To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Thomas Reiff, Transportation Planner
Title
Discussion / Input: Downtown Mobility Study
Body
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Executive Summary
The purpose of this item is to provide the Commission with an update on the Downtown Mobility Study (DMS) and collect input. Additional information regarding public comments, existing conditions, and possible improvements will be provided at the meeting. This study will build off of the completed Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and the Downtown Parking Study by looking at ways to maintain mobility downtown. During the 2017 update to the TMP, the Town saw a need to look closer at unique transportation challenges to the Downtown area. According to the TMP, Town and private development projects will put additional pressure on the existing transportation system. By 2040 both Wilcox Street and Perry Street are forecasted to be at or exceeding roadway capacity. Staff realizes something needs to be done to maintain and improve mobility in the Downtown. Staff also realizes it is important to preserve Downtown’s charm and character, and that traditional methods to increase roadway capacity, such as widening roadways or intersections is not an option for most locations. For this reason, Public Works staff, along with staff from various Town departments, are exploring new innovative solutions to improve mobility by increasing multi-modal travel choices through transportation demand management strategies, non-traditional roadway and intersection improvements, and potential changes to Town policies and standards.
Notification and Outreach Efforts
Public outreach and input is an important component of the DMS. Efforts to seek public input will continue to include; public meetings, interviews, notices, web pages, social media campaign, articles in publications, email notifications, meetings with various stakeholders, and presentations to boards, associations, commissions, and Town Council. Outreach efforts will also continue to include the general public, businesses and important partner agencies, such as Douglas County, and the Colorado Department of Transportation. To date the DMS project team has held interviews with other Town departments, Douglas County, and CDOT. In addition, a presentation was given to the Downtown Development Authority Board, the Public Works Commission, and the first public workshop was held on June 6th.
Upcoming meetings and presentations include various commissions and associations, a couple of public workshops, a presentation to Town Council, and other various stakeholder meetings throughout the study. In addition, the Town has created a project website with a chance to provide direct public input (www.CRgov.com/MoveAroundDT <http://www.CRgov.com/MoveAroundDT>). A complete communications plan for the project has been developed to keep people, businesses, and other agencies involved throughout the project. It is at this point the project team would like to solicit comments, ideas, and recommendations from the Planning Commission.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
This will be the first comprehensive study solely focusing on just Downtown transportation challenges and opportunities. Previous TMP’s were used to study Downtown traffic issues and other planning efforts examined just a few issues, such as walkability. Improvements or programs identified for the area will be incorporated into the Town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as reviewed and approved annually by Town Council.
In 2017, Council approved funding in the 2018 budget to conduct the DMS. Consulting firm Kimley Horn and Associates was selected to assist the Town in the study.
Discussion
Downtown Castle Rock is at a turning point with respect to growth and transportation planning. With much of the infrastructure limited for expansion, the Town realizes that it’s time to get creative and look at ways to improve mobility for all users while still keeping the charm and character that attracts people to Downtown.
To address this issue, the Town has initiated a Downtown Mobility Study (DMS) that will be completed this coming winter. The purpose of this study is to provide the community with a mobility plan for Downtown as the area grows in popularity and new development continues to change the area. The goal of the study is to maintain and improve mobility for all modes of transportation, including driving, walking, riding a bike, and the physically challenged. The study will identify transportation projects or programs to help people move about Downtown and make recommendations. It is expected that the identified projects or programs will aid staff and Town Council in future Capital Improvement Program (CIP) decisions that will accommodate Downtown transportation needs.
Key issues the Study is looking at include the following;
§ Comprehensive analysis of existing multi-modal conditions, such as bike and pedestrian improvements
§ Truck and delivery traffic
§ Roadway improvements, such as expanding the grid network, turn restriction, and possible roundabouts
§ Accessibility issues
§ Wayfinding signage program
§ Special event management
§ Review of existing land use and transportation policies and standards
§ Identify new mobility options
§ Review transportation trends and technology
Additional information will be provided and discussed at the Public Works Commission meeting.
Staff Recommendation
No formal action is required. Additional information will be provided at the meeting. This information is being provided to seek input and comments. Once the final report is completed it is expected to be adopted by Town Council.