To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Aaron Monks, Project Manager
Title
Resolution Approving a Services Agreement with David Evans and Associates Inc. for the Design of the Four Corners Intersection Improvement Project (Founders Parkway, State Highway 86, Fifth Street, and Ridge Road)
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
The purpose of the memo is to request Town Council to approve a resolution to retain David Evans and Associates (DEA), as the Town’s engineering consultant for the design of improvements to the Four Corners (Founders Parkway, State Highway 86, Fifth Street, and Ridge Road) Intersection Improvement Project. The attached Resolution (Attachment A) approves the agreement. The scope of this work involves the completion of construction documents for construction advertisement. These services are projected to be completed by winter of 2021.
The Town received a federal grant to design and construct improvements at this intersection. The federal funds have been awarded as part of the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which is administered through the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
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.
Staff posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) on July 16, 2020 to solicit proposals to complete the design of the project. The Town received five proposals, these firms were vetted by the Town staff, Douglas County staff and CDOT staff as competent and able to provide all necessary design services for a project of this scope. Staff has reviewed the consultant’s project team, schedule, and scoping cost, and recommends a service agreement with DEA.
Notification and Outreach Efforts
During the design process, Town staff and DEA will schedule multiple public outreach meetings with the adjacent neighborhoods. The outreach meetings will allow the residents to review the proposed improvements, in the early stages of design, and provide staff comments for consideration.
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 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.
An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) which outlined the Town and CDOT responsibilities was recommended by the Public Works Commission for approval at the August 3, 2020 meeting. Town Council approved the IGA at the August 18, 2020 meeting.
Discussion
The Four Corners Intersection Improvement project 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. The following information is included in the Town’s Transportation Master Plan. Through the conceptual design phase DEA will investigate several options including, but not limited to, a roundabout, a continuous flow intersection, and an intersection widening with the following improvements:
1. Founders Parkway (North) Approach:
• Convert southbound right turn lane to a through/right lane.
• Modify the traffic island on northwest corner so that the southbound right turn lane can be converted to a combination through/right lane. This will provide a second southbound through lane.
• Add another left turn lane for southbound left‐turning traffic.
• Add a northbound acceleration lane.
• Add a free right turn lane
2. Fifth Street (West) Approach:
• Convert eastbound right turn lane to a through/right lane by modifying the island in southwest corner to accommodate an additional through lane from the east
• Add a free right turn lane
3. Ridge Road (South) Approach:
• Provide a double left turn lane.
• Modify island on southeast corner to provide a second through lane from the south.
• Add a free right turn lane
4. SH 86 (East) Approach:
• Add an additional westbound through lane. Widen the westbound approach so that an additional through lane can be extended through the intersection
• Add a free right turn lane
The project’s design is projected to be complete, and any needed ROW acquired by the end of 2021. Town staff is expecting construction to start in early 2022, when favorable weather conditions allow.
Budget Impact
The DRCOG grant allows for 80% of the project cost up to an amount of $4,225M. Douglas County is contributing up to $1 Million toward the construction phase, and the Town will need to cover the balance. The project estimate for all project phases is based on the more conservative roundabout concept. Based on some earlier project work, indications are that a traffic signal is likely to be the best choice for long range efficiencies, which should keep Douglas County and Town’s total local contribution below the 20% level. This will need to be fully confirmed as the design phase progresses. The grant is a reimbursable style where the Town pays initial costs and gets reimbursed at the 80% level.
The funds necessary for the engineering design have been included in the project’s 2020 budget as stated below.
|
Fund |
Account Number |
Amount |
|
Impr Hwy 86 & 5th Street |
135-3175-431.78-69 |
$ 1,357,229 |
DEA cost proposal for design work: $847,285
Town managed contingency: $85,715
Town design cost for the project: $933,000
The federal grant is a reimbursement grant: The Town budgets for the full expenditure and receives reimbursement of 80% of expenditures as they are realized.
The remainder of the budgeted amount $424,229 will be available for purchasing right-of-way and easements if necessary.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends Town Council to approve the Resolution approving an Agreement between the Town of Castle Rock and David Evans and Associates, for Design of the Four Corners Intersection Improvement Project. This item is being discussed with the Public Works Commission at their September 14th meeting and their formal recommendation will be provided at the Town Council meeting.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution