To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Aaron Monks, Project Manager
Title
Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Town of Castle Rock and Colorado Department of Transportation for the Design and Construction of the Four Corners Intersection Improvements Project (Founders Parkway, SH-86, Fifth Street, and Ridge Road)
Body
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Executive Summary
The Town of Castle Rock has received a federal grant to design and construct intersection improvements at Founders Parkway, SH-86, Fifth Street, and Ridge Road (“Four Corners”). The federal funds have been awarded as part of the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) administered through the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Since CDOT is providing the oversight for the project, they require an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to be entered into that outlines local agency (Town of Castle Rock) and CDOT responsibilities for the project. CDOT will oversee the federal process to administer the funds, and the Town will administer the design and construction work. The purpose of this item is to request approval of the Town Council for the IGA with CDOT via the attached resolution (Attachment A). CDOT is requiring that this contract be executed prior to issuing the project’s notice to proceed.
The project is intended to improve operations at the mentioned intersection. This intersection has been identified by the Town and CDOT as experiencing traffic congestion during peak traffic hours. The intersection operates near capacity during the PM peak period due to the high volume of traffic in the southbound direction. The southbound left turn and northbound left turn movements both experience excessive delays during the PM peak period. Traffic growth in the future will exacerbate this condition and cause similar levels of delay to the through movements on each approach.
Minimal Right-of-way (ROW) and easement acquisitions are expected with the project. It is the intent of the project to construct improvements within existing ROW, but there are areas where existing ROW narrows, and may require ROW acquisition. The design phase and environmental clearances in accordance with federal and state standards are also required.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
On May 1, 2017 the Public Works Commission recommended Town Council approve a Services Agreement for the design of improvements at this intersection. Council approved the agreement at the May 2, 2017 Town Council meeting. In November 2018 the Town Manager approved a task order to have the consultant start design work on a roundabout at this intersection.
In the spring of 2019 the Town applied for a 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) grant. The project design was put on hiatus at 30% until it was determined if the Town would receive a grant. On August 21, 2019, the Town received notification of the $4.225 million grant award for this intersection.
The Town began negotiations with CDOT to have CDOT manage the design and construction of the intersection improvements. In May of 2020 CDOT gave final judgement on the agreement and declined to manage the project.
Town staff is moving forward with soliciting design consultants with the process to satisfy the TIP requirements.
Discussion
The IGA identifies the general terms of the agreement, scope of work, funding provisions awarded to the Town, and other exhibits. Federal funding available for the project is $4,225,000. The Town is required to contribute a minimum 20% local agency match and cover overruns. The grant valvue was based on a higher priced roundabout concept, but with the recent increase in development in the area the likely improvments are leaning more toward a traffic signal with added turn lanes. This option would likely be less expensive, which means overruns would be less likely. Douglas County will also be contributing $1M as part of the local match for the construction phase.
The Town’s Attorney and Finance Departments have reviewed the IGA, including the project funding provisions and have approved it.
The Public Works Commission voted unanimously to recommend Council approval of the resolution as introduced by title.
Budget Impact
The IGA does not have any specific budget impacts. The funds necessary to complete the design and ROW/easement acquisition for the project have been budgeted in the Town’s current Capital Improvement Program. Once proposals for design services are received, the design service contract will be approved separately. Construction has been programed
for FY 2022.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Town Council approval of the Resolution as introduced by title.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution