TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Transportation Review Committee met on January 13, 2004 at 12:00 noon, with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Councilman Ritter (departed at 1:15 p.m.) and Mr. Asay. Councilman Pitts and Mr. Ornauer were absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Ruane requested the addition of item #5-2, Pedestrian Planned Workshop (Mr. Asay) and item F., Truck Noise, under Updates. He also requested that item #2, DART - GoLink Night Service, be deferred due to the absence of Mr. Ray Miller of DelDOT.
Mr. Asay moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Ritter and unanimously carried.
CONSIDERATION OF DELDOT RESPONSE - NORTH STREET AT STATE STREET INTERSECTION STUDY - PROJECT NOMINATION FORM/TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION
During their Regular Meeting of October 21, 2003, members discussed the possibility of installing signs restricting left-hand turns during peak periods.
Noting that the City had not contacted merchants to obtain their feelings, Mr. Laing, DelDOT Municipal Liaison, indicated DelDOT’s reluctance to install signs that could cause confusion to motorists, since the signs may be taken down. He explained that when this type of action takes place, motorists are not sure if the signs have been vandalized and are missing or if the restriction has truly been removed.
After much discussion, Mr. Laing stated that he would determine if DelDOT was willing to assume the responsibility for conducting the study and report back to members.
Members were provided correspondence from Mr. Laing, dated November 10, 2003 (Attachment #1), indicating that DelDOT would have to conduct a full traffic study before agreeing to any restriction. This action will take both time and fiscal resources to accomplish. Mr. Laing requested that if the City made a formal request of DelDOT to conduct such a study, that the City prioritize this against other projects that have been requested of DelDOT.
Mr. Laing advised members that their data indicates that a number of the accidents that occur at the North and State Street intersection are attributed to drivers not seeing the traffic light. He noted that a “no left turn” sign would be located in approximately the same area and may be as difficult to see. Mr. Laing stated that the combination of the traffic light and the “no left turn” sign could increase the number of accidents that occur at that intersection. Mr. Laing also advised members that this traffic light would be included in the DelTrac system. Mr. Ruane stated that the North and State Street intersection could also be addressed in the West Dover Connector Study.
Mr. Laing noted that prohibiting left turns at this intersection not only affects this intersection, but a number of surrounding intersections as well.
Responding to Mr. Asay, Mr. DePrima stated that the 1993 study of this intersection did not recommend turn restrictions. It was recommended that the traffic signal lenses be increased from 8" to 12" to make them more visible. He noted that the study also suggested mast arms; however, due to the historic nature of the area, the City chose not to replace the lamp-post style lights. It was Mr. Ritter’s feeling that safety was more important than historical light poles. Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), indicated that they did have Victorian style mast arms. Mr. DePrima advised members that funds were included in the 2005 CIP for upgrading street lights.
Mr. Ritter suggested removing the trees blocking the traffic lights. Mr. Laing stated that the biggest visibility problems are caused by the buildings, not the trees. Mr. DePrima noted that the road is narrow, the intersection is tight, and the traffic lights block each other.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that she had funds budgeted for a study; however, it would require 20 percent in matching funds, probably less than $5,000, from State or local funds. She noted that she would need written verification that the City had obtained the matching funds before she could proceed with the study. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that she would ask the consultant to provide an estimate of the cost.
Mr. Ritter moved to direct the City Manager to send a letter to the Dover/Kent County MPO stating that the City of Dover would like to conduct a traffic study of the intersection of North and State Streets, to include the possibility of eliminating left-hand turns onto North Street and addressing the safety issues at the intersection (Attachment #2). The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Mr. Laing reiterated that surrounding intersections would be affected by eliminating left-hand turns; therefore, the surrounding intersections should be included in the study. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the engineer would take that into consideration in the study.
SR9 DESIGNATION AS SCENIC HIGHWAY (ORNAUER)
The Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation invited nominations for a State Scenic and Historic Highway. The six (6) qualities required for a Scenic and Historical Highway designation are scenic, historic, natural, recreational, archaeological, and cultural.
An ad-hoc steering group began exploring the possibility of a scenic and historic designation for SR 9 from New Castle to Dover Air Force Base.
Mr. Ruane stated that he called Mr. Tim Plemmons, Chairman of the ad-hoc group, who relayed their enthusiastic support for SR 9. He also noted that there is fairly significant local support for the nomination of SR 9, including the Kent County Board of Tourism. Members were provided with two (2) examples of Resolutions in support of the nomination of SR 9.
Responding to Mr. Ritter, Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the only drawback would be a restriction on outdoor advertising along SR 9. Existing signs would be grand fathered and would be permitted to remain. She also stated that improvements to the roadway would be restricted to the existing right-of-way and would preclude any widening of the road.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend adoption of a Resolution in support of SR 9's nomination to the State scenic and historic highway program (Attachment #3). The motion was seconded by Mr. Ritter and unanimously carried.
KENT COUNTY MPO
PAC/TAC Report
Members were provided a copy of the Resolution to Support Reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, which was adopted by the Dover/Kent County MPO on January 7, 2004.
Mr. DePrima suggested that if Dover were to adopt a resolution it should include suballocation of the SEMAC fund. Mr. Ruane requested Mr. DePrima to provide a proposed resolution, tailored to the City of Dover, for consideration at the next meeting.
Transportation System Use and Improvement Survey
The Dover/Kent County MPO distributed a Transportation System Use and Improvement Survey in order to obtain information to update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the survey was being distributed by students at various locations. She also noted that the survey is available on their website and would be included in their next newsletter.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that a tour of transportation improvement program candidate projects for the 2005 program would be conducted on Saturday, January 24, 2004.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the appropriate time for the City to provide comment would be once the initial program is developed. She encouraged all Council and committee members to participate in the survey individually.
Mr. DePrima noted that the portion of College Road from behind Delaware State University to the highway was never recommended for a study by the City. The actual recommendation was for a study of Salisbury Road to Kenton Road. Mr. DePrima advised members that Clarence Street should be included in the TIP since it involves federal funding and is actually an economic development project rather than a transportation project.
Pedestrian Plan Workshop
Mr. Asay advised members that DelDOT held a workshop to obtain public input on the decision making process for DelDOT to set guidelines for pedestrian facilities. He stated that another public workshop would be held sometime in the future.
Mr. Ruane noted that Ms. Melson, Interim Planning Director, was interviewed by the DelDOT consultants regarding the development of guidelines. He indicated that it would be beneficial if the consultants could meet with the Public Works Director, Mr. Koenig, since he is aware of the status of the roadway and pedestrian amenities in the City. He noted that the consultant indicated that DelDOT would have to extend their resources in order for them to conduct another interview. Mr. Ruane suggested that staff determine if there is a correlation between what DelDOT is proposing and the City of Dover requirements. He thought it could be an opportunity to influence DelDOT’s process and achieve compatibility.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the State has expanded the Enhancement Program from $3M per year to $14M per year. She noted that pedestrian sidewalk projects would fall into this category.
Mr. Asay advised members that he and Mr. Steve Lee of the Planning Department are reviewing City maps in an effort to improve the bicycle and pedestrian path connections within the City.
UPDATES
Members were provided the following updates:
Eden Hill Farm and Proposed Extension of Saulsbury Road
Mr. Ruane reminded members that DelDOT would be holding a workshop on the West Dover Connector/Salisbury Road Extension on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at the Dover Elk’s Lodge between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Division Street Railroad Tracks
Mr. DePrima advised members that work had not yet begun on the removal of the railroad tracks. He indicated that the cold weather is delaying paving projects.
Clarence Street
Mr. DePrima stated that the Clarence Street project was not yet complete.
College Road and Extension of Crawford Carroll Road
Mr. Ruane stated that he would like clarification on the correlation of the merging of the civic center project with Delaware State University’s (DSU) stadium/wellness center project. Mr. DePrima advised members that Dr. Sessoms, President of DSU, feels that the two (2) projects should be co-located for many reasons. He noted that DSU has agreed to pay for the arena consultants to develop programming and provide estimated revenues and operating expenses. The Civic Center Corporation has contracted with the Architect Engineers to do a site location between the Sheraton Hotel and the main campus of DSU to determine where the project would fit. Mr. DePrima stated that a report should be ready within 45 days. He stated that the extension of Crawford Carroll Road was critical to this project. He noted that, if the civic center/stadium project is not built, Dr. Sessoms is still committed to the idea of the road extension linking DSU with Delaware Tech.
Traffic Studies
SR1/Route 8 (Laing)
Mr. Ruane stated that he attended a meeting of the Edgehill Civic Association and they were taken aback that they would not be given an opportunity to vote on traffic calming measures. He noted that a delegation would approach DelDOT on the matter. Mr. Laing stated that they were contacted by some citizens and they were provided with information and were requested to provide their feedback on the information.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Laing stated that the data does not show a need for traffic calming devices; therefore, it was not necessary for the citizens to vote on which devices to use. He noted that traffic speeds had decreased since the opening of the interchange and it was hard to make a case for traffic calming devices when the traffic is already calm. Mr. Laing stated that the residents feel the biggest problem is the cut-through traffic between White Oak Road and Division Street.
Mr. DePrima suggested that DelDOT provide documentation that a meeting and workshop were held, offer the findings, and give the community the opportunity to react. Mr. Laing stated that he would work on providing closure for the citizens.
East Dover Housing Development Projects (Laing)
Mr. Lee stated that one project had been resubmitted and the other projects are being submitted for extensions.
Mr. Ruane stated that the preliminary data on the impact of SR1/Route 8 and the three (3) proposed developments indicated that there would be a significant increase in traffic. He questioned when the final report would be complete for use by the Planning Commission in reviewing the projects. Members discussed the importance of Traffic Impact Studies when new developments are proposed throughout the City.
Chestnut Grove Farm - Planning Commission Recommendation for Traffic Study (50.8+/- acres property is proposed for annexation into City) - Located on South Side of Chestnut Grove Road (County Road #158) West of Sweetgum Drive and Kenton Road
Mr. Ruane advised members that the Planning Commission, in their review of the annexation request for lands of Chestnut Grove Farm, has included the recommendation that a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) be completed prior to site development application for the subdivision of land so that area transportation concerns may be addressed, if necessary.
Mr. Koenig stated that although the development, as proposed, does not warrant a TIS by DelDOT, the City can submit such a request to DelDOT. He explained that the TIS simply indicates the inadequacies of the roadways and infrastructure, which are DelDOT’s responsibility. Mr. Koenig advised members that the City has submitted a Transportation Improvement Project to the MPO and DelDOT that includes the realignment of the Kenton Road/Chestnut Grove Road Intersection and that any further studies may be required by the developer.
Truck Noise
Due to the absence of the City Manager, the report on the truck noise was deferred until February 10, 2004.
Meeting adjourned by Chairman Ruane.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:41 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Correspondence Dated November 10, 2004 - Laing
Attachment #2 - Correspondence - North and State Street Intersection
Attachment #3 - Resolution in Support of SR 9's Nomination to the State Scenic and Historic Highway Program