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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-140-10/03/1995-DOWNTOWN ROUNDTABLE TRUCK ISSUES FINAL REPORT RESOLUTION 95-140 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROVING THE FORT COLLINS TRUCK ISSUES FINAL REPORT WHEREAS, in 1994 a "Truck Issue Roundtable" was established to discuss truck traffic issues in the region, and particularly to discuss heavy truck traffic through downtown Fort Collins; and WHEREAS, participants in the Roundtable included elected officials, public agency staff members, trucking industry representatives, and interested citizens; and WHEREAS, as a result of meetings of the Roundtable held in 1994 and 1995, an "Final Report" was developed and endorsed by the Roundtable; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Fort Collins has determined that the Fort Collins Truck Issues Final Report as developed by the Roundtable is a desirable plan that will serve the best interests of the citizens of the City in proceeding toward a resolution of the issue of heavy truck traffic through downtown Fort Collins. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, that the "Fort Collins Truck Issues Final Report," attached hereto and, incorporated herein by this reference is hereby approved by the Council. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins held this 3rd day of October, A.D. 1995. ATTEST: City Clerk ,r City of Fort Collins FORT COLLINS TRUCK ISSUES FINAL REPORT Prepared for the City of Fort Collins Prepared by URS Consultants, Inc. September, 1995 City of Fort Collins Fort Collins Truck Issues Table of Contents �g Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 First Truck Roundtable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Second Truck Roundtable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Third Truck Roundtable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Actions Since the Last Roundtable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Figure 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . follows page 2 Appendix A Vibration Analysis Appendix B October, 1994 Roundtable Meeting Minutes Appendix C April, 1995 Roundtable Meeting Minutes Appendix D May, 1995 Roundtable Meeting Minutes amity-o,frorriollim- Fort Collins Truck Issues Final Report Overview Three roundtable meetings were held in late 1994 through June, 1995 to discuss truck-related traffic issues, particularly in regard to heavy truck traffic through downtown. These meetings were attended by elected officials, public agency staff, trucking industry representatives and citizens interested in trucking issues. The impetus for the roundtable meetings stemmed from the-US 287/SH 14 Access Control Study and the Corridor Improvement Plan conducted for the City of Fort Collins by URS Consultants, Inc.. As an element of these studies, a citizen's advisory committee (CAC) was formed to provide input on local concerns and to review study recommendations. Some members of the CAC expressed strong concerns about the heavy volumes of trucks driving through downtown (especially on Riverside/Jefferson Avenues) because of noise, vibration, safety and impacts to the pedestrian setting of the area. As a whole, the CAC expressed a desire to reduce large truck travel through downtown as an element of any transportation improvements made in the US 287/SH 14 corridor. To address a frequently mentioned concern of the CAC, a study of the impacts of truck vibration on historic buildings was conducted. This scientific analysis found no evidence of damage to historic buildings from the truck vibration (Appendix A). The CAC continued to express concern over truck issues, and these concerns were echoed by the Mayor and several downtown organizations. The City Transportation Department recognized the truck issue as a serious concern, but one outside of the scope of the Access Control Plan (which determines appropriate driveway access onto state highways) and the Corridor Improvement Plan (which recommends landscaping, sidewalk treatments and other urban design elements to improve the appearance of the corridor). The Department first requested and received additional funds from the City Council to investigate the possibility of removing or reducing large truck traffic. First Roundtable Meeting The first truck roundtable was held on October 12,- 1994. The meeting was attended by 20 public and private representatives from Colorado and Wyoming. Participating agencies and organizations included the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Cities of Fort Collins, Laramie and Cheyenne, Larimer County, several private trucking firms, the-Western-Highway Institute, the Colorado Motor Carriers Association and local citizens (the meeting minutes and attendance list are included in Appendix B). This group also received a handout of background information including research into how other communities have dealt with trucking issues. This information is available under separate cover from the City Transportation Division. 1 City of Fort Collins During this first meeting the group discussed the major issues of if and how large-truck traffic should be managed in the "triangle" area, defined as the routes of US 287, I-25 and I-80 that link the cities of Fort Collins, Laramie and Cheyenne (Figure 1). An extensive discussion led to consensus on several topics: The clarification of the long-range goal of the roundtable to "provide a feasible route for trucks outside of Fort Collins other than US 287 that does not seriously impact the economics of the trucking industry or the City", The addition of a short-term goal of "reducing truck traffic on the US 287 corridor without seriously impacting the economics of the trucking industry or the City", and The need to provide information and/or data from each roundtable member's background and perspective on topics relating to the truck issue. The roundtable group agreed to meet again to discuss opportunities for meeting these short-term and long- term goals. In the meantime, the City and consultant staff continued to gather information on truck travel patterns and preferences. This information would lay the framework for identifying truck management alternatives for the second roundtable meeting. Second Roundtable fleeting The second roundtable meeting was held on April 3, 1995. A proposed action plan was presented to the group by the City, which included strategies to address the short-term and long-term goals set in the first roundtable. Detailed information from this meeting is contained in a separate report available from the City Transportation Divison. This Action Plan included items such as: developing a marketing plan to publicize alternate routes and request voluntary cooperation by the trucking industry to use I-25/I-80, - determining the economic impacts to the trucking industry from shifting truck traffic from US 287 to the I-25/I-80 corridor, developing specific truck management incentive programs such as providing weather information to advise truckers of alternate routes and improving port of entry operations to speed the processing of trucks, and investigating alternative routes such as a downtown bypass and/or a potential east-west connection from I-25 to US 287. The roundtable group discussed each possible action item and decided on a more refined list of short- and long-term actions to pursue. The group also decided to meet a final time to decide on a prioritized list of 2 cor or V. e.uw Laramie IN OHN 80 47 m►le5 0 M. WYOMING -- --------------- --------------------- COIAIZ o 25 --- 287 69 IN E friangle Area Mileage and parch of Mileage [[1-2 / 1.60 66 min 14 OR 81 69 mlcs °'^ a' N ara 17 min Fat Cdlln5 0 (frrdtrcgM ediaFed) URS Figure 1. Location Map City of Fon Collins actions for recommendation to their respective agencies. Minutes from this meeting are contained in Appendix C. After the May roundtable meeting, the City met with CDOT to discuss the "Triangle Project", a CDOT- initiated set of actions that could be a major element of the overall truck management plan. As proposed by CDOT, the $2.0 million Triangle Project would utilize various advanced technologies to encourage trucks to use alternate routes to US 287. Key elements of the project include: - port automation (weigh-in-motion, automatic vehicle identification) to more quickly process trucks through ports; - truck and traveler advisories to provide advance warning of weather/construction to travelers; - a fleet management program to work with local truckers and shippers to develop schedules that minimize conflicts and streamline trucking shipments, and - a monitoring and enforcement program on US 287 by installing a screening station that uses WIM and AVI technology to monitor speeds and weights. A set of graphics was prepared for the third roundtable meeting to illustrate the Triangle Project and other elements of a draft recommended Action Plan. Third Roundtable Meeting The third roundtable meeting was held on May 23, 1995. The City and consultant staff presented a draft short-term and long-term action plan for consideration by the group. These action items included the Triangle-Prcjeet described above-, and: - forming a Steering Committee to implement the overall action plan, - contacting Rand McNally, the publisher of travel time and distance guides for the trucking industry, to request changes that reflect the City's desire to have large trucks avoid downtown, - continuing regional partnership efforts such as creating an ongoing Mayor's council to identify opportunities for cooperation on truck issues, - making local changes to the existing corridor to improve pedestrian safety and to better enforce existing speed limits, 3 City of Fon Colllns developing a marketing plan to develop support for trucks using alternate routes or times of day through the downtown, collecting and evaluating truck data to monitor trends and to evaluate the effectiveness of the truck management plan elements, and, reevaluating alternative routes such as a downtown bypass and/or a northern bypass sometime in the future, after other elements of the truck management plan have been implemented and the effectiveness of tiTe program has been: determined. I_ �- The- frill- list-of these- action- items- follow- this- finaL report.- Minutes from this meeting are located in Appendix D. Actions Since the Last Roundtable Since the last roundtable meeting, CDOT has continued to develop the Triangle Project elements, including cost estimates, processes needed to implement bistate port of entry improvements, and enlistment of potential private partners. The City has continued to meet with interested parties on trucking issues. Upon endorsement by the City Council, the City Transportation department is prepared to convene the Steering Committee to begin implementation of early Action Plan elements. Such items may include: meeting with Rand McNally to request changing the truck mileage guide to reflect the City's desire to avoid downtown Fort Collins, developing the marketing plan to request voluntary cooperation of the trucking industry in avoiding US 287, and beginning to develop bistate support for capital projects that must be on the Regional Transportation Plan and the State Implementation Plan prior to federal funding authorization. Together, these short-and long-term action items will constitute a sound, implementable plan for managing truck traffic through downtown Fort Collins. These actions, developed through the consensus of a wide variety of public and private partners, show the value of collaboration on tough issues to reach mutually acceptable solutions now and in the future. 4 t • • ` • ' Raw LNM s d� Form Steering Committee Composed of City of Fort Collins, Cheyenne, Laramie, CDOT WDOT, Larimer County, Western Highway Institute, Colorado Motor Carriers Association, and Citizen Representatives to: r * Develop funding package * Implement Truck Management Plan * Review data collection findings ' * Recommend phasing of alterrnative route analyses t * Create Marketing Subcommittee to: - develop and implement marketing plan - create legislative action plan F ' y' Continue Regional Partnership Efforts * Create Mayor's Council to identify needs and opportunities for cooperation between Laramie, Cheyenne and Fort Collins Monitor and Review Trends 1 r k � 1 sYj Clty o[Fort Conine `a a s _ t JY'tis �' �ITO�[ID Previous discussions have identified the need for } physical and operational changes to modify truck travel patterns. Q � Develop bistate support for N/AR ?; Truck Management Plan = - get capital projects `: on RTP/STIP * Implement "Triangle Project" - port automation $1 ,350,000 - weather information $100,000 q ` - fleet management $100,000 „ t k r f� - US-287 monitoring $350,000 - recruit truckers/evaluate $50,000 results =g ' * Manage existing corridor - pedestrian/safety $75,000 k� x - improvements , - increased local enforcement =.„ * Investigate weight limit Nominal " waivers on State Highways as trial project -' � �'r r Collect shipperttruck data as needed f " • City of Fort Collins, CDOT, POE, Marketing Sub- ; committee, Colorado Highway Patrol, WDOT, Larimer County, CMCA, WTA, WHI, private sector partners. Triangle Projects on RTP/STIP by 1996; ® implementation '96-'98; request trial weight waiver ' Fall '96. -- .g Gt7 of Fort ColUm �' ► { . ,till ' ' • ft MMA) While the Roundtable process has begun to open channels of communication between agencies and the private trucking industry, this communication must continue over time to achieve goals and objectives. * Create Marketing Sub- Nominal FFk committee to implement outreach plan * Prepare marketing materials $20-$40,000 - brochure - news releases/articles - distribute to truckers/shippers * Meet with Rand McNally to $2-3,000 request route changes [rQ� 10( �3i o Marketing Subcommittee, City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, CDOT, truckers, citizens. OdlO Present overall action plan to Council in Fall '95; create Marketing Subcommittee Winter '95; n of marketing plan-Winter begin implementatio '95; meet with Rand McNally Fall '95. < ® 5 IV City of Fort Collins -44 ";rr.a-? n er Qi6f�P0iDla�di; Additional data on characteristics of trucks in the r Fort Collins area will more clearly identify existingfi conditions and future opportunities. >' ti * Collect comprehensive truck Cost included data as part of Triangle Project with Triangle ° - shipper characteristics Project =t - time of day choices - local vs pass-thru traffic - truck volumesRV * Conduct Evaluation Program Nominal x: QQ® o City of Fort Collins, CDOT, WDOT, Western Highway Institute, Colorado Motor Carriers Association. Od�C Collect truck data as needed 1995 through Triangle a„4 Project implementation, (after 1998);conduct yearly >K,review of trends after Triangle Project is operational. r, � r v nr 9 ya+ 'x r M,may 1-2 ' , A� r��4`.'°x��iH7', `",�•s s K3"�'^,.rJ• w�` `rY� ,^}.�..�rF's.^SFla.} �tti'''i�st8 TMC vla 'e x (fldo The "Triangle Cities" of Fort Collins, Cheyenne and Laramie provide regional links to goods, services and recreational opportunities. Building partnerships between the cities will help each to achieve economic and social goals. * Conduct Intermodal $100-150,000 -arlsfer Feasibility Study - evaluate costs and benefits to truck/rail industries and to regional communities * Develop Fort Collins - N/A Laramie - Cheyenne Regional Economic Strategy - create Mayor's Council - lobby for Truck Management Plan implementation [ p( ( City of Fort Cains, City of Laramie, City of Cheyenne, CDOT, WDOTAo (Y100o Present action items to Council in Fall '95; , present to Larimer County Commission Fall '95; conduct Intermodal Study in FY '96. CItY of Fort Collin ' '.. �i.ia.iv /ti iSiS�ii3is45 u i5l^31Y u�p ., ': I � U@MM o Completion of Downtown rail consolidation may provide opportunities to improve downtown traffic flow. * Revisit Downtown By-pass $50-75;000 Option after implementation of Truck Management Plan/ Marketing Plan * Discuss potential route north $75-100,000 of Fort Collins after implementation of Truck Management Plan/Marketing Plan City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, CDOT, Truck Steering Committee, citizen representatives Conduct Downtown Bypass Study and/or study of an alternate route north of Fort Collins after one year operation of majority of Triangle Project elements (after 1998). City of Fort Collins City of Fort Collins APPENDIX A VIBRATION ANALYSIS (EXCERPTS) E 8yN2uS_ STRUCTURRI. OYNRMICS " RND • UIBRRTION CONSULTRNTS Q "Thm't thr was we've alwass Guar u." KENNETH MEDERRIS RSSOCIRTES This ez=se has =[ways DR. KENNETH MEDERRIS TELECOPY TBRNSM17TRL SHEET bean the primary (SENT FROM 303-484-3553) impediment to positisa ehaage. DELIVER TO URS CONSULTANTS , INC. SENT FROM tax t4MF.ARIS NO. OF PRGES INCLUDING COUER SHEET 16 DITE SENT 16 August 1994 RE; Jefferson St.-200 Block-Vibration Studies -- Corridor Study of U.S. 287 and Colorado 14 , Ft. Collins , CO The purpose of this letter report is to summarize vibration and structural dynamics studies results that were obtained in conjunction with the above-cited pro- ject. Specifically, vibration measurements and record- ings were taken on July 27 & 28, 1994. Three different vibration-monitoring systems were utilized, relevant displacements, velocities, and accelerations being monit- ored. The motion levels were too low to be measured by the velocity system so pertinent values were computed using the displacement and acceleration magnitudes. This was quite feasible since all of the measurements were found to be quite consistent for ambient, traffic, and railroad excitations. The latter were found to be min- imal. The nearby railroad tracks are primarily used for switching efforts, thus train velocities are quite low. Typical vibration recording trace segments are given in Figures 1 through 4. Selected recordings that were recently taken on a new micro-electronics floor system are included for comparison purposes. It should-be noted that such systems are designed to have extremely low, micro-inch level vibratory motions. Finally, typical Jefferson Street displacement measurement magnitudes are summarized in Table 1 , which follows. f Al2 ! Pnf 9 Yf.r nflr.uf/ • InffT f fff f MW wnf nnn ww nn�. A 01 STRUCTURRL DYNRMICS RNO • UIBRRTION CONSULTR! KENNETH MEDERRIS RSSOCIRTES -14- DR. KENNETH MEDERRIS Another consideration is that associated with possible fatigue effects on the structures due to the larqe number of vehicles traversing Jefferson Street. There have apparently been no relevant fat- igue studies for similar-type buildings at the low stress levels (additional) that would be associated with the Table 1 motions. It has been found, however, that the S-N (Stress - Number of Cycles for Fracture) diagrams for most materials are similar in appear- ance to those given in Figure 11 . Note in that Figure there is a stress level that the material can apparently withstand indefinitely. That stress is given by the horizontal part of the curve, and is called the endurance limit. The allowable structural design stress would be considerably less -than the en- durance limit. Therefore, fatigue would only be a major consideration if the stresses associated with vibratory motions were of considerable magnitude. This cannot be the case - the motions are simply far too small. The contents of this report detail the rationale for reaching the conclusion that vibration due to vehicle and railroad passage is not a major player in anv possible Jefferson Street building deterior- ation. The associated scientific bases all indicate this conclusion is accurate. There is, in my opinion, no need to really belabor the situation. Should you have any questions, please call. 7d1X r rnstrrr narfu2r r rnnr wn.. .uw ww. ----- -- City of Fort Collins APPENDIX B OCTOBER, 1994 MEETING MINUTES I I 'ity of Fort Collins FORT COLLINS TRUCK ISSUES ROUNDTABLE MEETING PROCEEDS October 12, 1994 Those in attendance included: Ann Azari, Mayor of Fort Collins Rick Ensdorff, Fort Collins Director of Transportation Eric Bracke, Fort Collins Transportation Planner Ron Phillips, Fort Collins Director of Transportation Services Tom Mason, City of Cheyenne Planning Director Flip McConnaughey, City of Laramie City Manager Harold Colby, City of Laramie Street Superintendent Jim Disney, Larimer County Commissioner Rex Smith, Larimer County Director of Public Works Bill Vidal, CDOT Executive Director Greg Fulton, CDOT Multimodal Division Manager Carla Perez, CDOT Office Policy Director Doug Rames, CDOT Regional Transportation Director Joseph Yovich, Wyoming DOT District Engineer Mitch Busteed, Fort Collins Citizen's Study Group Dan McArthur, Fort Collins Citizen's Study Group Carl Maxey, Fort Collins Citizen's Study Group Karen Weitkunat, Fort Collins Citizen's Study Group Deborah Johnson, Western Highway Institute Craig Boyle, Boyle and Sons Trucking Wayne Follick, Nation's Way Transport Services Roger Miller, URS Project Manager Kari Henderson, Henderson Associates Randy Harrison, Project Consultant Jane Boand. URS Senior Planner Randy Jacobs, URS Transportation Planner The roundtable opened at 9:10 am with an introduction by Rick Ensdorff, City of Fort Collins Director of Transportation. Mayor Ann Azari then welcomed the roundtable participants and the reasons for convening this roundtable discussion of truck issues. She mentioned the economic "connectivity" between the cities of Fort Collins, Laramie and Cheyenne, and the significant role this region has to the trucking industry. Bill Vidal, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)welcomed the roundtable group, mentioning that Colorado has had good economic growth in recent years, leading to higher use of roadways. Traffic statewide is up by 24 percent from 1987, compared to a population growth of ten percent and an increase in registered vehicles of 11 percent. October 12, 1994 Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable page; City of Fort Collins r However, highway-related revenue is down by four percent, due in part to greater fuel economv and less monies allocated to Colorado from ISTEA. He also reported that 84 percent of goods are delivered by truck in Colorado, and that 70 percent of towns in Colorado receive all of their goods by truck. Because of financial limitations, Mr. Vidal said that Colorado needs to develop partnerships with cities and the trucking industry. He said that CDOT's goals for this roundtable effort are to preserve the quality of life in Fort Collins and to recognize the importance of trucks in the local and regional economy. Wayne Follick of Nation's Way Trucking Company then greeted the group on the behalf of the Colorado Motor Carrier's Association. He spoke of the trucking industry's desire to keep all parties happy, and provided an overview of his company's operations on the US 287/1-25/I-80 routes. Nation's Way operated 10,072 trucks in the corridor in September, only 23 of which bypassed US 287 because of hazardous material loads. His trucks run at a cost of $1.25 per mile, translating to a cost savings of about $250,000 per year due to fuel and time savings by using US 287. Mr. Follick mentioned that the industry does use I-70 instead of US 287 in some cases, particularly when longer combination vehicles are used. He said that although CDOT's time study showed that travel times on US 287 and I-80 to Cheyenne were the same, that study was based on posted speed limits. Because trucks drive at an average of 55 mph, actual travel times on I-80 are longer. This makes it difficult to drive from Denver to Salt Lake City within the ten hour driving limit for drivers. Kari Henderson from the URS consultant team then introduced a "force field" analysis process used to define goals, identify the forces working for or against achievement of goals, and identify means of eliminating or reducing constraints to achieving the goals. She explained that this analysis is undertaken as a group exercise by the participants, where each is asked to contribute information from their own perspectives and backgrounds. The potential actions are then represented in a matrix where the two axes are the general cost of the solution and acceptability to the participants. Randy Harrison of the URS consultant team then led the discussion by introducing the goal of removing trucks from the US 287 corridor. This goal was derived from recommendations of the citizen-based US 287/SH 14 Corridor Study, which led to this roundtable. A lengthy discussion then took place on the appropriateness of the goal to "remove trucks from the US 287 corridor". There was no clear consensus on whether the goal should be changed, but roundtable participants agreed to continue with the process of listing constraints to the original goal of removing truck traffic from the corridor. October 12. 1994 Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page 3 City of Fort Collins Starting at one end of the table, Randy asked each participant to contribute a constraining force to the achievement of the goal. These included: - Lack of resources (funding) - Resistance to alternatives (from all sides of the issue) to solutions that might end up worse than the present situation - Legal authority - Costs to the trucking industry - Differing community values - Lack of political consensus - Federal regulations (ex: limiting of driver's hours) - Trucking economics Deregulation, uncertain future, resistance to change - Intra-state traffic (ex: trucks that must take US-287 for destination reasons) - Resistance to change due to set patterns - Public highways and the legal aspects of keeping them accessible - The desire for an easy and fast solution - Differing opinions on quality of life - Positive and negative aspects of the truck issue, and social and economic impacts that truck removal may bring - Port of entry locations - Natural barriers such as wind, altitude, weather and Sherman Hill - Lack of alternatives for trucks - Politics in general - Need to rephrase the stated goal - The positive economic impact of trucks in the city - The number of stakeholders whose core values are violated - Federal regulations that protect the historic district - Individual trucking company decisions (micro-economics) - Macro-economic industry decisions Note: Many of the above forces were combined into similar categories for the purpose of the continuing exercise. During the listing of the constraining forces the following discussion ensued: Deborah Johnson: We need to re-phrase the goal, as stated it is itself a constraint. Doug Rames: The need is to reduce the impact of trucks in the city. Flip McConnaughey: The goal as stated does not lend itself to consensus building. Mitch Busteed: In the historic district, the problem is magnified by the narrowness of the road and the congestion it creates. The situation is not compatible with the pedestrian feeling the city is trying to create. flr^hn. [9 i00d Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page City of Fort Collins Randy Harrison: For the purposes of the exercise, it is important to retain the stated goal for the time being. But several of the participants felt that the goal should be revised at this point to make the exercise more relevant and to avoid having to repeat the exercise with a revised goal. The forces needed to achieve the goal were then listed: * Impact on the historic district * Noise * Pollution * Congestion * Safety * Conflicts with Linden Street pedestrian way The participants were then asked to vote on their top 3-5 constraining forces in order to identify those having the greatest impact: 1. Redefining the goal 2. Lack of alternative routes for trucks 3. Legal authority to affect truck traffic in the corridor 4. Potential negative impacts to individual trucking company economices 5. "Macro" economics, including effects to the truck industry and to the local economy 6. Lack of resources 7. Community values Break: 11:25AM Re-convene Roundtable Work Session: A discussion then took place about the above constraints/issues. Comments included: Bill Vidal: Maybe removing trucks is a long-range goal, and a short-term goal would be to reduce truck volumes. The group needs information on what is possible and what the trade-offs are-are. Mr Vidal then suggested the following wording of a long-term goal: "To provide a feasible route for trucks outside of Fort Collins other than US-287 and SH-14 that does not seriously impact the economic of the trucking industry and the city." The goal seemed to be well received bythe — rest of the roundtable group. Carl Maxey: Removing his company's trucks from the US 287 corridor would cost approximately $12,000 per year. There are also air quality issues related to making trucks take a longer route. Ortnhee 11 1094 Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page 5 :'ity of Fort Collins Karen Weitkunat: Citizens need information to make informed decisions on the goal of removing trucks. This group contains the right combination of knowledgeable people to provide that information. We need to have more discussion of each point of view. Ann Azari: Fort Collins needs to be concerned about not dividing the community with a bypass. This was the issue three years ago when the bypass was last studied. Now there are fewer financial resources and new legislation that greatly reduce the likelihood of a bypass for a long time. Jim Disney: The Upper Front Range Council is talking about a potential study of Owl Canyon routes in the year 2007-2015 timeframe. This may be a good forum for talking about a bypass or other alternatives. Flip McConnaughey: We need to look at nonstructural alternatives and to educate ourselves and others about what those might be. Deborah Johnson: Would recommend a study on economic impacts and the direction of the marketplace? Such a study should include interviews with shippers and manufacturers and what they are doing. Mitch Busteed: The Union Pacific and Burlington Northern train switching yards are going to be consolidated. The extra 100' of right-of-way could be used for a short-distance truck lane in the downtown area. Construction is supposed to take place next spring and summer. Greg Fulton: Railroads have eminent domain and their ROW cannot be condemned. A discussion took place on the Vine/Lemay route away from SH 14/US 287. Rick Ensdorff: This route was studied by the City, and found to have low acceptance from residents. Doug Rames: There might be an alternative to Vine Drive, however. Wayne Follick: Could Harmony/College be designated for local deliveries only? Doug Rames: Cannot restrict trucks on State Routes. Craig Boyle: Truckers might prefer to use secondary routes because weight limits are higher (85,000 lbs on secondary routes vrs. 80,000 lbs on primary routes). Joe Yovich: The State of Wyoming will be adding a third lane to Telephone Summit on I-80, maybe next summer. This should help trucks climbing the hill. Deborah Johnson: A first step should be to simply write a letter to truckers requesting their cooperation in avoiding US 287. Greg Fulton: Work with shippers (especially local).to adjust schedules for off-peak times, distribute information on routes when the weather is bad, work with truckers to encourage alternate routes. M..6_- Vf ,nnA At,- Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page t "ity of Fort Collins Flip McConnaughey: We should determine the incentives for trucking industry to use alternative routes. Wayne Follick: Truck counts are for a 24 hour period, many truckers prefer to pass through the area in the early AM when the congestion is not an issue. Mitch Busteed: Rand MacNally publishes information on efficient routes for travel. Karen Weitkunat: Would be helpful to explore the characteristics of truck travel in the area, origins/destinations; etc. Ann Azari: Need a resolution that reinforces the economy of the area, works with reinforcing relations with other communities, and helps to emphasize current infrastructure. Rick Ensdorff: We need to know what a "breakpoint" is on why truckers would switch over to alternative routes; what incentives it would take to get at least some to move over. Greg Fulton: Weather information is needed on both routes to inform all travelers of conditions and alternate routes. The state is considering variable messaging that can be moved around as needed. Also, what about moving one port on I-25 and automating it to reduce the stopped time, and/or improving access to Denver to make the I-25 route more attractive? Action Steps: As the preceeding discussion was taking place, the following actions were placed within the matrix of cost versus acceptability. Cktfnher 19 100d Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page 7 'ity of Fort Collins FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS ACTION STEPS MATRIX More Acceptable Less Acceptable ;Q "WIN-WIN" 7 Vlocal shipper's 3 schedule O .] weather/info program education program I-80 improvements peak/off peak time bypass study already in pipeline industry promotion joint effort truck forecast study rail relocation revisit existing joint with industry truck access and local market (Lemay-Vine or) port improvements and enhancements w UOwl Canyon bypass s oD S, "LOSE-LOSE" rl tnh.. 11 100A Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page 8 City of Fort Collins Luncheon Session: 12:40PM Deborah Johnson presented a portion of an ATA video, and delivered short talk on the trucking industry. Following this session the following discussion ensued: Jim Disney: Thinking about the long-term of removing truck traffic-would the trucking industry support a toll road on Owl Canyon as a means to pay for an expensive bypass alternative (that would reduce travel distances for trucks)? Wayne Follick: Yes, maybe, depends on cost. Bill Vidal:, The State generally supports tolling, but diversion of traffic is a problem. Flip McConnaughey: Non-structural solutions should also. be investigated, such as getting out information on-alternatives: routes, mileages, times, etc. Ron Phillips: The trucking industry needs to be aware of their customs and take into consideration those who are being negatively impacted by the current situation. Ann Azari: The environmental aspects of the community need to be a part of the consensus on any solution. Several action items were then listed on the board as area for discussion in a future meeting, with a lead person and one or more resource persons who may be contacted for information. Randy Harrison explained that the URS consultant team would be contacting each lead person to identify the information and/or data that might be needed to develop the action item, and that the group should reconvene to discuss potential short- and long-term strategies. These action items were: 1. Revised Goal Statement lead: Rick Ensdorff resource: Bill Vidal 2. Education Program lead: Roger Miller resources: Flip McConnaughey, Colorado Motor Carriers 3. Better Industry Information/Research lead: Roger Miller resource: Wayne Follick, Colorado Motor Carriers 4. Targeted Truck Management/Incentives lead: Rick Ensdorff resource: Greg Fulton, Colorado Motor Carriers October 12. 1994 Fort Collins Truck Issues Roundtable Page City of Fort Collins 5. Railroad Consolidation Opportunities lead: Ron Phillips resource: Study Group 6. Alternate Routes Revisited lead: Rick Ensdorff resource: Doug Rattles, Joe Yovich, Rex Smith 7. Regional Economic Strategy lead: Ann Azari resource: Cities of Laramie/Cheyenne/ Fort Collins, Carla Perez Meeting Summary Based on the conversations of the roundtable group, the following items appeared to gain group consensus: A. To provide information and/or data to the group from their own backgrounds and experience on topics relating to the truck issue. B. To clarify that the long-range goal of the roundtable is "to provide a feasible route for trucks outside of Fort Collins other than US 287 and SH 14 that does not seriously impact the economics of the trucking industry or the City". C. To add a short-term goal of "reducing truck traffic on the US 287 and SH 14 corridor without seriously impacting the economics of the trucking industry or the City". D. To meet again in January, 1995 to discuss the findings of the action items and to identify specific means by which to address the short- and long-term goals. October 12. 1994 City of Fort Collins APPENDIX C APRIL, 1995 MEETING NIINUTES CiN of Fort Collins Regional Roundtable of Fort Collins Truck Issues Lincoln Center, Columbine Room 417 W. Magnolia Fort Collins, CO Monday, April 3, 1995 9:00 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m. Those in Attendance: See attached list. MINUTES 1. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The meeting was opened at 9:25 a.m. by Mayor Ann Azari, who welcomed the participants. Rick Ensdorff described the background of the issues and why the roundtable was convened. He described the intra-city partnership needed to address the truck issue and read the short and long term goals from the handout. Kari Henderson described the format that the meeting would follow. Roger Miller described the short-range goal which is to reduce truck impacts on the downtown Fort Collins area without adversely affecting the trucking industry. The long-range goal is to provide a feasible alternate route for trucks outside of downtown Fort Collins. • Roger explained that in 1992 and beyond truck volumes are expected to increase, and that strategies are needed to affect that curve. • He then described eight proposed action items (from handout) that are products of the last roundtable that we will discuss today. These items include: 2. MARKETING POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES • Send a letter requesting trucks use alternate route (1st draft in handout) • Joe Yovich (WDOT) said Telephone Canyon climbing lane is a couple years away from completion • Develop trucking trade information • Develop brochure • Develop public relations program for the Fort Collins area 6844205.05 t:Nh141tc1m @tkm660"3-95.M0:mr Page 1 Citv of Fors Collins • Publicize 1-80 improvements • Work with shippers • Deborah Johnson noted that letter needs to be tailored to trucking industry • Deborah also noted that alternate shipping/delivery times may help • Cliff Dodge noted that all brochures, handouts, etc. should be available for ready pickup at the ports. • He also stated that ports must be major players in the truck/city partnership • Ron Phillips suggested that a letter, co-signed by the Mayor of Fort Collins, Trucking Association, other elected officials should be produced for inclusion in the distribution materials. • Gina Janett noted that the display graph needs to show earlier action items • Mayor Azari explained that there is no reason to wait on marketing. • The comment was made that there needs to be education for the city as well as the trucking industry. Roger Miller then described the TIMP, to be discussed later. • It was suggested that an advertisement be placed in the American Trucking Association trade publication. • Roger said that order of importance needs to be defined and a draft action plan needs to be fleshed out. 3. DEVELOP BETTER INDUSTRY INFORMATION What are the impacts if the trucks are removed/allowed to stay? • Deborah Johnson stated that an economic impact study needs to be done identifying: • Trade-offs I • Impact to truckers/business • She will draft a scope for such a study 68-"205.05 t:%sh161tc% • t q*100 3-95.mtp:w Page 2 City of Fort Collins • Wayne Follick noted that highways have different weight restrictions, where State highways allow 85,000 lbs. while U.S. highways allow only 80,000 lbs. That 5,000 lbs. difference is make or break to some companies. • Greg Fulton said that interstate trucks already maintain the 80,000 lb. limit because they must use the interstates. Intrastate trucks are the ones who would like to stay at 85,000 lbs. • Roger Miller stated that approximately 3 out of 5 trucks are local (i.e., not going out-of- state). 4. SPECIFIC TRUCK MANAGEMENT INCENTIVES PROGRAM • A discussion took place on whether to remove or relocate Fort Collins port, and the status of making the ports automated or "Smart" type. • Dave Fuggett stated that reports of any plans to move port are erroneous. • Colorado is trying to get a joint port with Wyoming. This port will try to duplicate the New Mexico style port depending on available funds. Possible port on 287 depending on funds. • How do we do this? Some concerns/issues raised by Greg Fulton include: • Port not designed for level of volume. • Should be integrated with weather sensor system. • Weather concerns influence the route most trucks choose. • Weigh-in-motion sensors could greatly speed processing of trucks. • Could assign chase car to reduce evasion of ports. • Would the Smart Port keep trucks on 287? • A port on 287 appears in state-wide plan as high priority (maybe 6 years) but is not in TIP. • Need coordinated effort to get items in the TIP. A strategic plan needs to be established. • George described the CDOT long range plan's limits based on funds. • Style after Railroad Consolidation. Identify real benefits to trucking industry based on new ports. 65s4205.05 I t:%@h14fteVm dn•@%04-0395.m":mr Page 3 ON of Fort Collins • Greg Fulton described the project costs as: $750,000 for Fort Collins program (one- time + O&M). Overall cost approx. $2m including tie-in to Laramie, Cheyenne, weather stations. • Tie in Laramie/Cheyenne interests. 5. RAIL CONSOLIDATION OPPORTUNITIES (RIVERSIDE CORRIDOR) • The project, described by Ron Phillips, is in three phases at approx $2.75m. 1st phase beginning this month. • Reduces train crossings. • 60 min. delay reduced to less than 30 min (College). 20 min to 5 min. (Mulberry). • Does not mitigate truck traffic. • Can travel lanes on Riverside be moved over? Being discussed with CDOT regional office. • Consolidation only helps Riverside, not Jefferson (Mitch Busteed) • Mayor Azari and George Osborne noted that the partnership approach worked well here and used on truck issues too. • Wayne Fulton suggested possibly putting in an intermodal facility in the Fort Collins area: • The Denver facility is over-used. • Trailers come in piggy-back and are distributed from there. • Breaks existing habits. • Solves regional problems. • A task force will be formed to look at options. • Get alternative routes on TIP soon. • Cliff Dodge said we need to expand our thinking in this area. • Bill Vidal said that we need an agreement to move on from here, pick something and follow it. • George Osborne said we need a way of "Connecting the nodes of the modes". 6044205.05 t:Uht 4hc4,w•tin sV"3.95.mt9:mt Page 4 r tx-of Fort-Collins - 6. ALTERNATIVE MODES Rick Ensdorff stated that the City does not have unilateral authority to restrict truck traffic (see City Attorney's memo). • Downtown bypass was evaluated in 1989 study. • Deals with Old Town but not all of town • Feasibility study for Owl Canyon should be conducted. • How to make it into a truck route (County roads) • Environmental issues • Land use issues Existing development I - Changes to county road system • SH 14 economic issues • Trucking industry needs to benefit or alternative is useless • Pro-Con evaluation of Owl Canyon • Issues studied here could be used in other city planning areas. • Funding issues • Rick Ensdorff said issues of NIMBYs affect in-town and Owl Canyon alternatives • Bill Vidal stated that a city bypass would be viewed by CDOT as a local benefit, not regional, therefore, it may be harder to get State funding. • Karen Weikunat noted that there is a need to keep long-term regional needs/plans in mind when looking at options such as Owl Canyon. 7. REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY • Character of area will probably remain the same despite growth. • Resource inventory has been identified • Look at models in Colorado • NAFTA will continue to influence north/south transportation corridors. • Market triangle technical labor market/resources I6814205.05 tASM 4ft0W tkQ6%04A3•9S-.mW.mr Page-5- I City of Fort Collins • Develop economic/promotional corridor focus group (like CAST) • Split promotional needs (trucking/tourist) • Maximize benefits to all involved and reduce disadvantages of plans. • Identify similar population interests between triangle cities. • Identify/emphasize economic exchanges between triangle cities. • Identify infrastructure improvement needs for future. • Heartland Express has been proposed as a north/south new corridor that would parallel 1-25 and bypass US 85 cities. • US 85 cities have formed a coalition to oppose Heartland Express. Small towns (Ault, Nunn)-are too easilyignored inthe-decision-process.- Don't- let- this-be-an-example-of- eliminating other municipalities from decision team. • Identify and build on small things in common between communities. • Area is entry point to three national parks. a. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING PLAN • Cliff Dodge read a list of short-term and long term actions (see attached). • Roger Miller described the conceptual framework for the Truck Incentive Management Plan (TIMP): • Define area to employ actions • Establish performance measures • Identify evaluation strategies • Implementation and management of strategies (responsible parties, etc.) • Monitor strategies and effectiveness • We should request Rand McNally to change route through Fort Collins. • Ask FHWA to increase interstate weight limits on 1-80/1-25 to 85,000 as trial program. • Two people expressed opposition to doing an Owl Canyon Feasibility study. 68-"2os.oe ttshlancM..u,q.kwaa-•e.mtg:w Page 6 ChY of Fon Collins 9. CLOSING COMMENTS • Six weeks to next meeting with major emphasis on funding options. • Need to move quickly on this project. • Must work in a way that includes shipping industry. I 68444205.05 t:Uh14kcNw•tin9**"3-95.mtp:w Page 7 Ciry of Fort Collint ACTION LIST FROM RANDY HARRISON SHORT-TERM LONG-TERM • MARKETING PLAN OWL CANYON FEASIBILITY STUDY • RESEARCH • RAIL CONSOLIDATION OPPORTUNITIES (PARTNERSHIP • SMART PORT INITIATIVE MODEL) - $750,000 FINANCE STRATEGY - 2.3 M • REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 69-"205.05 t:tthl4ftcUmw no*W"3.95.mtp:mt Page 8 / RAM AIAME , 1 3 144 S - I ,�k1�s (��D —�._ 191i �1f2Rlc-ts �SSAI - - --- —`RrA-zG.. A .-�l,oY-4 — -- .93oY _Sbn-5_TKtur tne� ire, -- _Of F t C C -- __ �• i QS 1�-j t-5 IA-oe T ��P,ut iVC�c�C.� �102a� boa* o-_��v�•e koQep CAE o�' lava_u.�ti C-D i ea(A UIfG1=LE`�- roEx 11 ,43 • C OT -De 3u�-z — lip— City of Fort Collins APPENDIX D MAY, 1995 MEETING MINUTES Third Regional Roundtable on Fort Collins Truck Issues Lincoln Center, Ludlow Room 417 W. Magnolia Fort Collins, Colorado May 23, 1995 Meeting Minutes Those in attendance: See attached list. The meeting opened with welcoming statements from Mayor Ann Azari and Mayor Pro Tern Gina Janett. Roger Miller of URS Consultants and Rick Ensdorff, City Transportation Director, gave a history of the truck issues study and the process now being followed to address those issues. Rick Ensdorff reiterated the goals of the truck Action Plan, which are: Short-term Goal: To reduce the impact of through-truck traffic on the US 287/SH14 condor without seriously impacting the economics of the trucking industry or the City. Long-term Goal: To provide a feasible route outside of-Fort Collins for trucks (other than US 297-SH 14) that does not seriously impact the economics of the trucking industry or the City. Rick then presented the overhead graphics (attached to these minutes) on the Recommended Action Plan and the first portion of the Truck Management Plan. The basic components of the Action Plan are to create a Steering Committee with City, County, DOT, trucking industry representatives and citizens to continue implementation efforts and review truck travel trends in the future. A subcommittee would be formed to develop a marketing plan for communicating with the trucking/shipping industry on the need to change travel routes. The marketing subcommittee would also contact or meet with Rand McNally (the publisher of truck route guides that are used by shippers and truckers to determine charge rates) to explain the reasons for amending the guide to reflect using I-254-80 instead of US 287. Greg Fulton of CDOT then presented CDOT's proposed "Triangle Project"; a major component of the Truck Management Plan. He said that the Triangle Project proposal would be a public- private partnership utilizing various advanced technologies to encourage interstate trucks to use I-25/I-80 instead of US 287/SH14. Key elements of the Triangle Project include port automation (weigh-in-motion, automative vehicle identification) to more quickly process trucks through ports; truck and traveler advisories to provide advance warning of weather/construction to travelers; a fleet management program to work with local truckers and shippers to develop schedules that minimize conflicts and streamline trucking shipments; and a monitoring and enforcement program on US 287 by installing a screening. station that uses WIM and AVI ort Collim ThW Tmck Routdtable May 23, 1995 technology to monitor speeds and weights. A recuitment program would also be needed to request voluntary participation from trucker/shippers in the port automation and enforcement programs, and to evaluate the results of the programs. Greg presented the cost elements of the Triangle Project, estimated at a total of$1.95 million. Funding would likely come from the federal government, with matching funds requested from local governments. Private sector participation would also be needed, through technical assistance and participation from a variety of partners. Greg said that he thought the early elements-of dwPrcjectcould-bc�implemented withimsix-months to-a year. At this time, a discussion was held on the costs and benefits of the Triangle Project. Carl Glazer asked what the revenue implications of increased enforcement might be. Jack Van Mode of the Port of Entry said that they currently don't know how many illegal trucks now travel the route, but that those travelling without correct permits also seem to travel overweight, so determining who those are could result in less road damage from overweight vehicles. Ron Phillips mentioned that maybe the POE in Laramie should not be improved, in order to encourage trucks to use the Cheyenne POE (and therefore I-80/I-25) instead. Jerry Pearce of the Colorado POE said that there is a working group in Trinidad and New Mexico working on cooperating on joint permitting and staffing issues, but the issue is still new and the bistate process has not yet been worked out. Janet Treber (Western Highway Institute) spoke about the need to compare costs and benefits for each element of the proposed Action Plan, including collecting baseline data and evaluating results over time. Only in this way can we know which actions really benefit the community and the trucking industry. Ann Azari spoke of the need to move forward with the Action Plan as soon as possible. She gave a brief report on her meeting with the Mayors of Laramie and Cheyenne and on the need to cooperatively improve the US 287 corridor for tourists and other non-truck traffic. Rick Ensdorff spoke about the Alternative Route Analysis action item. Now that the railroad relocation is underway, there may be ways to use vacated right-of-way to reduce the impacts of all traffic in downtown Fort Collins. The Owl Canyon route has been evaluated before, but not in the form of a cost-benefit analysis. The costs and benefits of an Intermodal Transfer station north of Fort Collins could also be studied. Karen Weitkunat said that we should not drop any study from the Action Plan, but indicated that the Downtown Bypass and Owl Canyon studies are not needed at this time. Peggy Arevalos, an Owl Canyon area resident, said that the cost to build Owl Canyon would be very high, due to steep canyons and poor bridge structure, and would pass through environmentally sensitive areas. Kari Henderson and Randy Harrison of the URS study team led a discussion on which Action Items to keep in the Plan, which to discard, or which to move to other sections. In brief, it was .ort colli`u Third Truk Roundtable May 23, 1995 agreed to retain all elements of the recommended Action Plan, but to move several items into different Plan elements, such as renaming the "Outreach Plan" as the "Marketing Plan", moving "recruitment of trucks/evaluate results" from the Outreach Plan into the Truck Management Plan, and recommending delaying of the Owl Canyon and Downtown Bypass studies. URS is to rework the Action Plan graphics and distribute them for comment before finalizing the document. Kari then asked for volunteers for the Steering Committee and the Marketing Subcommittee. Rick Ensdorff said that the committees would probably begin meeting in early summer, and the City would be contacting volunteers to set up meeting times. The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m. /� / gip. Sox Z39re -- nz7rZ4 L—r,6 .4 OoYzo i 5oru !2uex r-n c. 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