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Home My WebLink AboutRESPONSE - RFP - P1027 MASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR TRAIL GRADE-SEPARATED CROSSINGP� FELSBURG (4HOLT & ULLEVIG engineering paths to transportation solutions August 3, 2006 Mr. James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP Director of Purchasing and Risk Management City of Fort Collins Purchasing Division 215 North Mason Street, 2"d Floor Fort Collins, CO 80524 Re: Response to Your Request for Proposals for P1027 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Dear Mr. O'Neill: Congratulations on taking this step to improve pedestrian and bicyclist mobility across the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks. Your continued commitment to providing safe and convenient access for alternative modes of travel is commendable. We look forward to helping you further the system of bike and pedestrian trails throughout your community. As you are aware, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) has had a significant role in the planning and development of the Mason Trail over the past few years and we would sincerely like to continue our work with the City in designing this important facility. We are excited about this project! Our team has the expertise, the experience and the enthusiasm to provide you with a grade - separation design that will result in a safe, convenient and successful project. We believe there are several key challenges to the successful design and construction of this project: • Proper Planning — An evaluation of whether an overpass or underpass is the best grade -separation option is crucial before moving forward with design details. • Minimizing Project Impacts - Direct and convenient access must be provided while limiting the impacts to adjacent land owners, utilities and the BNSF. • Coordination — Working with the BNSF and PUC to facilitate agreements for the crossing, while meeting CDOT requirements for processing of the right-of-way, utility and environmental clearances. • Fiscal Responsibility— The plan must be functionally attractive, but still meet the budgetary requirements of the project. These challenges are precisely what appeals to the dedicated professionals of the FHU team, and it is why we are very excited to submit this proposal for your consideration. We believe that our experience and our approach to this project will demonstrate to you that we are both well - qualified and highly interested in working with you on this assignment. 6300 South Syracuse Way, Suite 600 Centennial, CO 80111 tel 303.721.1440 fax 303.721.0832 www.fhueng.com info@fhueng.com Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins Final Design will include: 6. ROW Clearance/Acquisition —The FHU ■ Incorporation FIR Comments into design/ Team will work closely with the City surveyor plans to prepare the ROW plans for review by CDOT ■ Continued utility/agency coordination and we will finalize these plans to obtain the ROW clearance. We will also coordinate ■ Final ramp design/plans with the City surveyor to prepare graphical ■ Site plans, grading and design representations that match legal descriptions for ■ Final drainage design obtaining private property and/or easements. We will: ■ Lighting plans ■ Define slope limits and identity ROW/ ■ Final structure design easement needs ■ Environmental mitigation plans (as ■ Prepare a set of ROW plans in CDOT required) format; assist in obtaining ROW clearance ■ Utility plans from CDOT ■ Quantity tabulations and summary ■ Assist in the preparation of legal ■ Engineer's opinion of probable construction descriptions cost ■ Prepare property mitigation plans for use in ■ Submittal of plans, specifications and negotiations. estimate to the City, CDOT and other We have followed this process, with good success, agencies for review recently for the City on the North College Avenue, ■ Final Office Review (FOR) Meeting US 287 Bike Lane and Mason Trail projects. On ■ Meeting minutes these projects, the City surveyor performed the record and field research, and provided geometry Contract Documents: and legal descriptions for the parcels. We can follow ■ Incorporate comments from FOR review that path with this project if the City surveyor is into plans and specifications available, or we can perform that work with our FHU ■ Utility Agreements Team members. ■ Submit design/check calculations and Duty R,aREES: final plans to CDOT Staff Bridge for their records. Submit structure design ROW plans, legal descriptions, property certification letter to CDOT mitigation plans, ROW clearance ■ Finalize plans, specifications and estimates ■ Submit contract documents to the City for advertisement 7. Utility and Environmental Clearances — FHU will be responsible for obtaining utility data DEEiv[RaREF.: from both public and private entities, for Construction plans and specifications, preparing the utility base mapping within the project cost estimate, structure selection project boundaries, and for providing valued report, design certification letter, independent input during the concept planning / structure design check selection, and preliminary and final engineering phases of the project. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 8 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins To obtain the utility clearance, we will: compliance with the State's requirements during ■ Schedule and conduct a utility coordination construction. We believe that our experience in meeting construction observation of structural projects ■ Identify locations for potholing will be of great value to you. At a minimum, the following services could be provided: ■ Identify critical conflicts and coordinate utility relocations /design revisions ■ Bid assistance — attend a pre -bid meeting, assist with bid addenda, review bids and ■ Coordinate power source location(s) provide recommendations for contractor ■ Coordinate with lighting designer selection ■ Develop utility specifications ■ Interpretation of plans and specifications The FHU environmental staff will ensure ■ Shop drawing review that all necessary environmental clearances ■ Design revisions are completed. Our experienced staff is fully ■ Production of record drawings capable and efficient in documenting all of the information needed for the completion of a The following additional services are available: Categorical Exclusion (CDOT Form 128). FHU ■ Daily Construction Administration staff will complete the following tasks: — manage budget and schedule, ■ Initial Site Assessment to identify any assure construction quality and potential hazardous materials that could be contract compliance, maintain project encountered during construction documentation ■ Threatened or Endangered Species ■ Observation — daily or supplemental to the habitat analysis and presence/absence City's observation. documentation ■ Review of contractor submittals ■ Wetland survey Prior to finalizing our contract, FHU will work Other documentation needed for Form with the City and CDOT to customize our 128 compliance is not anticipated to be available services to best meet the project thorough; however, FHU will provide sufficient needs. documentation for the completion of the Form. Local Agency Coordination Experience — we Through conversations with CDOT staff, it is want to assure that we are experienced in not understood that CDOT will perform the cultural only the preparation of the construction plans responses clearances for this project. and specifications for Local Agency projects, but also on the construction administration DEI_rvFRaBFFs: of these projects. Following is a short list Initial Site Assessment, T&E Presence/ of current or recent projects in which we Absence Documentation, Wetlands Survey have conducted Local Agency construction administration, two of which are in CDOT 8. Construction Assistance— FHU can provide Region 4: a wide range of construction assistance and ■ Weld County Road 7 and SH 119 observation services to you, from daily site - FHU performed contract administration observations and contract administration, to on- and observation on this intersection call interpretation of plans and specifications. reconstruction project in Longmont. Client: Based on our experience with construction of Weld County. Client Manager: Wayne other Local Agency projects with CDOT, we Howard, PE can provide assistance to the City to assure Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 9 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1027 ■ Weld County Road 74 and SH 257 - FHU is currently performing contract administration and observation on this intersection reconstruction project in Windsor. Client: Weld County. Client Manager: Bob Patrick, PE ■ Castle Rock Signal Interconnect - FHU performed construction administration and inspection on this traffic signal interconnection project. Client: Town of Castle Rock. Client Manager: Dan Sailer, PE ■ Buckley Bridge Construction - FHU performed structural inspections on this new four -span bridge over Piney Creek. Client: Arapahoe County. Client Manager: Vern Tabert 9. Public Involvement Plan — Our team's public involvement approach is based on both practical experience and best practices that have been verified through field experiences. Our process model is straightforward, but sufficiently adaptive to anticipate and address concerns or new insights: ■ Identify interested and affected parties ■ Inform them regularly about project progress ■ Solicit and consider their input ■ Communicate how choices are made and how concerns are being addressed ■ Listen for feedback and flag ongoing concerns This approach recognizes that it is paramount to gain support early by identifying the stakeholders, and engaging them in a process that is participatory and implementation driven. With the relatively long timeframe, regularly communicating information and progress throughout the project is essential. The public involvement process will assure that all potentially affected interests such as City departments, the Fort Collins Transportation Felsburg Holt & Ullevig City of Fort Collins Board, City Council, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, BNSF Railway Company, area property/business owners and residents, and bicycle/pedestrian advocacy groups are informed and engaged in the project. Open houses, project updates, presentations, public mailings, and the project website will give interested parties a chance to learn specifics about the project, to ask questions and give their input. Media materials will also be used to publicize this project. Questions, concerns and comments will be tracked and shared with identified team members so that responses can be addressed. We are proposing three Open Houses for the project: ■ 1st Open House (Fall 2006) — Introduce the project, schedule, and the first phase of the project - concept planning ■ 2nd Open House (Spring 2007) — Present the conceptual design recommendations ■ 3rd Open House (Fall 2007) — Present the final design and construction schedule Project updates and information from the open houses will be posted on the project website, given to the media and made available to those without intemet access in the public libraries, the Front Range Community College Library, and the Senior Center. 10 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing PROJECT TEAM We have assembled a Team of highly qualified professionals that we believe can best serve the City and CDOT on this exciting project. FHU will be your primary resource and we will be responsible for Project Management and for preparation of the design documents. We are experienced on Local Agency projects with CDOT both from a design and construction standpoint. Following are brief summaries of our proposed staffing and their responsibilities for the project. We have added five firms to our team, three of which who will be used to meet the Underutilized Disadvantage Business Enterprise requirements: ■ EDAW — Jana McKenzie will lead the concept planning phase of the project where decisions such as whether or not the new structure will be an underpass or an overpass will be decided. Jana will also facilitate the decision -making process regarding urban design and aesthetic features of the project and will provide final design for these features. ■ Clanton & Associates (UDBE) — Gregg Adams will provide guidance on the proper lighting types to be considered for the project and will assist in selecting lighting features. ■ Yeh & Associates (UDBE) — Geotechnical investigations related to the design of structural elements of the project will be provided by Paul Macklin. ■ City Visions (UDBE) — Katherine Woods will oversee the Public Involvement Plan for the project. As you are aware, she has very recent experience on several other FHU projects within the City. ■ Farnsworth Group — Gary Gable will assist us in preparing the topographic survey for the project and in preparing the ROW plans and legal descriptions, if required. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins We believe that you will find the characteristics you are looking for in the FHU Team, a Team both highly competent and excited to work with you on this project. Resumes of key task leaders and subconsultants can be found in our appendix. An organization chart is included on the following page. R1cl1 Follvuer, PE, PTOE Proiect Mnvunger Rich will be your first point of contact for the project and he will be responsible for schedule and budget adherence and for overall quality control. Being project manager mirrors his role on other City projects, specifically ones related to the MTC, which Rich has assisted you with. He has gained valuable insight and experience in working with the City of Fort Collins on numerous projects over the past eight years. He was project manager for the preparation of the Mason Trail plans, the US 287 Bike Lane Project, the City's grade -separation design guidelines and on several access control plans. )nvUn Mcc .eo.Zz e, ASLA T64s2 Lender, Cov�cept PLnvuvi,i.v e Ms. McKenzie is a registered landscape architect with more than 20 years of experience in the preparation of planning documents as well as site -specific design. Ms. McKenzie routinely works with federal, state and local agencies to develop and conduct public participation programs. Ms. McKenzie has provided design support on numerous relevant projects, including the Mason Street Corridor Plan, the East Mulberry Corridor Plan, and the North College Improvement project, all for the City of Fort Collins; and the 125/SH 68 (Harmony Road) Interchange and Transportation Transfer Facility for the Colorado Department of Transportation. 11 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1027 ORGANIZATION CHART City o - Ilins Pro er Kathleen Bracken AICP Consultant Al Project Manager Rich Felleer, PE, PTA Fowler] ltdt At Ulkwig a Poled coo dhmffi a a Quality cow" a Dddel AYrarase a Schedule Coepene a Clearase Cssrdesten o dshenosaawt rssods=wd Coeoept Plannins Task Leader Jana MtdWmzle. ASLA EDAW Ceae..... D hd a AYpeend An.reenves a caaaeptow Dews o Dewo chorale a Aadde Features Deslsn Support 10 tpnotee Dodds MD Yaraats. PF, FIR) o cwUdw Dodds done GraroW PF. FDU J Dralsep Delp Chad TWss. PF, FRU Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Stneture/Clvll Dodge v. Task Lender = Beams, PE FeNMrs non a UIWS a Data CoNeseon a dbaoero Fadaered a CMI FyYsried a DOW coordination Key Team Members a Ilrhas Deyn/tas oesped Read dddi, FLA. EDAW a Lipids/ Dodds Grad/ Adomw LC Mason & Assoc. (IJD@n a Gsotetlrskd Dodds Past Madmo, PF. Yoh A Aoedess (UDeE) survMed Gary Gore. PLS, Farnsworth Group City of Fort Collins RNSF/PUC CMiMWon Task Leader StephaMs San"Iths, PE Felsbnrs Haft & Weft a permit proceeded PUC Appesalloe FassoMM Adreanest a 9cfw Traeled Public Involveatent a katherlae Weds city Metals (UDaq Constrootlw Management a An Ned. PL FM 12 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Felsburg Holt & Ullevig > .gLLLgeovv�s, PE Tasi2 Leader, structure / CLVU Mr. Beams is FHU's leading Principal in charge of all of our structural design projects. Bill has over 25 years of experience in all facets of structure design and construction administration. Bill will oversee the design of the grade -separation structure, including day-to-day design, cost estimating and data collection. Bill also oversees FHU's quality control program. As such, you will receive a product that is technically sound as well as realistic. grad Svv.itk, ASLA, LtrbnvL DesLgv, i LavOscapLu q Brad Smith is a registered landscape architect with 17 years of project design, master planning, and management experience. During his career, he has been involved in a wide range of project sizes and types, with an emphasis on site planning and design, digital elevation modeling, and CADD construction documentation. Relevant project experience includes the Longmont Downtown Enhancements, Mason Transportation Corridor, Confluence Park Redevelopment Master Plan, and the Vandehei Traffic Calming Project. gLLL Marcato, 1>E Structure DesLgvu Bill has 13 years of structural engineering experience, having designed a wide variety of structures for clients throughout Colorado and nationwide including bridges and building structures. Prefabricated steel truss bridges have recently been a big part of his workload for a variety of clients. Also included in his design experience are a variety of cast -in -place concrete box culverts for crossing roadways, bicycle/pedestrian trails, and railroads over other trails, creeks, and irrigation ditches. Bill's recent pedestrian structure experience includes the pedestrian bridges for the Mason Trail project Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins Steph a vLLe SCIVLO P LLVI e Taste Leader, gNSE / PLtC CDOrdbvuatLov. Ms. Sangaline has 15 years of coordinating and drainage and roadway projects. Ms. Sangaline has worked as an Authorized Agent on behalf of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Company to obtain permits and environmental clearances for railroad projects throughout the western United States. She has successfully coordinated efforts on behalf of railroads with agencies of jurisdiction, as well as on behalf of public and private clients with the railroads. in Fort Collins, a pedestrian underpass along the Highline Canal Trail in Littleton, and the extension of Dry Creek Road pedestrian overpass of 1-25 in Englewood serving the new RTD light rail. ,Steve crasvwLcle CLvLL DesLgvl,/Lkti,LCtu eoordLvAtLoo, � CLearavLces Mr. Grasmick has over 30 years of diversified engineering experience, including the design and preparation of construction documents and specifications for dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trails and for on - street bike lanes. Steve has recently been involved in the completion of the Mason Trail and US 287 Bike Lanes Project for the City of Fort Collins. Steve will be responsible for the utility coordination and clearance for the project as well as for any civil design features related to the grade -separation construction. Chad TwLss, PE DraLv,age DesLgv�, Chad is experienced in floodplain hydraulics and the applicable computer models (HEC2, HEC-RAS, CUHP, UDSWMM and others). He is experienced with the applicable federal criteria for the Conditional Letter of Map Revision and Letter of Map Revision process. Chad has performed the 13 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing hydrology and hydraulics design of various structure sizes from multiple circular roadway culverts to box culverts and multiple span bridges. Alex T>vUeu� Ev,VLrov,VwevutPL ClenrPvzes Alex Pulley's experience with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) includes managing and performing technical analyses for I impact statements and environmental assessments for controversial and turnkey projects. He has worked for multiple state and federal agencies, including CDOT, the Colorado State Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. TOVK Nead CowstructLov�, ,4dwt%w%strntLow In Tom's 14 years of transportation engineering experience, he has specialized in performing construction engineering and inspection, contract administration and project management. For the last seven years, Tom has been responsible for managing FHU's construction services and its group of construction engineers and technicians. He is well experienced in construction observation and administration for structure projects having been employed by the Califomia Department of Transportation, Division of Structures' Office of Structure Construction before joining FHU. 1-PtkeKLVue woods �: Cit�u VLs%ovis Katherine is a professional public participation consultant, experienced in working with community leaders to integrate their needs and ideas into public works projects. She is the past president of the International Association of Public Participation Practitioners where she worked in promoting an open and inclusive approach to public participation. Ms. Woods will be responsible for organizing and implementing our public improvement program. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Proposal No. P1O27 City of Fort Collins T>auL MPcieLLv�., T>E Yelp .�; ,4ssoaCates Paul has over 20 years of experience in the engineering geology and geotechnical engineering field. This includes 16 years of experience working on transportation projects for CDOT as a geotechnical engineer and Soils and Foundation Unit manager. His areas of expertise include: soils properties, geotechnical engineering, rock slope design, bridge foundation, soil nail and tieback design, and MSE walls. c,rergrg AC00.ts, LC Clnv,tov, � Assocates Greqq Adams has worked in the lighting industry for over 17 years where he is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, is Lighting Certified through the National Council on the Qualifications of Lighting Designers and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Gregg has provided design services for urban streetscapes, roadway street lighting, and site lighting. Gregg was instrumental in developing the site lighting for Invesco Field at Mile High stadium. In addition to his experience as a lighting designer, Gregg worked for two years as a Regional Manager for an outdoor lighting manufacturer and began the company's "dark skies" initiative. c,nKE c,nbLe, _PL.s Farv�,swortk c1rouP If you require surveying assistance, Gary will be responsible for providing the topographic mapping for the project and for assisting in the preparation of the ROW plans and obtaining the ROW clearance. He will be responsible for researching existing ROW, land titles, property ownership and preparing legal descriptions for land purchases or for easement acquisitions. 14 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1O27 SCHEDULE The FHU Team can meet the project schedule as proposed. As you are aware, obtaining clearances from the BNSF and PUC can be a time-consuming process and, as such, we commend you for providing ample time to accomplish this. We do believe, however, that we can complete the preliminary and final design in an approximate 8-month timeframe which would allow the ROW acquisition phase to begin sooner if funding streams allow. Considering that the BNSF / PUC process could take 1-year (ending approximately January 2008) and private property acquisition or easements could take about 5-months (also ending in January 2008), we believe construction could begin as early as February 2008, thereby reducing project completion time by almost 6 months, given a 6- month construction schedule. The refined schedule on the following page identifies the critical path elements and expected timeframes for the project tasks. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE In the 22 years since FHU's founding we have gained, through a wide variety of experience, the knowledge necessary to identify, evaluate, solve and design the critical elements of this project. Structure, drainage, and utility design are some of our core services, and environmental analysis is one of our growth areas. After our proposed project schedule, you will find more detailed information of representative projects that we believe reflect our knowledge and experience, and that will show you that the FHU Team is the best Team for this important project. FHU is a firm that specializes in planning and designing transportation facilities and we recognize that bicycling is an important mode of travel in the City of Fort Collins. Some of our Teams' recent projects include: ■ US 287 Bike Lane Project ■ Mason Transportation Corridor Felsburg Holt & Ullevig City of Fort Collins ■ Morrison Trail ■ County Line Road Trail (Highline Canal) EXPERIENCE rN lilt CITY of FoRi CotuNs We have had a wonderful working relationship with the City of Fort Collins over the years and we look forward to continuing that relationship. Our most recent projects with the City include: ■ Design Guidelines for Grade -Separated Pedestrian, Cyclist and Equestrian Structures ■ Mason Transportation Corridor planning and trail design ■ US 287 Bike Lane Project Local AGENCY CooRoAarioN EXPERIENCE FHU has a wide range of experience in working with CDOT and local agencies on projects where federal funding was a primary resource for both the planning and design of a project, as well as the construction of a project. Some important issues to consider include: ■ Verification of federal wage rates (Davis -Bacon) ■ Appropriate application of CDOT standards and procedures ■ Right-of-way acquisition in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970 ■ Appropriate accounting of construction bid items to funding sources Specific projects where we provided Local Agency Coordination design services and/or construction services include: P1 vyo ■ Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Design — Harmony Road to Fossil Creek ■ North College Avenue Improvements ■ 92nd / Sheridan / US 36 Improvements COV,IHI ciinn ■ Castle Rock Traffic Signal System ■ SH 119 /WCR 7 Intersection Improvements ■ SH 257 / WCR 74 Intersection Improvements 15 Project Schedule 2006 2007 2008 Task Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Contract Negotiations Scoping Meeting 3 Scope Refinement/ -i Fee Preparation �-r—�--� Project Planning and Conceptual Design > open House (Project - -� untrednceon) _---�---�--�— Data Collection 3 Concept Development + Concept Evaluation, Selection „I Open House (Ooncept Design Recommendations) and Refinement I -- Begin BNSF/PUC Process a e Preliminary and Final Engineering 3 i Additional Data Collection s =z (if necessary) -0 Preliminary Design � , ' ` �� FIR Meeting a a y 0 Final Design s '- FOR Meeting 2o Specifications # ROW Plans f - 4WI Advertisement (Subject to Obtaining I ROW) # Final Advertisement i� i i� f x w ;' ; t; Clean-up/ Plan Production:- Open House (Present Final Design/Construction Schedule) + ROW/Utility/Environmental 50u. Clearances -- Form 128 Signature -4 BNSF/PUC Approval Process ROW Acquisition j Property Owner Negotiations/ g,„�• Acquisition Assistance/Display Prep. Construction Pre -Bid Meeting Contractor Negotiations w Construction Observation/Inspection Nonce to , _ Proceed rm. 3 Shop Drawing Review/ Plan Inspection Local Agency Coordination/ , Processing As -Built Plans --� - --------- �.__.-�—� ---+ Project Coordination i Progress Meetings — --- -� Public Involvement o Announcements/Web Page Updates/,�-; >� Media Correspondence August 3, 2006 Mr. James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP Page 2 We believe that there are three key reasons to select the FHU team for this project: 1. Corridor Knowledge - We have been working with the City on the Mason Trail for several years and most of our team members were part of the original Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Assessment project that first evaluated a grade -separated crossing at this location. 2. BNSF Relationship —We have the established relationships and working knowledge of BNSF and Public Utility Commission approval processes. 3. Structure Design Knowledge - We helped the City prepare your grade -separation guidelines that were published in Design Guidelines for Grade -Separated Pedestrian Cyclist and Equestrian Structures, and have implemented these guidelines on our past projects along the Mason Trail. We have structured this proposal to present our experience and approach in a concise, yet thorough fashion. Our proposal includes: • A focused project approach that summarizes the succession of critical project steps • A succinct scope of work that summarizes the important tasks of each of these steps • A detailed schedule that meets with your planning, design and construction timelines • Introductions of the FHU key team members and sub -consultants (EDAW, Clanton & Associates, Yeh & Associates, City Visions, and Farnsworth Group), with descriptions of their roles and responsibilities • A commitment to meet the project UDBE goals • Summaries of relevant project experience that our team brings to this project — both work completed for the City of Fort Collins and CDOT, as well as for other Colorado communities We believe that the recent opportunities we have had with the City have resulted in an understanding of your community's goals and objectives; and relish the opportunity to continue fostering our working relationship and helping you design and construct a signature facility. We look forward to discussing this proposal response with you soon. We acknowledge receipt of Addendum Number 1. If you have any questions regarding the information contained in this proposal, please do not hesitate to call. Respectfully, FELSBURG HOLT & ULLEVIG Bill Beams, PE Richard R. Follmer, PE, PTOE Principal Project Manager Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Felsburg Holt & Ullevig INTRODUCTION We commend the City of Fort Collins, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the North Front Range Transportation & Air Quality Planning Council (MPO) for taking this next step in fostering the continued development of the Mason Transportation Corridor (MTC). The design and construction of this first east -west grade -separation will provide added benefit to the biking and walking community by providing a safe and convenient crossing of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) tracks. There are several benefits to the City in moving forward with this project: ■ You will be one step further in completing the vision of a transportation corridor that provides north -south alternatives to automobile use. ■ A well -designed crossing of the BNSF tracks will improve resident safety at this highly - traveled crossing. ■ You will strengthen the City's vision of a truly multi -modal community. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) and our project team are tremendously interested in joining you in this endeavor. We will strive for the highest quality product by working with you and the bicycling community to design and construct a facility that everyone can be proud of. We believe that we have assembled the best team for this project based on our knowledge and understanding of the corridor and on the critical issues related to this project. Of critical importance is the assurance that the grade -separation design does not preclude the construction of the future Bus Rapid Transit system. Specific issues related to the completion of this project include: ■ Completion of a Conceptual Design that meets the objectives of the project: 1) evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of both underpass and overpass options, 2) developing alternative connection points for users on both sides of the BNSF tracks, 3) identifying impacts and constraints of these several options, and 4) Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins developing cost estimates of each alternative to assist in approach selection. ■ Preparation of the preliminary and final construction plans, ROW plans, and specifications using our knowledge of the corridor to properly design the preferred facility type. ■ Coordination of the approval process and permitting with the BNSF and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to assure that the project can easily move forward into the construction phase. ■ Having an informative Public Involvement Program — one that matches the available budget and scope of effort. ■ Assisting you in the construction phase of the project, from answering contractor questions, to assistance and inspection of the structure and civil construction, to the preparation of the as -built plans. Upon your review of our proposal, we believe you will find that the FHU Team has the knowledge and experience to provide you with a successful product. Our proposal is structured to: ■ Present a 9-step Project Approach — one that is both efficient and cost-effective. ■ Provide a succinct Scope of Work that summarizes the important tasks of the project. ■ Assure you that we understand the BNSF and PUC approval processes. ■ Identify our Team of qualified professionals, ones that are excited about the project. ■ Provide you with a schedule that accelerates project completion. ■ Show you that we have valuable experience on similar pedestrian crossing structures. ■ Assure you that we are experienced in preparing plans and specifications to City of Fort Collins and CDOT specifications and also with the Local Agency coordination process. ■ Present a Public Involvement Program that informs and engages stakeholders. Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins PROJECT APPROACH Our Project Approach is nine -fold — an approach that will meet all of the City's objectives. As noted in the Request for Proposal, information contained in this section and the more -detailed Scope of Work section of our proposal assumes that the City will be responsible for all surveying tasks. Project Understanding — We will meet with City and CDOT staffs to clearly define the project Scope of Work. We strongly believe that good dialog between each party will result in an understanding of the project objectives, its opportunities and constraints, and in a clear Scope of Work that all parties take ownership of. FHU will provide you with a fee estimate to complete the project. ■Data Collection — The FHU Team will assemble the necessary data to complete ■BNSF and PUC Coordination — We recommend that discussions with the BNSF and PUC begin after the selection of the preferred alternative. This will allow us to present a graphical depiction of the preferred structure, while also presenting the project safety benefits to each agency - ones that support its construction. ■Preliminary and Final Design Preliminary design plans will be developed to identify any critical issues and to offer creative solutions. the project; utility, ROW, aerial A Field Inspection Review (FIR) photography, survey, drainage, meeting will be held to review mailing lists, site plans, etc. to project plans, identify utility assist us in the conceptual and conflicts, discuss ROW needs, final construction plan preparation. and identify other opportunities ■Conceptual Design and constraints. Our Team will — This phase will engage the project Team and adjacent properties owners to create alternative options to evaluate the basic decision of whether the incorporate the FIR comments and complete the final design. A Final Office Review (FOR) meeting will be conducted at the appropriate time. corridor. Utility Clearance - This work will include verifying project impacts with public and private utilities and coordinating utility relocations, etc. to assure CDOT that the proper coordination with utility companies have occurred. Environmental Clearance - From a conversation with CDOT environmental staff, we understand that environmental work required of the consultant would include evaluating wetland, threatened & endangered species and hazardous materials impacts of the project and obtaining the proper clearances from the governing agencies. This work will support CDOT's Form 128 Categorical Exclusion. Construction Assistance —The FHU Team can assist you in many ways, whether by simply answering contractor questions as they arise or by providing continual day-to-day, on -site construction inspection. grade -separation should be an ■ ROW Clearance / We are amply experienced in underpass or an overpass. Access Acquisition — We will completing this assistance on alignments and conceptual cost estimates will be prepared, and property impacts identified, to assist the project Team in making an informed decision on crossing coordinate the ROW clearance Local Agency projects, and through preparation of ROW plans our staff has completed CDOT under the direction of the City's instruction courses on Local surveyor and through review by UUU i. KUw negotiations with type. Issues such as utility local property owners shall be Agency construction acceptance. Public Involvement Plan — FHU will assist you in impacts, drainage impacts, ROW conducted by the City. developing a plan that engages impacts, construction cost, and ■ Utility and Environmental the public and stakeholders ease of construction will influence Clearances — FHU the grade -separation selection. will facilitate the utility and through one-on-one meetings, strategic open houses, and via the environmental clearances for the City's web page. The following Scope of Work expands upon this 9-step approach. Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1027 SCOPE OF WORK 1. Project Understanding — Prior to finalizing a contract, a scoping meeting with City, CDOT and FHU Team staffs would be held to refine the Scope of Work for the project. Items to discuss would include: ■ Design Criteria — confirmation of the design criteria from the City's Design Guidelines for Grade -Separated Pedestrian, Cyclist and Equestrian Structures. ■ Design and Review Process — level of detail for design, steps/tasks to define the improvements to be advanced to preliminary/final design. ■ Critical Design Issues — potential touch- down locations, structure selection, access to NRRC, utility/drainage issues. ■ Public Involvement Program — number / schedule of Open Houses, web page updates, project announcements. Based upon the decisions made at the scoping meeting, FHU will submit a project fee estimate for your review. FHU will work closely with the City to develop a contract that will result in a successful project. DELIVERABLES: Design criteria, critical design issues, project fee estimate, public involvement program 2. Data Collection —The FHU Team will collect the following information from the City: ■ Aerial mapping — we will likely use mapping already in our possession related to other MTC projects. ■ City utility key maps ■ Topographic / ROW Survey ■ Property ownership ■ Mailing list ■ Adjoining site plans ■ Drainage and flood data Felsburg Holt & Ullevig City of Fort Collins FHU will collect the following information from other sources: ■ BNSF lease agreements ■ Topographic survey (if provided by consultant) ■ Private utility key maps ■ Wetland / T&E / Hazmat information ■ Project photo log DELIVI RABLES: Aerial mapping, topographic survey, Auto CAD utility database, photo log 3. Conceptual Design — Key to the success of this project is clear communication with project team members and stakeholders, especially during development of the general concept and character of the project. To this end, we anticipate establishing a project Design Team that will provide input into the critical decisions of the project. We would propose that this team include City, CDOT and consultant staffs that would meet regularly, specifically during the concept planning phase, to evaluate project alternatives and to provide input on grade - separation selection. As part of this process, we will prepare a detailed site analysis plan summarizing the site opportunities and constraints. A series of conceptual options to explore the functionality and impacts of underpass and overpass options will be developed. The Design Team will conduct an Internal Workshop session to review project concept plans for the project. The workshop session will serve as the starting point for development of the project vision. The basic conceptual options would be presented that compared functionality, impacts, perceptions, and relative costs, of the underpass and overpass options. The outcome of the workshop will be a decision to further explore either an overpass or underpass as the preferred approach. 3 Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing As a next step, we would suggest evaluating the selected approach in more detail. For example, if an underpass were selected as the preferred alternative, more detail on drainage or utility impacts could be evaluated based on differing ramp/step approaches to the actual grade -separation structure. We would then suggest inviting representatives from Colorado State University, the Natural Resources Research Center and land/business owners on the east side of the BNSF tracks to a Stakeholders Meeting to obtain input on specific project do's and don'ts such as "don't build on NRRC property" or "don't impact parking spaces at Whole Foods". These issues will need to be balanced with the desires of the BNSF which will be to minimize impacts to their ROW. Perspective sketches will be developed for better communication to the stakeholders. Alternatives will address architectural character of the crossing structure, level of service, probable cost and perceived safety. At the conclusion of the stakeholders meeting, a clear direction on detailed design issues and aesthetic features would be obtained. At this stage of the project, we would anticipate that the major decisions of the project are complete. We would suggest presenting the preferred grade -separation to the public in an Open House format. Materials presented at the Open House would include a perspective Felsburg Holt & ullevig Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins rendering, a rendered illustrative site plan, sections and elevations of the preferred alternative to generally describe the size and form of the crossing. The presentation will include grade differences, materials and relationships between adjacent uses. A preliminary opinion of probable cost will accompany the drawings. With any project of this type and size, there will be many issues with conflicting implications that must be resolved to develop the best plan for the project. Following is a brief discussion of the major issues to be addressed: ■ ROW -Central to any crossing will be negotiating the permanent rights to access and cross the BNSF ROW and coordinating/mitigating the temporary construction impacts to BNSF operations. We must be cognizant of impacts to adjacent property owners as well. Please see the following section for more detail on the BNSF negotiation process. ■ Level of Service -Decisions regarding ramp slopes, vertical clearance, and stairs versus elevators all have advantages and disadvantages — each effecting the functionality and ultimate use of the grade -separation. Flatter slopes on ramps enhance ease of use while increasing costs, the distance traveled and the extent of land required. Wider ramps have similar trade-offs, with the added perception of greater personal safety risk as the ramps narrow. Counter to this is the likelihood that bicyclists or skateboarders will use the ramps at excessive speeds if the ramps are wider. Elevators drastically reduce the land and visual impact of an overpass option, but carrying higher construction and maintenance costs. Also central to this topic is whether the ramp will occur "on- line" as in the previous report, or "off-line" with the option of requiring bicyclists to dismount and walk their bikes. Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing ■ Utilities -It will be necessary to verify the types and locations of utilities within and adjacent to the BNSF ROW. An underpass would clearly maximize the probability of conflicts and the potential for expensive utility relocations. It will be important to coordinate with the effected utility companies to develop mitigation plans if these utilities are impacted, specifically with the underpass option. An overpass option should limit the level of utility impacts. ■ Drainage -Drainage flows would gravitate towards Spring Creek. An underpass option creates drainage challenges, potentially requiring a very long and deep stormsewer drain and/or a lift station. An overpass provides benefits in lessened drainage impacts. ■ Aesthetics - Visually, underpasses are often the preference of the non -using public. An underpass in this area could be almost invisible to the casual passer-by and, therefore, would be favored. Users, however, feel less safe in these confined spaces than when in the open environment of an overpass. Overpasses over rail lines are very tall (greater than two stories) and very intrusive visually. A part of the potential savings of an overpass should be invested in the architectural character due to its high visibility and potential of creating a signature facility. The character of either option should create a sense of place and beauty, and evoke the architectural legacy of this area. I \100111 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Proposal No. P1O27 City of Fort Collins On the following page are some simple sketches that identify potential options for the proposed grade -separation structure. Included are some advantages and disadvantages of each. These options are simply provided to show you that we have been thinking about alternative options. We look forward to working with you in selecting the preferred grade - separation method of crossing the BNSF tracks. DELIVERABLES: Sketches of alternative concepts, cost comparisons BNSF Railway and Colorado Public Utilities Commission Coordination —All crossings of railroads are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Grade -separated pedestrian/bicycle facilities, in addition to meeting design requirements of local, state and federal pedestrian/bicycle design codes, must also meet clearance and safety criteria in accordance with the PUC and the respective railroad standards. A PUC application for crossing the BNSF Railway will be required. This application generally includes a project description, a list of affected parties, preliminary plans, ROW impacts, and cost estimates. Once the application has been filed with the PUC and deemed "complete", the project notification period of 30 days begins. This time allows for the involved parties to review the project and provide comment. Following the 30 day notification period, uncontested applications may either be ruled approved by the Commission, or considered approved if no commission action is taken within 15 days, for a total process time of 45 days. Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing Proposal No. P1027 AMA\[AGES ■ Moderate footprint (moderate land cost) ■ Reasonable travel distance ■ Least visual impact ■ Moderate maintenance cost DiSAM W AGES ■ Highest utility impact ■ Possibly the highest construction cost ■ Least safe, most vandal prone NRR(C FA CILI'I Y � I I Y d� ! ovcRp" � � � PARKIN(. 31:1HKE'I I =1 AD\1VIAGES ■ Minimal footprint (lowest land cost) ■ Least travel distance ■ Moderate visual impact ■ Minimal utility and drainage impacts Dir,v)-A11AGrS ■ Highest maintenance cost ■ Likely highest construction cost (estimated) Felsburg Holt & Ullevig City of Fort Collins NRRC FACILITY �I i r _r i � KINII_ P\NINI. I x wno1.I.IaroS � I I NIARKL'I I i I I i i AMA\IAGES ■ Potentially the lowest construction cost ■ Lowest maintenance cost ■ Minimal utility and drainage impacts DMM A\ rAGES ■ Longest travel distance ■ Highest visual impact ■ Maximum footprint (highest land cost) NRRCr:Ycw� i I ' I p li V,\NN14. _ I I — _ I R'I IOLL FWUS M:\RKLI rr Mason Transportation Corridor Trail Grade -Separated Crossing A BNSF agreement will also be required for the project. Buried facilities (with no surface features within the BNSF right-of-way) are typically authorized through an easement process with a one-time fee. Permanent surfacs features within the BNSF right-of-way are usually handled through a License Agreement with an annual fee. These agreements are subject to legal review by attorneys for all parties, and can take some time. Due to the limited area of this project, and the familiarity with the process from the first phase of the Mason Transportation Corridor Trail to the south, it is estimated that this agreement should take less than one year following acceptance of the crossing design alternative. NOTE: Both the PUC application and BNSF agreement documents include cost estimates, preliminary plans, right-of-way costs and other design related information typically completed as part of preliminary design. The PUC application and BNSF agreement processes are typically initiated following the FIR level of effort and review. Discussions with the BNSF and PUC are initiated earlier to introduce each agency to the project, and obtain any initial guidance. DLLIVERARI_ES: ■ PUC Application — to be submitted by the City as the applicant. FHU will prepare the draft and exhibits for City review and approval prior to formal submittal to the PUC ■ Completion of the BNSF Agreement Template (once received from the BNSF) — the template will be provided to the City and/or FHU for completion of the details, after which review by the City legal staff and BNSF legal staff begins. ■ Coordination with the BNSF and PUC to assist the City — FHU will monitor progress of the application and agreement and assist where needed. Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Proposal No. P1027 City of Fort Collins 5. Preliminary and Final Design — Beyond the importance of good structural design, FHU will also provide the civil, drainage, and utility design for the project including the evaluation of needed drainage structures, utility relocations, or the reconfiguration of parking stalls or other features near or within adjacent private property. Upon completion of the concept planning, the FHU Team will proceed with preliminary and final design and contract document preparation. FHU will prepare and issue a structure selection report that will follow Federal guidelines in documenting the selection of structure type. As a local agency project, all work will be accomplished in accordance with AASHTO and CDOT design guidelines, memorandums, standards and specifications. Several coordination/progress meetings, in addition to the FIR and FOR meetings are anticipated to occur during this process. Preliminary Design will include: ■ Additional field survey by City staff if needed ■ Geotechnical recommendations ■ Public and private utility coordination ■ Ramp alignment plans and profiles ■ Site plan grading and design (as required) ■ Drainage design ■ Proposed lighting ■ Grade separation layout, sections and elevations ■ Opinion of probable construction cost ■ Required right-of-way and easements ■ Submittal of plans to the City, CDOT and other agencies for review ■ Field Inspection Review (FIR) Meeting ■ Meeting minutes 7