).There was a second by Steen.The motion carried by a
unanimous vote.
6. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Wade Troxell is the new Council Liaison. He was unable to attend tonight's meeting.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. US287 Environmental Overview Study
�— Kathleen Bracke, Interim Transportation Planning&Policy Director
Carol Parr, CDOT Project Manager
Dave Wolfoll, Carter/Burgess
Bracke: CDOT Project, City participated as part of the technical advisory committee.The project
runs from Harmony Road south to Carpenter Road. From a staff perspective,we believe the
results coming from the Project Team are consistent with the adopted Master Street Plan and the
adopted City and CDOT Access Control Plan for the area from Harmony Road south the
Carpenter Road. Past that, 287 becomes Latimer County and Loveland's area.
Wolfoll:
Purpose: Review changes and other findings since last year;review overview of Memorandum of
Understanding. Requesting Board approval of the Environmental Overview Study(EOS).
The EOS is a planning study done in the context of an EA or EIS, taking the same steps,but not
with that level of scrutiny.We did consider potential environmental impacts along the corridor
and took public input on the alternates being considered through public meetings.
Major elements: A six-lane,multi-modal alternative allowing bus/rapid transit to be included
through corridor to 29th Street in Loveland is being recommended. An Access Control Plan for
the Fort Collins portion was completed and defines where access occurs along the highway. This
study defines the width of the corridor.The result is not a construction project by CDOT,but a
guidance document for upcoming developments in the corridor,both in Fort Collins and
Loveland. Cross section is the same as appears in the Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards(LCUASS) other than a wider median which allows a 55 mph speed limit through most
of the corridor.
Memorandum of understanding: The agencies that participated in this project(Cities,County, and
CDOT)agree to consider and use this document to implement any improvements along 287 as
shown in the EOS and consider the EOS before any approvals,and that future ordinances and
documents support what was done in the EOS including addressing congestion,incorporate
modal alternatives, address safety issues; other parts maintain consistency with the APO RTP No
financial obligations are part of approving this EOS. It does not commit to a construction project,
but commits to reviewing proposed development in context with this EOS,which supersedes any
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3
Transportation Board
May 16, 2007
documents other than the Access Control Plan. Parties can terminate within 90 days with written
notice subject to Colorado law.
Council will approve the City Manager's signature on the Memorandum of Understanding with
CDOT and the EOS.This typically appears on the Consent Agenda.
Grigg: Once the council authorizes the City Manager to sign the agreement, it locks us in to using
it as a guiding plan. Is there anything that could go wrong? Is this pretty much what we need?
Bracke: I can't see anything being recommended here that would raise any red flags or concerns.
The public, in extensive public review meetings,expressed that they don't want the Access
Control Plan changed,which was comforting.
Robert: Did the City Council get a Study Session Review of this proposal?Do new Council
members need to be updated?
Bracke: They did. It could possibly be a discussion item at a regular Council meeting,but it is
nearly impossible to get it on a work session agenda because of the ongoing Budgeting for
Outcomes process.
Jackson: The project is so clean and non-controversial that there should be no problem with it as
a Consent Agenda item.
Robert: Does this include street lighting?
Bracke: Yes,per the street standards for the area.
Grigg moved that the board recommend approval of the EOS subject to review by legal and send
it to Council for approval. Second by Jenkins.Passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2007-086
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AMONG THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, THE CITY OF LOVELAND, LARIMER
COUNTY AND THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT)
FOR THE US287 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW STUDY (EOS)
WHEREAS,the Colorado Department of Transportation(CDOT)has completed the US 287
Environmental Overview Study(EOS)for the portion of US Highway 287 between Harmony Road
in Fort Collins and 29th Street in Loveland; and
WHEREAS, City staff participated in the development of the EOS and the City's
Transportation Board has review and approved the EOS and CDOT's request for a Memorandum
of Understanding regarding it; and
WHEREAS, the EOS is consistent with the City's adopted Transportation Master Plan,
Master Street Plan and the South College Avenue/US287 Access Control Plan; and
WHEREAS,CDOT has requested approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for the EOS
with the Memorandum of Understanding to include the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland,Larimer
County and CDOT; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City that a
Memorandum of Understanding between the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, Larimer County
and CDOT be executed regarding the US 287 Environmental Overview Study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the Mayor is hereby authorized to approve and enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding among the City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Larimer County, and the
Colorado Department of Transportation for the US287 Environmental Overview Study which
Memorandum of Understanding will not require the City to be financially responsible for the
transportation related improvements identified in the study.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 18th
day September, A.D. 2007.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk