Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Monday, October 2, 2017 Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Linda Page, Chair; Paul Gawrych, Will Haynie Staff Present: Eric DeMoura, Brad Morrison, Paul Lykins Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 12:36 p.m. 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 5, 2017 meeting Mr. Haynie moved for approval of the minutes; motion seconded by Mr. Gawrych. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments None 3. Update on Town-wide transportation projects Mr. Lykins stated that the Transportation Department currently has two (2) Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) underway and six (6) CIP projects scheduled to begin in 2018. The SC 41/Joe Rouse Road intersection improvements are open to traffic and traffic signals have been modified. Updated traffic counts will need to be performed to adjust the timing of the signals for efficient traffic flow. Mayor Page inquired if there has there been any discussion related to traffic congestion where traffic merges into one lane. Mr. Morrison replied that the issue has been discussed and explained that the intersection improvements have provided more capacity and that timing adjustments should ease congestion. Staff is also reviewing operations to ensure that signal timing US 17 and Hamlin Road does not impede traffic flow  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 2 of 10 on SC 41. The intersections are being monitored so that adjustments can be made if necessary. Mayor Page asked for comments or questions from Committee. None. Mr. Lykins continued that Blythe Development began construction on the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project September 17, 2017, and construction is estimated to last for approximately two (2) years. Construction will be performed in four (4) stages, with the current stage implementing a traffic shift for the west bound lanes of Coleman Boulevard that will allow crews to work safely. Initial work will be confined to Simmons Street between Coleman Boulevard and the Shem Creek Boat Landing and will involve relocating a sewer force main, a water line and installation a water quality device that will direct stormwater runoff to the Shem Creek watershed. Stage one is expected to be completed in April, 2018. During stage two, traffic control will shift to the eastbound lanes of Coleman Boulevard and curb and gutter, drainage and sidewalks will be installed with an estimated completion date of December, 2018. Stage three encompasses the construction of the center median. All work for Stage three will be performed at night with an estimated completion date of May, 2019. Stage four completes the project with final paving and pavement markings. Staff is being proactive in assisting business owners and residents throughout construction with Ed Barbee, the Town of Mount Pleasant Construction Liaison, actively engaging business owners, residents and Blythe Development. Staff hosted a drop-in meeting for businesses owners at Moultrie Middle School with an attendance of approximately twenty-five (25) business owners and residents. Information was provided relating to the phasing, timelines, storm drain plans and general project information. Now that a detailed schedule has been established, a project website is being developed to update the public with accurate information. Mr. Morrison stated that staff meets with the Blythe Development each week for a two (2) week outlook and the website will be updated accordingly in  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 3 of 10 addition to Mr. Barbee continually meeting with property owners throughout construction. Mayor Page thanked Mr. Barbee and for being responsive to issues and concerns among business owners and residents and Amy Livingston, Town of Mount Pleasant Business and Tourism Manager, for her assistance with the project. Directional signage will be installed above traffic cones to indicate where breaks are for business entrances. The stacking lane to turn left into Brookgreen has been increased due to it not being noticed by all drivers. The Town and Blythe Development will remain adaptive throughout the project. Mr. Haynie commented that a long time business owner expressed concern that Coleman Boulevard has been converted to two (2) lanes with no designated left turn lane. If a driver makes a left turn into a business, only one (1) lane of traffic is moving. The business owner has requested that the center turn lane be restored with one lane of traffic traveling in each direction. Mr. Morrison agreed with Mayor Page and stated that Ms. Livingston has been very valuable acting as an additional liaison between the Town, business owners and residents. The business owners meeting was held to hear and address concerns. The Town is designing signage to be placed above traffic barrels directing local traffic to business accesses. Regarding traffic control, elimination of the center turn lane is necessary to maintain minimum lane widths for a facility type like Coleman Boulevard. As such, a left turn lane is not possible without a complete change in the means and the methods assumed by the contractor in their bid. The contract was bid with the contractor utilizing a safe work area because easements would be difficult to obtain on the private side of the road and including the turn lane would eliminate the work area. There was discussion at the beginning of the project of forcing left-turns to be come U-turns at the signals, but staff did not feel that option would be well received by the business community because it would eliminate direct access to businesses. Staff will continue to listen to concerns expressed by business owners and residents and make  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 4 of 10 adjustments as needed. Council and the public are encouraged to contact Staff with any feedback or concerns. Mr. Lykins stated that the vision for the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project has always been a Main Street atmosphere where people gather, live, work and play. Project benefits include enhanced mobility for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists and greatly improved drainage facilities that decreases stormwater discharge to adjacent neighborhoods with an estimated twenty-four point thirty-two (24.32) acres of water cleaned before entering the Shem Creek watershed. Other benefits include improved lighting and landscaping for safety and beautification and additional transit facilities with pull-outs and shelters. Mr. Lykins stated that design for the Long Point Road Realignment and Extension project was recently started by Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson, Inc. (JMT). The design will be complete in approximately September, 2019 and construction is expected to be complete in September, 2022. There is extensive coordination with the Billy Swails Boulevard Phase IV project and the Rifle Range Road Park master plan. The intent with this facility is to have a connection with Rifle Range Road to include a roundabout constructed by the Liberty Hill developer. Currently, the project is in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in the event federal funding becomes available. Mayor Page applauded the project and the roundabout improvements by the developer. She questioned if there will be any bridging over the creek on Long Point Road through the Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS) program. Discussions have occurred relating to the loss of economy and the challenges during flood events on that road section. Mr. Morrison stated currently there is a culvert at Boone Hall Creek as well as a nearby flat slab bridge. SCDOT plans have identified these crossings for replacement, but they are not funded. Mayor Page thanked Mr. Morrison stating that it is important to continue to advocate at the state and federal level for the infrastructure. The Town competes for CHATS funding. A bridge needs to be discussed during this  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 5 of 10 process due to climate change. She asked Mr. DeMoura if approximately twenty-four thousand (24,000) commuters are affected during a flood event. Mr. DeMoura responded that he could not recall, however, approximately twenty-four thousand (24,000) sounded accurate. During the first Strategic Plan, the overriding theme was self-reliance and not waiting for other levels of government assistance. The issue of self-reliance should be revisited during the annual Council Retreat when capital projects are discussed whether it is prudent for projects to be delayed just for the chance to be eligible for federal funds. It is nice to have projects funded by an outside agency, but the cost to the public of waiting for years must be considered. Council may not agree, but with longer delays seen on SC-41, the question becomes is it worth having an extra funding source available or should Council explore alternative funding. Mayor Page stated that there may be policy changes with regard to regulatory changes from Washington and the Council Retreat in January would be a good time to begin the conversation. Mr. Gawrych asked for clarification that item being discussed is the full design and permitting of the Long Point Road Extension from US-17 to Rifle Range Road. Mr. DeMoura replied in the affirmative. Mr. Gawrych asked for confirmation that theexisting portion of Long Point Road, west of US-17, is designed and permitted. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative. Mr. Gawrych asked what the cost is of the project. Mr. Morrison responded that the combined cost is sixteen million, eight hundred thousand dollars ($16,800,000) for both projects. The cost for the realignment portion of the project is approximately, five to six million dollars ($5,000,000 - $6,000,000). Mr. Gawrych inquired if it is possible to construct the re-alignment portion before the extension portion begins.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 6 of 10 Mr. Morrison stated that the projects could be mutually exclusive and the first phase could be completed if approved by Council. Mr. Gawrych commented that the project has been discussed since 1998 and is much needed and expressed hope that future Council will explore alternative funding during the Council Retreat. If the project moves forward, it could motivate other things to take place. Mr. Lykins stated that the Coleman Boulevard/Patriot’s Point Road/Magrath Darby intersection improvements project will adding a right turn lane on Patriot’s Point Road, a dual left turn from Coleman Boulevard onto to Patriot’s Point Road and additional turn lanes on Magrath Darby Boulevard. The project will include bike lanes on Coleman Boulevard that partially complete the bike network. A key feature of this project will include a bike box for cyclist to facilitate left turns and other maneuvers. The basis of the design came from the Waterfront Gateway Sector plan and the improvement is based on the build-out of Patriot’s Point. The design should be complete in February, 2019 and construction should begin in 2020. Mr. Haynie asked if the project coincides with the timing of the development at Patriots Point. Mr. DeMoura replied that the schedule for the development has not been established. However, it is likely that the project will be ahead of the development. It is the intention that the project be properly designed and funded so that the Town portion can be completed. Mr. Haynie asked Mr. Gawrych, for clarification, if the project is being designed to accommodate complete build out at Patriot’s Point. Mr. Gawrych responded that the project would be for both of Mr. Bennett’s projects. Mr. Morrison agreed, stating that the Waterfront Gateway Sector plan was discussed in January and has not changed regarding the build-out assumptions for Ferry Wharf and the remainder of the development along Harry Hallman Boulevard.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 7 of 10 Mr. Lykins stated that the project being discussed is the final phase of the corridor and is estimated to be completed in August, 2020, based on the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) NEPA process currently underway. There will be extensive coordination with the Rifle Range Road Park Master plan and the Long Point Road extension project. Mr. Gawrych inquired if the project was fully funded. Mr. Lykins answered in the affirmative. Mr. Lykins continued that the Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lane project is in addition to the future pedestrian bridge and is federally funded through a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant. The project will involve re- marking the bridge to accommodate a five (5) foot bike lane on each side, to include curb and sidewalk work. The design is estimated to be complete in January, 2017 and construction in December, 2018. The transition of the bike lanes will be coordinated with the bike lanes included in the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project. Mr. Gawrych inquired if the bike lanes will be on the roadway. Mr. Lykins answered in the affirmative. Mr. Gawrych asked what the schedule is for the pedestrian walkway. Mr. DeMoura responded that the project will begin once the permit from the regulatory agency is received. Mr. Lykins stated that permits were submitted in September. Mr. Gawrych asked if issues had been resolved with the property owners and lessees. Mr. DeMoura answered in the affirmative. Mr. Lykins stated that the Park West Boulevard Widening project is relatively simple. Referring to a graphic, Mr. Lykins explained that phase one involves improvements from Grey Marsh Road to the four-lane section near the entrance to the Town of Mount Pleasant Recreation Department. The project is in design and the first public informational meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2017, at the Park West Recreation facility. The purpose of the meeting is  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 8 of 10 to receive public input on the need for the widening as well as options for on- street bike lanes or improvements to the existing multi-use path. The project is expected to be complete in December, 2018. Mayor Page stated that the length of time it takes to go through the environmental process in anticipation that a project will become eligible for federal funds is significant and asked what type of federal aid the Town has received during the past ten (10) years. Mr. DeMoura replied that Billy Swails Boulevard, Coleman Boulevard and the I-526 Interchange projects have received some federal funds. Residents are looking for relief and it is frustrating to inform them that a project will take five (5) years to complete with federal funds when a project can be designed and completed in twenty-four (24) months or less. Mayor Page stated that the Town goes through the regulatory process for safety reasons which should not be eliminated and the process can create the dilemma of additional time. It is important for residents to understand that Council and Staff would like projects to already be complete. During an initial meeting with the consultant on the SC 41 project, she was stunned to learn the timeline and the steps involved in the process. The County was encouraged to explore all options and alternatives to help with interim improvements. Drivers will be diverted through Park West and as Council moves forward, all of the Gregory Ferry Road Connector and other improvements need to be prioritized to alleviate any pressure on SC 41. During the January Council Retreat and prioritization of plans, Council should discuss the issues that will help the residents in that corridor. 4. Update on McCants Drive radar speed feedback signs Mr. Morrison explained that forty-four (44) days ago the radar feedback signs located on McCants were activated explaining that a graphic shows pre and post eighty-fifth percentile (85%-ile) bi-directional speeds, which combines speeds for both directions. Typically, results would not be analyzed until approximately six (6) months had passed, but staff wanted to provide the Committee with some preliminary results. Referring to the graphic, Mr. Morrison indicated where count stations were located before and after the  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 9 of 10 radar feedback signs and data indicated a slight increase in speed from thirty (30) miles per hour (mph) to thirty-one (31) mph near the intersection of McCants Drive and Simmons Street. At the radar signs located near the intersection of McCants Drive and Jackson Street, data indicates a decrease of one (1) mph with a slight increase between the two (2) sets of radar feedback signs near the intersection of McCants Drive and Pocahontas Street, which is intuitive for the first set feedback signs coming from Ben Sawyer. The largest decrease in speed detected was at the location of feedback signs near the intersection of McCants Drive and Barbara Street, where the pre-speed of thirty-eight (38) mph dropped to thirty (30) mph and that may be attributed to traffic entering the neighborhood from a higher speed facility. This is a significant decrease in speed between Ben Sawyer Boulevard and the first set of radar feedback signs on McCants Drive. Current results indicate benefits near the sign, however, more data will need to be collected and analyzed. Mayor Page asked if the radar feedback signs are capable of collecting traffic counts to monitor any increases in volume due to resident concerns that cut- through traffic will increase as the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project progresses. Ideally, the signs would be able to issue traffic citations and often the offenders are residents that live within the neighborhood. Mr. Morrison replied that state legislation does not allow ticketing from a radar feedback device. Mayor Page commented that it is not possible to have police presence in every part of the Town running radar and that helping to reduce speed is important. Mr. Morrison stated regarding monitoring the traffic as it relates to the Old Village, data has been collected for many years and now that construction is underway on Coleman Boulevard, traffic will continue to be monitored. Mayor Page commented that residents do not want any excessive cut through traffic. 5. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:07 p.m.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 2, 2017 Page 10 of 10 Respectfully submitted by, Cathy Godsey October 5, 2017 Transportation CIP Project Updates OCTOBER, 2017  Ongoing CIP Projects SC 41 and Joe Rouse Intersection Improvements Coleman Boulevard Revitalization New 2018 CIP Projects Long Point Road Realignment and Extension Coleman Boulevard and Patriot’s Point Intersection Improvements Billy Swails Boulevard Phase 4B Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes Park West Boulevard Widening All American Boulevard Extension  SC 41 & Joe Rouse Intersection Improvements CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $1,013,000 ($1,013,000) CONTRACTOR: Gulf Stream Construction COMPLETION DATE: October 24, 2017 STATUS: New traffic lanes, signals and other improvements open to traffic. Clean-up and punch list items to complete. Coleman Boulevard Revitalization CONTRACTOR: Blythe Development START DATE: September 11, 2017 COMPLETE DATE: August 31, 2019 STATUS: TC Stage 1 – Westbound Meeting with Business Owners. Construction community liaison visiting businesses. Develop project website.  “What We Get” • Main Street atmosphere where people gather, live, work and play. • Enhanced mobility for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists. • Greatly improved drainage facilities that decreases stormwater discharge to adjacent neighborhoods. • 24.32 acres of runoff cleaned before entering Shem Creek watershed. • Improved lighting and landscaping for safety and beautification. • Additional transit facilities with pull-outs and shelters.  Long Point Road Realignment and Extension CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $16,810,000 ($4,982,249) DESIGNER: JMT COMPLETION DATE: Design: September 2019 – Construction: September 2022 STATUS: Design and NEPA process starts October.  Coleman Boulevard and Patriot’s Point Road Intersection Improvements CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $5,100,000 ($5,100,000) CONSULTANT: STV Incorporated COMPLETION DATE: Design and Permitting: February 2019 – Construction: December 2020 STATUS: Surveying and preliminary engineering began August 2017.  Billy Swails Boulevard 4B CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $11,923,000 ($1,923,000 TOMP and $10,000,000 Federal) DESIGNER: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. COMPLETION DATE: Design: August 2020 – Construction: August 2022 STATUS: Preliminary engineering began in August 2017  Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $791,000 ($158,000 TOMP and $633,000 Federal) CONSULTANT: CDM Smith COMPLETION DATE: Design: January 2018 – Construction: December 2019 STATUS: Preliminary design began in August 2017  Park West Boulevard Widening CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $6,571,250 ($1,100,000) CONSULTANT: Meade and Hunt COMPLETION DATE: Design – December 2018 STATUS: Design contract awarded and notice to proceed issued in August 2017. • Public Meeting on October 26 • Bike Lanes vs. MUP  Pre and Post Radar Sign Installation Pre- 85th = 30 mph Pre- 85th = 34 mph Pre- 85th = 38 mph Pre- 85th = 32 mph Pre- 85th = 31 mph Post- 85th =30 mph Post- 85th = 30 mph In - bound Pre- 85th = 29 mph McCants Drive Pre- 85th = 32 mph Out - bound Post- 85th =28 mph Post- 85th =30 mph Post- 85th = 31 mph Post- 85th = 36 mph Post- 85th = 30 mph Sign location Post implementation = 44 day study