HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - 7149 ARTERIAL INTERSECTION PRIORITY STUDYJune 24, 2010
Muller Engineering Company, Inc.
t John D. Stephen, CPPO, CPPB, Senior Buyer Consulting Engineers
777 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 4-100
Purchasing Division Lakewood, Colorado 80226
' City of Fort Collins E 303.988.__,-www.mullereng.com
215 North Mason Street, 2nd Floor
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
' Re: Request for Proposal No. 714 — Arterial Intersection Priority Study
Dear Mr. Stephen and Selection Committee Members:
' Muller Engineering Company is very pleased to submit our proposal for the Arterial Intersection Priority
Study. We have assembled a team of highly qualified professionals to address the goals, challenges and
opportunities of this interesting project. We believe our project approach and work plan will provide
t the City with an innovative and comprehensive process towards selecting the most appropriate
intersections for investment of capital funds. Benefits our team brings to Fort Collins include:
' Experienced, Proven Project Manager. Karl Buchholz brings 24 years of transportation experience,
managing both traffic engineering and multi -modal transportation projects. Most recently, he
completed the Fort Collins Citywide Signal Timing project, which has given him a thorough
understanding of the City's arterial intersection operations. Karl is also especially adept at bringing
' together various stakeholders, having managed numerous transportation projects as a consultant and as
a municipal traffic engineer.
' Planning and Design Experience — 'One -Stop Shopping'. Fort Collins will be able to have seamless
progress in the development of the Arterial Roadway Priority Study with Muller's combined experience
in transportation planning and design services all available to the City with in-house staff. Not only will
Muller's engineers provide experience in the conceptual design and cost estimating required to develop
' a study implementation plan, but there will be a smooth transition as the intersection design work
progresses to preliminary and final design.
' The Right Approach. Muller has completed a considerable amount of research for this project and has
developed a deep understanding of the goals and objectives of Fort Collins. Our discussions of the
project concept and issues and scope of work in the proposal will demonstrate this understanding.
' CDOT Local Agency Oversight Experience. To leverage the 'Building on Basics' Bond money, Fort Collins
may look to obtain state and/or federal funding for intersection improvements through the North Front
Range MPO and CDOT. Muller will serve the City as an advocate to obtain the funding, and to
' implement project designs with the CDOT oversight that accompanies these funds. Muller has served
local agency clients in this role for 37 projects, five of which have been in CDOT Region 4.
Karl Buchholz is the point of contact for this project and he can be reached by phone at 303-895-9875 or
' via email at kbuchholz@mullereng.com. We look forward to the opportunity to further present our
project understanding, approach and qualifications to Fort Collins.
' Sincerely,
MULLER ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
Lic-,
Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE Ro ert G. Carl on, PE
' Project Manager Principal-in-C arge/Contract Manager
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Level 2 Screening
' The Level 2 screening process will provide a more comprehensive evaluation of each intersection
that passed the Level 1 screening. The screening will be applied to these intersections, and to the
list of potential improvement projects identified in the preceding subtask. The Level 2 screening will
begin to look at potential fatal flaws, community benefits/impacts, preliminary costs and potential
funding sources. Similar to the Level 1 screening, the evaluation criteria established in Task 2 will be
entered into a spreadsheet as a means for tracking each criteria and also for conducting sensitivity
analyses, matching alternative project scenarios to the available budget or funding source.
The Level 2 screening process will result in a short list (10-15) of projects carried forward to
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functional design and cost estimating.
Outcome/Deliverables: Technical memorandum describing screening methodology and the
prioritization list of projects (10-15) that will be carried forward to functional design (approximately
30% design).
' S. Functional Design and Cost Estimating
Objective: Prepare functional design plans to approximately 20-30% design level
for the purpose of costing the projects and identifying major design and
construction issues.
1
Description: Upon completion of the Level 2 screening process, Muller
Engineering will prepare functional designs of the proposed intersection
improvement projects. The design will consist of line drawings on aerial
photography provided by the City of Fort Collins. Existing right-of-way lines will be shown based on
GIS parcel data provided by the City.
The aerial photos will be supplemented with field notes and observations to identify project
' elements that could impact the cost and schedule of the project. These items may include drainage
facilities, structures (retaining walls), trees, signs, environmental mitigation, curb ramps, surface
utilities, etc. Plans will be prepared at 1" = 50' scale and will call out lane widths, taper lengths,
storage bays, curb return radii, signal modifications, sidewalk, bike lanes, bus stops, limits of
construction, retaining walls and major drainage structures. Projects located on City Streets will be
designed in accordance with the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards. Where state
' highways are involved, improvements will be designed in accordance with CDOT's Design Guide
2005 and the State Highway Access Code.
' Muller will develop the functional designs in a cost-effective manner knowing that the City has a
very limited source of project funding available and is looking to stretch their BOB funding as far as
possible, while also providing optimal benefit to the traveling public. We will work hand -in -hand
' with City staff to ensure that projects are not "over -designed", but rather the improvements directly
address the safety or operational issues at hand. This may be more challenging where state
highways are involved, since CDOT generally takes the approach of needing to address as many
1 deficiencies as possible, which tends to expand the project scope and construction costs. Our
extensive familiarity with CDOT local agency projects provides us with a thorough understanding of
how to work with CDOT to manage the scope of the project in a manner that is mutually beneficial
to the local agency and CDOT.
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Cost estimates for each alternative will also be prepared using recent project cost data from the City
and from CDOT Region 4, where state or federal funding may be involved. Cost estimates can
sometimes be a moving target, given the past downturn in the economy and the high -fluctuation in
asphalt prices that has occurred in the past two years. To address this, we will look to use the most
recently available cost data and also build in appropriate contingencies to cover these possible price
fluctuations. The other side of the equation to preparing reliable cost estimates for project
budgeting purposes is to make sure all major cost items are accurately measured and accounted for,
and that minor cost items are incidental to the major work via an appropriate unit cost.
Deliverables: Functional Design Plans at 1" = 50' for 10-15 intersections; project cost estimates;
electronic files of design drawings
6. Implementation Plan 9E
Objective: Prepare an implementation plan that packages the alternatives to
match available funding sources and to leverage the City's BOB funding with state
and federal aid dollars where appropriate.
Description: Depending on the scope of each project, there may be state and
federal funding available to leverage BOB funds and to stretch the City's dollars into a much greater
pool of available funds. The table below lists several funding categories that the project team will
examine to determine their applicability to each project.
Potential Sources of Funding to Leverage Citv BOB Funds
Fundinga5ou`rce fi
Fu ding TYpe`.;,Xt
FASTER
Safety and Bridges
CDOT Surface Treatment
State Highways Only
Hazard Elimination and Safety (HES)
Safety
CMAQ
Congestion and Air Quality
Transportation Enhancement
Ped, Bike and/or Aesthetic
STP — Metro
Congestion
Transportation, Community and
System Preservation (TCSP)
Transportation System Efficiency
DOLA Mineral/Energy Impact
Assistance
Energy and/or Mineral Impacts
Muller will also evaluate the timelines for each funding source, as most of them have specific
application periods that are administered by NFRMPO or CDOT. The NFRMPO is scheduled to begin
their 2012-2017 TIP application process this fall (project submittals due Nov. 5, 2010). Muller will
work with Fort Collins staff to review the 2012-2017 TIP project eligibility and scoring requirements,
so that project scopes can be adjusted as needed to better match scoring criteria. We will also
work with CDOT's Traffic and Safety Branch to evaluate potential safety projects through CDOT's
Hazard Elimination and Safety (HES) program. Through our discussions with Bryan Allery at CDOT,
we understand that the next HES application process will not begin until 2011. This timeline is ideal
given the schedule for BOB construction funds.
Muller will prepare a project implementation and funding plan that outlines the scope of each
project, project cost estimates, schedule, benefits to be realized, right-of-way needs, any
environmental clearance requirements and proposed funding sources. Each project will contain a
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one -page summary report for quick reference, and a more detailed technical report that provides
' City staff with the necessary project information to proceed with final design. The information will
also be compiled in spreadsheet form to assist the project team in querying and sorting the data to
address potential project scope and/or funding changes.
' Deliverables: Project Summary and Technical Reports; Spreadsheet of Project Data
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
STR(CX) 011909)
GAMING AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY
ALTERNATIVEDATA SHEET
ALTERNATIVE, AS
Auxiliary lane on S.H. 119 in Black Hawk from City Limit to City Limit.
ALTERNATIVE PROJECT CRITERIA'
Captraf Cott: $8,676,000
Benejtt/Cmt Ratio. 0.17
Prioritkation Score: 59
Term (ShonlLortg): Long
ALTERNATIVE DESCRIPTION•
Add auxiliary lanes for left and right turning traffic. Auxiliary lanes are 12 feet wide, will include approach tapers
and will be constructed along both sides of S.H. 119 from M.P. 6.5 to M.P. 8.2. Turning lam lengths will be
determined based on traffic volumes.
ALTERNATIVE REASONING:
Auxiliary lanes will improve roadway safety and increase the capacity of S.H. 119 through the City of Black
Hawk.
ALTERNATIVE LOCATION:
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S.H. 119
119AUXLN.FRM
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Example of Project Summary Description from a Prior Muller Project
' Staff Hour Estimate
Our estimate of staff hours on this project is shown on the following page. The actual number of hours
' may vary depending on the public involvement effort and the number of intersections for which concept
designs and cost estimates are prepared. For purposes of estimating staff hours, we have assumed
approximately 12-15 concept designs and a public involvement process independent from the Plan Fort
' Collins process. Staff hours will be reduced accordingly if either of these efforts are scaled back.
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HULLER I• a I `U• Page12
MULLER ENGINEERINGCOMPANY -STAFF HOUR ESTIMATE
`City of Fort Collins
Arterial Intersection Priority Study
Task
No.
Task
Description
TIME (HOURS)
SUBCONSULTANT HOURS
TOTALS
Principal
PM
Viil-
Project
Engr. V
Project
EngrlV
Design
Eng,rI
5r. Des.
Graphics
C4DD
Ill
Admin
Ourston
Noyes
Pinyon
ArLand
OV
MEC
Hours
Su on.
Hours
Total
!fours..
1
Information Gathering and Data Collection
Gather and Compile. Data
4
8
24
36
36
Review and Prelim. Analysis o Data
4
8
24
36
36
2
Devel ent of Evaluation Criteria
Develop Evaluation Criteria
1
20
8
.30
30.
Documentation
1
8
20
30
30
3
Public involvement
Stakeholder Coordination
16
16
2
40
:12
12
.34
64
98
Public Meetings
16
16
2
40
34
40
74
Gra hics and Presentation Materials
4
12
40
2
58
58
4
Screening Process
Level,! Screening
8
28
36
36
Develop Potential improvements
16
.20
8
16
8�
:44
24
68.
Level Screening
24
20
32
60
20
24
8
136
.52
188
5
Concept Design and Cost Estimating
Concept Design Plans
10
20,
120
140
24.
40
12
300
76
376
Cost Estimates
8
20
.28
28,
6
Implementation Plan
Evaluate Funding Options
12
8
20
20
Packaging'ofAlternatives
16
8
14
24
Report Documentation
20
64
8
92
92
Project Management
8
40
:48
Total Hours'1
12
236 1216.
1
380 1
148. 1
40
140 1
14
40
80
60
1 36,
1 40
986
256
1,194
Cityof FO TCOLLINS !f
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Project Schedule
The schedule below shows Muller's plan to accomplish the scope of work outlined in this proposal in a
timely manner to meet Fort Collins' expectations. From a technical work load standpoint, we believe a
schedule to complete the study by the end of 2010 is reasonable. However, as with any complex
' transportation project that involves a diverse mix of stakeholders, it is important that the project not get
stalled by "process" so that decisions move forward in a timely manner. The Muller team commits to do
' its part in making sure decision -makers have the necessary information to keep the project process
moving forward.
I Task Name
. I
City of Fort Collins Arterial Intersection Priority Study
Project Study Schedule
Muller Engineering Company
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Key Personnel Assigned to Project
The following key team members will serve Fort Collins on the Arterial Intersection Priority Study. Fort
Collins can expect to see our key team members working on this project throughout its duration, for the
study phase and for subsequent design phases, supported by the 44-member staff at Muller
Engineering. The Project Organizational Chart on the following page outlines Muller key staff and that
of our subconsultant team. Our subconsultant partners share Muller's commitment to this project.
Availability figures are for the study portion of the project. These figures will be different for the design
of the preferred alternatives if the contract is extended.
Karl Buchholz, P.E., P.T.O.E., Project Manager (Availability: 70%)
As Project Manager, Karl will be the primary contact for Fort Collins Project Manager,
Dean Klingner. He will be responsible for development of study methodology,
intersection operations and safety analysis, development of alternative
improvements, project documentation, client communication, oversight of public and
stakeholder outreach and coordination of project team members. Karl's 23 years of
experience includes 11 years in the public sector with the cities of Lakewood and k
Wheat Ridge. While at the City of Lakewood, Karl was responsible for writing
transportation grant applications for DRCOG and CDOT funding. In a similar manner to this project, he
worked jointly with the Engineering Division in developing concept designs for grant applications. Some
of the projects that he was instrumental in securing funding included four intersection operational
improvements, three grade -separated bicycle crossings, six traffic signal rebuilds and a roadway re-
alignment project. Karl's experience with prioritizing potential projects and securing federal grants for
those projects makes him ideally suited for a very similar role for the Arterial Intersection Prioritization
Study. As a consultant, Karl has served as project manager for several system -wide and subarea projects
including the Broomfield Transportation Evaluation Study, Aurora Citywide Signal Timing, the West
Colfax Corridor Transportation Plan and the Denver Union Station Transportation Study. Karl's
combination of public and private sector experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding
of municipal transportation from a technical, community, financial, and policy perspective.
Fort Collins will benefit from Karl's unique knowledge of the City's transportation and signalization
system, having just completed the Fort Collins Citywide Traffic Signal Timing Project. The project
identified a list of potential improvements at Fort Collins intersections that complement the signal
timing improvements outlined in the study. The project was also a federally -funded CDOT Oversight
Project funded with CMAQ funding. In addition, he served as project manager for the West Colfax
Avenue Transportation Study for the City and County of Denver. This study
n included developed a range of alternatives to provide on -street parking
for the adjacent business owners while maintaining smooth and safe
traffic flow. The outcome was a cost-effective preferred alternative that
was developed in a collaborative and analytical process. The work was
coordinated with City staff, the Colfax Business Improvement District, local
neighborhoods, and CDOT Region 6. Karl's team developed a preferred
alternative that was described by Denver Public Works Director Bill Vidal as
.an innovative solution that benefited all stakeholders".
Karl is currently assisting the Town of Castle Rock with an update of their
Transportation Master Plan. This update requires many of the same
analyses and methodologies needed for the prioritization of intersection
improvements in the Arterial Intersection Priority Study.
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11
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s
Legend
(#) Total Years of Relevant Experience
( # ] Years with Current Firm
* Muller Shareholder
a
6koyo Fort Collins . �J
llim Project Manager
`o� Dean Klingner, PE
®Principal -in -Charge }` Robert Carlson, PE (37)[251,*
® Project Manager,.
IIl1 Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE (za) (z]
I
Traffic operations/, Muller Engineering
`Safety Analysis ` ; Project Estimating Concept Intersection Design`
Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE (24) [2] Gray Clark, PE (23) (191 Gray Clark, PE (23) [isi*
Nancy Lambertson, PE (u);M Derek Webb, PE (12) [31* Derek Webb, PE (12) [31
Carlie Campuzano, El (1)jil
Drainage & Utilities Funding. Strategies Graphics & CAD
truce Behrer, PE, CFM, CPESC (23) [201 * Karl'Buchholz, PE; PTOE (24) (21 Candace JuntunIan (23) [221,
Steve Hibbeler,.PE (s) is] Gray Clark,.PE (23i [19]*, Mari Moffat.(ao) m
Public/Stakeholder
Coordination Roundabout Analysis
Karl Buchholz (24) [21 Robert,Fearns,,PE (26) [141.
Subconsultants - Stu
Public Involvement
Economic Impacts &'
Facilitator
Project Financing
Pat Noyes & Associates (DBE) ArLand (DBE)
Pat Noyes (28) [171 "..
Arfeene TaniWaki (18j (sj
�®II
ARrlLAND
Roundabout Support,
MultimodatAnalysis
Ourston Roundabout Engineering
OV Consulting (DBE)
Troy J. Pankratz, P.E. (n) [41
Chris Vogelsang, PE (13) [a)
Additional
Subconsultants -
Surveying Landscape Architecture
Lund Partnership (DBE) Russell + Mills Studios
Geoff Stephenson (25) [121 Craig Russell, RLA (13) [31
,Paul Mills, RLA (ra) [3] ,
Geotechnical./Pavement Design
Geocal, Inc. (DBE)
Gabriel Burgess, P.E., G.E. (ia) [11
GEOCAL, INC.
aeoe�—aed E.oi.ee��o
Environmental Services o ilUtility Locating
Pinyon Environmental (DBE) ; Ltlity Locating and Mapping Consultants
Brian Partington (ia) [3) Jeff Hume (17) t91
Robert G. Carlson, PE, Project Principal (Muller Engineering Shareholder)
(Availability: 10%)
Mr. Carlson will be responsible for contracting issues and provide project
oversight and quality review of Muller Engineering Company work. As Principal -in -
Charge, he remains involved with the project issues and concerns and is available
to brainstorm ideas for the resolution of project challenges. He is also available to
participate in key project meetings and in key design decisions, as needed.
Mr. Carlson has 37 years experience in consulting engineering for transportation
projects including urban arterial roadways and intersections, local streets, parking
facilities, rural highways and interstate highways. He has been with Muller Engineering Company for 25
MULLER er0- C! Page16 ;;'
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years. His experience includes urban and rural roadway designs for CDOT Region 4 on a continuous
basis since 1984. He served as project principal for the Fort Collins Traffic Signal Timing Project and the
West Colfax Avenue Transportation Study, both projects managed by Karl Buchholz.
Gray Clark, PE, Lead Roadway Engineer - (Muller Engineering Shareholder) (AVI 25%)
As Lead Roadway Engineer, Mr. Clark will work with Karl Buchholz to develop the
intersection/roadway improvement alternatives and implementation plans along
with opinions of probable construction costs for the improvements. Mr. Clark has
23 years of experience in roadway design and civil engineering, 19 of which have
been at Muller. He has extensive experience in retrofit urban arterial roadway
projects for Longmont, Jefferson County, Boulder County, CDOT, Lakewood,
Broomfield and Arvada. He is involved in roadway design work as a "hands on"
engineer, understanding the computer software used for the projects, as well as
the details of each portion of the design. In many
of Gray's roadway projects, feasibility studies and alternatives analyses
have been key components of developing cost effective solutions with a
collaborative public and stakeholder involvement process. It is
anticipated that Gray's role will increase as the project moves into the
design phases. Among recent urban roadway/intersection projects
designed by Mr. Clark are:
Corridor/Feasibility Studies
✓ SH 7 Feasibility Study & EA, Cherryvale Road to 75th in Boulder I CDOT Region 4
✓ W. Bowles Ave./S. Wadsworth Intersection Improvements Feasibility Study/EA Jefferson County
✓ West Chatfield Avenue Corridor Plan (9 signalized intersections) Jefferson County
✓ US 287 Relocation Study at Glade Reservoir Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
✓ Lowell Boulevard Corridor Plan, 120`h Avenue to Midway City/County Broomfield
✓ Lowell Boulevard Corridor Plan, Midway to 136th Avenue City/County Broomfield
Urban Roadway/Intersection Projects
✓ US 287 Main Street, Quebec Ave to Ken Pratt Blvd (CDOT Region 4 Oversig,
✓ W. Bowles Ave./S. Wadsworth Intersection Improvements Design (CDOT C
✓ S. Kipling Pkwy./W. Quincy Ave. Intersection Design (CDOT Oversight)
✓ McIntyre Street, SH 58 to Croke Canal (3 Signalized Intersections, 1 with RI
✓ Sheridan Boulevard, 9th Avenue to 136th Avenue (2 signalized intersectior
Winner of 2006 APWA Public Works Project Award, Streets & Traffic —
✓ SH 7 Design, Cherryvale Road to 75th in Boulder (3 signalized intersections
Nancy Lambertson, PE —Project Engineer (Availability: 75%)
City of Longmont
rsight) Jefferson County
Jefferson County
Jefferson County
City/County of Broomfield
edium Community
CDOT Region 4
Ms. Lambertson has 14 years of experience, seven at Muller, in the planning,
operations and design of urban and rural transportation projects. Nancy brings a
unique capability to the project team in that she has experience at traffic
operational analysis and the development of roadway and intersection geometric
design. She has special expertise in traffic operations analysis for urban and
suburban arterials. Her role in this project will be to conduct systems operations
analysis for existing and future year traffic conditions and for alternative
improvements. Nancy served as lead project engineer for the Fort Collins
Citywide Signal Timing Project, performing office and field analysis of the signal timing plans and
assisting with travel time studies to verify the timing plans for the project. She shares Karl's familiarity
with traffic operations at major intersections around the entire city.
In Durango, Nancy worked with Karl to analyze traffic operations along al 2-mile segment of Florida
Road. The analysis includes comparison of traffic signal operations to modern roundabout operations
and the geometric design of a modern roundabout in the corridor.
Urban Roadway/Intersection Projects
✓ Broadway/Kenyon Intersection Improvements (CDOT Oversight)
✓ Bowles/Wadsworth Intersection Improvements (CDOT Oversight)
✓ SH 7 Design, Cherryvale Road to 75th in Boulder (3 signalized inte
Robert J. Fearns, PE, Modern Roundabout Analysis and Concept Design(Avaih
Mr. Fearns has 20 years of experience, 14 at Muller Er
completed urban roadway/intersection projects for t
Berthoud, Broomfield, Erie, Colorado Mills and Jeffers
has been Muller's resident designer of modern round,
conventional intersections. For intersections
improvement to a modern roundabout, Bob will cc
analysis, including capacity analysis and initial geome
assisted by Troy Pankratz, with Ourston Roundabout l
design oversight of multi -lane and unique single lane roundabouts (see page
City of Englewood
Jefferson County
CDOT Region 4
20-30%)
;ineering Company. He has
enver, Englewood, Arvada,
)n County. Since 1999, Bob
bouts, as well as numerous
:hat are candidates for
nduct the initial feasibility
ric design. Bob will also be
onsultants, for analysis and
0
Derek Webb, PE, Project Engineer— Roadway Design (Availability: 50%)
Mr. Webb has 12 years of experience (3 at Muller) in the design and construction of civil
engineering and transportation projects. Derek will work under Karl land Gray's
direction to prepare conceptual designs for the alternatives that have been designated
for the design analysis. In addition to roadway design, Derek's experience in laying out
drainage systems, sewer and water systems and construction observation is a benefit in
that he understands all elements of a roadway project. Derek is currently working on a
design -build project in Durango for a two-mile urban retrofit project on Florida Road from 3rd Avenue to
County Road 250. He is preparing roadway plans (including geometric design of a modern roundabout)
and value engineering tasks to determine the most cost effective designs for�the City.
Bruce Behrer, Jr., PE Drainage and Utilities Task Manager (Muller Shareholde
Bruce has 23 years of experience in drainage -related de
projects that include hydrology and stormwater routing ca
hydraulic structure design, flood profile calculations, cul
sizing and design. He also prepares drainage studies and
opinions of probable cost and Stormwater Managemei
application. He is a Certified Floodplain Manager and a Cer
and Sediment Control. For the Arterial Intersection Priot
Karl and Gray to identify/mitigate drainage and utility issues as relate
evaluation of alternatives. Bruce also will direct the work required to identi
erosion control facilities and the costs involved with implementing them.
) (Availability.15-20%)
ign, 20 years at Muller for
:ulations, open channel and
ert sizing, detention basin
*eports, construction plans,
t Plans for NPDES permit
ified Professional in Erosion
ty Study, he will work with
to the development and
temporary and permanent
' SUBCONSULTANT TEAM
To complement the Muller staff and provide specialized services to Fort Collins for Jefferson Street
Project, Muller Engineering has selected a team of subconsultants that will provide specialized expertise
in the areas outlined below. We have assembled a team that will be able to carry the project from the
planning stages all the way to the final design of the intersection projects. For the planning phase of the
project, we have included the services of Pat Noyes and Associates for public involvement, Ourston
' Roundabout Engineers for input and review for locations suitable for modern roundabouts, Pinyon
Environmental for fatal flaw analysis based on environmental factors, and ArLand Land Use Economics
F�
for potential economic impacts of intersection improvement alternatives. All of these firms have the
potential to assist in the design engineering phase as well.
■ Pat Noyes and Associates is a DBE firm that provides
nnn
OI]Pat Noyes leadership in the areas of Public Involvement and project
■ &Associates facilitation. Pat has twenty-eight years experience in
public and private sector transportation planning and traffic engineering; twenty-three
years experience in organizational management consulting and training anId twenty-
five years experience in public involvement process design and facilitation. She has
spent the last twenty years integrating mediation and conflict resolution skills and techniques into the
design and implementation of project management and public outreach in engineering and
construction. She draws from experience in multi -party mediation, project partnering design and
facilitation, transportation planning and engineering, firefighting and emergency medical services. Pat is
the author of Chapter 6: Effective Public Involvement of the Traffic Engineering Handbook, 5th Edition,
and the Traffic Calming Primer.
' Ourston Ourston Roundabout Engineering, Inc. will provide support to determine
Roundabout feasibility of multi -lane roundabouts at locations where roundabouts are a
Engineering good alternative to conventional intersections. They are a corporation
' devoted exclusively to the research, policy, planning, education and design of modern roundabouts.
Ourston's long-standing experience and range of expertise provides clients with the confidence to
implement the most challenging roundabout projects.
' TROYJ. PANKRATZ, P.E., Roundabout Design Consultation
Mr. Pankratz is licensed as a Professional Engineer to practice in Arizona, Colorado,
Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Utah, and Wisconsin. Over an eleven -year period, Mr.
Pankratz has acquired extensive experience in managing highway projects with a high
3_7f;; , level of involvement in roadway design. For the last six years, Troy has focused on solving
i ,; `geometric and capacity deficiencies with modern roundabout intersections. His projects
t ; include planning, education, design, and peer review for roundabouts at locations across
` { the country. Troy is a Level 3 Roundabout Designer, the highest level certification from
the Wisconsin DOT.
' Pin on Environmental En ineerin Resources Inc. Pin on is a Certified DBEPinv ,n y Engineering (Pinyon)
' 20-person consulting firm with over 16 years of demonstrated environmental
Envimnmental En� eenng Resources.,:
experience, including environmental sampling, remediation, regulatory
compliance, stormwater management, wetlands/404, noxious weed, NEPA documentation, design
mitigation services and hazardous materials assessments. Of Pinyon's project workload, approximately
' 60% of the work is related to the investigation and remediation of contaminated property, and the
remainder is focused on environmental services related to highway and transit planning and
' construction. This understanding of both site remediation and roadway design/construction
requirements will be a valuable asset to the City of Fort Collins on this contract.
Brian Partington, Environmental Services
' Mr. Partington has 11 years of experience in environmental sciences. He has a B.S.,
Environmental Science with emphasis in Ecological Restoration, Metropolitan State
College of Denver
gand is an OPS Petroleum Storage Tank Committee Listed
Environmental Consultant (No. 6193, Colorado) and a CDPHE Certified Asbestos Project
' Designer (No. 16688, Colorado). He has worked as project manager and field operations
■
t Project Understanding
Through the City of Fort Collins 'Building on Basics' (BOB) Ballot `
Initiative's %-cent sales tax, $6,500,000 is budgeted over the years--` .
' 2012, 2013 and 2015 to make intersection and/or traffic signal I ■ ■
improvements on arterial roadways throughout Fort Collins. i O
According to the ballot language, the funds are to be expended to
"improve traffic flow, safety and capacity at existing arterial
1 intersections throughout the community..." At this time, there is no '-
formal list of intersections designating where to allocate funding, nor is there a specified methodology in
' the ballot language outlining how a list of intersections is to be prioritized.
Fort Collins has determined needs for arterial intersections via various past studies and through daily
' experiences, data collection and data review. Past studies include the 2004 Transportation Master Plan
(TMP) and the 2010 Traffic Signal Timing Report. The 2004 TMP is currently being updated as part of
Plan Fort Collins. While these studies and the routine data review have identified needs for safety,
' capacity and improved traffic flow at arterial intersections throughout the City, there has been no
formal citywide comparison of all of the locations to prioritize improvements for the investment of
available funds.
' The purpose of the Arterial Intersection Priority Study is to develop a methodology
for and to implement a process establishing a prioritized list of intersection
improvements to invest the 'Building on Basics' Funds in an efficient and cost-
effective manner. The process is to be collaborative, analytical and objective such
that it provides the greatest benefit to transportation users throughout Fort Collins.
' PROJECT GOALS
Based on the information we have gathered in our research of this project, our
understanding of the project goals is:
' 1. Improve mobility and safety at arterial roadway intersections in Fort Collins.
2. Effectively invest available funds.
' 3. Develop a process that is consistent with the vision of the Transportation
Master Plan Update.
In order to meet these goals, Fort Collins, with Muller's help, needs to meet the following objectives:
✓ Develop a transparent prioritization process that is technically defendable and has buy -in
from the community.
✓ Develop intersection improvement alternatives that optimize the efficiency of the
transportation system in the most cost-effective manner.
✓ Prepare realistic project cost estimates that allow the City to package the projects to match
available resources.
✓ Provide a multi -stage analysis that begins with a system -wide evaluation and migrates
towards an increasingly detailed analysis.
✓ Ensure that the process is flexible to adapt to funding opportunities that may arise during
the course of the project.
✓ Conduct sufficient engineering of the project concepts to flush out any fatal flaws and
identify primary cost elements.
DC.
CliyOf 111 FORT COLLIN ; ° # ` +�'�.�e. FortCollins Key Personnel ,,Ft C
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manager on a variety of projects requiring hazardous materials assessments, biological resources
' evaluations, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-related surveys.
Arland Land Use Economics is a certified DBE firm that provides
AR o L A N D demographic, economic and market analysis for transportation, real
Land Use Economics estate development, and land use plans. The firm also provides
financing and implementation plans.
' Arleen Taniwaki — Economic Impact Analysis/Project Financing
Arleen Taniwaki, the firm's principal, has worked in the past in the City of Fort Collins
;• r on economic analyses for a City Plan update. She also worked with the City's Planning
'- and Finance Departments on economic and finance issues related to the Harmony
ai
Road Front Range Village retail center. Arland has worked on several plans for the
' Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) where its role was population and
demographic projections and financing options. It also has worked on transit -oriented
development projects throughout the Front Range. The firm's specialty is projects
which require a linkage between market feasibility, public policy, and public -private partnerships. The
' firm is involved in WTS (Women's Transportation Seminar), COMTO (Conference of Minority
Transportation Officials), and ULI (Urban Land Institute)
OV Consulting, LLC is a DBE firm providing innovative planning and problem solving
for multimodal, transportation and land use projects. The firm brings a cohesive
blend of planning and engineering skills to a broad range of work specialties
including transit planning, transportation corridor studies, bicycle and pedestrian
CONSULTING facility planning, land use and transportation integration.
Chris Vogelsang, AE. — Multimodal Analysis
Chris is recognized as a regional and national expert on bicycle and pedestrian
Tn facility planning, with an expertise in bicycle and pedestrian interface with mass
transit, rail station areas and TOD developments. He has served as the bicycle and
' pedestrian planning lead on numerous projects in Colorado, Arizona, Texas,
r.
�) Virginia, Florida, and Illinois. His role in this project will be to assist in the analysis
and concept design interface between roadway and multimodal facilities.
1
Additional Subconsultants for Design Services
As the high priority intersections progress into the design phase for construction, several additional
firms will join the Muller team to serve Fort Collins. To provide urban and landcaping design, Russell +
Mills Studios will provide local, Fort Collins expertise and knowledge to make sure the City's character is
preserved with an aesthetic touch to the projects. For surveying and right-of-way, Lund Partnership
provides a long-standing relationship with CDOT Region 4 for design and right-of-way surveys. Geocal,
Inc. will provide geotechnical and pavement design services efficiently from their Longmont office, and
Utility Locating and Mapping Consultants will provide utility locating and potholing services. Geocal
and Lund Partnership are both CDOT certified DBE firms, should federal funds be a part of the project
financing.
nioln
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PARTNERSHIP
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Geosciences &EngineeringAirati g & Mapping Consultants
M U L L E R .` E'tld a O U Page 20
I
Project Experience
Muller Engineering Company, an employee -owned civil engineering
consulting firm located in Lakewood, Colorado, provides civil engineering
services for the planning and design of projects in transportation, drainage
and utilities, primarily in the public sector. We have established long-
standing relationships with many Colorado municipalities, counties and state
agencies over our 30-year history. As a mid -sized firm with a single office in Lakewood, Muller
Engineering offers a local presence comparable in size to large national firms, but with an exclusively
Colorado focus. We use a team approach to manage the firm and complete projects allowing key
principals and personnel to provide company leadership and hands-on project management.
One significant step toward project success is minimizing project staff turnover. Muller's management is
committed to this goal. The average length of employment (for all employees) at Muller is 10 years, a
statistic unique to the consulting industry. Fort Collins can have a reasonable expectation that the key
staff members that start this project will be working on this project when it is completed.
Muller's staff of 44 employees includes 34 engineers (23 professional engineers), technicians, computer
specialists, CAD operators, and administrative personnel. Since 2000, Muller has designed 54 miles of
urban arterial roadway, 191 intersections, 103 of them signalized, and 12 modern roundabouts. In
addition to these design projects, we have completed 16 feasibility studies and roadway corridor plans.
Previous Similar Projects
For the Arterial Intersection Priority Study, Fort Collins will benefit from our experience in
transportation planning, along with our in-house capabilities to take the planning process to the
preliminary and final design phases of projects. The following project summaries outline the experience
that our staff in both the planning and design of urban intersections and roadway projects. We have
included contacts, should the City care to check references.
Fort Collins Citywide Signal Timing 2009
Client Contact: Joe Olson, PE - City of Fort Collins 970-224-6062
Type: Transportation Planning, Traffic Operations, Alternatives Analysis
Size: $300,000 Fee
Project Manager: Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE
Muller recently completed the development and implementation of
Ffic signal timing plans for 150 traffic signals along 10 arterial corridors
Fort Collins. Using Synchro, SimTraffic and TS/PP-Draft software,
Iler developed optimized timing plans to address weekday and
ekend peak periods as well as off-peak traffic conditions. Muller's
ject manager, Karl Buchholz, worked closely with City staff on all
ects of the project from coordinating data collection, cycle analysis,
d implementation and project documentation. This report is one of
references outlined in the RFP for the Arterial Intersection Priority
- - dy
Muller's staff has also conducted special evaluations to identify potential operational improvements
relating to signal phase changes, auxiliary lane needs, pedestrian safety and turn lane storage needs.
To date, the project has resulted in an annual user benefit of $18M, a project benefit cost ratio of 60:1.
The project was completed on -time and under budget.
EXIT 313
City of fORTCOLLIKS
FortCollins Project Experience
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Elements of the project similar to the Arterial Intersection Priority Study are:
✓ Transportation System Analysis ✓ Improvements to Vehicle/Pedestrian Mobility
✓ CDOT Oversight CMAQ Project ✓ Recommendations for Geometric Operational
✓ Intersection Analysis Improvements
✓ Traffic Signal Operations ✓ Benefit/Cost Analysis
Broomfield Transportation System Evaluation Study 2007-08
Client: City and County of Broomfield
Client Contact: Debra Basket, Transportation Manager 303-438-6385
Project Manager: Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE (while at previous firm)
Muller's project manager, Karl Buchholz, served as project manager for the
Broomfield Transportation System Evaluation Study in 2007 while with a
previous firm. The purpose of the study was to conduct a citywide
evaluation of Broomfield's transportation system and to develop strategies
to improve the transportation efficiency and safety. The project evaluated
the existing operations of all signalized intersections in the City, conducted
a citywide safety analysis and evaluated the appropriateness of existing
speed limits and all -way stop sign locations in an effort to improve travel
efficiency. In addition to recommending numerous intersection operations
and safety improvements, the study recommended the removal of several
all -way stop signs and increasing the speed limit along numerous street
segments. Karl presented the initial findings and final recommendations
to City Council and received their approval to move forward with the
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study's recommendations. The public involvement process also included an open house meeting to
present the study's recommendations for speed limit and stop sign changes. Although those
recommendations were sensitive among neighborhood groups, the City successfully moved forward
with the conversion of nine intersections from all -way to two-way stops as well as a 5 mph speed limit
increase on 16 street segments throughout Broomfield. A follow-up "after" study documented both
travel -time and safety benefits as a result of the project. Karl also presented a paper on this project at
the 2009 Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Meeting.
Elements of the project similar to Jefferson Street are:
' ✓ City-wide Planning Study ✓ Public Involvement/Informed Consent
✓ Urban Intersection Analysis/Design ✓ Traffic Operations Analysis
✓ Alternatives Analysis
West Colfax Corridor Transportation Study 2009
Client Contact: Jennifer Hillhouse, Sr. City Planner, City of Denver 720-865-3158
Type: Transportation Planning, Traffic Operations, Alternatives Analysis
Size: $800,000 Construction Estimate
Muller Project Manager: Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE
With the anticipated construction of the RTD West Corridor light rail line,
Denver asked Muller Engineering Company to evaluate current and
projected transportation conditions to develop recommendations for short
and midterm transportation improvements in the West Colfax corridor
from Federal to Sheridan. The study investigated the feasibility of
removing a through traffic lane and changing the existing cross section to
include, but not be limited to on -street parking, medians, pedestrian
facility upgrades, transit improvements and access management. Local
businesses preferred an on -street parking scenario along the West Colfax
Corridor to help improve business redevelopment opportunities.
1
Muller developed a traffic analysis model based on current and future operating conditions in the travel
shed to help evaluate alternative improvement scenarios. The alternatives were selected with input
from project stakeholders, including local business groups, CDOT and City staff. Conceptual layouts for
the alternatives were prepared on aerial photography of the corridor along with cost estimates for the
alternatives.
The resulting preferred alternative, developed through an informed
consent public process, is a 5-lane typical section with on -street
alternating parking. Muller's contract was extended to complete
the preliminary and final design of the proposed improvements
Recommendations included reconfiguration of the Irving Street
intersection to reduce crossing width and turning conflicts, widening
of sidewalk where right-of-way was available, improved street
lighting, installation of countdown pedestrian signals and the
installation of a pedestrian refuge median east of Sheridan. Muller
provided Denver with cost breakdowns of various project elements
to leverage City 'Building a Better Denver' bond funds with CDOT
funding for a proposed overlay in the project corridor.
Elements of the project similar to Jefferson Street are:
✓ Urban Roadway Retrofit Project ✓ Traffic Operations Analysis
✓ Alternatives Analysis ✓ Funding/Investment Strategies
✓ Conceptual Design/Cost Estimates ✓ Progression from Planning to Design
✓ Public Involvement/Informed Consent
Castle Rock Transportation Master Plan Update 2010
' Client: Town of Castle Rock
Client Contact: Bob Watts, PE 303/814-6415
Type: Transportation Planning, Traffic Operations
' Alternatives Analysis TSTLEown, of
Size: $155,000 Fee CAROCK
Muller Project Manager: Karl Buchholz, PE, PTOE C O L O N A U O
Under Muller's on -call contract with the Town of Castle Rock, Muller Engineering is updating the Town's
Master Transportation Plan, which was last updated in 2003. The plan will identify both mid and long-
term transportation improvements, with a focus on pedestrian and bicycle elements. The Master Plan
process includes prioritization of improvements for Town projects and also sets guidelines for
' transportation improvements for additional development in Castle Rock. The project is scheduled for
completion in December of 2010.
Similarities to the Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study Include:
✓
Transportation System Analysis
✓
Public Involvement/Informed Consent
'
✓
Alternatives Analysis
✓
Prioritization of Improvements
✓
Conceptual Design/Cost Estimates
✓
Funding/Investment Strategies
✓
Transportation System Analysis
✓
Recommendations for Geometric Operational
' ✓
Intersection Analysis
Improvements
✓
Traffic Signal Operations
✓
Benefit/Cost Analysis
' SH 7, Cherryvale to 75th Street, Boulder County 2001 - Present
Client: CDOT Region 4
Client Contact: Mark Gosselin, PE, CDOT Region 4 970/350-2162
Type: Corridor NEPA Study and Final Design
' Size: $30 million (Construction)
Muller Project Manager: Gray Clark, PE
As the initial project phase, Muller completed a feasibility study for this 2.5-mile corridor where commuter
' traffic to Boulder from eastern Boulder County has increased significantly. There were also many competing
stakeholder interests. Muller Engineering addressed the varied interests in the corridor by providing a very
thorough and comprehensive alternative analysis. To establish informed consent, Muller conducted a public
IM, 3t3
Ci_tyof ORT COLLIFortC011ins Project Experience
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involvement program, including two public open houses, presentations to the Boulder County
' Commissioners, Boulder City Council and Boulder County Historic Preservation Board, coordination with City
and County Staff, and meetings with landowners.
An important part of the feasibility study was to determine the most advantageous improvements to
' construct with available funding of about $4,000,000. The feasibility study identified improvements to the
intersection of SH 7 and 75th Street to be the best return on that investment. Final design was then
completed to improve the intersection of SH 7 and 75th Street that involved widening the intersection to
' include double left turns on two approaches. It also included additional through lanes for a portion of
the corridor and accel/decel lanes. One of the critical project issues was to promote bus transit in the
corridor along the 'JUMP' bus route. The intersection design included RTD queue jump lanes and far
side bus stops on each leg of SH 7.
An Environmental Assessment was completed in 2008 for the remaining roadway from Cherryvale to the
constructed intersection improvements at 75th Street. Preliminary design was completed in spring,
' 2008 with final design underway and scheduled for completion fall, 2010. Elements of the project
similar to the Arterial Intersection Priority Study are:
' ✓ Extensive Planning effort - Feasibility Study and Involvement/Informed Consent
Environmental Assessment ✓ Preliminary/Final Urban Intersection/Roadway
✓ Transportation System Analysis Design
✓ Intersection Analysis ✓ CDOT Oversight (CDOT Project)
' ✓ Traffic Signal Operations ✓ Progression from Planning to Design
✓ Conceptual Design and Cost Estimates
✓ Public Involvement/Agency
' Wadsworth/Bowles Intersection Feasibility Study & Environmental Assessment, Design 2002 - Present
Client: Jefferson County Division of Highways and Transportation
Client Contact: Brad Bauer, PE, Jefferson County 303/271-8465
Type: Transportation Planning, Traffic Operations, Alternatives Analysis,
Intersection/Roadway Design, Preliminary and Final Plans
Size: $6 million (With Pedestrian Bridge)
Project Manager: A. Gray Clark, PE
' The Muller Team completed a system and project level feasibility study to investigate possible
improvements to the intersection of West Bowles Avenue and South Wadsworth Boulevard in Jefferson
County. The study investigated at -grade intersection improvements, interchange options and a three -
lane modern roundabout. Work included traffic and safety analysis, environmental overview, drainage and
utility assessment, roadway design and cost estimates. The project included a public involvement/informed
consent process with several public open house meetings and a citizen's advisory committee that included
' business and homeowner association representatives. As part of the roundabout feasibility analysis, Muller
Engineering's traffic engineers modeled the roundabout in both RODEL and in VISSIM to provide critical
assessment of the roundabout's ability to handle future peak hour traffic flow. The analysis resulted in the
' selection of intersection operational improvements using traditional traffic signal control along with
pedestrian safety and mobility treatments.
The project progressed to an Environmental Assessment Phase, which resulted in the preferred
' alternative to construct an additional through lane. Pedestrian enhancements include a grade -
separated crossing, raised crosswalks across the right turn lanes at the islands and specially designed
right turn islands to enhance pedestrian sight distance and visibility. The project extended to the design
' phase and is currently being advertised for construction.
Elements of the project similar to the Arterial Intersection Priority Study are:
✓ Multi -lane Roundabout Feasibility Study ✓ Alternatives Analysis
' ✓ Extensive Planning/Feasibility/EA ✓ Conceptual Design/Cost Estimates
✓ Public Involvement/Coordination w/Businesses ✓ CDOT Local Agency Oversight
✓ Coordination of Transit Connections ✓ Progression from Planning to Design
i
CI t Of ' 1 FORT COLLIE-~ ' aL J','�,,•, c 313
FolrtCollins Team Motivation and Availability`s
Ft Collins Colo
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' The Muller Team is exceptionally motivated to deliver this project. First and foremost, we offer a
project manager, Karl Buchholz, who has the availability, interest and skills necessary for the Arterial
Intersection Priority Study. Karl successfully led the Fort Collins Signal Timing Program that was
' completed early this year. This experience gives him hands-on knowledge of the operational
characteristics of the arterial roadway system in the City and the 150 signalized intersections along that
system. The Fort Collins Signal Timing Program identifies a list of intersection improvements that can
enhance the improved timing developed in the program. Fort Collins will benefit from Karl's familiarity
' and working knowledge of the arterial roadway operations as a natural extension of the work he has
completed to date. In addition, several of our key staff members proposed for the Arterial Intersection
Priority Study, Nancy Lambertson and Carlie Campuzano, played key roles in the work completed for the
' Fort Collins Signal Timing Program.
As outlined in the Project Experience Section of this proposal, Fort Collins will be working with a team at
' Muller that not only has the familiarity and experience working on the Fort Collins arterial roadway
system, but a team that has extensive experience developing transportation planning studies,
conceptual designs and cost estimates. Upon completing the planning portion of the project, we also
t bring to Fort Collins the experience in developing construction plans and specifications for municipal and
CDOT roadway projects.
Muller commits the key staff members outlined in this proposal to the Arterial Intersection Priority
' Study. Should project needs require additional resources, we will commit to assigning additional Muller
staff to meet the required schedule milestones. Our project manager, Karl Buchholz, brings a proven track
record of managing projects to meet clients' schedules and critical timelines, as evidenced by his
' performance on the Fort Collins Signal Timing Program. Karl understands that he is ultimately responsible
to Fort Collins for schedule, budget and project quality; but at the same time the project team must remain
flexible and agile to meet the overall project goals and needs of the City.
The graph below outlines the current workload commitment of Muller's staff over the next year. The graph
illustrates sufficient capacity for Muller staff to complete this project with the green line showing our
committed workload with the Arterial Intersection Priority Study added to our current backlog.
Labor Planning Graph
Mul(er Engineering CompanyTraffic and Tran portation Staff
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M U L L E R e p LL ;'' !: r1 . U y Page 25
It is important that the evaluation and prioritization process be one that is transparent and defendable
' to the broader community. It should be based on sound technical principles but also have the flexibility
to consider less -tangible factors that may arise out of the public process (e.g. socio-economic,
geographic diversity, etc.). Ideally, the process that is developed for the Arterial Intersection Priority
' Study will be one that can be utilized by the City for the prioritization of other capital improvement
programs outside of the 'Building on Basics' program.
' The Muller team will work collaboratively with the project partners to ensure that the project purpose,
goals and objectives ultimately reflect the desires of the local community and broader region.
ICRITICAL ISSUES
Many Small Versus Few Big — With $6.5 million budgeted from the BOB program, the
City has the option of focusing these funds on just a few high -impact projects or
.��disbursing it among numerous lower -cost projects. We believe there are several
advantages to spreading the program funding among several projects, but ultimately
this will be a policy decision of the City. The Muller team will facilitate this policy
decision process by providing Fort Collins staff with appropriate performance
measures (e.g. benefit/cost ratio, delay reduction, etc.) so that an informed decision may be made. As
much as possible, we will also look to tailor project solutions that are scalable, so that the City has
options on the magnitude and scope of intersection projects.
tSupport Multiple Modes — As with any transportation project in Fort Collins, the alternatives
development process must be broad based in its support of multimodal transportation. Any
' intersection improvements should provide a safer and more efficient environment for bicycles,
pedestrians and transit. With that said, we also understand that the primary focus of this effort is to
develop and prioritize intersection improvements that "improve traffic flow, safety and capacity".
' Understanding that context, we will look to develop intersection solutions that have a positive impact to
all modes of transportation, but focus on addressing the intent of the BOB ballot language.
' 80% of the solution for 50% of the Cost — We believe the best way for Fort Collins
to stretch their BOB dollars is to develop project improvements that address the
primary problem areas at an intersection rather than trying to fix all problems at an
' intersection. Often times, transportation agencies spend a disproportionate
amount of dollars to fix minor deficiencies that don't realize a commensurate
amount of benefits. We will look to develop solutions that do not go beyond the
"point of providing a diminishing return on investment", while recognizing that at
times it is necessary to address deficiencies that do not always result in measurable
benefits (e.g. ADA improvements).
Benefits That Get Noticed — The % cent sales tax increase that funds the BOB
program passed by an overwhelming majority (72%) in 2005. This program expires
in 2015 and the City may very well desire to go back to the voters for another
extension of this popular program. The best way to develop continued support for
this program is by providing benefits the citizens of Fort Collins notice during their
daily travel throughout the City. We will look to develop solutions that have a real
impact to transportation users, rather than providing "on -paper only" benefits.
This means focusing on problem areas that are perceptible to the traveling public rather than designing
' improvements that may only offer an incremental improvement in delay reduction. We believe our
track record on the Fort Collins Signal Timing program provides an excellent example of how to achieve
real benefits to the citizens of Fort Collins.
Systems Engineering — While this project is intended to look at improvements to
individual intersections, it is important to recognize the dynamic relationship of
adjacent intersections along a corridor. Removing a bottleneck at one intersection
can sometimes have the impact of simply moving that problem downstream to the
next intersection. For each of the proposed improvements, we will look at how
those improvements will not only impact that particular intersection, but also how it
will impact the adjacent intersections. This can be done by analyzing the capacity of
downstream intersections along a corridor to determine how those intersections will operate if demand
is no longer metered by the improved intersection. We acknowledge it may still be beneficial to
improve an intersection, despite knowing that the problem may shift elsewhere, because the nature of
transportation improvements is often phased over numerous projects and over many years. However,
our job will be to provide City staff with a systems analysis approach so that the City can make the
appropriate decision with all the facts on the table.
PlanFort Collins
Coordination with Plan Fort Collins — The City's Transportation
Master Plan is currently being updated as part of the Plan Fort
Collins project. This Master Planning effort is taking a "high-
level" look at the City's transportation system and it will provide
the City with an over -arching vision for the future of
transportation in Fort Collins. The Arterial Intersection Priority
Study should look to incorporate the core values identified in Plan
Fort Collins into the evaluation criteria and also into the design
elements. Transportation values that are directly applicable to
the Arterial Intersection Priority Study include:
✓ Safe and reliable transportation for all modes
✓ Livable streets that have adequate capacity to manage congestion
✓ Sustainable and Affordable Transportation Options
✓ Using Technology to improve transportation (e.g. ITS)
✓ Minimize harmful emissions
✓ Sustainable funding to support transportation
✓ Balance economic, environmental and social elements
✓ Movement of goods, services and freight to support economic health
11
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F00.7 And Work Plan C"LLI\5
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Project Approach and Work Plan
1. Information Gathering and Data Collection/Compilation
Objective: To gather all relevant information and data about each intersection and to
gain a thorough understanding of existing conditions.
Description: The initial task of this project will involve assembling information and data
that, for the most part, has already been collected or is readily available from various
sources. Information and data to be assembled includes:
Data - ��ISourLce�
Peak Period Turning Movement Counts
Fort Collins Traffic Operations
Pedestrian/Bicycle Counts
Fort Collins Traffic Operations
Hourly Link Counts
Fort Collins Traffic Operations
Intersection Crash Records
Fort Collins Traffic Operations
Aerial Imagery
Fort Collins GIS
Citywide Synchro Model
Fort Collins Traffic Operations
Right -of -Way
Fort Collins GIS
Preliminary List of Potential Projects
Fort Collins Engineering, Transportation
Planning and Traffic Operations
List of Project Stakeholders
Fort Collins Transportation Planning
Construction Cost Data
Fort Collins Engineering and CDOT
Existing Concept Plans and/or
Preliminary Engineering Plans
Fort Collins Engineering
Site Evaluation
Muller Engineering
The Muller team will review the above information and identify any gaps or anomalies in the data.
If additional information is required, we will request supplementary data from the City or, if needed,
Muller Engineering will collect the data. During this process, we will also conduct preliminary
analyses of the traffic and safety data as a means of examine existing conditions at each
intersection.
Deliverables: Technical Memorandum summarizing base conditions of intersection operations and
crash data.
2. Establishment of Evaluation Criteria 12
Objective: To develop evaluation criteria that identify problem intersections while
fulfilling the requirements of the BOB ballot language and reflecting the core
transportation values stated in the 'Transportation Snapshot' of Plan Fort Collins.
Description: Development of the project evaluation criteria is a critical task that will involve input
from City staff, project stakeholders and the general public. The evaluation process will need to be
"data -driven" with the understanding that it also needs to include qualitative factors that address
issues such as livability, compatibility with Plan Fort Collins and environmental impacts.
M U L L E R,ar GI i 6/ Page 5
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Two sets of evaluation criteria will be developed for use in the alternatives screening process (see
Task 4). We envision the first level of screening criteria will include quantitative measures of
effectiveness (MOE) related to congestion and safety. These criteria would be applied to all
intersections in order to provide an initial assessment of problem intersections and to eliminate
' those intersections that are clearly operating in a safe and efficient manner. We will seek staff input
on which congestion and safety parameters to apply. Our initial thoughts include the following
MOEs:
Congestion �,^.k
Safety
v/c Ratio
Critical Accident Rate
Delay
Crash Severity
Queue Spillback
Crash Types
The above criteria would be used to pare down the overall list of intersections from approximately
150 to a more manageable size for more detailed evaluation. The intent is to eliminate those
' intersections that clearly do not exhibit a safety or capacity problem. The mobility MOEs will be
obtained using the City's Synchrolm signal timing files. The data will be exported directly to a
spreadsheet for AM, Off-peak and PM peak hours. Muller will also work with Fort Collins Traffic
Operations staff to obtain crash rate data from their Crash Magic'"" program. In conversations with
Pete d'Oronzio with Pd' Programming, we understand that there may be opportunities to do some
beta development with the Crash Magic software and Fort Collins' crash database with the goal of
providing an interface between Crash Magic and the Cityworks. We have included Pete d'Oronzio
' on our team to be involved in coordination meetings, and to help optimize the use of Crash Magic
for this study.
The second level of Evaluation Criteria will be much more comprehensive and consider both
qualitative and quantitative factors. Staff, stakeholder and community input will be sought in
developing the evaluation criteria and assigning an appropriate weighting to the criteria. The table
' below shows a comprehensive list of sample evaluation criteria. We are not suggesting that all of
these criteria necessarily be used in the Level 2 screening; however, our intent would be to refine
this list through the public input process (see Task 3) so that we address issues that are important to
' the community and have public buy -in to the prioritization process.
It is also important that the evaluation criteria be prepared prior to the development of alternative
' improvements, in order to ensure there is no real, or perceived, selection bias towards a specific
project outcome.
1
Level Evaluation Criteria (Sample List)
Mobility ,.-;
>a
Safety
Community
Cost/Fundi_ne
-
A � Project
v/c Ratio
Critical
Livability
Project Cost
Project Phasing
Accident Rate
and Scalability
Delay
Crash Severity
Geographic
Benefit/Cost
Combine with
Diversity
Adjacent Projects
Fuel
Crash Types
Land Use
Grant Eligibility
Leverage with
Consumption
Compatibility
Development
Queue Spillback
Ped/Bike Crash
Sustainability
Economic Impact
Combine with
Rate
O&M Activities
Pedestrian Use
Emergency
Environmental
Response
Impacts/Benefits
Bicycle Use
Right -of -Way
Transit Use
Compatibility
with TMP
Outcome/Deliverables: Technical Memorandum describing each criteria to be used and the
rationale for selecting the criteria.
3. Public and Stakeholder Involvement
Objective: Conduct public involvement to engage key stakeholders and the public
in the study process and to seek comment and input on the key tasks contained in
the scope of work throughout the life of the project.
Description: Public and stakeholder involvement will engage the Fort Collins community to
identify safety, operational, and multi -modal concerns and to confirm community values being
considered in the development and evaluation of potential improvements. The process will be
based on the City's philosophy of "Innovate, Sustain, Connect." We will implement innovative
involvement methods, such as web -based outreach and two open house forums; sustain
involvement through early, open and continuous interaction with stakeholders; and build
connections between stakeholders, community interests and transportation users.
The initial public involvement task will consist of a stakeholder workshop and/or public open house
to engage stakeholders early in the process to validate the criteria and process for evaluating and
ranking projects. This process will be data -driven, and will include both quantitative and qualitative
data that reflect the values and quality of the community. By developing a clear and transparent
process that reflects the needs of stakeholders, support for recommended projects is automatically
considered in the evaluation process. This process will also provide an opportunity to identify on -
the -ground issues experienced daily by those who live near, commute, walk or bike through
intersections. These observations enhance the project team's understanding of safety and
operations at individual intersections that may not be reflected in initial data analyses. Addressing
these issues provides an opportunity for more robust and innovative solutions that can be visible to
the community. Information from the initial set of stakeholder input will be carried forward to
recommended improvements to develop community support through informed consent.
Ongoing and continuous information sharing will be provided through timely information on the
project web page (via the City's website) and outreach to the Transportation Board and other
committees/organizations, as needed. We will also look to "piggyback" our public involvement
PULLER Page-7
efforts with the ongoing public outreach of Plan Fort Collins. Our team members will be available
'
to attend and present at their public/stakeholder meetings, where appropriate. Our team's
experience with community visioning workshops, public planning charrettes, community -based
collaborative decision -making, and public information initiatives provide the technical expertise to
'
develop project recommendations that meet the mobility and safety needs of Fort Collins.
Some of the stakeholders that could be engaged during the project include:
✓ ✓
City Council Landmark Preservation Commission
✓ Air Quality Advisory Board ✓ Parks and Recreation Board
✓ Transportation Board ✓ Downtown Business Association
'
✓ Bicycle Advisory Committee ✓ Colorado State University
✓ Transfort ✓ Chamber of Commerce
✓ Planning and Zoning Board ✓ Poudre Valley School District
✓ Downtown Development Authority ✓ Neighborhood Organizations
✓ Economic Advisory Commission
'
Prior to contacting stakeholders, we will work with City staff to establish the potential roles of each
group and the level of involvement anticipated. Some stakeholder groups will likely be very
'
involved while participation in the open house meetings will be sufficient for others.
Outcome/Deliverables:
✓ Preparation of presentation materials including graphics production/reproduction.
✓ Development of media and web -based materials.
✓ Facilitation at public and stakeholder meetings.
4. Screening Process
Objective: Develop a logical and comprehensive methodology that prioritizes intersection
improvements based on need and funding opportunities.
L
Description: As mentioned in Task 2, the intersection screening process will be
a two-step process. The intent of the Level 1 screening is to conduct a broad
evaluation of the arterial intersections using both traffic operations and safety
analyses. Quantifiable evaluation criteria will be entered into a spreadsheet
and intersections will be ranked according to their operations and safety
assessment. The table on page 9 provides a snapshot example of how the
operational analysis might be arranged for the Level 1 screening analysis. This
information can be easily exported from the City's Signal Timing Synchro model
into an Excel spreadsheet. Muller proposes to do this for each time period, to
develop an overall composite operational ranking. We will use a similar
analysis for intersection crash data exported from the City's Crash Magic
program. We will work with City staff to determine the most appropriate MOE's and whether or not
any weighting should be applied to the Level 1 screening. The advantage of this process is that it
provides an easily quantifiable analysis for two critical criteria (operations and safety) to "drill -
down" to the most apparent problem intersections.
The example shown is more simplified than what we will use in the project because it does not
consider the individual movements at each intersection. In reality, we envision a broader
MULLER . !J• Page8
J
1
ct of Project Approach
Y FORT COLLINS f IYA'
FortCollins _
lX 3rE Street
And Work Plan Ft Colllnz C•lo
operational analysis that will identify if specific turning movements at an intersection are
problematic (i.e. to cover situations where the overall intersection might operate adequately but a
particular movement is overcapacity). Finally, a "reality check" will be conducted with City staff and
project stakeholders to ensure the results of this Level 1 screening analysis are reasonable and that
we did not miss any problem intersections that do not show up in the screening. The number of
intersections that will be carried forward to Level 2 screening will be determined based on input
from City staff, and will probably be in the range of 20-30 intersections.
Example of Level 1 Screening for Traffic Operational Analysis
Measure of Effectiveness (MOE)
MOE
Ranking
Intersection
v/c
ratio
Delay /
'Vehicle
(s/v)
Stops /
Veh
(#)
Fuel
Econ
(mpg)
v/c .
ratio
Delay /
Vehicle
Sbps /
Veh
Fuel
Emn
Aggregai
i � Y77
>Ra4nkmg7,w
14: Mulberry & College (US 287)
0.81
33
.0.74
8.1
10
6 .
6
1
48: Drake & Shields
0.95
32 .
0.72
12.4
3
8
8
13
10: Prospect & College (US 287)
0.88
26
0.84
11.5
7
18 .
2
10
5: Drake & College (US 287)
0.72
29
0.74
12.8 .
13
13
6
15
4, ,
53: Harmony & College (US 287)
0.89
35
0.65
13
5
4
1 21
17
4
64: Drake & Lemay
1.18
.32
1.18
15.9 .
1
8
1
45
6 ,
95: Horsetooth & Timberline
0.92.
45
0.77
.16.2
4
2
3
48
1: Horsetooth & College (US 287)
0.71.
22
0.67
10.4
15
27
14
4
8 ;,
97: Harmony & Timberline
0.98
31
0.64
14.1
2
10
23
28
9 1,
162: Kechter Rd & Timberline
0.64
59
0.64
1 13.7
25
1 1
23
23
1'
69: Prospect & Lemay
0.87
35
0.66
15.9
8
4
18
45
13: Laurel & College (US 287)
0.72
18
.0.72
13.2
13,
39
8
18
98: Harmony & Lemay
0.89
28
0.65
15.4.
5
15
21
39
13f;
72: Mulberry (State 14) & Lemay
0.83
26
0.61
13.9
9
18
30
26
(Note: The above values and rankings do not necessarily reflect actual conditions)
1 Identification of Potential Improvements
Using the list of intersections developed from the Level 1 screening process, Muller Engineering will
develop an initial list of potential improvement options for each intersection based on the specific
' operational and/or safety needs at that intersection. This list may include such items as: adding turn
lanes, signal phasing changes, intersection channelization, reducing crosswalk distance, bike lanes,
roundabouts, ITS devices, bus pull-outs, medians, access management strategies, etc. The Muller
' team will look to identify cost-effective Transportation System Management (TSM) strategies that
provide the best "return on investment". We will also look to develop strategies for each
intersection that are not mutually exclusive, and can be packaged to match available funding
sources. For instance, a westbound dual -left lane at Lemay/Harmony is needed to provide
additional capacity for that movement. It may also be beneficial to sufficiently widen the
intersection to allow for long-term expansion of Harmony Road from 4 to 6 lanes. Ideally, this
' project could be programmed to complete the full intersection widening so that no additional
widening is necessary for Harmony Road's ultimate condition.
' We will identify one or more improvement options for each intersection which will then be used in
the Level 2 screening analysis.
MULLER fly I Page