Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO ... · 2/1/2014 · The minutes of the January 9, 2014, MPO Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) meeting and MPO TTC Planning

Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Dallas County, Des Moines, DART, Grimes, Johnston, Mitchellville, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Urbandale, Warren County, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights.

The MPO receives federal funding and may not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, or national origin, according to Title VI of the Civil

Rights Act of 1964. For more information or to obtain a Title VI Complaint form, call 515-334-0075.

NOTICE OF MEETING

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Technical Committee (TTC)

*************************** 9:30 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2014

Des Moines Area MPO Burnham Conference Room ***************************

TENTATIVE AGENDA

1. Call To Order 2. VOTE: Approval of Agenda 3. VOTE: Approval of Meeting Minutes ....................................................................................... Page 2

Approve the January 9, 2014, TTC meeting minutes. Approve the January 9, 2014, TTC Planning Subcommittee meeting minutes.

4. PRESENTATION: Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Feasibility Study Update ................ Page 9 Presentation from the project study team.

5. PRESENTATION: Iowa Department of Transportation Project Updates ........................... Page 10 Updates from the Iowa DOT regarding the Beaver Drive bridge replacements and the Northeast Systems

Interchange. 6. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Priority Projects for the 2014 Washington, D.C., Trip ... Page 11

Report on regional priority projects for the annual Greater Des Moines Partnership book and trip to Washington D.C.; consider approval.

7. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Federal Fiscal Year 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program Revision Requests………………………………………………………………….……Page 13

Report on requested revisions to the Federal Fiscal Years 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program; consider approval.

8. REPORT: Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program Development Schedule .................................................................................................................................. Page 16

Report on the process to develop the Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program.

9. REPORT: Mobilizing Tomorrow Update ............................................................................... Page 17 Report on the development of Mobilizing Tomorrow, the MPO’s next long-range transportation plan.

10. REPORT: Bridge Condition Analysis ................................................................................... Page 18 Report on bridge condition data analysis for the MPO Planning area.

11. REPORT: Energy Efficiency Through Transportation Planning Grant Update ................. Page 21 Report on a grant award from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

12. REPORT: Retroreflectivity Plan Draft .................................................................................... Page 22 Report on a draft of a plan to address Federal regulations on retroreflectivity.

13. REPORT: Des Moines Area Rail Port Study Update............................................................. Page 23 Report on the progress of the Des Moines Area Rail Port Study.

14. INFORMATION: New Representative Orientation ............................................................... Page 24 Information about an orientation for new MPO representatives.

15. Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee 16. Next Meeting Date

9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014, Des Moines Area MPO Office. 17. Adjournment

Agenda Report

MPO Transportation Technical Committee

© FY 2014 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use.

February 2014 Item No. 3

ISSUE: Approval of Meeting Minutes

VOTE: Consider approval of the January 9, 2014, MPO Transportation Technical Committee meeting minutes and the January 9, 2014, MPO Transportation Technical Committee Planning Subcommittee meeting minutes.

BACKGROUND:

The minutes of the January 9, 2014, MPO Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) meeting and MPO TTC Planning Subcommittee meeting are enclosed on the following pages.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the minutes of the January 9, 2014, MPO TTC meeting and MPO TTC Planning Subcommittee meeting.

STAFF CONTACT:

Jennifer Ratcliff, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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© FY 2014 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use.

MEETING MINUTES

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Technical Committee (TTC)

9:30 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2014 Des Moines Area MPO Burnham Conference Room

The MPO TTC held a meeting at 9:30 a.m., on January 9, 2014, at the Des Moines Area MPO Burnham

Conference Room. Before the meeting, the MPO staff emailed agenda packets to the TTC representatives and posted the agenda at the MPO office at 3:53 p.m., January 2, 2014.

Representatives Present: Vern Villey II, City of Altoona John Shaw, City of Altoona Paul Moritz, City of Ankeny John Peterson, City of Ankeny Eric Jensen, City of Ankeny Lori Dunham, City of Bondurant Jeff Schug, City of Carlisle Matt McQuillen, City of Clive Jim Hagelie, City of Clive Jennifer Bohac, City of Des Moines Jeb Brewer, City of Des Moines Bert Drost, City of Des Moines Anthony Filippini, Des Moines Regional Transit Authority Julia Castillo, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Mike Clayton, Iowa Department of Transportation* Tracy Troutner, Federal Highway Administration* John Gade, City of Grimes David Cubit, City of Johnston David Wilwerding, City of Johnston Tom Leners, Madison County** Wayne Patterson, City of Mitchellville Luke Parris, City of Norwalk Ben Champ, City of Pleasant Hill Dennis Dietz, City of Polk City Bret VandeLune, Polk County Paul Dekker, City of Urbandale Dave McKay, City of Urbandale John Larson, City of Urbandale Matt Thomas, Warren County Ben Landhauser, City of Waukee Brad Deets, City of Waukee Duane Wittstock, City of West Des Moines Joe Cory, City of West Des Moines Kara Tragesser, City of West Des Moines Sheena Danzer, City of Windsor Heights

Representatives Absent: Anthony Bellizzi, City of Cumming** Murray McConnell, Dallas County Bryan Belt, Des Moines International Airport Chuck Burgin, City of Indianola** Kurt Bailey, Polk County Mark Bechtel, Federal Transit Administration* * Non-Voting, Advisory Representative ** Non-Voting, Associate Representative Others Present: Brynn Hansen, Public Staff Present: Todd Ashby, Executive Director Jennifer Ratcliff, Executive Assistant Dylan Mullenix, Principal Transportation Planner Nathan Goldberg, Senior Transportation Planner Bethany Wilcoxon, Senior Transportation Planner Zach Young, Senior Transportation Planner Teva Dawson, Senior Transportation Planner Aaron Bartling, Associate Transportation Planner

3


1. Call to Order

MPO TTC Chair Ben Champ recognized a quorum and called the January 9, 2014, meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

(John Shaw arrives at 9:33 a.m.)

2. Approval of Agenda

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the MPO TTC’s January 9, 2014,

meeting agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Approval of Meeting Minutes

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the MPO TTC December 5, 2013,

meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (Paul Moritz arrives at 9:34 a.m.)

4. Election of Calendar Year 2014 Officers

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the Calendar Year 2014 Nominating Committee’s recommendation for the Transportation Technical Committee’s Chair and Vice-Chair positions.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority

MPO staff presented; discussion on item 5.

(John Larson arrives at 9:36 a.m.)

6. Traffic Incident Management Plan


7. Retroreflectivity Standards


8. Transportation Management Association Overview


9. Energy Efficiency Through Transportation Planning


10. Federal Fiscal Year 2018 Surface Transportation Program Projects

MPO staff presented; discussion on item 10. 11. Federal Fiscal Year 2018 Transportation Alternatives Program Projects

MPO staff presented; discussion on item 11. 12. Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines

MPO staff presented; discussion on item 12. 13. Mobilizing Tomorrow Update

MPO staff presented; no discussion on item 13. 14. Calendar Year 2014 Subcommittee Appointments

TTC Chair presented; no discussion on item 14. 15. Crash Data Analysis

MPO staff presented; no discussion on item 15.

4


16. Executive Director Annual Review

TTC Chair presented; no discussion on item 16. 17. Urban Land Institute Iowa District Council

MPO staff presented; no discussion on item 17. 18. Next Meeting Date

9:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 6, 2014, Des Moines Area MPO Burnham Conference Room.

19. Adjournment MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the MPO TTC’s January 9, 2014;

TTC Chair Champ adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5


MEETING MINUTES

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Technical Committee Planning Subcommittee

10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2014 Des Moines Area MPO Meeting Burnham Conference Room

Des Moines, Iowa Members Present: John Peterson, City of Ankeny David Wilwerding, City of Johnston Ben Champ, City of Pleasant Hill Kara Tragesser, City of West Des Moines Bret VandeLune, Polk County Members Absent: Jim Tishim, DART Mike Ludwig, City of Des Moines * Non-voting Representative

Staff Present: Todd Ashby, Executive Director Dylan Mullenix, Principal Transportation Planner Zach Young, Senior Transportation Planner Nathan Goldberg, Senior Transportation Planner Bethany Wilcoxon, Senior Transportation Planner Aaron Bartling, Associate Transportation Planner Others Present: Tony Filippini, DART Bert Drost, City of Des Moines Luke Parris, City of Norwalk

1. Call to Order Subcommittee Chair John Peterson called the January 9, 2014, meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

2. Approval of Agenda

MOTION: Ben Champ moved and Kara Tragesser seconded approval of the

January 9, 2014, agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Overview of Planning Subcommittee Responsibilities

MPO staff provided an overview of tasks the subcommittee is expected to participate in on a regular basis. These activities include various tasks related to the long-range plan development, The Tomorrow Plan’s implementation, project scoring and development, identifying planning studies for inclusion in the annual Unified Planning Work Program, and general land use-transportation coordination.

4. City of Norwalk Federal Fiscal Year 2018 Surface Transportation Program

Application for Planning Study MPO staff noted that the City of Norwalk applied for $50,000 in STP funds through the planning studies category. This application is the first planning study application, and the STP Funding Guidelines state that the Planning Subcommittee shall review the application to determine the project’s eligibility. MPO staff clarified that the Planning Subcommittee is only asked to determine if the project is eligible; if eligible, the project can move on in the process to be considered for funding by the STP Funding Subcommittee.

6


Luke Parris, City of Norwalk, provided a brief presentation about the study area and the study purpose. Discussion ensued regarding how the study area fits within The Tomorrow Plan’s Nodes and Corridors concept. MPO staff explained that The Tomorrow Plan did call for the creation of a Design Node Assistance (DNA) program that would provide funds to assist planning the node areas. The MPO has approved funding for the DNA program; however, that funding will not begin for a few more years. Planning Subcommittee members agreed that it should work to develop a process for the DNA program and clarify a process for future planning study requests. The Planning Subcommittee discussed the merits of the Norwalk project, with some questioning whether it was a project of regional significance. Planning Subcommittee representatives noted that because they were only determining eligibility and not recommending funding, they were more inclined to deem the project eligible to continue in the process but should work to clarify a process for reviewing future funding requests. MOTION: Kara Tragesser moved and Bret VandeLune seconded moving the

project forward for consideration by the STP Funding Subcommittee and for the Planning Subcommittee to clarify the review process.

(JOHN PETERSON – NO) MOTION CARRIED

5. Long-Range Transportation Plan Development

MPO discussed the ongoing work of the Long-Range Transportation Plan Steering Committee and reviewed the long-range plan’s requirements. Staff also discussed the major phases of the plan development, which include the following:

Developing a growth scenario; Determining goals, objectives, and performance measures; Assessing needs; Developing projects; and, Evaluating fiscal constraint.

Staff also discussed an audit completed on the existing Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (HY 2035 MPT), which found the existing plan to be a long, technical document that was focused heavily towards expansion projects. The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) INVEST program was also used to evaluate the existing plan, which did not score well. Discussion ensured about the INVEST tool and its questions. MPO staff agreed to upload the tool’s questions to an FTP site for the Planning Subcommittee to access. Discussion also ensured regarding the growth scenario process. The Planning Subcommittee noted that there are pros and cons to using the historical, manual approach of assigning growth to traffic analysis zones (TAZs) as well as with using the methodology developed for The Tomorrow Plan’s growth scenarios. The subcommittee agreed that if the historical methodology was used, significant education and training about the process and its importance would be needed to technical representatives from the MPO’s membership.

7


6. Traffic Impact Analysis and Notification of Developments

MPO staff shared the updated Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines developed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, noting that it would be beneficial if the MPO could be notified of significant developments that might impact the MPO’s growth scenario or travel demand model. The Planning Subcommittee discussed how this communication might occur, clarifying that not every development needs to be reported, only those that are beyond what was envisioned in the growth scenario. The Planning Subcommittee recommended allowing time on TTC meeting agendas on a quarterly basis to allow member government to provide updates.

7. Other Items of Interest The subcommittee reiterated the need to begin work on developing a process to evaluate planning studies and on structuring the DNA program.

8. Next Meeting Date

The subcommittee agreed that meeting immediately following the monthly TTC meeting works well. However, an additional meeting likely may be needed each month.

9. Adjournment

Chair Peterson adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Feasibility Study Update

PRESENTATION: Representatives from the project team will provide an update on the Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND:

Olsson Associates is currently completing a market assessment of the need and potential use of public transit in the I-35 corridor between Ames and Des Moines. Consultants are reviewing census derived work-trip travel data, economic and planning documents, and surveys of major employers and educational institutions to determine travel patterns of commuters. Staff requested that the consultant provide the MPO Transportation Technical Committee with an update at the February 6, 2014, meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Report and discussion only. STAFF CONTACTS:

Zach Young, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Iowa Department of Transportation Projects Update

PRESENTATION: Update on projects in the MPO area.

BACKGROUND:

Scott Dockstader, Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) District 1 Engineer, will attend the February 6, 2014, meeting to discuss future improvements to the Northeast Systems Interchange as well as the replacement of the NW Beaver Drive bridges over I-35/80 and Beaver Creek.

RECOMMENDATION:


Dylan Mullenix, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Priority Projects for the 2014 Washington, D.C., Trip

REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Consider approval of the recommended 2014 Priority Projects list for the Washington, D.C. trip.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO staff annually works with MPO member governments and participating agencies to develop a list of priority transportation projects to discuss with congressional members during the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s (GDMP) annual trip to Washington, D.C. The process for developing the list is as follows:

October –Letters of intent from member governments were due by October 25, 2013;

November – Draft project listing provided to MPO committees for discussion; January – Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funding Subcommittee met to

identify priority projects from the assembled listing; February – MPO committees take action to approve the project listing and priority

projects; March/April – GDMP publishes the Policy Book; and, May – GDMP Trip to Washington D.C. – May 7-9, 2014.

Included, immediately following, is the recommended 2014 Priority Project list.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend approval of the 2014 Priority Projects list. STAFF CONTACTS:

Nathan Goldberg, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

11

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12

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Years 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request

REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Report on requests to amend the Federal Fiscal Years 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Ankeny and the City of Clive have requested the following revisions to the Federal Fiscal Year 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (FFY 2014-2017 TIP):

Sponsor: City of Ankeny Project: High Trestle Trail - Southwest Cherry Street Connection, West 1st Street to the Intersection of Southwest Cherry Street and Ordnance Road Federal Aid Amount: $150,000 in Transportation Alternative Program Funds Total Cost: $325,000 Change: Revise project description to "High Trestle Trail - Southwest Ordnance Road Connection, West 1st Street to Southwest Ordnance Road" Revision Type: Amendment Sponsor: City of Clive Project: Northwest 142nd Street, Hawthorn Drive to Pinnacle Pointe Drive Federal Aid Amount: $480,000 in Surface Transportation Program Funds Total Cost: $600,000 Change: Revise project description to "Northwest 142nd Street, Hawthorn Drive to University Avenue" Revision Type: Amendment

Included, immediately following, are maps showing the location of these projects. The MPO staff notes that amendments to the TIP are subject to the approval of the MPO and a public comment period.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend approval of the requested revisions to the FFY 2014-2017 TIP.

STAFF CONTACTS:


13

Iowa TPMS project map 10:40 AM 1-28-2014

Sponsor Ankeny

Identity STP-E-0187()--8V-77 TPMS# 25170 TIP# 40569

LocationOn High Trestle Trail - Southwest Ordnance RoadConnection, from West 1st Street to SouthwestOrdnance Road

Characteristics / /

Type of Work Ped/Bike Grade & Pave,Ped/Bike Miscellaneous

Vicinity Map

Project Site

14

Iowa TPMS project map 10:39 AM 1-28-2014

Sponsor Clive

Identity STP-U-1425(624)--70-77 TPMS# 19364 TIP# 40157

Location On Northwest 142ND ST, from Hawthorn Drive toUniversity Avenue

Characteristics Minor Arterial / 0.69 MI / 7700 - 8300

Type of Work Pavement Rehab

Vicinity Map

Project Site

15

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program Development Schedule

REPORT: Report on the process to develop the Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that the MPO annually develop a four-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that details the use of federal funds for transportation projects in the Metropolitan Planning Area. The MPO staff begins work on the Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (FFY 2015-2018 TIP) by providing each MPO member government and participating agency a listing of their current TIP projects and associated information from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Transportation Program Management System for review and update. The MPO staff requests that member governments and agencies determine if projects currently programmed for FFY 2014 will receive FHWA authorization to proceed with development before September 30, 2014. If a project does not receive FHWA authorization before September 30, 2014, then the project will need to “roll-over” to a future year in the TIP. The MPO staff distributes status reports to member governments that currently have projects programmed in the TIP. Over the coming months, staff will contact each of these member governments to discuss the details of their respected projects.

RECOMMENDATION:



16

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Mobilizing Tomorrow Update

REPORT: Brief report on Mobilizing Tomorrow, the MPO’s next long-range transportation plan.

BACKGROUND:

The MPO has initiated work to develop its next long-range transportation plan, named Mobilizing Tomorrow. This plan will serve as the federally required long-range transportation plan and will be among the first activities the MPO undertakes to implement and refine The Tomorrow Plan’s transportation-related elements. MPO staff will provide a brief update about recent efforts in the plan’s development.

RECOMMENDATION:



17

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Bridge Condition Analysis

REPORT: Report on the bridge condition data analysis for the MPO planning area.

BACKGROUND:

MPO staff obtained bridge condition data from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). This data includes Structure Inventory and Appraisal (SI&A) sufficiency rating data as well as Structurally Deficient or Functionally Obsolete (SD/FO) classification information. This information is used to determine eligibility for using Federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program funds for bridge replacement or repair. The SI&A rating is a measure of the major components of the existing structure relative to current structure standards. The rating is used to determine a bridge’s sufficiency to remain in service and helps determine which bridges may need repair or replacement. SI&A should not be mistaken as an indicator for the condition of the bridge or its ability to carry traffic loads. Bridges are rated on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing a bridge that meets all standards. The average SI&A sufficiency rating for the MPO planning area sits at 82, while individual city’s ratings range from 52 to 97. Structurally Deficient refers to bridges needing significant maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement. Functionally Obsolete refers to bridges with engineering conditions such as deck geometry, load carrying capacity, vertical clearance, or deck alignment that no longer meet the criteria for the system of which the bridge is apart. Of the approximately 400 bridges classified in the MPO region, 100 have been declared SD/FO. Only bridges categorized as SD/FO and with a SI&A rating below 80 are eligible for rehabilitation funds; bridges categorized as SD/FO with a SI&A rating below 50 are eligible for replacement. In the MPO area, 81 bridges classified as SF/FO have a SI&A sufficiency rating lower than 80 and therefore are eligible for Federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program funds. The following pages include a summary analysis and map of 2012 bridge conditions.

RECOMMENDATION:


Aaron Bartling, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

18

97 92

89 88

87 86 85 85

82 81 80

78 73

71 71

68 67

52

0 20 40 60 80 100

CarlislePleasant Hill

Windsor HeightsUrbandale

NorwalkDallas County

AnkenyClive

Des MoinesWest Des Moines

Polk CountyAltoona

BondurantMadison County

GrimesWarren County

WaukeeJohnston

Average Sufficiency Rating, 2012

26 of

119

26 of

117

16 of 48

6 of 20

6 of 18

4 of 14

4 of 14

3 of 7

2 of 19

2 of 7

1 of 7

1 of 3

1 of 4

1 of 3

1 of 3

0 of 2

0 of 3

0 of 1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Number of Deficient or Obsolete Bridges in MPO Boundary, 2012

66%

23%

8% 2%

Breakdown of MPO Sufficiency Ratings

81-100

51-80

26-50

0-25

About Bridge Conditions Data Bridges given a sufficiency rating as well as a structural deficiency or functionally obsolete classification. This information is used to determine eligibility for certain federal funding programs. Sufficiency ratings, based on a 0-100 scale, determine a bridge’s sufficiency to remain in service and helps determine which bridges may need repair or replacement. However, the rating should not be mistaken as an indicator for the condition of the bridge or its ability to carry traffic loads. A score of 100 represents a bridge that meets all standards. Structurally deficient refers to bridges needing significant maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement. Functionally obsolete refers to bridges with conditions that no longer meet the criteria for the system of which the bridge is apart. Only bridges categorized as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete with a sufficiency rating below 80 are eligible for certain Federal bridge funds. 2012 data indicates that 81 bridges in the MPO area are eligible for this funding.

Bridge Conditions

Based off of one full year

of counting, central Iowa has

seen increases in trail usage.

When comparing June of 2012 to

June of 2013, there was an

increase of nearly 24,000 counts

on the trails being measured. This

one-year analysis tells us that trail

usage may be on the rise in

central Iowa.

Continued analysis of the

trail coun

ters will allow for a better

understanding of the trends taking

place on central Iowa trails. This

will result in a more efficient and

successful way of planning for

trails in the region. Further analysis

will include looking at annual

trends to estimate the number of

users along a given trail segment.

These annual counts will also

display more accurate trends that

are taking place.

6,500

Pe

r C

apit

a V

eh

icle

MIl

es …

National Trend

There are over 500 bridge structures in the planning area, 400 of which that have been rated.

The chart above displays all bridges that are classified as Structurally Deficient or Functionally Obsolete1. Sufficiency ratings for these MPO bridges range from 3 to 96.

Notes:

1. Only bridges in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI)

were used for this analysis.

Data Sources:

2012 Structure Data, Iowa Department of

Transportation

National Bridge Inventory (NBI), FHWA

MPO

Average: 82

100 of the 409 NBI bridges in the MPO

are considered Structurally Deficient or

Functionally Obsolete.

February 2014 ● Des Moines Area MPO ● (515) 334-0075

Bridge Condition Summary

19

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cyrat

ing of

less

than

50.

20

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning

REPORT: Report on a grant award from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. BACKGROUND:

The Tomorrow Plan’s vision to achieve social, economic, and environmental resilience for a greener greater Des Moines includes several energy efficiency goals. On January 21, 2014, the MPO was selected to receive a State Energy Program Formula award in the amount of $45,000 to develop energy reduction transportation strategies and policies. A summary of the three areas of focus and initial implementation steps are described below. Long Range Transportation Plan – support an increase in skill sets and knowledge of MPO staff to use climate change data to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, particularly those that promote energy reduction, into the next long-range transportation plan.

Long Range Transportation Plan Steering Committee and its supporting committees such as Planning Subcommittee will investigate growth scenario, policies, and strategies that result in reduced vehicle miles traveled per capita and increase walking, biking, and public transport as well as assess their environmental impact.

Engineering and Planning Subcommittees will review the INVEST scoring system for possible adoption in future planning of transportation projects.

Transportation Choices – develop a regional on-street bike feasibility study to shift more users from automobile to non-motorized transportation modes.

Identify on-street bike facility stakeholders to join the Bicycle/Pedestrian Roundtable.

Review current bike master plans for MPO communities (Des Moines, West Des Moines). Research best practices for bikeway design.

Identify a macro-level street network in the MPO communities that would be suitable for bike lanes and connections with transit routes. Evaluate specific roads along possible network for their suitability for bikeways.

Clean Vehicles, Clean Fuels – develop a plan for the location of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging stations and electric vehicle implantation strategies throughout Greater Des Moines.

Establish an ad-hoc roundtable of stakeholders from private and public sectors. Develop education sessions regarding the importance of “plug-in readiness.” Siting analyses: use GIS to map ideal charging locations in the MPO region. Planning and Engineering Subcommittees review sample policies, permit

processes, and other strategies that would support EV-friendly development, regulations, policies, and permit processes.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Report and discussion only.

STAFF CONTACT:

Teva Dawson, [email protected] (515) 334-0075.

21

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Retroreflectivity Standards

REPORT: Discuss an initial draft plan for the MPO’s member governments to address updated retroreflectivity standards.

BACKGROUND:

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) added standards for retroreflectivity in 2007. These standards were updated in 2012 and included a requirement that all jurisdictions have a plan in place to manage and maintain signs at or above the established minimum levels. This plan must be adopted by June of 2014. The required replacement dates were removed with jurisdictions now able to set their own targets through the planning process. Staff has drafted a plan that participating member governments may use to satisfy the federal requirements. Each community needs to determine an inventory management system and an implementation plan. Please review the draft plan and provide any comments to staff by no later than Friday, February 21, 2014. A copy of the updated draft Retroreflectivity Plan is included as a supplemental item.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACTS:


22

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Des Moines Area Rail Port Study Update

REPORT: Report on initial findings and next steps for the Des Moines Area Rail Port Study. BACKGROUND:

Work began in late 2013 on the Des Moines Area Rail Port Study. The consultant team has completed the first phase of their work consisting of a market analysis of freight movements in the MPO area. Staff will provide an update on the status of the work that has taken place and the next steps required to move toward completion.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACTS:


23

Agenda Report




ISSUE: New Representation Orientation

INFORMATION: Information about a new member orientation program to be held in February. BACKGROUND:

MPO staff will host an orientation for new MPO representatives on February 20, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. at the MPO office. This optional orientation will provide an overview of the MPO, its mission, organizational structure, requirements, and other related information. All primary and alternate representatives from both the Transportation Technical Committee and the Policy Committee are welcome to attend.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Information only.

STAFF CONTACTS:


24

PURPOSE The purpose of the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO’s) Regional Sign Retroreflectivity Maintenance and Management Plan is to establish a regional system for member governments located in the MPO planning area to conduct an inventory, inspect, maintain, and replace (as needed) all regulatory, warning and guide signage which fail to meet the minimum retroreflectivity requirements as established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in a timely, cost efficient manner. OBJECTIVES The objective of this Plan is to establish a region-wide system applicable and useful to each participating member government in the MPO area. This plan will include a sign inventory, method of retroreflectivity assessment, and guidance for replacing signs below minimum required levels to be in compliance with FHWA regulations. It will be the responsibility of individual jurisdictions to determine phasing and to physically change out their signage. INVENTORY A signage inventory will be completed by each participating member government in the MPO area. The inventory shall include information concerning sign type, sign size, mounting height, GPS coordinates and reason for sign replacement (if applicable), as well as other pertinent information deemed relevant to this inventory by the individual jurisdiction. This collected inventory data will then be provided by each participating member government to the MPO to create a region-wide signage inventory database. This database will be updated as needed with newly installed signs, signs located on newly constructed or reconstructed roadways, and also with updated assessment data for each sign. However, each participating member government will be responsible for meeting minimum retroreflectivity standards as found in the most recent edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). ASSESSMENT METHODS There are several methods proposed by the FHWA that could be used to complete the retroreflectivity assessments of roadway signs in the MPO planning area. These include: Visual Nighttime Inspection (Calibration Signs, Comparison Panels, and Consistent Parameters); Measured Retroreflectivity, Expected Sign Life; Blanket Replacement; and Control Signs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The Visual Nighttime Inspection method has three (3) different options for measuring Retroreflectivity. They are the calibration sign, comparison panels, and consistent parameters methods. Regardless of the option selected each is required to be used at nighttime. By using the calibration sign method, the participating member government would obtain control signs that are at or near the minimum levels. Each night prior to the inspection, the inspector views the control signs from the inspection vehicle to calibrate his eyes to the minimum retroreflectivity standards. The inspector conducts the inspections that night and visually makes a determination of whether the sign is nearing the minimum limit of the control signs viewed prior to beginning visual assessments.

The comparison panel’s method requires the participating member government to obtain a sample panel that is at or near the minimum retroreflectivity standards. The inspector conducts his/her inspection and when a sign that is questionable is found, the inspector stops and clips the panel to the sign and compares the real sign to the comparison panel. If the panel appears brighter than the panel, the sign is replaced. The consistent parameters method requires the participating member government to use a model year 2000 or newer full-size SUV or pickup to complete the assessment. It also requires that an inspector be over 60 years of age. The inspector would ride in the SUV or pickup and use his/her best judgment based on what he/she sees with his/her own eyes. The next method is the Measured Retroreflectivity Method. This method requires the participating member government to measure the retroreflectivity levels of its signs. This requires the purchase of a retroreflectometer. By using the retroreflectometer, a determination can be made as to which signs are approaching a retro value near the minimum standards established by the FHWA and those signs would be scheduled for replacement. Though this is a costly option, with the exception of the blanket replacement and expected sign life methods, it is the only alternative that is not subjective and provides hard measurable data. The Expected Sign Life Method is the ideal method in a perfect world. However, this method requires that local governments already have an accurate inventory and some type of marking on the sign indicating the date when the sign was installed. If the local governments do not have this information currently available, then this method would not be an option. The Expected Sign Life method considers the date the sign was installed and is based on the end of life retroreflectivity value determined by the FHWA. The local governments would establish a system that would certify that signs are replaced on a cycle that would ensure they are replaced prior to no longer meeting the minimum retroreflectivity standards. A part of this method would probably be periodic nighttime inspections to verify that the method is working. The Blanket Replacement Method is based on expected life of a given sheeting material, similar to the Expected Sign Life Method. For this method, the participating member government determines the expected life of the sheeting being used in its geographical area. The expected life time period could be determined by a participating member government evaluation, or by borrowing the results of research from an area near them. However, with this method, a participating member government does not need to track individual signs. All signs in an area, or along a corridor, are replaced at the same time, based on the expected life. Though this is the best way to ensure all signs meet the minimum retroreflectivity standards, it can also be the most cost prohibitive method. A major pitfall of this method is that the participating member government would be blanket replacing some signs that still meet the minimum standards.

The Control Sign Method uses control signs to determine when to replace a larger set of signs. For example, a participating member government might have a City or County-wide signing project. By using this method the local governments would install a small number of signs in a maintenance yard. The retroreflectivity of those control signs is tracked and all the associated signs are replaced when the retroreflectivity of the control signs approaches the suggested levels. Additionally, a participating member government could use a small controlled sampling of signs that have recently been installed as the control signs. Those few signs would be monitored to determine when the larger group of signs fail to meet the minimum retroreflectivity standards and are all signs in that controlled group would be replaced. The MPO supports the use of any of the listed methods. It is up to the member government to determine which method best fits their situation. The participating member government at all times is responsible for making the final decisions concerning implementation of this plan. MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT Each participating member government will maintain and manage all signs located in its respective jurisdiction that are not maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation. In every instance, the participating member government’s must assess the conditions of the traffic sign and rely on judgment and experience to determine the proper action to correct problems with the sign, whether those problems are simply straightening the support, replacing the sign due to damage, theft or its inability to meet the minimum prescribed retroreflectivity requirements or to clear obstructions reducing the visibility of the sign. Factors that may delay completion of sign replacement and/or maintenance include other repair needs, fabrication or procurement of necessary materials, weather conditions including severe cold, limited access, significant winds, limited visibility and other staff and field condition issues. All signs will be installed and maintained to meet all federal standards and guidelines as set forth in the most recent edition of the MUTCD. Once a sign has been replaced or a new sign has been added along a roadway, it is the responsibility of the participating member governments to indicate the current month and year the sign was replaced or added along the roadway, on the back of the sign for future maintenance purposes and provide this information to the MPO or enter the data into the regional sign inventory database. This makes tracking the expected sign life and projecting future maintenance of each sign more manageable. All signs that have been replaced and marked with the month and year shall be inventoried and placed on a recurring maintenance schedule. Newly installed signs will be scheduled for reassessment no later than 10 years from the date of installation. If the initial assessment of a sign indicates that it still meets minimum retroreflectivity requirements, but is nearing the end of its usefulness for safety, the participating member governments will schedule a sign reassessment date. The reassessment date can range from one year to three years depending on the signs condition. However,

every sign determined to be nearing the end of its safety usefulness shall be reassessed at a minimum of every three years until said deficient sign has been replaced. AUTHORITY The MPO’s responsibility associated with the Regional Sign Retroreflectivity Maintenance and Management Plan will be to create a regional sign inventory database utilizing sign data captured by each participating member government. The MPO will be responsible for the purchasing of some equipment, as needed, to complete the sign retroreflectivity assessments. This equipment will be loaned to participating member governments for a pre-determined length of time, with each participating member government assuming responsibility for damage or loss of the equipment. The MPO will be responsible for the inputting of data into the regional database created by the MPO. The responsibilities of the member governments participating in this plan will be to inventory the signage in its own jurisdiction and provide this data to MPO. Additionally, it is the sole responsibility of each participating member government to conduct and complete sign retroreflectivity assessments, and reassessments as needed, for each of its inventoried signs. It is the sole responsibility of each participating participating member government to implement the plan by completing a sign inventory and assessment, maintaining and managing all inventoried signage and ensuring all signage found in its individual jurisdiction meets the minimum required retroreflectivity standards as set forth in the most recent edition of the MUTCD. The MPO shall bear no responsibility for the sign inventory and retroreflectivity assessments conducted by the participating member governments. The MPO will help provide recommendations to the participating member governments. The MPO makes itself available as a technical resource in aiding the participating member government in completion of this plan and will provide recommendations as needed. However, it is the responsibility of the participating member government to follow up on recommendations provided by the MPO and at all times the participating member government is responsible for making the final decisions whether to use the recommendations or choose another alternative in order to implement and complete this plan and comply with the minimum retroreflectivity standards established by the FHWA.

Documents

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO ... · 2/1/2014 · The minutes of the January 9, 2014, MPO Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) meeting and MPO TTC Planning