+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT...

Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT...

Date post: 09-Jun-2018
Category:
Upload: truongngoc
View: 213 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
14
Transcript
Page 1: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other
Page 2: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

BUDGETThe Montana Department of Transportation is investing

$10.2 million in improvements in Missoula’s Rattlesnake neighborhood and surrounding area.

Two 104-foot roundabouts on either side of the Interstate 90 overpass

Native trees, shrubs and grasses

2,000 foot-long sound barrier wall

Pedestrian and bicycle flashing beacon

Site distance improvements

Retaining walls and fencing

Lighting

Irrigation system

Shared-use path connections

Improved sidewalks

Page 3: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

LANDSCAPE

Improving the landscape is an important part of the Van Buren Street Interchange project. Established approximately 40 years ago, current landscaping creates visibility issues and requires a significant amount of water and manpower to maintain. Additionally, the project area is home to a high number of invasive species and unhealthy trees.

As part of the improvements, 53 high-value trees will be planted and 165 existing trees will be preserved. Existing shrubs that create visibility issues for drivers and pedestrians will be removed. Drought-tolerant grasses and native trees will be incorporated to reduce water use and maintenance, ultimately saving Missoula taxpayer dollars. Initial tree and shrub removal began in late March to maintain compliance with Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

In order to build the sound barrier, 21 high-value trees will be removed. However, 53 native trees – Ponderosa Pine and Bur Oak – will be planted to have a healthy urban forest. Ultimately, this will result in 32 additional trees for the neighborhood.

New trees and landscaping will be irrigated with sustainable, climate-sensing irrigation systems. Currently, the interchange contains almost 10 acres of irrigated lawn, designed nearly 50 years ago. This total irrigated area is being reduced to 3.6 acres of low-water turf, native grasses and native trees. The remaining six acres will be non-irrigated dryland grasses and wildflowers.

NEW TREES TO BE PLANTED (Ponderosa Pines and Bur Oaks)

ENVIRONMENTALLY BENEFICIAL EXISTING TREES IN AND NEAR THE PROJECT WILL BE PRESERVED

FAILING OR INVASIVE SPECIES TREES TO BE REPLACED EITHER WITH NEW TREES AND/OR ADDITIONAL SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

VIABLE TREES WILL BE REPLACED AS PART OF IMPROVEMENTS

531656421

AREA LANDSCAPING BY THE NUMBERS

HEALTHY, NATIVE TREES GAINED+32

Page 4: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

MIGRATORY BIRDTREATY ACT

Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other existing landscape to create a safer, more efficient roadway. Removing conflicting landscaping is often one of the first phases of the construction process. Interestingly enough, it is often migratory birds that determine when roadside landscaping can be done.

Initial tree and shrub removal began in late March for the Van Buren Street Interchange project to maintain compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The MBTA protects migratory birds and forbids disturbing or moving their eggs and nests. The Montana Department of Transportation cannot remove trees or shrubs if migratory birds are nesting in them. As a result, landscaping must begin before the birds return in the spring. By removing potential nesting sites before birds come back to Montana, any possible conservation-construction conflict is eliminated and the project can move forward as scheduled.

Once a migratory bird lays eggs in a nest, removing that nest would be considered a “take” under the MBTA and the Montana Department of Transportation must halt clearing trees and shrubs until the bird chicks are able to fly and leave the nests. The Montana Department of Transportation removes trees and shrubs during the non-nesting season in Montana, which could mean months in advance of when roadway work can begin, as seen in the Van Buren Street Interchange project. Completing these removals early in the season ensures roadwork can begin on time and will not interfere with our nesting neighbors.

Page 5: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

ROUNDABOUT CONSTRUCTION

Missoula’s population growth has resulted in increased traffic volumes that far exceed what the current interchange was designed to accommodate. This configuration is least effective during peak hours when traffic is congested and the traveling public must add additional time to their morning and evening commutes. Without updating the Van Buren Street Interchange, which was originally built in 1966, residents will face increasing traffic congestion, longer commute times and a rising risk of crashes.

The Van Buren Street Interchange consists of reconstruction of the Interstate 90/Van Buren Street Interchange to a four-spoke roundabout at the eastbound interstate ramp and another roundabout at the westbound interstate ramp. Each roundabout will be 104 feet with rock and landscaping in the center to provide a beautiful aesthetic to match the lower Rattlesnake neighborhood. The entire Van Buren Street Interchange project will extend from Broadway Street to just south of Poplar Street, with the shared-use path running along the west side of the roadway, while sidewalks will line the east.

Page 6: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

ROUNDABOUTSRoundabouts are safer than traditional intersections – they save lives. Roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Roundabouts also require no electricity, which means that in the event of a power outage, traffic continues to flow and travelers can reach their destination safely. Without electricity implications, roundabouts also are more cost effective to maintain than conventional signalized intersections. The community voiced support for roundabouts during the design phase, ultimately delivering the Van Buren Street Interchange configuration we have today.

WHAT TYPES OF ACCIDENTS DO ROUNDABOUTS REDUCE? ARE THEY REALLY BETTER FOR TRAFFIC FLOW?Roads entering a roundabout are gently curved to direct drivers into the intersection and help them travel counterclockwise around the roundabout. The curved roads and one-way travel around the roundabout reduce the possibility and severity of T-bone and head-on collisions. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, drivers don’t have to wait for a green light at a roundabout to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – so the intersection can handle more traffic in the same amount of time.

With these considerations, the Van Buren Street Interchange project will incorporate roundabouts at the I-90 Van Buren Street Interchange ramp intersections. These roundabouts will help move traffic from all directions more efficiently, resulting in less congestion. By promoting a continuous flow of vehicles, traveling in the same direction, roundabouts reduce driver delays; they also reduce the number of serious crashes.

WHY DOES THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CHOOSE ROUNDABOUTS?

Page 7: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

HOW TO NAVIGATE A ROUNDABOUT

The Van Buren Street Interchange will have two single-lane roundabouts upon completion. Knowing how to properly navigate a roundabout promotes a safe traffic flow for motorized and non-motorized users alike.

First, all must ensure they slowly approach a roundabout. Slowing down is one of the most important steps to safely engage with the roundabout configuration. The Montana Department of Transportation recommends driving speeds in roundabouts to be 15 miles per hour or less.

Second, check for pedestrians and cyclists.

Third, look to the left. Traffic flows in a counterclockwise direction. Yield to vehicles that are in the roundabout already. They have the right of way.

Fourth, stay to the right. Upon entering the roundabout, stay to the right of the center island. Do not stop if the way is clear. Never pass or overtake another vehicle after entering a single lane roundabout.

Fifth, travel around the circle. Vehicles must travel around the circle until the driver has approached the desired street. Drivers should use their right-turn signal to exit the roundabout.

Always watch and yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk or who are waiting to enter the crosswalk.

Page 8: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ROUNDABOUTS

Will trucks be able to travel safely through these roundabouts?Yes. Large vehicles need space. Drivers should give oversized vehicles the space needed to safely commute through the roundabout. Roundabouts are designed to handle all sizes of vehicles, including truck and trailer combinations. The center island of a roundabout is built with a gradually sloped and flat curb. This is called a truck apron. The rear wheels of a large vehicle will cross over the truck apron. Drivers of smaller vehicles should stay safely behind larger vehicles as they complete travel through the roundabout.

Are roundabouts safe for bicyclists and pedestrians?Yes. When driving through a roundabout, vehicles must yield to pedestrians. All pedestrians must cross at the designated crosswalks and should never cross through the center island where landscaping will be planted. Although vehicles are required to stop for pedestrians, pedestrians should always exercise caution when crossing.

The Van Buren Street Interchange has been designed to be bike-friendly for all levels of cyclists. For more advanced riders, cyclists can ride in the traffic of the roundabout with vehicles if they feel comfortable doing so safely. Traffic rules must be obeyed for cyclists

as for motorized vehicles and turning should be clearly signaled. For those who would rather use the shared-use path and sidewalks, options are available. Bike lanes will be added between both roundabouts on Van Buren Street to provide additional roadway space for cyclists traveling north and south.

Will emergency vehicles be able to safely travel through these roundabouts?Yes. If you are in the roundabout and an emergency response vehicle approaches, do not pull over or stop in the roundabout. Continue on through the roundabout and exit as you would normally. Then pull to the right after exiting the roundabout where there is room for the emergency vehicle to pass. If you are approaching the roundabout, pull over if there is room for emergency response to get by. If not, continue through the roundabout and pull over after exiting.

Although roundabouts provide safe and efficient intersections, it is important to recognize special considerations that should be made when traveling through these traffic configurations.

Page 9: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

WHY ROUNDABOUTS AT THE VAN BUREN STREET INTERCHANGE?

A study was conducted by the Montana Department of Transportation in 2004 to evaluate traffic flow of the Van Buren Street Interchange and its relationship to the interstate. At the time, Missoula was growing rapidly and it was evident that the current traffic configuration would not keep pace with increasing use.

The Montana Department of Transportation modeled traffic patterns to identify the safest, most efficient solutions for current and future usage. • A traditional traffic signal and a single lane roundabout were considered for intersection improvement options. • Traffic modeling showed that both options would accommodate the future traffic at the intersections, but the roundabout operated slightly better during most times of the day. • The roundabout also provided for an intersection with the lowest risk of future severe injury and fatal crashes.

The Missoula community strongly suggested the inclusion of a roundabout into the new design. The Orange Street roundabout was modeled similarly and was installed in the summer of 2017. That interchange is functioning successfully. The Van Buren Street Interchange will incorporate many of these same designs.

Traffic coming on and off of the interstate and through the lower Rattlesnake and Broadway intersections was modeled as efficiently navigating through two roundabouts with less queuing and less congestion. Thoughtful planning and significant public input has allowed the Montana Department of Transportation to deliver a safe, researched, modeled, and tested interchange to the Rattlesnake neighborhood.

Page 10: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

SHARED-USE PATH AND SIDEWALK UPGRADES

The Van Buren Street Interchange is located at the gateway of Missoula’s Rattlesnake neighborhood, one of the community’s largest recreation access points. As such, the Van Buren Street Interchange roundabouts have been designed withcareful consideration given to cyclists and pedestrians.

SHARED-USE PATHS A 12-foot wide shared-use path will be included to tie into the existing trail system. The path will be widened to accommodate for increasing usage and high volumes during University of Montana events and game day traffic. The east side of the road will have an 8-foot wide sidewalk. South of Gregory Park, the sidewalks will be moved slightly to the south to better connect with the shared-use path and the new roadway configuration.

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTSSidewalk improvements are also part of the Van Buren Street Interchange project. South of Gregory Park, the sidewalks will be moved slightly to the south to better connect with the shared-use path and the new roadway configuration.

CROSSING LIGHTAdditionally, to create a safer roadway system for all users, a LED Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) will be installed on the southern roundabout for non-motorized users crossing the eastbound on-ramp. This light is pedestrian activated and is set back from the roadway to help drivers see pedestrians and cyclists. These lights enhance safety by increasing driver awareness of pedestrians in the area looking to cross the street. The interchange will also include additional signage and lighting for enhanced safety.

Page 11: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

The Van Buren Street Interchange roadway work began in mid-April and will be completed by the end of November. Final striping and chip sealing will occur in the summer of 2019 when the warmer weather allows the materials to properly cure. In order to have this work done largely in one construction season, traffic will be impacted. Van Buren Street traffic will be controlled by flaggers Monday through Friday outside of the commute hours shown below, which will cause delays.

RAMP CLOSURESIn order to construct both roundabouts, ramp closures will also be in effect from June 4 through August 23. The ramp closures will be staged so that only one ramp is closed at a given time. The general contractor, Knife River, will have 21 calendar days to complete work adjacent to and on two of the ramp sections and 14 calendar days on the other two ramps. This incentivized schedule helps to ensure work is done efficiently and that traffic impacts are reduced as much as possible. Bicycle and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. As with all Montana Department of Transportation projects, emergency responders will always have access through the construction area.

The best times to travel through the Van Buren Street Interchange construction zone are between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the week. Flaggers and traffic control will be in-place including during weekends to complete an aggressive working schedule timeline.

Once construction begins, traffic delays, detours, and closures will go into effect. Planning extra travel time and using alternative routes wherever possible is recommended.

SOUTHBOUND BIKE/PED DETOUR Gregory Park to NW corner Broadway & Van Buren

Page 12: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

WHAT IS A SOUND BARRIER WALL? WHY IS IT BEING INSTALLED?

The Van Buren Street Interchange public planning process began more than 15 years ago. Since that time, there has been tremendous community engagement to deliver the plans we have today. One of the strongest features neighbors advocated for was the inclusion of a sound barrier to damper the sound of interstate traffic for those living in the lower Rattlesnake.

As a result, a 2,064 foot-long sound barrier will be installed later in the summer of 2018. The wall will be 612 feet long near the westbound on-ramp and an additional 1,452 feet-long on the east side of the roadway. At its tallest point, the sound barrier will be 16 feet high. The structure will be made of poured concrete and plexiglass. The plexiglass section will be installed on the existing train overpass and is composed of glass to reduce the weight load on the structure. The poured concrete will have an acid-wash finish on the side facing the neighborhood, while the surface facing the

interstate will have a rock pattern. Both materials will be treated with an anti-graffiti coating to maintain the aesthetic for years to come.

Page 13: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

*Msg & data rates may apply. 1 msg/week. Reply STOP to opt-out anytime. Reply HELP for help. Visit mdt.mt.gov/mdt/security_policy.shtml for terms and privacy policy.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Weekly email updates: Contact Katie [email protected] to subscribe

SMS texting updates: Text VANBUREN to 41411 to subscribe

Project hotline: 406-207-4484 during business hours

Visit www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/vanburen

Listen for radio updates on these local channels: • Mountain Broadcasting (KMSO) 102.5 FM • The Blaze (KBAZ) 96.3 FM • The Trail (KDTR) 103.3 FM • Montana Public Radio 89.1 FM

Updates are available on the following platforms

Page 14: Van Buren Street Interchange Project Open House Display ...€¦ · MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Improving transportation systems often requires the removal of trees, shrubs, or other

Without good roads, bridges, and intersections, traveling safely and efficiently through Montana would be very difficult. Not only would more deaths and injuries occur, it would be harder to do business, visit family or organize public events such as track meets and concerts. Having good roads, bridges, and other transportation systems, and educating drivers how to use them, is critical to building strong communities and a strong state. This is a big job, especially in a huge, rural state with many highways. Fortunately, the public has tasked Montana Department of Transportation with this job. The Montana Department of Transportation is responsible for providing transportation systems and services that are safe and affordable and that protect the environment and support economic growth for our state.

MDT & VISION ZEROZERO DEATHS. ZERO SERIOUS INJURIES.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VISION ZERO AT www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero


Recommended