HomeMy WebLinkAboutMONTAVA PUD - ODP180002 - MONTAVA SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 4 - TRANSPORTATION ISSUE77 FRANKLIN STREET 10TH FLOOR BOSTON, MA 02110 617-521-9404 FAX 617-521-9409
www.nelsonnygaard.com
October 15, 2018
City of Fort Collins
Attn: Aaron Iverson
Senior Transportation Planner
281 North College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Mr. Aaron Iverson or To Whom This May Concern:
Nelson\Nygaard in association with Ruth Rollins Consult, Inc., it pleased to submit the Master
Street Plan Amendment study for the proposed Montava PUD project. This study summarizes
what roadway network is required in the northeast area of Fort Collins with the buildout of
Montava and of the northeast area.
Sincerely,
Peter Costa, AICP, PTP
Principal
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.
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MASTER STREET PLAN AMENDMENT
Transportation Report
August 2018
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Table of Contents
Page
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................1-1
2 Master Street Plan Recommendations Overview .............................................................2-1
3 Technical Analysis ...........................................................................................................3-1
Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 3-1
#1 TIMBERLINE ROAD Vine Drive to Mountain Vista Drive .......................................................... 3-4
#2 GIDDINGS ROAD Suniga Drive to Richards Lake Road ......................................................... 3-5
#3 TURNBERRY ROAD Suniga Drive to Richards Lake Road ....................................................... 3-6
#4 MOUNTAIN VISTA DRIVE Turnberry Road to I-25 Interchange ............................................ 3-7
#5 SUNIGA DRIVE Turnberry Road to Giddings Road ............................................................... 3-8
#6 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD Turnberry Road to Giddings Road .................................................. 3-9
#7 CONIFER STREET Timberline Road to Suniga Drive ............................................................... 3-10
#8 RICHARDS LAKE ROAD Turnberry Road to Busch Drive ....................................................... 3-10
#9 BAR HARBOR Richards Lake Road to Country Club Road ................................................... 3-11
Figures
Page
Figure 2-1 Current & Proposed Master Street Plan Network ......................................................... 2-2
Figure 3-1 Year 2040 Adjusted Average Daily Traffic, Project Daily Trips, and Total Daily
Traffic ...................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Tables
Page
Table 2-1 Master Street Plan Recommendations Summary ............................................................ 2-3
Table 3-1 Street Classifications and ADT Maximum Traffic Volume Threshold by
Classification .......................................................................................................................... 3-2
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1 INTRODUCTION
The Montava development project (“project”) is situated in a primarily undeveloped area of
northeast Fort Collins and would comprise approximately 900 acres bounded by Richards Lake
Road to the north, Mountain Vista Drive to the south, Busch Drive to the east and Turnberry
Road to the west. The Project Applicant has requested an amendment to City of Fort Collins (City)
Master Street Plan to reclassify and/or modify existing and future roadways that would provide
direct, multimodal access and connectivity to the project and the Mountain Vista Subarea.
The project would include an agri-urban community that blends urban farming and agricultural
resources with an array of open space, parklands and trails, neighborhood-serving commercial
businesses, and a variety of residential homes. To accommodate this planned community and
create a network that supports active living and sustainable transportation choices for future
residents, businesses, and visitors, the project would introduce a series of new streets that
interweave the development into the fabric of the Mountain Vista area of Fort Collins. The
proposed roadway network for the project largely originates from the multimodal framework and
Master Street Plan documented in the City’s Mountain Vista Subarea Plan (2009).
This document includes the following chapters:
Chapter 2: Master Street Plan Recommendations Overview – summary of recommended
modifications and/or proposed new streets to be incorporated into the City’s Master
Street Plan.
Chapter 3: Transportation Analysis – detailed profiles of each recommendations,
including operations analysis based on long-range (Year 2040) traffic forecasts provided
by North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) and estimated
traffic volumes with implementation of the project under a full buildout scenario.
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2 MASTER STREET PLAN
RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW
The Master Street Plan compliments the Transportation Master Plan, Amended December 17,
2013 in supporting the vision, principles, and policies established by the City, and provides a map
of the City’s long-range vision for its major street network. The Master Street Plan includes the
existing and proposed street classification and location of transportation connections throughout
Fort Collins. It is important to note that the Master Street Plan is intended to be living document
and through the City’s planning process, the street classification network is meant to be amended
to address new infrastructure and development. This chapter provides an overview of the current
Master Street Plan per the City’s Transportation Master Plan and proposed modifications to the
Master Street Plan network with overall growth in the Mountain Vista Subarea plus
implementation of the Montava project.
For purposes of this document, the geographic context (or affected area) is generally defined by
the boundaries of the project, specifically Richards Lake Road to the north, Mountain Vista Drive
to the south, Busch Drive to the east, and Turnberry Road to the west. However, given the
expanse of the project, the street network under evaluation and included in the City’s Master
Street Plan extend beyond these boundaries and therefore, other existing/planned streets within
the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County are also included in the discussion.
Figure 2-1 present the City’s current and proposed Master Street Plan within the vicinity of the
project and the recommended street classifications in and around the project area.
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Figure 2-1 Current & Proposed Master Street Plan Network
City of Fort Collins Master Street Plan Network Proposed Master Street Plan Amendment Network
Source: Transportation Master Plan, City of Fort Collins, CO. Source: HF2M Colorado; DPZ, 2018.
Table 2-1 on the following page presents a summary table of current and proposed changes to street classifications and recommended
modifications and/or additions to the street network associated with the Montava project.
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Table 2-1 Master Street Plan Recommendations Summary
Location
Current MSP
Designation
Recommended
Designation Additional Recommendations
Timberline Road
(Vine Drive to Mountain Vista Drive)
(Mountain Vista Drive to Country Club Road)
(Country Club Road to Giddings Road)
Four-Lane Arterial
Four-Lane Arterial
Two-Lane Arterial
Two-Lane Collector
Timberline will extend north of Mountain Vista and create an intersection with four approaches
The extension of Timberline will result in a NE-SW orientation from Mountain Vista to Giddings
Road and allow for connection with Country Club Road extension
Classify as two-lane arterial between Mountain Vista Drive and Country Club Road and
classify as two-lane collector between Country Club Road and Giddings Road within project
site
Giddings Road
(Suniga Drive to Richards Lake Road)
Two-Lane Arterial Two-Lane Arterial Maintain two-lane arterial between Mountain Vista Drive and Richards Lake Road
Create new connections within project site to Giddings Road
Extend Giddings Road further south of Mountain Vista Drive as two-lane arterial and connect
to Suniga Drive extension
Turnberry Road
(Richards Lake Road to Suniga Drive)
Two-Lane Arterial Two-Lane Arterial Extend Turnberry Road south of Mountain Vista Drive to Suniga Drive
Mountain Vista Drive
(Timberline Road to I-25 Interchange)
(Turnberry Road to Timberline Road)
Four-Lane Arterial
Two-Lane Arterial
Four-Lane Arterial
Two-Lane Arterial
Consider a phased approach to widening of Mountain Vista Drive from two to four-lane
roadway between Timberline Road and I-25 interchange and align widening with adjacent
development to the north/south of the roadway
Maintain two-lane arterial classification between Turnberry Road and Timberline Road
Suniga Drive
(Turnberry Road to Timberline Road)
Four-Lane Arterial Four-Lane Arterial Extend Suniga Drive farther east of Turnberry Road to connect to Giddings Road (extension)
Conifer Street
(Turnberry Road to Suniga Drive)
Two-Lane Arterial Two-Lane Arterial Extend Conifer from Timberline Road east to Giddings Road
Busch Drive
(Richards Lake Road to Mountain Vista Drive)
Two-Lane Collector Two-Lane Collector None
Richards Lake Road
(Turnberry Road to Busch Drive)
Two-Lane Arterial Two-Lane Arterial None
Country Club Road
(Turnberry Road to Giddings Road)
Two-Lane Collector Two-Lane Collector Extend Country Club Road to connect into Montava Town Center, and connect with Timberline
Road
Maple Hill Road
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3 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
This chapter provides a detailed assessment of the recommended changes to the current street
classification system per the Master Street Plan and analysis details for specific locations.
METHODOLOGY
The technical analysis provided herein adheres to the evaluation standards and methodology
established by the City. Each affected roadway within the Master Street Plan was evaluated based
on current classification, future Year 2040 traffic volumes from on the North Front Range
Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) regional travel demand model, and the
additional daily vehicle trips generated by the project. A technical project travel demand
methodology and scenario development memorandum prepared by Nelson\Nygaard was
approved by City staff as of May 18, 2018. It should be noted that the current NFRMPO model
estimated approximately 38,000 trips in the zones that would encompass the entire project site.
The daily trips estimated in the above referenced memoranda with the proposed Montava
development plan would result in approximately 42,000 trips.
This assessment includes a two-step process:
1. Determine projected Year 2040 traffic volumes along affected roadways in the Master
Street Plan that are in the project area (as defined in previous chapters) and identify if
these future volumes are in compliance with the current street designations in the Master
Street Plan; and
2. Determine projected Year 2040 traffic volumes with the additional traffic generated by
the project and identify if these future volumes are in compliance with the recommended
street designations in the Master Street Plan.
As stated in Subsection 4.4.5 in Chapter 4 – Transportation Impact Study Guidelines of Larimer
County Urban Area Streets Standards (April 1, 2007), the Applicant shall provide roadway
functional classification recommendations based on “total traffic projections”, which includes
“existing traffic, plus the future background traffic, plus the project-generated traffic.” For
purposes of this analysis and per the City-approved scope of work, this assessment used Year
2040 traffic volumes and these future baseline volumes with the additional traffic generated by
the project, as defined above. It is assumed that background traffic volumes and/or vehicle trips
generated by approved but unbuilt projects in Fort Collins are accounted for in the Year 2040
projections. Because the NFRMPO included land-use and roadway volumes in Traffic Analysis
Zones (TAZs) within the project boundaries and thus, assumed development in the project area
and associated vehicle trips were subtracted from 2040 volumes to avoid overestimation of total
vehicle traffic with implementation of the project. It is noted that under Year 2040 conditions, no
additional planned transportation improvements proposed by the City of Fort Collins or Larimer
County were incorporated into the future network and travel demand modeling. Figure 3-1
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presents the Year 2040 baseline (no project) volumes, the projected-generated average daily trips,
and the total average daily traffic volumes along study roadways.
As a general guideline, roadway classifications are determined by their functionality with respect
to the daily carrying capacity (i.e., number of vehicles relative to number of travel lanes), access
and connectivity to surrounding land uses and local context, mode priority, street design
standards and streetscape elements. The table below summarizes the general description of
roadway classifications, mode priority, and general average daily traffic (ADT) ranges.1
Table 3-1 Street Classifications and ADT Maximum Traffic Volume Threshold by Classification
Classification Mode Priority Description1
Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
Range2
Arterial
Bicycle:
Pedestrian:
Transit:
Vehicle:
Provide access and safe
crossings for all travel modes
along regional corridors.
Accommodates distribution of
trips to collector streets and
connections to mixed
commercial areas.
Six-Lane: 35,000+ ADT
Four-Lane: 15,001 – 35,000 ADT
Two-Lane: 5,000 – 15,000 ADT
Collector
Bicycle:
Pedestrian:
Transit:
Vehicle:
Distributes trips to residential
and commercial areas. Balanced
level of service for vehicle,
transit, bicycles and pedestrians
where possible.
1,000 – 7,000 ADT
Local
Bicycle:
Pedestrian:
Transit:
Vehicle:
Prioritizes walking and biking,
low-traffic streets in
neighborhood and mixed-use
areas, and distributes local
traffic to collector streets.
Less than 1,000 ADT
= High Priority = Medium Priority = Low Priority
Notes:
1. Descriptions are general in terms of functionality and purpose.
2. ADT ranges are general guidelines and actual volume thresholds may vary depending on function.
Source: Nelson\Nygaard, 2018; City of Fort Collins, Master Street Plan.
1 Detailed descriptions regarding street design standards per roadway classification are provided in Chapter 7 – Street
Design and Technical Criteria, Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (April, 2007).
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Figure 3-1 Year 2040 Adjusted Average Daily Traffic, Project Daily Trips, and Total Daily Traffic
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#1 TIMBERLINE ROAD
Vine Drive to Mountain Vista Drive
Description: Maintain a key, multimodal “gateway” arterial street connection between the
Mountain Vista Subarea and central Fort Collins, and provide connections to major east-west
corridors.
Existing Classification: Four-Lane Arterial
Recommendation: Four-Lane Arterial with the following:
Continue to align Timberline Road as a true north-south roadway between Vine Drive
and Mountain Vista Drive.
Create standard, four-way intersection at Mountain Vista Drive.
Future traffic volumes would allow for a two-lane arterial designation. However, the
future traffic volumes with project-generated vehicle would exceed ADT capacity
thresholds for a two-lane arterial designation. A four-lane arterial designation would
support the overall functionality of the roadway, including accommodating multimodal
traffic (including transit, bicyclists, and pedestrians).
Existing Volumes (2018): 5,700 average daily trips
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 9,500
Year 2040 with Project 14,600 - 20,100
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
The proposed roadway classification supports the City’s vision of Timberline Road per the
Transportation Master Plan. The proposed capacity of a four-lane arterial can
accommodate multiple modes of travel and adequate capacity to allow for a mix of both
general traffic, transit vehicles, and bicycle travel. Timberline Road would be designated
as an Enhanced Travel Corridor (ETC), a uniquely designed corridor that is planned for
high-frequency transit, bicycling and walking as part of the corridor. The intention of
Timberline Road ETC is to enhance travel time through the corridor to connect primary
destinations.
Within the Montava development, the roadway will narrow to a two-lane arterial north of
Mountain Vista Drive to Country Club Road (extension). From the intersection Country
Club Road, the alignment will shift from a north-south orientation to a northeast-
southwest orientation that connects to Giddings Road to the east and the County Club
Road extension to the west.
It is recommended that the roadway transition to a two-lane collector from Country Club
Road to Giddings Road. The estimated auto traffic along this segment will diffuse as the
presence of several residential streets will distribute and lessen traffic demand.
Although traffic demand would exceed ADT capacity thresholds for two-lane arterial and
two-lane collector along the planned extension north of Mountain Vista Drive into the
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project site, the roadway would provide multiple connections to residential streets and
driveways, distribute traffic within the site, allow for slower-moving vehicles, and comfort
to multimodal users such as bicyclists and pedestrians. Potential widening to a four-lane
arterial along any portion of the roadway north of Mountain Vista Drive is not
recommended and will not support the residential characteristic along the corridor.
Create a focal route for the planned Montava Town Center and accommodate for
appropriate land-use development, densities, and provide a high degree of multimodal
access to surrounding uses.
#2 GIDDINGS ROAD
Suniga Drive to Richards Lake Road
Description: Enhance north-south arterial street connection to accommodate multimodal
traffic between Mountain Vista Subarea and major east-west corridors.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Arterial
Recommendation: Two-Lane Arterial with the following:
Serve as a north-south arterial between Mountain Vista Road and Richards Lake Road.
Recommended to maintain two-lane roadway although estimated traffic demand in the
future with project volumes would marginally exceed ADT capacity thresholds. A two-
lane arterial roadway would coincide with residential character of the corridor, the
planned access points to adjacent neighborhoods, local-serving commercial, and
farmland areas.
Existing Volumes (2018): 3,100 average daily trips
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 7,500
Year 2040 with Project 17,300 – 19,400
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
The proposed roadway classification supports the City’s vision per the Transportation
Master Plan to continue a two-lane arterial linkage between Mountain Vista Drive and
Richards Lake Road.
Giddings will serve as a primary north-south route for the planned residential uses and
the proposed farm.
The character of this roadway will provide buffered bike lanes and sidewalks for
pedestrian access to adjacent uses; no on-street parking is planned.
Maintaining a two-lane arterial south of Mountain Vista Drive to a future connection to
Suniga Drive would provide adequate carrying capacity with buildout of the area. This
includes the project, planned combined high school and middle school along the corridor
and other development in the area. Expanding roadway to a four-lane arterial is not
recommended and could result in adverse environmental effects, including induced
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traffic demand, noise, air quality, and unnecessary land takings that could preclude
development potential.
Giddings Road, south of connection to Mountain Vista Drive, to provide main access to
planned middle and high schools, therefore allowing for distribution of vehicle trips and
alleviated potential traffic congestion along other adjacent routes, including Timberline
Road and Mountain Vista Drive. This section will also provide a roadway connection to
future adjacent development.
#3 TURNBERRY ROAD
Suniga Drive to Richards Lake Road
Description: Establish a north-south arterial street connection that extends south of Mountain
Vista Drive. This extension will allow for a greater connected roadway network to serve the
Mountain Vista Subarea and the adjacent areas of Larimer County.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Arterial
Recommendation: Two-Lane Arterial with the following:
Maintain two-lane roadway between Richards Lake Road (and points further north) and
Mountain Vista Drive.
Extend two-lane roadway south of Mountain Vista Drive to provide connection to
planned Conifer Street and Suniga Drive.
Design to accommodate low vehicle speeds, striped and buffered bicycle lanes, no on-
street parking and multiple access points to adjacent residences.
A two-lane arterial designation would maintain the existing character and overall
functionality of the roadway. Any widening would result in potentially adverse
environment effects, including induced traffic levels, noise, air quality; none of which
would not be conducive to the adjacent residential neighborhoods the roadway serves
currently and in the future.
Existing Volumes (2018): 3,800 average daily trips
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 6,000
Year 2040 with Project 10,200
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
The potential extension of Turnberry Road is still under consideration by City staff and
the alignment and its planned connections are still under review.
The roadway would serve as a north-south arterial route for the existing neighborhoods
(e.g., Water’s Edge, Hearthfire, Maple Hill, Storybrook, Adriel Hills, and residents along
Country Club Road in Larimer County)..
The extension of Turnberry Road farther south of Mountain Vista Drive would also
alleviate potential traffic congestion levels along other north-south roadways, including
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Timberline Road, Giddings Road, while also reducing cut-through traffic demand along
County Club Road.
The Turnberry Road connection is anticipated to reduce future 2040 traffic on Country
Club Road in the range of 4,000 to 7,000 vehicles. Please note the volumes shown earlier
on Figure 3-1 reflect Country Club with these reductions. The projected volumes would
indicate that Turnberry Road is necessary to provide desired traffic flows, pedestrian
experience, and bicycle connections within the entire Mountain Vista Subarea.
Therefore, it is recommended that the extension of Turnberry Road south of Mountain
Vista Drive be included in the Master Street Plan.
Extending Turnberry Road farther south of Suniga Drive to Vine Drive is not
recommended, as the future design/alignment and functionality of Vine Drive is
uncertain and under review by City staff. In addition, current residents along Vine Drive
would have continued north-south access via Timberline Road.
The design of the extension of Turnberry Road, south of Mountain Vista Drive, should be
sensitive to the existing land uses.
#4 MOUNTAIN VISTA DRIVE
Turnberry Road to I-25 Interchange
Description: Mountain Vista Drive is expected to be an active “gateway” to the Mountain Vista
Subarea Area and a major east-west connection between the I-25 interstate and area-wide
multimodal corridors.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Arterial (west of Timberline Road)
Four-Lane Arterial (east of Timberline Road)
Recommendation: Two-Lane Arterial and Four-Lane Arterial with the following:
During Phase 1 of area-wide development, including Montava and potential adjacent
properties, recommend the following:
Four-lane arterial between Timberline Road to I-25 interchange
Two-lane arterial between Turnberry Road and Timberline Road
Establish a ‘boulevard’ design to accommodate multimodal traffic, including potential
Transfort transit routes (per Phase 3 of the Transit Master Plan), buffered bike lanes,
landscaped parkways, and wide pedestrian sidewalks/pathways.
Existing Volumes (2018): 6,200 average daily trips
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 10,700 – 15,000
Year 2040 with Project 14,900 – 29,800
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
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Additional Considerations:
The proposed roadway classification supports the City’s vision per the Transportation
Master Plan to create a two- and four-lane arterial linkage between Turnberry Road and
I-25 interchange. Roadway will serve as the primary east-west travel route for those
destined to/from I-25 highway.
Character of roadway is to serve regional and local multimodal traffic in northeast portion
of Fort Collins, including future Transfort transit route service, and accommodate
dedicated on-road and fully-separated bicycle and pedestrian facilities and access to
adjacent properties.
#5 SUNIGA DRIVE
Turnberry Road to Giddings Road
Description: Suniga Drive is a planned east-west, multimodal Enhanced Travel Corridor (ETC)
that will provide connections to the Mountain Vista Subarea to downtown Fort Collins and
provide key connections to north-south roadways, including College Avenue, Turnberry Road,
Timberline Road, and Giddings Road. Currently Suniga is planned to extend east of Timberline
and connect back to Vine Drive.
Existing Classification: Four-Lane Arterial
Recommendation: Four-Lane Arterial with the following:
Continue to extend Suniga Drive east to connect to Turnberry Road (future extension),
Timberline Road, and to Giddings Road (future extension).
Design would support City’s vision of a four-lane with center median boulevard design
and would be a designated ETC, providing greater east-west connectivity to downtown
Fort Collins and neighborhoods to the north and east of downtown.
Future traffic volumes per NFRMPO model (without project-generated traffic) would not
exceed the ADT capacity thresholds for a four-lane arterial designation. However, with
the proposed project traffic, the potential increase in vehicle traffic would marginally
exceed these ADT capacity thresholds. Regardless, the potential widening to a six-lane
roadway is not recommended. To maintain the character of the ETC-designated roadway
and planned adjacent uses along the corridor, a six-lane roadway would create an east-
west suburban highway as opposed to a local-serving, east-west arterial to accommodate
multimodal traffic (including public transit and school buses), and provide a safer,
convenience experience for non-auto users (bicyclists and pedestrians).
Existing Volumes (2018): NA – Future Roadway
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 26,400
Year 2040 with Project 40,200
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
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Additional Considerations:
The proposed roadway classification supports the City’s vision to provide a four-lane
arterial linkage between College Avenue and the Mountain Vista Subarea.
Roadway will serve as the primary east-west travel route for those destined to/from the
Mountain Vista Subarea, planned schools, and I-25 highway.
Design Suniga Drive to support a dedicated, buffered bicycle lane and serve as a main
Transfort bus route, creating economic opportunity along the corridor as an ETC route.
#6 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
Turnberry Road to Giddings Road
Description: Maintain two-lane roadway to provide east-west connectivity between Larimer
County and Fort Collins, providing connections between Highway 1 and Turnberry Road.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Collector
Recommendation: Two-Lane Collector with the following:
Maintain Country Club Road west and east of Turnberry Road as “Two-Lane Collector”
Although future traffic volumes per NFRMPO model (with and without project-generated
traffic) would exceed the ADT capacity thresholds, a “two-lane collector” designation
would maintain the existing character and overall functionality of the roadway.
Modify the current alignment shown in the Master Street Plan that indicates a connection
to Giddings Road. Extend Country Club Road east of Thoreau Drive and realign to
connect with the planned Timberline Road extension within Montava development.
Existing Volumes (2018): 7,000 average daily trips
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 8,500
Year 2040 with Project 10,500
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
The extension of Country Club Road to the east into the Montava development will
provide greater connectivity while limiting additional traffic to/from Giddings Road.
Design of easterly extension of Country Club Road (i.e., east of Turnberry Road) to
include two-way auto traffic with intermittent on-street parking and separate bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
Within the Montava development a future two-lane collector street designation to
function as a low-traffic route and provide a high level of access and connections to
adjacent land uses, including planned residences and open space areas (including
recreational trails and parkland).
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#7 CONIFER STREET
Timberline Road to Suniga Drive
Description: Conifer Street is a planned two-lane roadway to provide east-west connectivity to
Mountain Vista Subarea and downtown Fort Collins.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Arterial
Recommendation: Two-Lane Arterial with the following:
Extend two-lane roadway east of Timberline Road to Giddings Road
Provide new connection to key north-south corridors, including Turnberry Road
(extended), Timberline Road, and Giddings Road (extended)
Roadway is expected to experience volumes that would not exceed capacity thresholds for
two-lane roadway per NFRMPO model and with estimated increase in project-generated
traffic.
Existing Volumes (2018): Not Available (Future Roadway)
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 8,200
Year 2040 with Project 14,600
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
The extension of Conifer Street further east to connect to Turnberry Road, Timberline Road, and
Giddings Road will serve as an additional east-west connection between existing neighborhoods
north of downtown Fort Collins and the Mountain Vista Subarea, while creating better east-west
distribution of traffic between Suniga Drive and Conifer Street.
#8 RICHARDS LAKE ROAD
Turnberry Road to Busch Drive
Description: Maintain two-lane roadway to provide east-west connectivity to key corridors in
northern portion of Fort Collins, including Turnberry Road and Giddings Road.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Arterial
Recommendation: Two-Lane Arterial with no proposed changes. The additional vehicle trips
associated with Montava in combination with existing and future estimated traffic demand will
continue to allow for a two-lane arterial designation.
Existing Volumes (2018): 1,400 average daily trips
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2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 4,300 – 5,200
Year 2040 with Project 4,700 – 5,600
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
No proposed changes to Richards Lake Road. The proposed Montava network that
connects to Richards Lake Road will provide access points into Montava and maintain the
same connections as under existing conditions.
#9 BAR HARBOR
Richards Lake Road to Country Club Road
Description: Maintain two-lane residential street to provide north-south connectivity for
Maple Hill residents to Mountain Vista Subarea.
Existing Classification: Two-Lane Collector
Recommendation: Two-Lane Collector with the following:
Discontinue two-lane roadway at Country Club Road due to needs of the City’s vision for
a proposed park/recreational area.
Connection between Richards Lake Road and Country Club Road would maintain access
as exists today and terminating at Country Club Road to the south would avoid cut-
through traffic within the Maple Hill neighborhood.
Roadway is expected to experience volumes that would not exceed capacity thresholds for
two-lane collector per NFRMPO model and with estimated increase in project-generated
traffic.
Existing Volumes (2018): 5,200 average daily trips
2040 Projected Volumes:
Scenario Roadway ADT
Year 2040 Baseline 5,200
Year 2040 with Project 5,300
Note 1. The regional model did not provide 2040 ADT volume data for Bar Harbor. It is assumed that the future baseline volumes would represent
existing volumes as the roadway and adjacent neighborhood is fully built out.
Source: NFRMPO Model; Nelson\Nygaard, 2018.
Additional Considerations:
The proposed Montava network would not connect directly to Bar Harbor Road but
would connect to Country Club Road, providing Maple Hill residents with direct access to
Montava and other planned roadways.
Ruth Rollins Consult, Inc.
November 16, 2018
Martina Wilkinson and Aaron Iverson
City of Fort Collins
RE: Reconsider the classification of Giddings
Dear Martina and Aaron:
We would like for you to reconsider the classification of Giddings Road from our
recommended 2-lane arterial to a 4-lane arterial. Listed below are some items to take into
account:
1. If south of Mountain Vista, a screen line is cut across Turnberry Road, Timberline
Road and Giddings Road it indicates that the future demand to/from the south of
Mountain Vista is:
Roadway 2040 Total ADT Capacity ADT
Turnberry 10,200 15,000
Timberline 20,100 35,000
Giddings 17,300 15,000
TOTAL 47,600 65,000
This indicates that with Giddings at a 2-lane arterial classification there is an excess of
17,400 ADT. A strong grid, provides traffic in the Mountain Vista Subarea the
opportunity to disperse along these three roadways. Turnberry as a 2-lane arterial,
Timberline as a 4-lane arterial and Giddings as a 2-lane arterial would more than
adequately serve the Mountain Vista Subarea.
2. If the Mountain Vista Subarea is to support a variety of land uses and result in a
successful community, it is important to take into account the land use elements and
draw activity to the proposed Town Center and park. The traffic demand indicates
that Timberline can serve as the core facility that will enhance and support the area.
Creating an additional 4-lane facility is both excessive and does not support these key
land use elements.
3. The future success of the enhanced travel corridor and transit use in the area are
supported by the proposed classifications. The excess of two additional arterial lanes
is not supportive of a future with alternative modes.
Thank you,
Ruth
(Turnberry Road to Timberline Road)
Two-Lane Collector Two-Lane Collector Extend Maple Hill Road east of Bar Harbor Drive to Timberline Road extension within project
site.
Bar Harbor Drive
(Richards Lake Road to Country Club Road)
Two-Lane Collector
Two-Lane Collector Due to needs of the City’s proposed park, Bar Harbor as it exists today would remain. The
extension of Bar Harbor from Country Club to Mountain Vista would be eliminated.
Source: DPZ; Nelson\Nygaard, June 2018.