Title
Resolution to Approve the City of Ann Arbor - Michigan Department of Transportation Agreement No. 09-5466 for Improvements to Geddes Road within the Interchange Area of US-23, and through the Intersection of Earhart Road
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval, please find a resolution to approve an agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for improvements to Geddes Road within the interchange area of US-23, and west through the intersection of Earhart Road. This agreement is required so that these improvements can be completed with the City and MDOT's participation, and with the MDOT's larger improvements planned for the US-23 and Geddes Road Interchange in 2010.
Currently, there are significant capacity and traffic operational issues on Geddes Rd at the US-23 interchange and Earhart Rd resulting from intersection and road deficiencies and significant traffic volumes. During the morning and evening peak traffic periods excessive delays occur on Geddes Road, Earhart Road and at the US-23 Interchange due to the narrow US-23 Bridge and Geddes Road traffic lanes. In addition, the distance between the existing ramp intersections on Geddes Rd is short and doesn't accommodate the long queues created by the traffic signals and vehicles wanting to turn left. The southbound entrance ramp to US-23 is also too short which makes it difficult for drivers to accelerate and merge onto US-23. Finally, there are no convenient non-motorized facilities that would allow pedestrians or bikers to cross the freeway safely.
The Earhart Rd and Geddes Rd intersection generates many complaints related to the lack of capacity, points to the need for additional traffic lanes on Geddes Road. Poor traffic progression along Geddes Rd results in traffic queues backing up on Geddes Road from Huron Parkway to US-23 with lengthy queues forming to the north on Earhart Rd during certain peak traffic periods.
The proposed improvement at US-23, Geddes Road and Earhart Road intersection was initiated by the MDOT. The project includes the reconstruction of all of the on and off ramps at the interchange - replacing the existing southbound US-23 ramp with a new "loop" ramp in the northwest interchange quadrant, construction of three roundabouts in place of the current traffic signals, constructing a new pedestrian bridge spanning US-23 along the south side of Geddes Rd and non-motorized multiuse asphalt path connecting Earhart Road to Dixboro Road, and reconstructing Geddes Road from the Bridge over US-23 west o Earhart Rd.
The project will increase the capacity at the improved intersections and will create more of a uniform flow condition that drastically reduces delay. The new southbound entrance "loop" ramp will increase the acceleration distance for vehicles merging with southbound US-23 traffic, and will improve the safety of the maneuver by better equalizing the speeds of both traffic streams. The new multiuse path and pedestrian bridge on the south side of Geddes Rd will facilitate non-motorized traffic desiring to cross the freeway and connect with the pathways/bike lanes on Dixboro Rd and Huron River Dr. thus providing improved access to the county parks system, Washtenaw Community College and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. These improvements are expected to improve the traffic flow along Geddes Road, at the entrance to Concordia University and all the way to the Huron Parkway intersection.
As the project design evolved MDOT and City staff held public meetings and reviewed the roundabout concept with Concordia University leadership. Concordia University expressed its full support of the roundabout at the Geddes Rd and Earhart Rd intersection and all the other proposed improvements. Moreover Concordia University agreed to donate several acres of real estate required by the project for Right-of-Way and easements. They have also offered to maintain the landscaping in the center of the new roundabout.
MDOT completed the project design in August 2009 and will inspect and oversee the construction phase of the project. The Project construction is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2009 with preparatory work on US-23, and be complete in October 2010. The City of Ann Arbor will assist with project coordination for work within the corporate limits. The engineer's estimate for the project construction is $5.4 million. The majority of the project cost will be paid through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant awarded to the MDOT. The cost for work being done in the City corporate limits is estimated at $1,142,300.00 with the City's share being $635,200.00.
The City's $635,200.00 share of the project and $63,500.00 for contingencies approved by the City Administrator will be paid as follows:
Part A: Reconstruction of approximately 560 feet of Geddes Road from the eastern end of the proposed Geddes Rd/Earhart Rd roundabout area to the East City Limits, including portions of non-motorized paths and other necessary related work located within the corporate limits of the City.
Part B: Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Geddes Rd and Earhart Rd, including approach work on all four legs leading into the roundabout, curb and gutter, non-motorized path and sidewalk along Earhart Rd north of Geddes Rd, street lighting and other necessary related work located within the corporate limits of the City.
Part A (FY2010 Approved Major Streets Fund) - $ 17,200.00
Part B (FY2010 Approved Street Reconstruction Millage Fund Capital Budget) - $618,000.00
Contingencies to be Approved by the City Administrator
(FY 2010 Approved Street Reconstruction Capital Budget) - $63,500.00
Total - $698,700.00
Staff
Prepared by: Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Project Management Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, There are significant capacity and traffic operational issues at the US-23 interchange and at Geddes Road and Earhart Road Intersection;
Whereas, Said deficiencies have adverse impact on the traffic flow through Geddes Road corridor and at the Earhart Road intersection;
Whereas, There is no direct or safe non-motorized facility at US-23 and Geddes Road Interchange;
Whereas, The existing three traffic signals at Geddes Road near US 23 are inefficient and costly to maintain;
Whereas, The Michigan Department of Transportation with assistance from the City of Ann has designed a comprehensive improvement project that addresses the deficiencies at US-23 and Geddes Road Interchange and Earhart Road Intersection;
Whereas, The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant awarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will pay for the majority of the construction project;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor adopted 2010-2015 Capital Improvements Plan includes proposed improvements at Geddes Road and Earhart Road Intersection; and
Whereas, Funding for the City's share of the project is included in our FY 2010 Approved Major Street Fund budget and our FY 2010 approved Street Reconstruction Millage Capital Budget;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the City of Ann Arbor - Michigan Department of Transportation Agreement No. 09-5466 for improvements to Geddes Road within the interchange area of US-23, and at the intersection of Earhart Road, following approval as to substance by the City Administrator, and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESLOVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to approve additional work up to $63,500.00 to satisfactory complete the improvement project; and
RESOLVED, That Council authorizes the City Administrator to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.