STAGE 0 FEASIBILITY STUDY SCOPE OF SERVICES

STAGE 0 FEASIBILITY STUDY SCOPE OF SERVICES Access Management and Complete Streets Improvements for US 90 and LA 611 from Causeway Boulevard to the Je...
Author: Wilfrid Dean
1 downloads 0 Views 245KB Size
STAGE 0 FEASIBILITY STUDY SCOPE OF SERVICES Access Management and Complete Streets Improvements for US 90 and LA 611 from Causeway Boulevard to the Jefferson / Orleans Parish Line Jefferson, Louisiana State Project No. H.012523 RPC Project No. Ochsner1 1.0 INTRODUCTION Ochsner Medical Center (Ochsner) is in the process of launching an expansion of existing facilities and adding new facilities to their North and West Main Campus located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The Ochsner Master Plan will include facility expansion to the Main Campus building on the south side of Jefferson Highway, new facilities and parking structures for the North Campus on the north side of Jefferson Highway and the development of a new West Campus that will include a medical rehabilitation facility and associated office space and support services along with a mix of retail. Once fully implemented the program will result in an increase of employees, patients and visitors to the study area. Ochsner is developing a Transportation Master Plan to support the full master plan buildout. This Stage “0” feasibility analysis will make recommendations to improve operational effectiveness, accessibility to adjacent master plan build land uses by vehicular and non-motorized modes, safety and beautification along the corridor. The analysis will consider LA DOTD Access Management Policies and Complete streets policies inclusive of vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, and transit elements. 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The purpose of this project is to identify improvements needed within the study area to facilitate expansion of the Ochsner campus. The study area is bound by Earhart to the North, River Road to the South, Causeway to the West, Montecello to the East and La 611 (River Road) between Causeway Boulevard and the Jefferson / Orleans Parish Line which includes the US 90 Corridor. The objective is to increase transportation, modal efficiency and enhance safety for all users of the roadway along the @ 1.75 mile section of existing US 90 and La 611 (River Road) from Causeway Boulevard to the Jefferson / Orleans Parish Line. The existing US 90 roadway section is a six lane roadway with a median that varies between 28 and 36 feet in width. The existing La 611 roadway section is a two lane undivided roadway approximately 26 feet in width. The work shall consist of conceptual design and cost estimates for geometric, signalization, or other proposed physical improvements, consistent with the latest DOTD Access Management and Complete Streets policies. Additionally, the consultant will take into consideration major transportation improvement projects that are currently being planned or under design by either the Parish of Jefferson or LA DOTD. These projects include:  Earhart/Causeway Interchange  Dakin Street Ramp from Earhart Expressway to Jefferson Highway  Dakin Street Connector Airline Drive to Jefferson Highway  Causeway Blvd/Jefferson Highway Intersection 1



Location of a new Transit Transfer Station

In addition to the complexity of vehicular transportation issues in the corridor, improved facilities for pedestrians and bicycle riders is critical. There is an overall need for vehicular, transit, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, and corridor beautification. There is also an opportunity to address localized flooding problems and establish a strong, economically vital center for this growing medical, business, and retail area of Jefferson Parish. 3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES The Consultant will prepare a Stage 0 Feasibility and Traffic Study based on an assessment of where vehicles are entering the study area and further evaluation of traditional intersection capacity improving measures such as selective widening for additional through traffic, improvement of existing turn lanes, and traffic signal timing and coordination improvements. The study will examine concepts that will improve the safety and efficiency of the roadway consistent with the latest LADOTD policies related to access management, and complete streets. Specific access management features to be examined will include (but not limited to) modifications to Jefferson Highway/Causeway Interchange and upgrades to Deckbar, the appropriateness of a six lane, median divided section along the length of the corridor with “J-turns” at appropriate locations, median U-turns, signalization of intersections, and/or a corridor of roundabouts. Existing and projected (based on Ochsner expansion plans) pedestrian circulation patterns will be analyzed to determine locations and designs of pedestrian facilities, including walkways and crosswalks. Specific complete streets features to be examined will include the review and recommendation to implement best practice bicycle and pedestrian treatments and safety features where feasible and practicable per DOTD’s Complete Streets policy. To address the localized flooding that is known to occur all along Jefferson Highway and the adjacent neighborhoods in the corridor, opportunities for green infrastructure to manage stormwater will be identified, sized for excess runoff, and designed to support beautification and an improved, positive visual image of the corridor. The Consultant will provide services required to conduct the study described above and will include analysis, evaluation and documentation of the proposed project concepts and the selection of a preferred concept. Data collection and research for the selected concept will be developed to a sufficient level of detail to define the major design features, determine physical feasibility of the proposed improvements and anticipated right-of-way needs. The consultant will assess the various concepts for operational effectiveness and safety. 3.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RPC and the Consultant will convene at the onset of the project to identify stakeholders for participation in the Project Management Committee (PAC). The PAC should, at the least, include representatives from the Jefferson Parish Department of Engineering, LADOTD District 02, Traffic Engineering Management Section of LADOTD, Jefferson Parish Planning Department, representatives of Ochsner Medical Center, Jefferson Economic Development Commission, and area Transit System Operators. Additionally, the Consultant will, as appropriate and as directed by RPC, conduct meetings with elected officials and other appropriate stakeholders to identify priorities and determine a course of action for the project, and will meet with them as needed during the course of the project, following RPC approval. 2

3.2 SITE INVESTIGATION The Consultant will conduct a project site visit. The site visit shall consist of gathering sufficient field information for developing an understanding of the physical, engineering, and environmental features of the site and will include site conditions recordation (i.e. pictures, etc.). Data to be collected during the site visit will include, but not be limited to land use, structure type and vacancy status for structures within the vicinity of concepts; environmental conditions; utility types and vendor, and cultural resources. The Consultant will have on hand for the site visit appropriate aerials or other base maps for the identification of required data. The Consultant will also research and coordinate with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Regional Planning Commission to obtain the Right of Way (ROW) maps for all potential areas of improvements as well as coordination with the Jefferson Parish Public Works Department and utility companies for location and evaluation of existing utilities and transportation rights-of-way. The site visit will have representatives from the Consultant, DOTD, RPC, and the Parish. The Jefferson Parish Planning Department will be consulted to ensure compliance with the Parish Comprehensive Plan and the recently adopted Bicycle Master Plan. Available drainage studies and information will be resourced for determining flooding issues in the corridor. Sub-watersheds and catchment areas will be mapped and modeled to identify the areas of localized flooding during heavy rainstorms, and to develop a plan for mitigating localized flooding using green infrastructure. 3.3 TRAFFIC STUDY Traffic data needed for this project shall consist of AM, Midday and PM peak period intersection turning movements collected in 2015 and 2016 on behalf of Ochsner in conjunction with internal Master Planning and additional traffic data needed for the study to be provided by the Consultant. This will include peak hour turning movement traffic counts on all approaches of existing signalized intersections and major stop-controlled intersections for the AM, Midday and PM peak periods. The intersections for which additional field data will be collected are as follows: A. Data Collection Intersection Turning Movement Count Locations ( 6 hours): 1. US 90 @ Rio Vista Ave 2. US 90 @ Jules Ave 3. US 90 @ Brooklyn Ave 4. US 90 @ Dakin St 5. La 611 @ Jules Ave 6. La 611 at Brooklyn Ave 7. La 611 @ Dakin Intersection Turning Movement Count Locations (2 hours, midday only): 1. Laura at Deckbar 2. Maine at River Road

3

B . Seven Day 24 Hour Machine Counts: 1. US 90 between Causeway Blvd and Deckbar Ave 2. US 90 between Deckbar Ave and Jules Ave 3. US 90 between Jules Ave and Brooklyn Ave 4. US 90 between Brooklyn Ave and Dakin St 5. La 611 between Causeway Blvd and Deckbar Ave 6. La 611 between Deckbar Ave and Brooklyn Ave 7. La 611 between Brooklyn Ave and Dakin St C. 15 minute spot counts The Consultant will also be responsible for collecting 15 minute turning movement counts at side streets and major driveway locations (up to 50) along the US 90 study corridor for input into the access management evaluation. D. Other Data and Figure Preparation Recently collected data for the study will be used for the following intersections included in the study area: 1. US 90 at Deckbar 2. US 90 at Betz 3. US 90 at Diboll 4. LA 611 at Deckbar 5. LA 611 at Betz 6. LA 611 at Diboll 7. US 90 at the Hospital Prote-Cochere Entry/Exit Drives 8. US 90 at the North Campus Entry/Exsit Drive 9. LA 611 at the Emergency Entrance/Service Drive 10. LA 611 at Cancer Center Entrance/Exit Drive 11. US 90 at Labarre 12. US 90 at Maine/Claiborne 13. US 90 at Causeway 14. LA 611 at Labarre 15. LA 611 at Maine St 16. LA 611 at Causeway Any historical traffic data available within the study area shall be provided by Jefferson Parish, LADOTD and RPC. Existing Traffic Signal Inventory (TSI) forms and/or controller programming data will be requested from LADOTD District 02 and Jefferson Parish. The Consultant will be responsible for filling any gaps in the TSI database to determine existing operation of existing traffic signals within the study area. Traffic data will be reviewed for consistency and accuracy 4

and the resulting AM, Midday and PM peak design hour volumes will be presented in graphical form. E. Trip Generation, Traffic Assignments and Forecasting The Consultant will utilize the RPC regional travel demand model output to assist in trip generations, traffic assignments and forecasting future traffic volume demands for the following scenarios. 1. 2016 Base Conditions 2. 2021 No Build (with Ochsner Expansion) 3. 2021 Build Alternative (Maximum of 3 Concepts) 4. 2041 No Build Alternative (with Ochsner Expansion) 5. 2041 Build Alternative (Maximum of 3 Concepts) RPC will conduct TRANSCAD modeling for the scenarios listed that will include all improvements recommended in the current financially constrained transportation plan. RPC will provide model information on the study area street network, including vehicular lanes and average daily traffic volumes for review and verification. The Consultant will utilize model outputs to create intersection flow diagrams for A.M., Mid-Day, and P.M. periods and transit, as follows: o

Vehicular Lanes (for verification)

o

Average Daily Traffic Volumes

o

AM Period Intersection Flow Diagrams

o

Midday Period Intersection Flow Diagrams

o

PM Period Intersection Flow Diagrams

o

Transit data (if relevant)

The Consultant will utilize the model output, trip generation for Ochsner expansion and known projects as well as engineering judgement to develop AM, Midday and PM turning movement counts at the subject intersections for the various scenarios. The Consultant will prepare Figures to graphically represent these numbers. F. Traffic Analyses Traffic analyses will be performed for the study area for the following scenarios. 1. 2016 Base Conditions (3 peaks) 2. 2021 No Build (with Ochsner Expansion) (2 highest peaks) 3. 2021 Build Alternative (Maximum of 3 Concepts) (2 highest peaks) 4. 2041 No Build Alternative (with Ochsner Expansion) (2 highest peaks) 5. 2041 Build Alternative (Maximum of 3 Concepts) (2 highest peaks) The analyses for each of the scenarios listed above will be performed using Synchro or Sidra 5.1 as appropriate. For roundabout alternatives, Sidra 5.1 will be utilized as described in LADOTD’s “Roundabout Analysis: Required Settings and Standards for SIDRA 5.1”. Not every intersection will be analyzed for every scenario, for every peak. The major intersections and minor ones that 5

are impacted by the alternative will be analyzed for comparison purposes. Right-in/right-out intersections will not be analyzed unless the volumes are high and significant delay is expected. 3.4 DESIGN CRITERIA The Consultant will prepare a table of design criteria to be included in the report documenting the design criteria that will be used in developing all geometrics. Evaluation of alternative line and grade studies will also be conducted on specific improvements identified within the study. Appropriate intersection analysis software will be employed to analyze existing and recommended intersection, roundabout, traffic signal modifications, and corridor operations. Evaluation of impacts to R.O.W. and utility deposition will be included. 3.5 CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION The Consultant will develop and evaluate concepts, based on agency and stakeholder input, to increase operational intersection capacity along US 90 between Causeway Boulevard and the Jefferson / Orleans Parish Line. Traditional capacity analysis and widening techniques will be evaluated as well as new opportunities to provide access opportunities into and out of the district. Should roundabouts be determined to be feasible, geometric details of the roundabout shall be developed in accordance with EDSM V.1.1.6. Based on concepts for roadway improvements, analysis of pedestrian and bicycle circulation needs, and stormwater runoff analysis, pedestrian, bicycle, and green infrastructure facilities will be planned and conceptually designed, including section drawings and calculations. 3.6 TYPICAL SECTIONS The Consultant will prepare typical road sections and intersection geometrics for proposed improvements where appropriate. The Consultant will provide a conceptual plan view of proposed alternatives on an aerial map with available R.O.W. information in order to determine the feasibility and cost of proposed improvements. Evaluation on impacts to existing utility infrastructure will be included. 3.7 SAFETY ANALYSIS The Consultant shall perform a Safety Analysis for each alternative. The Consultant shall compare the number and type of conflict points of each alternative to the existing condition. The Consultant shall also compare the combined prediction method also for each alternative. Deliverables from this analysis will include a comparison chart with number of conflict points for each alternative and combined crash modification factors. 3.8 OPINION OF PROBABILITY COST The Consultant will develop a preliminary cost estimate for each proposed project concept, as agreed to in discussions with the RPC and PMC. 3.9 PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REVIEW At the appropriate time and following direction from RPC, the Consultant will organize and convene Project Management Committee meetings (a total of four) to provide the Consultant with guidance on the purpose and need for the project and technical review of the alternative development concepts.

6

These reviews will occur at the beginning of the project, at the concept development stage, following any changes or modifications to the development concepts, and review of the draft report. 3.10 FINAL REPORT Upon review and approval by RPC, the Consultant will provide ten (10) bound copies of the Final Stage 0 Feasibility Study Report signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer. A .pdf version of the final report, including appendices and maps, will also be provided on a compact disc. Other deliverables will include • Synchro Files • SIDRA Files • Turning movement and 24 hour counts 3.11 TIMELINE The Consultant must complete all work within twelve months from the issuance of Notice To Proceed. The Notice to Proceed will be issued by RPC. 3.12 PROJECT BUDGET The Project Budget is $290,000.

7