SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on June 24, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Slavin presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Davis. Mr. Harmon was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Slavin requested that Item # 1 - Proposed Resolution No. 2009-05 - Delaware Alliance for Safe Roads - Truck Weight, be deleted from the agenda pending further conversation with Mr. George Wright of the Delaware League of Local Governments and that Item #4A - Wyoming Mill Road Project, be deleted due to the absence of Mr. Koenig.
Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects
Mr. Gary Laing, Community Relations Officer and Municipal Liaison for DelDOT, provided an update on the following DelDOT projects:
The West Dover Connector
Mr. Laing advised members that there has been no progress on this project for the last several months due to regulatory procedures.
South Governors Avenue Improvements
Mr. Laing advised members that the project is moving slower than anticipated due to weather conditions. He noted that, due to the bridge being higher than the road surface, fill is needed. The type of fill being used needs to compact prior to laying the next layer and that cannot take place in wet weather. Mr. Laing stated that the parapets have been poured and the crews have been working around the area where utility poles need to be moved. He noted that, originally, the project completion date was May or June; however, it is now projected for the end of July.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Laing stated that once the bridge is opened, there will be no more full closures, only lane closures or restrictions.
Water Street Railroad Connector
Mr. Laing stated that he does not anticipate that this project will proceed in the near future. He advised members that the railroad company indicated that undertaking this project would necessitate the closure of another “at-grade” railroad crossing somewhere else in Delaware. Mr. Laing stated that, along with the railroad stipulations, there is also a lack of funding for this project. He indicated that some of the issues in this area will be resolved with the opening of the West Dover Connector.
North State Street Rebuild
Mr. Laing stated DelDOT’s Pavement Management Division sent a survey to the residents of State Street, Queen Street, Division Street, Walker Road, and Loockerman Street last fall asking them if they would be agreeable to nighttime work (based upon Bond Bill Regulations). The public response was that they would not mind.
Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Laing stated he would forward the results of the survey to the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee. He advised members that, at this time, there is no funding for the North State Street Rebuild; however, funds may be available through the American Recovery Act or excess State funds. Mr. Laing noted that the original start date was the fall of 2009; however, he believed the date would be postponed.
Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Laing stated that better crosswalk markings, signs, and street lights would be included in the North State Street Rebuild; however, traffic calming and bump outs near the cemetery would require a design change which would increase the cost.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Laing stated that he would look into the timing of the left-turn light from North State Street onto Division Street.
Briefing on MPO Projects
Mr. James Galvin, Principal Planner with Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), stated that funds for Transportation Studies from DelDOT will be handled through the MPO.
Mr. Galvin advised members that the MPO has applied for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for technical assistance to integrate air quality in land use. He also noted that they are working on services to provide technical assistance at a local level, although it probably will not include Kent County.
Mr. Galvin stated that the Transportation Improvement Plan through 2012 has been approved. He noted that some of the improvement projects include the intersection at Clarence and North Streets thru Lincoln and Forrest Streets, the intersection at Loockerman and Forrest Avenue, and the realignment of Wyoming Mill Road.
Mr. Galvin advised members that a Walkable Communities Workshop was held and it included a walking tour of State Street, Reed Street, Governors Avenue, and North Street to bring public attention to issues regarding pedestrians. He stated that no major issues were identified, with the exception of the brick sidewalks slanting towards the road on State Street, creating difficulties for wheelchairs. Mr. Galvin stated that the Regional Transportation Plan, especially in small cities like Dover, should consider making areas more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
Mr. Galvin stated that Kent County has agreed to include the population household projections provided by MPO through the Transportation Improvement Study for their approval process for outside work.
Ms. Wieczoreck, Executive Director of the Dover/Kent County MPO, provided an update on the latest plan for the North Dover Study. She advised members that a request was made to provide a second alternative for a link between Crawford Carroll Avenue at Lowe’s to College Road. Ms. Wieczoreck advised members that the MPO received comments from the Delaware State University College of Agriculture regarding environmentally sensitive areas on the southern side of the college. She noted that the proposed alignment included a section of woods that is used for environmental education, and there were also concerns regarding student and faculty access. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the proposed alternate route, which was adopted by the MPO Council, will be on the north side of the campus. She also noted that the connector at Crawford Carroll Avenue to the north entrance of the Dover Mall between the Furniture and More store and the former Circuit City building was changed. Ms. Wieczoreck advised members that the connector was shown going through the existing agricultural ponds which where going to be relocated; however, the cost exceeded $6 million dollars; therefore, an alternate route around the ponds was proposed.
Ms. Wieczoreck advised members that the Regional Transportation Plan has been approved and will be ready for publication shortly. She noted that an executive summary will be available to those who prefer a shorter version of the plan.
Mr. Davis moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hogan and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:34 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy A. Slavin
Chairman
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