Hot Springs Public Meeting

Reconstruction of US 18 & US 385

Paul Knofczynski, P.E. Project Identification CoordinatorSouth Dakota Department of Transportation

Project Locations

Why are we here?Involve the publicDiscuss needsExchange ideas or needs

Why do we need these projects?SafetyCapacity of the highwayPavement condition

Existing ConditionsRoadway section Sidewalk ROW widthRoadway LightingTraffic Signal Intersecting roadsCurrent number of cars per day = 3,300 to 6,700Future number of cars per day = 3,900 to 7,900

Discussion Items:Scope of workConstruction TimingAccess: before, during, and afterCrash HistoryParking/Roadway sectionsPedestrian facilitiesHighway RouteIntersecting Roadways

Scope of WorkComplete Urban ReconstructionReplace asphalt pavement with concrete Curb & gutter Update storm sewer Update lighting and traffic signalImprove pedestrian facilitiesAccommodate parking

Currently Scheduled for 2017 and 2018 South project first, then north projectTimeline is being reviewed(Pending any unforeseen issues)Construction Timing

AccessAccess to homes and businesses will be maintained in some fashion

Encroachments

Crashes

Crash DataData for 2010-2012

No Fatal Crashes12 Injury Crashes43 Property Damage Crashes

Crash rate ranges from 5.55 to 6.53Crash rate, statewide average = 2.41 (similar type highway in SD)

Types of Crashes

Crash TypeUS 385US18 (parking)US 18 (non-parking)% of CrashesHit Parked Car7115%Parking Maneuver6419%Approach Related41315%Rear End3119%Pedestrian/Crosswalk239%U Turn12%Tight corner24%Turning left on 4 Lane12%

Parking

Different Types of ParkingDiagonal ParkingParallel Parking

Different Types of ParkingReverse Diagonal ParkingAdvantages & Disadvantages

Head out angled parking

http://vimeo.com/35268340#at=0Dan Burden from the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute

Which type of parking is better?Diagonal vs. ParallelBoth affect traffic flowCan see approaching trafficCrash reduction

Diagonal vs. Reverse DiagonalSame parking movement, but performed in opposite orderDriver has to back into a parking spotView of approaching trafficReduces crashes

Parking ReviewedParking utilization was reviewed using a variety of methods and times

Typical Sections and ParkingSections will vary throughout each project

3 lane section with through lanes & a center left turn lane and no parking allowed

Typical Sections and Parking2 lane section with turn lanes and parallel parking

Typical Sections and Parking2 lane section with reverse diagonal parking and width available for commuting bicycles

Highway Realignment Considered

Intersecting Roadways

Intersecting Roadways

Right of Way (ROW)Will use existing ROW where feasibleROW needs will be discussed in more detail at individual Landowner MeetingsDOT will meet with affected landowners 2 or more times regarding the projectAppraisalsNegotiations

UtilitiesUtilities will be coordinated with construction

City Work to be CoordinatedCity contract let in combination with the State contract

Work performed at same time as roadway work

Upgrades include both water and sewer facilities, and are still being reviewed. Upgrades will likely include several different locations.

Lane CapacityFuture ADT: 3,900 to 7,9003 lane section: up to 16,000 cars/day2 lane section: up to 8,000 cars/day

CostsCurrent programmed cost (2014 STIP):$ 6.647 M US 385 (north project)$ 6.387 M US 18 (south project)

Programmed costs do not currently include:Realignment of US 385Structure replacement

Environmental, Social, and Economic ConcernsSection 4(f) property: parks, refuges, and historic sitesSection 106: National Historic Preservation Act

Environmental, Social, and Economic ConcernsHistoric Districts

Environmental, Social, and Economic ConcernsContaminated materials are always a concern

Summary of ChangesChange pavement from asphalt to concreteImproved pedestrian facilitiesParking modificationsModify lane configurationsRealignment of US 385/move signal locationRealignment of intersecting streetsModification of lightingPotential bridge modificationReduce crashes

Questions?

Websitehttp://www.sddot.com/pe/projdev/planning_pubmeet.asp

Submit Comments by: Wednesday, June 26, 2013Leave in box on front tableMail: Paul Knofczynski SDDOT 700 E Broadway Ave Pierre, SD 57501

Email: paul.knofczynski@state.sd.us

*The highway through Hot Springs has not had a major rebuild for 50 to 80 years. I represent SDDOT and will be providing you possible scenarios for the different highway sections in Hot Springs. I will highlight some of the options in this presentation. Layouts are provided throughout the room for the different sections through the City. SDDOT personnel are also available to answer any questions you may have. This is only a preliminary meeting to get opinions and ideas from you. Please feel free to ask questions, or provide comments.We are going to discuss two scheduled projects. The south project is for US18 and starts on the SE corner of town going through downtown and ends at the signal. The second project reconstructs US385, starts at the signal and follows River St north to Summit St. **Why are we here? XXXWe are here to involve the public. We want your input on what you would like to see, what you think needs to be accomplished, and what is currently an issue. XXXDiscuss needs Several aspects of the current highway are issues we plan to resolve with these projects. We will discuss them as we proceed through the presentation. XXXExchange ideas or needs After this presentation, please review the layouts provided around the room. We have various personnel who can discuss options. However, we need you to document your concerns, so they are not forgotten.The packet provided includes a comment sheet so you can provide feedback on any options provided, or other options we may not have yet considered. Also, postcards are provided if that is easier, or you can email me directly. The email is provided on the sheet as well.Why do we need this projects? XXXPavement - Existing pavement is asphalt lasts 15 years and is currently 14-33 years old so it is in need of replacementRequires more maintenance Concrete preferred in urban locations XXX

Capacity Lanes are narrow difficult to maneuver limited pedestrian access XXX

Safety Parking is an issue roadway alignment is not idealsignals lighting can cause glareparking causes both pedestrian and vehicle issues**Lets discuss what we have today.

Roadway section varies from 2 lanes to 4 lanesSidewalk along the route is limited or non-contiguous in many locationsROW is tight along the majority of the project. As a result, there may be some easements and permanent ROW needs involved. Lighting/Signals need to be upgradedSome intersecting roads have poor connections, which may be modified as a result of construction.ADT (Average Daily Traffic) current = 3300 to 6700 & future (20 year projection) = 3900 to 7900Discussion topics:

Scope of work what are we going to be looking at upgrading?Construction Timing how long will it take?Access to businesses and homesCrash HistoryParking/Roadway sectionsPedestrian facilities (sidewalks)Highway RouteIntersecting Roadways

**Scope of Work

Complete Urban ReconstructionReplace asphalt pavement with PCC pavement for a longer lasting pavement Curb & gutter Storm sewer (draining water away from our house) Lighting and traffic signal Improve pedestrian facilities (sidewalks) Continue to accommodate parking (provide a garage) (where possible)The projects are currently scheduled for 2017 and 2018 We will construct the south project first, followed by the north project.The timeline is being reviewed for constructability and may have to change.schedule is tentative and is pending any unforeseen issues

*Access to homes and businesses is important and will be maintained.

During: access will be provided in some manner, but may be limited at times

After: Access may have to be modified from existing conditions, or temporarily closed.Parking may also be modified from existingApproaches could be relocated or combined

*

Encroachments within the public Right of Way will addressed prior to ConstructionFederal Highway Regulations require any public ROW to be clear of obstructions and not allow privately owned items on or in publicly owned property. A primary concern is improving safety. It is also enforced to provide statewide consistency regarding the ROW.

The City of Hot Springs is responsible for encroachment enforcement and is included in theMaintenance & Encroachment Agreement with the City.

*Some crashes are unavoidable. XXX and some are not. However, we will do what we can to help reduce the number and the severity of crashes on the highway system. XXX

Our goal is to have no crashes at all on our highways.**Crash rates are calculated by the number and severity of crashes per million miles traveled.

Over this 3 year period, there were 27 crashes on US 385. crash rate = 5.55

Over the same 3 year period there were 28 crashes on US 18 - crash rate = 6.53

Please note that the crash rates are much higher than typical for a similar urban principal arterial in SD. A large part of this difference is the amount of parking along the highway, and the ability for pedestrians to safely move along the route.

The majority of the reported crashes (40 of the 55) are related to parking, pedestrians, sight distance, or are roadway related. XXX The crashes that are not shown on the table include medical issues, or weather related crashes (15 of the 55)*The highway through Hot Springs is also the business district, which necessitates parking. The question can be asked as to how much parking is needed? XXX As with building a house, the number of parking locations depends on the need. There would be no need to build a garage with 8 or 10 stalls, if you only have 2 or 3 vehicles. The same would hold true for parking needs on a roadway. Now, besides the number of parking spots, we also have to consider the type of parking used.*There are various types of parking that can be allowed along a roadway. A couple, you are very familiar with, and are currently utilized in the city. They include parallel parking XXX, and diagonal parking XXX. Both types are widely used, however diagonal parking creates a significant number of crashes due to the inability to see traffic, when leaving the parking stall. As a result, we are considering a different type of parking.*The parking being considered is reverse diagonal parking. This parking method is being used more and more often within the cities in the US, due to the number of crashes that can be reduced. XXX (Explain how it works)Advantages:Better line of sightFewer crashes a recent study in Pottstown PA found a 25% reduction in crsahes and a 43% reduction in crashes involving injuries, after changing to reverse diagonal parking.Easier to access vehicle Unloading is easierDisadvantages:New concept, so may be confusing at firstSome do not like backing in, however all parking requires backing at some timeHere is video released by the Indianapolis DPWs regarding this parking.*This video is from the Indianapolis Dept of Public Works. They explain how the parking works. This is not the first location they have transitioned, and more locations will transition later.*What type of parking is better?Diagonal vs. ParallelBoth affect traffic flowWith parallel parking, the driver can see approaching traffic when leaving the parking spot.Studies show changing diagonal parking to parallel parking reduces crashes 28%-63% (depending on the study)

Diagonal vs. Reverse DiagonalSame parking movement, but performed backwards to each otherReverse diagonal forces driver to back into a parking spotReverse diagonal gives better view of approaching trafficReverse diagonal parking reduces crashes due to backing

There has been several studies done to compare crash rates for the various types of parking. They show that changing diagonal parking to parallel parking can reduce crashes by 28 to 63 percent. And although there has not been a long term study performed for reverse diagonal parking, it is accepted that the crash reduction is even greater, if the parking is changed to this new method due to the ability to see and react to traffic.

*Parking utilization was reviewed using a variety of methods:Right of Way photos taken for this projectArial photos from GoogleGoogle driving photosArial photos used for ArcMap (2008 & 2010 versions)Driving photos used for Pathview (2010 & 2011 versions)Results of these reviews can be found at each layout throughout the room.

The layouts include the number of existing parking spaces, and the proposed number, based on the layout shown.

*A typical section shows the cross section of the street. The typical section through Hot Springs changes throughout the length. This slide and the following slides, show possible typical sections for various locations throughout the project. This section is typical for a 3 lane section (2 through lanes, with a center turn lane). This is the preferred section for the project from 18B, north toward the downtown district.*This section shows 2 through lanes, a center turn lane, and parallel parking. A possible scenario for the down town section.*This section shows what reverse diagonal parking would look like. The section also shows space on the roadway for bicyclists, just for example.*There is a hot spot of parking and pedestrian crashes located in front of the post office. The current traffic must flow past this location as shown. XXX As a result, there is a consideration to realign the highway from Jennings, to extend along River Street to US18 to help reduce conflict points along the highway. The traffic would flow as shown here. XXX This would also result in moving the signal from its current location, west one block to the new intersection of the highways. Would also require the replacement of the structure over Fall River.This alignment change would necessitate the replacement of the Jennings Street structure.*Another detail that the Department reviews when reconstructing a highway, is the connection to local roadways. The concern is in sight distance, confusion to the driver, and the ability for vehicles to turn onto and off the highway, without affecting traffic. There are several roadways that do not line up with the current highway, and those connections will be reviewed for correction at this time.*This layout shows another possible realignment of intersecting roadways. The offset of the two roadways shown are not ideal, and other alignments could be considered.*The project will utilize existing ROW where feasibleROW needs will be discussed in more detail at individual Landowner Meetings & will include: Design/Access details such as driveway location or width, fence, etc.Encroachment issuesRight of Way needsWe will meet with the landowners 2 or more times regarding the project.AppraisalsNegotiations

*Various utilities are located throughout the project. They can include water, sewer, power, cable, gas, and others. Each utility needs to be coordinated with the construction of the project. Utility conflicts are reviewed and resolutions determined before construction, when possible.*While the roadway is being reconstructed, and the pavement removed, the City is planning to upgrade some City facilities. These include water and sewer upgrades (locations and extent of upgrades are yet to be determined).

The prime contractor will be responsible for all work on both projects and the project will be completed concurrently.*Lane capacity is the number of vehicles a lane can handle during one 24 hour period. The Highway Capacity Manual states that two lanes will handle up to 3200 cars in an hour. and the SDDOT design manual states that a 3 lane roadway will handle up to 16,000 ADT (cars a day)

The highway in Hot Springs has a future daily traffic of 3900 to 7900 cars each day which can easily be handled by a two lane roadway. A three lane section is always considered when there is high traffic and turning traffic can be an issue to traffic flow.**Costs

2014North 6.647MSouth 6.387M

Does not include realignment or structureSection 4(f) Property: Federal Regulations requires that the project will include all possible planning to minimize harm to publicly owned parks, recreational areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, or public and private historical sites

In addition, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act required federal actions to consider the effects of projects on historic properties.*Hot Springs has a large historic districts which includes the majority of the north project. Impacts to historic structures and properties will be evaluated during the design process.*Contaminated Materials: In urban locations, there is always a chance that there may be underground tanks, or the material close to tanks is contaminated that is encountered during construction. We would need to resolve the contamination during construction.*Summary of Changes

Change pavement from asphalt to concreteImproved pedestrian facilitiesParking modificationsRealignment of US 385/move signal locationRealignment of intersecting streetsModification of lightingPotential bridge modificationReduce crashes**This presentation will be provided on our website, hopefully by tomorrow. It will also include the layouts shown at this meeting.

We are looking for any comments you may have, good or bad. You packet includes a comment sheet attached to the back, which you can either leave in the box on the front table, mail to me at the address provided at the top, or simply send me an email at the address provided. We need to receive any comments by Wednesday, June 26th to keep the project on schedule. The comments will be reviewed and we will be back in the fall to provide you with the direction we have come up with.

Any and all comments are appreciated.

Thank you for your attendance.*