FLORENCE AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY (FLATS)

STUDY TEAM MEETING MINUTES JULY 11, 2018

Members Present: Staff Present Brian Dix Debi Matthews Stephen Jones Renee Proctor Ken Martin Shawn Brashear Clint Moore David Burgess David Gray Jonathan Guy Sandy Watford Don Strickland Jerry Dudley Debi Matthews called the meeting to order. The first item of business was to appove the February 13, 2018 minutes. Brian Dix made a motion to approve and David Burgess seconded. Vote carried unanimously. The second item of business was the FY2017-FY2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Debi Matthews stated that the debt on the S. Cashua widening project is still going on and will not be paid until 2021. At that time, we will have 1.2M to apply to the PE for another project sometime next year. The next section was Federal Transit Administration that included Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, Florence Senior Citizens Association, Florence County DSN Board and Darlington County Council on Aging. This section shows how much each will get and how it is to be used. Don Strickland with PDRTA mentioned that the money difference for transit was due to the purchase of new buses. Renee Proctor made a motion to approve and David Burgess seconded. Vote carried unanimously. The third item of business was a presentation by Jonathan Guy with Kimley Horn on the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan draft. After the presentation, Clint Moore with the City of Florence mentioned that the City had done some work such as sidewalks on the 2023 – 2030 project description FL_9 Radio Drive/Ebenezer Road widening (David H. McLeod Boulevard to Hoffmeyer Rd). Jonathan Guy was going to make a note however; he did not think it would make a difference in ranking. This presentation is attached for reference. A motion was made by Brian Dix and seconded by Steven Jones to approve this document contingent on public comment and supplemental information from (PDRTA) as a recommendation to the Policy Committee. Vote carried unanimously. The fourth item of business was a project update by Brian Dix with SCDOT. The update is attached for reference. There being no further discussion, Shawn Brashear made a motion to adjourn and David Burgess seconded. Vote carried unanimously.

JULY 27, 2018 FLORENCE AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY (FLATS)

POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

PROJECT STATUS REPORT

FLATS PROJECTS

South Cashua Drive Widening Descr: South Cashua Drive (S-29) will be widened from Second Loop Road (SC

51) to South Knollwood Road (S-1491) approximately 2.7 miles. The project includes widening to 5 lanes from Second Loop Road (SC 51) to Celebration Boulevard, providing 2 travel lanes in each direction with a 15-foot paved median to allow two-way left turn movements. The project will also include widening South Cashua Drive (S-29) to 3 lanes from Celebration Boulevard (Local) to South Knollwood Road (S-1491), including a 15-foot paved median. Existing traffic signals located at Second Loop Road (SC 51), South Parker Drive, Celebration Boulevard and South Knollwood Road (S-1491) will be maintained. New traffic signals will be installed at McCown Drive (S-588) and Jefferson Drive (Local). Sidewalks are proposed along both sides of the roadway throughout the entire length of the project.

Status: Let to contract in June 2016 to L&L Contractors, Inc. for $13,578,025.95.

Utility relocations are complete and drainage installations are underway along with buildup of widened roadway has begun. Construction is anticipated to be complete in summer 2019.

Transportation Alternative Program

Williamson Road Pedestrian Improvements Project scope was revised for sidewalk to go E. Glendale Drive to E. Skylane Dr. Project is scheduled to be let to construction in September 2018.

South Main Street Pedestrian and Bike Access Preliminary Engineering is complete and is scheduled to receive bids in August 2018.

FLORENCE COUNTY FORWARD PROJECTS

US 378 Widening

Descr: US 378 (East Myrtle Beach Highway) will be widened from US 52 (North Ronald McNair Boulevard) to SC 41 (Kingsburg Highway) for a total of 18.2 miles. The project includes widening the existing 2 lanes to 5 lanes, providing 2 travel lanes in each direction, a 15-foot painted median to allow for two-way left turning movements, shoulders, and drainage ditches. Project was developed in 5 sections.

Status: Construction is substantially complete and has been opened to traffic.

US 76 Widening

Descr: US 76 (East Smith Street/West Palmetto Street) will be widened from S-

299 (South McEachern Street) to I-95/S-545 (Meadors Road) for a total of approximately 4 miles. The project includes widening the existing 2 lanes to 3 lanes, providing 1 travel lane in each direction, a 15-foot painted median to allow for two-way left turning movements, curb and gutter, and sidewalks from S-299 (South McEachern Street) to approximately 300 feet west of Runway Drive. From this point, the project will be widened to a 5-lane section that will utilize a combination of curb and gutter and drainage ditches to I-95/S-545 (Meadors Road). A truck route has also been added to scope utilizing Foxworth St and E Main St.

Status: Construction is substantially complete and has been opened to traffic.

Truck route is currently in right of way acquisition and expected to go to construction in late 2018.

SC 51 Widening

Descr: SC 51 (Pamplico Highway) will be widened for approximately 24.2

miles from S-1004 (Dudley Drive) to US 378 (West Myrtle Beach Highway). The project includes widening the existing 2 lanes to a 5-lane section with the exception of the Pamplico area, which will be widened to 3 lanes or resurfaced in certain areas. Drainage ditches will be primarily utilized throughout this project; however, drainage pipe will be located in constricted areas. Project was developed in 4 sections.

Status: Construction is currently underway for all sections and is anticipated to be

complete in late 2019.

US 301 Bypass Extension/S-107 (Alligator Road) Widening

Descr: Alligator Road will be widened from US 76 (West Palmetto Street) to US

52/301 (South Irby Street) for approximately 7.5 miles. The project will include widening the existing 2 lanes to a combination of 3-lane and 5-lane sections utilizing both curb and gutter and drainage ditches.

Status: Preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition are underway and

construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2019. Improvements at the intersection of Alligator Road and South Irby Street will be bid out in September 2018 prior to widening.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS S-21-76 (South Edisto Drive) Bridge Replacement over Jeffries Creek

Descr: Bridge replacement over Jeffries Creek on S-21-76 (South Edisto Drive). Bridge will be constructed on alignment with bridge closed for approximately 12 weeks and traffic detoured during construction.

Status: Preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is underway and

construction is anticipated to be completed during the summer of 2020 to avoid school traffic.

S-21-12 CON (James Jones Avenue) Bridge Replacement over Jeffries Creek

Descr: Bridge replacement over Jeffries Creek on S-21-12 CON (James Jones Avenue). Bridge will be constructed on alignment with bridge closed for approximately 8 months and traffic detoured during construction.

Status:Preliminary engineering is complete and bids were received in June 2018

and are under review for award.

S-16-49 (Ebenezer Road) Bridge Replacement over High Hill Creek

Descr: Bridge replacement over High Hill Creek on S-16-49 (Ebenezer Road). Bridge will be constructed on alignment with bridge closed for

approximately 6 months and traffic detoured during construction.

Status:Preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is underway and project is anticipated to be let to construction in October 2018.

US 401 (Lamar Hwy) Bridges over Jeffries Creek, Lake Swamp, and High Hill Creek

Descr: Three bridge replacements over Jeffries Creek, Lake Swamp, and High

Hill Creek on US 401 (Lamar Highway). Bridges will be constructed on alignment and conducted in two phases with each phase being closed for approximately 6 months and traffic detoured during construction. Bridge construction will be staged around Labor Day weekend for bridges to be open to avoid conflicts with Darlington Raceway traffic.

Status:Preliminary engineering is complete and is anticipated to be let to

construction in September 2018.

US 76 (W Smith St) Bridge over Lynches River

Descr: Bridge replacement over Lynches River on US 76 (W Smith St). Bridges will be constructed on alignment and closed for approximately 12

to 18 months and traffic detoured during construction.

Status:Preliminary engineering is underway and construction is anticipated to start in summer 2019.

US 52 Business (North Main St) Bridge over Swift Creek in City of Darlington

Descr: Bridge replacement over Swift Creek on US 52 North Main Street.

Bridge will be staged construction in order to maintain traffic and reduce impacts to the environment and is anticipated to last approximately 12 to 18 months.

Status: Preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is underway and

construction is anticipated to start in early 2019.

FLORENCE CTC PROJECTS Bentree Lane Intersection Improvements at David McLeod Blvd and West

Palmetto Street

Descr: Improvements at the intersections of Bentree Lane at David McLeod Boulevard and West Palmetto Street. Improvements include radius improvements at each intersection along with dual lefts on Bentree Lane onto David McLeod, offset left turn lanes on David McLeod Boulevard and Dozier Boulevard, and extended left turn storage on Bentree Lane onto West Palmetto Boulevard. Sidewalks will also be added along Bentree Lane.

Status: Preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is almost complete.

Utility coordination is ongoing and bids for construction will be received in October 2018.

FLATS 2040LRTP UpdateFLATS Study Team MeetingJuly 11, 2018

Why We Are Here• Complete update to the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan� Establishes a regional transportation vision and identifies the

necessary projects over the next 25 years to achieve that vision.

• What has changed?� Transportation revenues

� Changing travel behaviors, fuel efficiency of vehicles, nonpetroleum-based fuel systems, etc.

� Federal and state programs� MAP-21 and FAST Act – emphasis on performance-based planning

� FLATS region� Significantly expanded planning area

• What is going to change?

Study Area Changes

Planning Process

Discovery Phase Plan Framework & Alternatives Inviting Success

PROJECT STRATEGYNeeds

Assessment Recommendations

Evaluation

Prioritization

Funding

Implementation

Final

Plan Adoption

Goal

Setting

Existing

Conditions

We are here!

State of the Region Report

Highlights demographics,

economics, and

transportation in the region

Lays the groundwork for

future recommendations

Community members use the transportation system every day to

connect to education, jobs, cultural resources, recreational activities,

and more. Making sure population trends are reflected in the

transportation plan allows the system to adjust to anticipated

changes and accommodate future demand and different lifestyles.

People

ProsperityTransportation provides a foundation for the development of

communities by providing access to employment, thereby providing

a stepping stone for economic growth. Taking a closer look at

employment hubs within the region allows for a better

understanding of opportunities for multimodal connections.

MobilityFlorence’s transportation system must strike a balance between

serving the needs of existing residents, the local workforce, and

visitors. The region needs viable accessibility and connections to

regional infrastructure for economic vitality and to sustain its quality

of life. Taking a closer look at existing infrastructure allows for better

planning and the ability to be better stewards of resources.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Population is aging,

following

nationwide trends

Key Takeaways

Poverty is growing,

increasing above both

the National and State

averages.

About 20% of the study area

was living below the poverty

line in 2015. This was higher

than both the State level at

17.9% and the National level

at 15.5%. The highest

poverty levels are located

within and east of Florence,

as well as surrounding

Darlington and

Timmonsville.

Public Outreach

INFORMENGAGE

• 2 Policy Committee Meetings

• 3 Steering Committee Meetings

• 2 Public Workshops

• Stakeholder/Small Group Sessions

• Online Survey

We asked people to describe:

Today’s Transportation System Future’s Transportation System

Guiding Principles

Promoting a safe and secure

transportation system by reducing

crashes and improving

emergency response

Extending the life of the

transportation system by

emphasizing maintenance and

long-term viability

Providing a balanced

transportation system that makes it easier to bike,

walk, or take transit

Coordinating transportation

investments with land use and development

decisions

Support the local economy by making it easier to move

people and freight around and through

the Region

Preserving and promoting the Region’s valued

places and natural assets

We asked people to tell us what’s most important to them.

Roadway Prioritization

SCDOT-driven process,

standardized across the state

Each project receives

individual score according to

its performance against

standard criteria

Criteria organized by plan’s

guiding principles

Projects ranked according to

their scores, and funding

allocated to the highest

ranking projects

Roadway Prioritization – Criteria

Growth and Development

• Location on a Priority Network

• Consistency with local land use

plans

Safety & Security

• Accident Rate

• Intersection Alignment Status

Culture & Environment

• Environmental Impacts

Economic Vitality

• Truck Traffic Percentage

• Economic Development

Potential

Mobility & Accessibility

• Traffic Volume & Congestion

• Alternative Transportation

Solutions

System Preservation & Efficiency

• Financial Viability/Cost

• Pavement Quality

Roadway Recommendations

Roadway Recommendations

Roadway Recommendations

Roadway Recommendations

Collector Streets -enhance travel between

local streets

and arterials.

The primary purpose of a

collector

street is to collect traffic

from neighborhood and

local level streets and

distribute it to minor and

major thoroughfares.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Recommendations

Designates on-street and

off-street bicycle facilities

Coordinates with roadway

recommendations to take

advantage of incidental

improvements

Bicycle & Pedestrian Recommendations

Bicycle & Pedestrian Recommendations

Other Recommendations

Freight

Advanced and Emerging

Technologies

Public Transportation

ITS/TDM

Policy-level recommendations that help achieve a balanced system.

Performance Measures

Safety

Highway Pavement Conditions

Bridge Conditions

Congestion

System Reliability

Freight

Air Quality

Development of Asset Management Plan

New form of goal-

oriented

transportation

planning adopted

by SCDOT and the

Federal Highway

Administration

Requires MPOs to

set targets for

improving the

performance of

the regional

transportation

system

Safety is the first of eight

required performance

measures

Performance Measures – Safety

Safety performance measures introduced by SCDOT include:

Number of fatalities

SAFETY

Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled

Number of serious injuries

Rate of serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles traveled

Number of non-motorized fatalities Number of non-motorized serious injuries

Performance Measures - Safety

FLATS Performance Measure Target Baselines

Based on 2014-2017 averages

Number of fatalities

SAFETY

Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled

Number of serious injuries

Rate of serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles traveled

Number of non-motorized fatalities Number of non-motorized serious injuries

27.6

2.11

76.8

6.02

12.4

Financial Constraint – Roadway Projects

RevenuesCost vs

Financial Constraint – Roadway Projects

Thank you!