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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-005 RESO 92-02RESOLUTION NO. ~,~i~-:,~ A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE OF THE JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COM/~ITTEE~S CONSENSUS VIEW LETTER ON PROJECTS NEEDED IN THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR 1993-98. WHEREAS, a Jackson Josephine Transportation Committee, composed of designated representatives of the cities of Jackson and Josephine Counties, the counties of Jackson and Josephine and other organizations with an interest in transportation has formulated recommendations for the Oregon Department of Transportation's Six-Year Program; and WHEREAS, the Committee has coordinated concerning City, County, Regional and State transportation needs and recommends projects for further study or improvements to the Oregon Transportation Commission based on a consensus of region~t needs and a variety of transportation modes; and WHEREAS, representatives of the municipalities of Jackson and Josephine Counties have recognized the need to coordinate their efforts to provide for transportation needs of the residents, institutions and businesses through an organization established to consider the overall transportation network within the region. This resolution was READ and DULY ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the city Council of the City of Ashland, Oregon on the 7th day of January, 1992. Nan Eo F~anklin, city Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this ~ day of January, 1992. 'Catherine M. Gold~, Mayor Reviewed as to form: f~ City Attorney SIGNATURE PAGE GOES HERE JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1993-98 PROJECTS Dear Oregon Transportation Commissioners: We present the consensus view of the local governments of Jackson and Josephine Counties about projects to include in the ODOT Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. These recommendations reflect mutual concerns for the overall, regional transportation network. We do not refer to projects that ODOT states will go to construction before the 1993-98 Six-Year Program. Jackson County Priorities Three highest priority projects 'in Jackson County needed to improve key links in the regional transportation network-are in order of feasible construction: 1) the realignment of Highway 238 from McAndrews Road to Oak Grove School [Construction 1993]; 2) the extension of Highway 140 from Highway 62 to I-5 [Construction to start in 1995]; and 3) the North Medford Interchange of I-5 and Highway 62 [Design to start in 1992 and Construction in 1997]. To call these highest priority projects, means these projects are too important to be delayed. There are also new high priority projects that need to be studied, designed, and built within.the 1993-98 time frame as a direct result of the Interstate 5 and Highway 62 corridor studies now underway. The most urgent project from each corridor study is also a high priority for the region. Josephine County Priorities There is immediate need for improvements to the "Y" interchange on the Redwood Highway south of the Rogue River. It is a high priority for Grants Pass and Josephine County that a reconnaissance study be completed and development proceed. The other high priority is 6th and 7th Streets in downtown Grants Pass for new signals and reconstruction. The City of Grants Pass has budgeted funds to pay for one-half of the signal costs. We need the State Highway Division to make these overdue improvements as well as improvements on the Interstate 5 corridor. Multimodal Project Needs The JJTC has expanded its membership in response to the OTC's expansion of the Highway Improvement Program into a Transportation Improvement Program . We have included projects involving non- highway modes and alternative modes within the highway system as part of our request for state assistance in improving regional transportation. We emphasize modes with an existing local role, and note others where state leadership is vital. (See pages 7 & 8) JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW Jackson County Projects that need to be Constructed Oregon 238 Realignment to McAndrews Road. (Construction 1993} This project on the west side of Medford needs to proceed in fulfillment of a jurisdictional exchange agreement. Jackson County has paid $150,000 toward design and environmental assessment. There is a project alternative that is entirely within the urban growth boundary that requires no exception to land use planning goals pursuant to the transportation planning rule. Oregon 140 Extension between Highway 62 & I-5. (Construction to start in FY 1995) From its present terminus at OR-62 to I-5 the Highway 140 Extension would provide a direct route for heavy industry in White City, and to recreational areas beyond. The extension would better serve the regiOn by reducing travEl, costs, divert substantial truck traffic from Highway 62, improve air quality, enhance highway safety, and improved access to recreation. North Medford Interchange Improvements (Design 1992-3 for Construction in 1997) This is a project important to the local and state road network. Interchange improvements are also important to the Medford-Jackson County Airport and to effective transit operations. Congestion and grade separation problems at this interchange are significant to the local, regional, statewide and interstate group of freeway users who travel to Medford and Jackson County. The project needs to widen the Bear Creek Bridge on Crater Lake Highway and connect to state highways and city streets. We would like to repeat what we mean by highest priority projects: there is a regional consensus that these projects should not be delaye~. Urban Arterials Federal Aid Urban highway funds are committed to reconstruct Stewart Avenue in the Medford-Central Point FAU area and Hersey Street and Mountain Avenue in the Ashland FAU boundary. We appreciate the OTC's efforts in communicating to Congress the importance of an improved Federal Transportation Act, greater federal provision of funds, and matching funds ratios favorable to local and state governments. We now need serious attention from ODOT on Urban Arterials. This was promised at Highway Plan hearings, but nothing is yet included in the 1991 Highway Plan. Oregon 99 from Central Point to Ashland. The City of Central Point's Master Plan for traffic circulation calls for the future closure of Manzanita, Ash and Oak Streets and perhaps Cedar Street at Front Street. The plan also calls for eventual signals at Alder, Bush, and Laurel. These changes to improve circulation and extend capacity on Front Street (OR 99) are characteristic of urban 2 JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW arterial needs. In Medford, there are needed improvements at key intersections (the big "Y", McAndrews Road, and Barnett Road) that affect planned development along the state's urban arterials. Between Medford and Phoenix we are still waiting for the promised "Phase II" to address bicyclists and pedestrians needs. In Phoenix, the intersections of Fern Valley Road, Bolz Road and Cheryl Lane need improvements based on a Traffic Safety Commission study. In Talent, the intersection of Colver and Suncrest Roads needs realignment. In Ashland, there are several problem intersections from downtown to Southern Oregon State College. Projects that need DeveloDment Highway 62 Corridor Implementation of Traffic and Access Management Study from Medford to' Eagle Point. ~he 1991 intergovernmental agreement calls for state participation in measures such as funding for purchase of accesses and state-funding for Highway 62 frontage roads that alleviate capacity problems on the main highway. Oregon 62 Widening to Four Lanes from the VA Domiciliary to Eagle Point (Development 1995). This project was identified in BCATS in 1972, and we requested widening of 62 out to 234 in the last consensus view letter. Four-lanes are needed to the northern urban growth boundary of Eagle Point. This highway had 11,000 to 12,500 ADT in this segment in 1987 through this two to three lane section, and will be at peak hour capacity by 1992. Oregon 62 Reconstruction in Shady Cove (Development 1996) from south city limits to Trail needs to complete the connection between two 1992 projects Trail to Casey State Park, Phase II north of Shady Cove and Sams Valley Highway to Shady Cove, Phase II south of the city. Highway Bridge Replacement Projects Bear Creek Bridge on South Valley View Road north.of Ashland could be a state responsibility, if a proposed jurisdictional exchange is made. The County has started the process for HBR funds, and requests consideration of an exchange for state frontage roads. Bybee Bridge over Rogue River at Touvelle State Park with a sufficiency rating of 7 (seven). It cannot be rehabilitated to reach an 80 rating. Bear Creek Bridge on Highway 62 in Medford needs widening as part of the needed improvements to the North Medford Interchange. Depot Street Bridge over Rogue River in Rogue River. Another bridge with a iow sufficiency rating that should be replaced. JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW Jackson County Projects that need Detailed Reconnaissance INTERSTATE 5 CORRIDOR The current status of the Southern Oregon I-5 Corridor Study (incomplete and undistributed) leaves little basis to recommend project-priorities. Ramp improvements needed at the Highway 66 (Ashland), Highway 62 (Medford) and Barnett Road (Medford) have been identified by ODOT staff, consultants, and city staff during review of recent development proposals. Needs include: reconstruction of interchanges, widening of overpasses, ramp improvements, new interchanges, viaduct improvements, and connections to circumferential routes. Several projects are already identified in acknowledged local Comprehensive Plans, such as the Mountain Avenue Interchange in Ashland. The preliminary traffic analysis now underway should be followed by a sta%e-local working group to: 1) proceed on projects showing immediate needs; 2) address transportation planning issues in the entire corridor; and 3) coordinate land use and transportation planning. Much of this work is needed to properly describe projects for inclusion in Comprehensive Plans and capital improvement programs in compliance with the transportation planning rule. Jacksonville Highway Jacksonville Bypass on Highway 238 could solve problems of truck traffic and seasonal congestion on California Street. The unique status of Jacksonville as a National Historic Landmark merits special consideration. The city and its citizens have done a great deal of work in a series of workshops, a community survey, and public meetings. The City of Jacksonville has adopted findings for a Comprehensive Plan amendment that reflects an apparent consensus of citizens within the City of Jacksonville as requested by the county and state. The City has forwarded their proposal to Jackson County. Questions about the best way to comply with the new transportation planning rule for the proposed bypass are issues addressed with the kind of information that emerges from the reconnaissance studies performed by ODOT. The area affected by the city proposal includes areas that are safety concerns both east and west of Jacksonville. Highway 238 within three miles of Jacksonville should be considered in the reconnaissance study for a Jacksonville bypass. 4 JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW Josephine County Projects that need to be Constructed US 199, ReDlace existing traffic signals on 6th and 7th. (Construction 1992) This project is so important that Grants Pass is willing to contribute 50% of the required funding for the project. This work should be done at the same time or before the reconstruction of 6th and 7th. US 199, Reconstruct 6th and 7th Streets in downtown Grant Pass. They are also some of the most uncomfortable streets in our area to drive because of the excessively high crowns, raveling and numerous cracks and patches. We are spending a lot of energy and local dollars improving the image of our City; 6th and 7th detract from that image now. We plead for your cooperation to properly maintain these important highway facilities through our cemmunity. Highway Bridges Various locations on Highway 238 between Grants Pass and the Williams area need attention to safety problems. The greatest bottlenecks involve obsolete bridges such as on Oregon 238, Williams Highway (Construction 1995) The existing bridge #2379 over Williams Creek is to be replaced because it is too narrow, it has a short high arch and has poor geometric alignment. Also needing replacement on Oregon 238, Williams Highway is the bridge over the Applegate River, which is narrow and carries a high number of log trucks and other large/heavy vehicles. 5 JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW Josephine County Projects that need to be in Development US 199, South "Y" Interchanqe. (Reconnaissance 1992) The intersection is already confusing and dangerous. New local development including a major motel/convention/performing arts center and improvements to the County Fairgrounds will need to use this intersection in the near future. Work must begin soon to design and construct a solution. Agness Avenue Railroad Overcrossinq. Installation of a railroad overcrossing is needed between "N" Street and Agness Avenue in east Grants Pass. The proposed crossing is on the Federal Aid System and is identified in our local Roadway Safety and Traffic Management Plan. Oreqon 260, Improvements on Rogue River Loop. · Widen, reconstruct, and undertake safety improvements along LincGln Road from Lower River Road to Upper River Road. Josephine County Projects that need Detailed Reconnaissance Interstate 5 southern Oregon interstate 5 Corridor Study. (Reconnaissance 1992) To evaluate needs and alternatives for north-south traffic through Josephine and Jackson Counties. This study would address such issues as the need to serve through traffic, need to reconstruct interchange overpasses or ramps, and when to rebuild or add interchanges in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, Central Point, Seven Oaks, Gold Hill, Rogue River, Grants Pass, and Merlin. Granite Hill Road Extension at North Grants Pass Interchange. Reconstruct Granite Hill Road at the I-5 Interchange at the north end of Grants Pass. This project would realign Granite Hill Road through existing State owned properties and should clean up poor traffic circulation/safety problems involving the I-5 ramps at north 6th and 7th Streets. US 199/Oregon 260 connection. Construction a new bridge across the Rogue River west of Grants Pass connecting US 199 (at Allen Creek Road) to Oregon 260 (at Lincoln Road) is a need identified in the GrantsPass Comprehensive Plan. Jurisdictional exchange discussions should begin as soon as possible. The projects will require elimination of the traffic signal at Redwood Avenue and 199 and installation of a new signal at Allen Creek Road. This bridge will be an important link between two existing highways in west Grants Pass. Proposed development in the vicinity of this bridge will otherwise compound traffic congestion on "G" Street, 6th and 7th Streets and the South "Y" interchange. 6 JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW REGIONAL MULTIMODAL RECOMMENDATIONS The Jackson Josephine Transportation Committee and our member agencies have a substantial interest in the entire transportation network. In addition to needed highway projects there are other transportation needs that should be included in the 6-Year TIP. Bikeways The highest priority projects in Jackson County for state bikeways are all along Oregon 99. Now included in the Six-Year Program is part of Oregon 99 between Rogue River and Gold Hill (which left Miller's Gulch to Rock Point Bridge out). A wider paved surface to provide shoulder bike lanes is needed on the Rogue Valley Highway. There is significant citizen support for this project as attested by a petition from citizens. It is consistent with the Jackson County Bikeway Plan and should include a connection to one of Josephine County's high priority projects. We object to the removal of this project from the 6-Year Program as recommended 'by the State Bicycle Advisory Committee. Funding shortfalls may delay of some projects to later years in the Six- Year Program, but cannot create a justification to remove a project entirely. We assume the continuation of the bikepaths on Williams Highway to Murphy Creek Road will occur before 1993 in Josephine County. The next high priority bikeway project is on Oregon 99 from Grants Pass (Fruitdale Creek) to the Jackson County line. An overlay project was already scheduled on this segment of highway in the 1991-96 program. Local jurisdictions have adopted bikeway plans (often developed with state funds) and will need state cooperation and support in implementing those plans, especially in relation to urban arterial routes. Transit This is another mode directly related to urban arterials. State assistance with funding of Capital Needs of Rogue Valley Transit District as identified in the Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Improvement Program is essential. A high priority i~ state and federal assistance with Terminal Development at the Downtown Medfor4 Transit Center. Planning to identify trunk routes required under the new transportation planning rule will also need assistance. .There is interest in expanding several types of transit services in our region, and the state's study of alternatives and assistance will be major determinants in the feasibility of increased transit usage. A supplemental description of specific RVTD projects is appended. JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW Airports Our region's commercial airport is situated between Interstate 5 and the Crater Lake Highway and the corridor studies for these highways need to consider relationships to air passenger and freight terminals. The closeness to major highway corridors makes programs to develop intermodal connections essential to appropriate development in the entire north Medford/Central Point area. The completion of the Central Point Interchange project in 1992 will improve travel times to the Medford airport from northern Jackson County and Josephine County. North Medford interchange improvements will help reduce travel times to the Medford airport from southern Jackson County. Airport Master Plans also identify projects at-the ~osephine County Airports in the Illinois Valley and at Merlin. The.Ashland Airport Master Plan is being updated in 1991, and specific projects can be noted at the February 1992 hearing. The Medford/Jackson County Airport Master Plan will be updated in 1992, and projects can be expected for the empty slots in Region 3 for FY 1995, 1996 and 1998. Intermodal planning considerations at the Medford- Jackson County Airport will involve such projects as relocating Bullock Road within the airport, and changes to the airport entry on Biddle Road. Also significant for intermodal development are plans for improvements along Highway 62 and the potential for upgrading the private Medco Haul Road. Pedestrian Facilities Provision of sidewalks in recent state highway projects on urban arterials has generally been nonexistent. Sidewalks need to be included as an integral part of such projects in the future, since adequate sidewalks are essential to pedestrian safety and effective transit use in our region. Modes of State and Interstate Concern Several alternative modes require connections across state lines to have a functional system. A pipeline for petroleum, retaining a through railroad connection, and telecommunications services may have significant benefits for reducing trips people must make and moving freight more efficiently. State leadership is essential for these modes, because no local government entity has responsibility for any of these transportation alternatives. S JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW supplemental Project List for JJTC Consensus View JACKSON COUNTY AND CITIES WITHIN THE COUNTY SIGNALIZATION AND INTERSECTION PROJECTS Concerns about inequitable project treatment that prompted this listing of intersections. The following list of intersections has been compiled as a supplement to the consensus view letter. We face a significant dilemma by the current operation of the ODOT 6-Year Program on how to request state assistance for the intersections that do or may soon meet warrants for traffic signals, left turn lanes, or other measures to improve safety and level of service. As local jurisdictions we are agreed with the state that traffic-signals should be installed as warranted according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. For this reason, as well ss the relatively small cost per project and the short time frame in which such pFojects can be implemented they do not belong in the 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program except as a category for an overall allocation of funds. A significant aspect of urban arterials is the need for left-turn lanes and signalization in order to provide acceptable levels of service. Projects should proceed as warranted, consistent with the function of the road, and with an appropriate level of state funding. We include the list so as not to be excluded from 6-Year Program, but feel ODOT should mend its ways. Intersections with Improvement/Signalization Needs Ashland Walker Avenue and Siskiyou Boulevard. (Meets accident warrant) North Main and Maple. (Left-turn refuge in current 6-Year Program) Highway 66 and Tolman Creek Road. (LID has been formed.) North Main/Wimer/Hersey Streets. East Main and Oak Street. Hargadine/South Pioneer/Fork St. (South Pioneer closed to through traffic in 1991.) East Main/Siskiyou/Lithia Way. East Main/Gresham/Hargadine. East Main and Mountain Avenue. Church Street and Scenic Street. Siskiyou Boulevard and Sherman Street. Siskiyou/Beach/Morse. Talent Colver Road/South Pacific Highway/Suncrest Road/Talent Avenue. 9 JACKSON JOSEPHINE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CONSENSUS VIEW Phoenix Fern Valley Road/South Pacific Highway/Bolz Road/Cheryl Lane. Medford McAndrews and Springbrook (signals and illumination) Springbrook and Spring (signals and illumination) Columbus and Jackson (signals and illumination) Rossanley and Sage (signals and illumination) Highland and Siskiyou (channelization, signals, and illumination) Table Rock Road and Merriman (channelization, signals, and illumination). Central Point Beall and Highway 99 Pine and Front Streets Scenic~Tenth/Third/Upton Eagle Point Nick Young Road/Highway 62/Royal Avenue. Rogue River Depot Street between I-5 Interchange and Main Street. Unincorporated Jackson County East Pine Street and Hamrick Road. South Pacific Highway and South Valley View Road The following pages contain a similar list of intersections for Josephine County. 10 November 22, 1991 JOSEPHINE COUNTY, CITY OF GRANTS PASS AND CITY OF CAVE JUNCTION ODOT SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN 1993 -1998 SIGNALIZATION/INTERSECTION PROJECTS OR 99 - Rogue River Hwy At Parkdale Drive. This is the highest priority signalization project for Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass. An ODOT study indicates warrants would be met when the Grants Pass Parkway (Third Bridge Route) is opened to traffic. The county plans to reconstruct Parkdale Dr. in 1992 and the signal needs to be installed by the state as part of this work. US199 - Redwood Hwy At Dowell Road. Install a signal. Dowell Road is designated as an urban arterial and serves a rapidly developing portion of the Grants Pass urbanizing area. At Willow Lane. Install a signal. This is a heavily used and dangerous intersection. Willow Lane is designated as an Urban arterial. It provides primary access to Rogue Community College and also serves the same rapidly developing portion of the Grants Pass urbanizing area as Dowell Road. At Deer Creek Road. Install a left turn lane at this county designated rural local collector route. This intersection is a rural commercial node serving a fairly large region. There is a post office, gas station, supermarket and a few other businesses which attract local residents as well as serving through traffic. At Laurel Road. Install a left turn lane at this county designated rural local collector route. A regional golf course is located at this intersection and generates significant traffic. At Lone Mountain Road (in O'Brien). Install a left turn lane at this county designated rural local collector route. There are commercial uses at this intersection like a post office, gas station and small market as well as the Illinois Valley Rural Fire Department station. The county is willing to commit $30,000 toward this project. At Sixth Street and Midland Avenue. Install a signal. Midland Avenue is an urban collector and traffic volumes have reached a point where traffic flow would be improved by signalization. PAGE 2 November 22, 1991 JOSEPHINE COUNTY, CITY OF GRANTS PASS AND CITY OF CAVE JUNCTION ODOT SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN 1993 -1998 SIGNALIZATION/INTERSECTION PROJECTS US199 Redwood Hwy At Sixth Street and Lewis Avenue/West Park Street. Improve operations and safety by realigning and combining Lewis Ave. and West Park St. into one street intersection at Sixth Street. This would eliminate an existing signal on Sixth Street and~ simplify traffic operations. At Terry Lane and Grants Pass Parkway (Redwood Hwy Spur). Install a signal. Terry Lane is an urban collector in east Grants Pass. It serves a commercial/industrial area which is building out at a tremendously rapid rate.