___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208 387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org Sara M. Baker, President John S. Franden, Vice President Rebecca W. Arnold, Commissioner Mitchell A. Jaurena, Commissioner Jim D. Hansen, Commissioner January 14, 2013 TO: Commission, Director, and Deputy Directors FROM: Justin Lucas, Planning and Programming Supervisor SUBJECT: Shamrock Bikeway Project Memo for January 23, 2013 Commission Work Session ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Executive Summary The purpose of this work session is to update the Commission on the status of Shamrock Bikeway project, present relevant issues for Commission consideration, and review staffs recommended alignment for the Shamrock Bikeway. Based on public input, and recommendations from the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee and City of Boise, staff is recommending Alternative 2 (the direct route) to the Commission for consideration and comment. Facts & Findings Earlier this year ACHD initiated a concept study and public involvement effort for the Shamrock Bikeway Project. This project was originally requested by the City of Boise during the Ustick Road Concept Design (with further detail provided in a letter to the Commission dated 2/7/12). The project purpose is to explore a north/south bicycle connection generally following Shamrock Avenue between Cloverdale and Five Mile Roads. This project is identified in ACHD’s Bicycle Master Plan. After an evaluation of existing conditions and consideration of Boise’s request the project team developed three alternatives (two routes and a no build) that were presented to the public on October 25, 2012 (see exhibit A). The primary difference between the route alternatives is near the intersection of Ustick Road and Shamrock Avenue (Alt. 1 uses the existing Bryson Avenue, Alt. 2 proposes a pathway in the unopened right-of-way in the Shamrock corridor). The full findings of the public involvement process are included as Exhibit B. There were citizens that had strong opinions about all three alternatives but of those that participated 46% supported Alternative 2, 24% supported “No Build” and 19% supported Alternative 1. Along with a plurality of public support both the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee and City of Boise have officially endorsed Alternative 2. Fiscal Implications Staff has developed planning level cost estimates for each of the build alternatives. The three signalized pedestrian crossings (which are recommended in both build alternatives) are the primary cost driver of this project ($400,000 for the three crossings). Neither alternative is anticipated to require the acquisition of right-of-way.
Transcript
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208 387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
Sara M. Baker, President John S. Franden, Vice President
Rebecca W. Arnold, Commissioner Mitchell A. Jaurena, Commissioner
Jim D. Hansen, Commissioner
January 14, 2013 TO: Commission, Director, and Deputy Directors FROM: Justin Lucas, Planning and Programming Supervisor SUBJECT: Shamrock Bikeway Project
Memo for January 23, 2013 Commission Work Session ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Executive Summary The purpose of this work session is to update the Commission on the status of Shamrock Bikeway project, present relevant issues for Commission consideration, and review staffs recommended alignment for the Shamrock Bikeway. Based on public input, and recommendations from the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee and City of Boise, staff is recommending Alternative 2 (the direct route) to the Commission for consideration and comment. Facts & Findings Earlier this year ACHD initiated a concept study and public involvement effort for the Shamrock Bikeway Project. This project was originally requested by the City of Boise during the Ustick Road Concept Design (with further detail provided in a letter to the Commission dated 2/7/12). The project purpose is to explore a north/south bicycle connection generally following Shamrock Avenue between Cloverdale and Five Mile Roads. This project is identified in ACHD’s Bicycle Master Plan. After an evaluation of existing conditions and consideration of Boise’s request the project team developed three alternatives (two routes and a no build) that were presented to the public on October 25, 2012 (see exhibit A). The primary difference between the route alternatives is near the intersection of Ustick Road and Shamrock Avenue (Alt. 1 uses the existing Bryson Avenue, Alt. 2 proposes a pathway in the unopened right-of-way in the Shamrock corridor). The full findings of the public involvement process are included as Exhibit B. There were citizens that had strong opinions about all three alternatives but of those that participated 46% supported Alternative 2, 24% supported “No Build” and 19% supported Alternative 1. Along with a plurality of public support both the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee and City of Boise have officially endorsed Alternative 2. Fiscal Implications Staff has developed planning level cost estimates for each of the build alternatives. The three signalized pedestrian crossings (which are recommended in both build alternatives) are the primary cost driver of this project ($400,000 for the three crossings). Neither alternative is anticipated to require the acquisition of right-of-way.
Alternative 1 – Existing Streets Alternative 2 – Direct Route $558,000 $591,000
The cost of this project if it moves forward could be split over several fiscal years based on project phasing. Policy Implications The primary difference between Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 is the use of unopened right-of-way to the north and south of the Ustick Road and Shamrock Road intersection. Exhibit C shows the potential impacts of a pathway using the un-opened Shamrock right-of-way as recommended in Alternative 2. The main impacts are:
• Loss of several mature trees • Removal or relocation of fences • Access realignment
These types of impacts are not uncommon for ACHD projects and although they could be avoided with Alternative 1 staff believes that the overall benefits of Alternative 2 outweigh the impacts. These benefits include:
• The most direct and safest route for people traveling the corridor • Closer to the original Ustick Townsite and consistent with Boise’s vision for the area • Reduced number of driveway conflicts for cyclists
A further discussion of these impacts and benefits will be the primary focus of the Work Session. Staff Recommendation
1. Staff recommends Alternative 2 be identified as the preferred alternative and presented to the public in February for review and comment.
2. Staff recommends a Public Hearing and Commission Decision on the Shamrock Bikeway alignment on April 24, 2013.
Attachment(s):
1. Exhibit A - Shamrock Bikeway Build Alternatives 2. Exhibit B - Public Involvement Summary 3. Exhibit C - Impacts to unopened right-of-way
Exhibit A
NALTERNATIVE 1
0 0.5 1Miles
LEGENDAlternative 1Alternative 1 VariationSection of Route on Unopened ACHDRight-of-WayExisting Bike LaneExisting PathwayProposed Signalized Pedestrian/BicycleCrossing TreatmentShort-Term Planned Bike LaneMedium-Term Planned Bike LaneShort-Term Planned Signed SharedBikewayMedium-Term Planned Signed SharedBikeway
GLEN ELLYN DR
ABRAM DR
MONTANA ST
GUNSMOKE ST
BRYS
ON AV
E
WILD
WOO
D ST
DANIEL ST
RADER DR
TUMB
LEW
EED
PLPA
YNTO
N WA
Y
SHAM
ROCK
AVE
EMERALD ST
NALTERNATIVE 2
0 0.5 1Miles
LEGENDAlternative 2Section of Route on Unopened ACHDROWExisting Bike LaneExisting PathwayProposed Signalized Pedestrian/BicycleCrossing TreatmentShort-Term Planned Bike LaneMedium-Term Planned Bike LaneShort-Term Planned Signed SharedBikewayMedium-Term Planned Signed SharedBikeway
GLEN ELLYN DR
ABRAM DR
MONTANA ST
GUNSMOKE ST
BRYS
ON AV
E
WILD
WOO
D ST
DANIEL ST
RADER DR
TUMB
LEW
EED
PLPA
YNTO
N WA
Y
EMERALD ST
SHAM
ROCK
AVE
Exhibit B
FILENAME: H:\PROJFILE\12607 - SHAMROCK BIKEWAY CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT\PHASE II PIM MATERIALS\SHAMROCK PUBLIC
COMMENT SUMMARY_11-28-12.DOCX
SHAMROCK BIKEWAY PROPOSAL PUBLIC COMMENT SUMMARY
Date: November 28, 2012 Project #: 12607
To: Justin Lucas, ACIP and Christy Foltz-Ahlrichs
From: Sonia Hennum, PE, PTOE and Jesse Boudart
Project: Shamrock Bikeway
Subject: Public Comment Summary
A public open house was held on October 25th, 2012 for citizens to provide input on the Shamrock
Bikeway Concept. At the meeting, citizens were presented information regarding the study that has
been completed and asked to comment on three potential options for the proposal. Public input
comment sheets were provided to citizens at the meeting and could also be accessed via a survey on
line for two weeks following the meeting. In addition, an interactive comment map was available on
line where citizens could provide comments and concerns directly into an aerial map. A total of 65
comment sheets were received over the comment period and 12 comments were provided on the
interactive map. A summary of preferences for the three potential concepts is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. Shamrock Bikeway Preferred Alternative Based on Comment Sheets
Support of Alternative 1:
Use Existing Streets
Support of Alternative 2:
Direct Route via Opening ACHD Right-of-Way
Support of Do Nothing Alternative
Number of Comments
(Percentage of Total)
12 (19%)
31 (46%)
24* (35%)
*Of these “not supportive comments” seven (7) responses were not in support of implementing a Shamrock Bikeway
Concept because they believe the cost is too high and that the money should be used for other improvements or
maintenance purposes.
As seen in Table 1, the majority of comments (65%) were supportive of the bikeway concept in
general and 46% of the total respondents preferred Alternative 2 (creating a direct route by opening
existing ACHD right-of-way).
Shamrock Bikeway Project #: 12607 November 28, 2012 Page 2
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Boise, Idaho
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
Key themes from the public input and comment sheets are:
From a group of participants at the PIM, there was a sense of “Shamrock fatigue” given that
they had just recently gone through an extensive public involvement process related to
connected Shamrock to Ustick Road as part of the Ustick widen project:
o Some were frustrated that ACHD is coming back again with another proposal in the
area and stated they would let ACHD know if and when they wanted anything done in
their neighborhood
o There was a sense of mistrust by a few individuals wondering if the real motivation
behind the bikeway project was to get a full vehicular connection of Shamrock to
Ustick Road
Shamrock is currently fairly heavily used as a pedestrian and bicycle corridor within the
community.
There were several comments noting concern with vehicle speeds on Shamrock Boulevard.
Some motorists cite students from Centennial High School or people dropping children at the
day care as the culprits.
There were several requests to implement speed bumps on Shamrock Boulevard because of
speed issues instead of or in addition to the Shamrock Bikeway Concept.
More vehicular traffic on Shamrock Boulevard is not wanted. Most comments that did not
want more traffic were not support of the Shamrock Bikeway Proposal as they felt it would
increase traffic.
Widening of Shamrock Boulevard between McMillan and Edna is not wanted.
Some property owners were concerned about backing out of their driveways into pedestrian
and bicycle traffic (particularly when it is dark).
A paved connection through DeMeyer Park could conflict with existing soccer field and that is
not desired.
Of those citizens who supported Alternative 1 did so because of its minimal impacts to right of
way and smaller cost compared with Alternative 2.
o With Alternative 1, citizens also felt the money saved could be put towards other
bicycle projects.
Those citizens who supported Alternative 2 felt it is preferable because it is direct and would
be safer for cyclists.
Signalized crossings at the major roadways (McMillan, Ustick, Fairview) were strongly
supported as was seen as a valuable asset to the bike route.
Additional navigation aids should be used to show neighborhood how to get to the Shamrock
Bikeway Concept, especially to Frontier Elementary School.
Education should be provided for how motorists interact with Sharrows and what they mean.
On-street parking is an important amenity in the neighborhood and people want to make sure
it is preserved
Shamrock Bikeway Project #: 12607 November 28, 2012 Page 3
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Boise, Idaho
While only one comment on the comment sheets referenced a concern for tree impacts, Staff
did hear other comments at the PIM related to others wishing to minimize any tree impacts as
well.
Comments received on the interactive maps are:
I am unsure who owns this ROW, but if we could hook this path up here, people could access the West YMCA among other places with ease.
Added October 30 2012
Please consider an island for bike/ped refuge while crossing this busy street.
Added October 30 2012
Please consider an island for bike/ped refuge while crossing this busy street.
Added October 30 2012
Shamrock Bikeway Project #: 12607 November 28, 2012 Page 4
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Boise, Idaho
Please consider an island for bike/ped refuge while crossing this busy street.
Added October 30 2012
Please consider an island for bike/ped refuge from this busy road while crossing.
Added October 30 2012
I am all for the bike lane as it will help keep the Shamrock traffic slower as it should. However I am concerned with CHS students being reckless or idiotic (not to mention non-CHS drivers are at fault too) and not pay closer attention to the bikers. I do fear some accidents due to this. I would recommend additional "something" to ensure the drivers are actually driving slower as they should. Something like speed bumps with a 1-2 ft opening for bike to ride through (not over the bumps), but still affects the car driving over the speed bumps. Feel free to share your ideas with me via email. :)
Added October 26 2012
The path between Jenilyn Ct and DeMeyer Park Corridor is a walking path easement. A better access to Cloverdale is W. Hickory Dr. There is an entrance to DeMeyer park at W. Hickory Dr and Lena Ave. and a pedestrian traffic control at Cloverdale and W. Hickory.
Added October 26 2012
Shamrock Bikeway Project #: 12607 November 28, 2012 Page 5
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Boise, Idaho
Bryson & UStick- I think a bike lane is needed and this seems the best option. I am opposed to opening Shamrock.
Added October 26 2012
Concerned about not using existing path through DeMeyer Park, and adding path along South and East edge of the park. Issues: 1. Homes on DeMeyer Park have either no fence, Wrought Iron, or a 3 foot max fence. 6 foot privacy fences are prohibited per the covenent. (DeMeyer Park HOA and the Hickories). 2. Imposes on the SE quadrant eliminating use for Soccer and Football. 3. High water table/ongoing water issues in SE edges of park. (Horticulture Dept addresses it on a regular basis.) Maintenance issue?
Added October 26 2012
The DeMeyer park parking lot gets full at times, so folks park along here. This may put people parking out on the crossing street and cause areas where it would limit driver visibility and biker danger spots.
Added October 26 2012
Please do not run the path along the south side of DeMeyer Park. Utilize the existing path in the park. In doing this, the soccer, football, etc.teams have their areas unaffected. Also, this would put people in the back yards of folks who live on the south side of the park who do not have fences.
Added October 26 2012
Shamrock Bikeway Project #: 12607 November 28, 2012 Page 6
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Boise, Idaho
I am in favor of any and almost all bicycling infrastructure improvements, including construction or modification of existing rights of way, to accommodate bicyclists of all types. A cycling path will also provide pedestrians with a direct route. Given a choice to support one route over the other, I would prefer ACHD take the direct path and develop the unused Shamrock right of way. I do not support the Bryson alternative.
Added October 26 2012
OTHER COMMENTS
In addition to the comments received from the Public Information Meeting and subsequent comment
period, the project team has also discussed other elements and information that should be included
into the alternatives evaluation process. These are:
ACHD’s Bicycle Advisory Committee has endorsed moving forward with implementing the
bikeway concept and identified Alternative 2 as their preferred alternative.
There are additional pieces of information the project team wants to incorporate into
their evaluation process:
o The number and health of trees that would be impacted by each alternative
o The number of other impacts (such as fences, sheds, etc.) for each alternative
o The details regarding the current entitlements and conditions of approval of the
proposed development on the property that is just south of Fairview between
Shamrock and Wildwood (to determine what potential future connections will be
provided through that area)
Exhibit C
FIGURE
1
December 2012
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING / PLANNING NORTH OF USTICK ROAD TREE IMPACTS
LEGEND
Alt. 2 likely path connection (20’ Width)
Tree
Tree Impact
Fence Impact
ACHD Right-of-Way Boundary
Ustick Road
Sh
am
rock B
ou
levard
Sh
am
rock B
ou
levard
Gunsmoke Street
jlucas
Oval
jlucas
Text Box
Potential
N
� � � �� � � � � � �
FIGURE
2
December 2012
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING / PLANNING SOUTH OF USTICK ROAD TREE IMPACTS
Montana Street
Sh
am
rock B
ou
levard
LEGEND
Alt. 2 likely path connection (20’ Width)
Tree
Tree Impact
Shed Impact
Fence Impact
ACHD Right-of-Way Boundary
FIGURE
3
December 2012
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING / PLANNING SHAMROCK SOUTH END TREE IMPACTS
