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Home My WebLink About07-016 Providing Council policy direction concerning proposed upper sims way design and improvements RESOLUTION NO. 07-016 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND PROVIDING COUNCIL POLICY DIRECTION CONCERNING PROPOSED UPPER SIMS WAY DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENTS RECITALS: A. The City of Port Townsend has been involved over several years in a planning process to define the nature and extent of improvements for upper Sims Way transportation improvements that seek to address, generally, projected increases in traffic volumes; congestion; vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic and safety; difficult left turns onto and off of Sims Way; implementation of the Gateway Plan and creation of a "gateway" to the City at Howard and Sims and Discovery and Sims; and economic development objectives (and constraints on economic development from lack of infrastructure). B. SR 20 in the vicinity of upper Sims Way is congested and will become increasingly so as traffic volumes are projected to nearly double over the next twenty years. SR 20 in this vicinity has been identified as a high accident corridor by the State. SR 20 in this vicinity has more accidents than anywhere else in the City. Left turns will become increasingly difficult and unsafe - the more left turns, the worse the traffic congestion and likelihood of accidents; the worse the congestion, the more difficult the turns: in effect, a downward spiral. C. Because SR 20 is a state highway, the City has reviewed and will review alternatives for intersection controls and corridor improvements with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Final design and improvements affecting SR 20 are subject to compliance with WSDOT regulations and approval. D. Upper Sims Way improvements have been designated by the City Council as the highest priority project for transportation improvements. Improvements for upper Sims have been identified on the City's adopted 6 year Transportation Improvement Program, 2007- 2012 and on the City's 2007 CIP. Resolution 07-016 E. The planning area is generally shown on the map attached as Attachment A. F. The range of transportation improvements includes intersection improvements at Mill Road and Sims, Howard and Sims, Thomas or McPherson and Sims, and corridor improvements along Sims Way approaching and through intersection improvements. Transportation planning includes planning for current and future traffic, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including attention to the special needs of persons with disabilities that may limit locomotion or raise particular safety concerns. G. The planning process also includes planning for Howard Street improvements from Sims Way to Discovery Road, including intersection improvements at Howard and Sims, and Howard and Discovery. H. In addition, the City is engaged in review of zoning and land use regulations in the area generally bounded by Sims, Howard and Discovery to coordinate integrated transportation improvements with land uses. 1. The planning process includes Council workshops and meetings with opportunity for public comment, and public workshops with interested public, property and business owners, and meetings with the City's Non-motorized Transportation Advisory Board, including as follows: See attached Attachment B. 1. The City has been assisted in the planning process by W.H. Pacific (Olympia) as consulting engineers, and Makers Architecture and Design Group (Seattle). Traffic analysis work has been done by The Transpo Group (Kirkland, W A). K. Project objectives that have been identified in the planning process are set forth in "Upper Sims Way Project Objectives," attached as Attachment C. L. During the planning process, twelve options for improvements were identified. The options were evaluated and reviewed using the following performance measures: 2 Resolution 07-016 a) Ensure access to the opposite side of Sims Way for in and outbound cars and trucks. b) "Backage" roads are desirable for all alternatives and necessary for some. c) New "Backage" roads will be constructed to current City standards. Existing roads may be used in backage schemes will require partial improvements and/or upgrade. d) Some turn pockets may be located in the median. Crosswalk locations may be provided. Specific locations will be determined through a future process. e) Significant constraints (due to pre-existing development) are found at both the McPherson and Thomas Street intersections. f) All proposed alternatives are less than WSDOT spacing for intersections. g) All proposed intersection alternatives require acquisition of land. h) Improvements affecting SR 20 are subject to compliance with WSDOT regulations and approval. M. Council took public comment on options on May 14, 2007. As a result of the meeting, three options emerged for further review and refinement, and the Council considered public comment and the three options on June 4, 2007. Generally, the three options are: . Option I - Roundabouts at Howard and at Thomas . Option 2 - Signals at Howard and at Thomas . Option 3 - A signal at Howard and a continuous turn lane (can also be a roundabout at Howard with a continuous turn lane). The details of access control along Sims Way between Howard and Thomas Streets are not being decided in this Resolution. These will be developed during the next step in the design process (with the design based on the policy direction on type of intersection control determined in this Resolution). N. The City Council has received considerable information concerning whether intersections at Sims and Howard, and Sims and Thomas or McPherson, should be controlled by roundabouts and/or traffic signals. For this segment of upper Sims Way either roundabouts or traffic signals can function over the twenty-year planning period. 3 Resolution 07-016 Option I - Roundabouts 1. Advantages of roundabouts include: . Allows U-turns on Sims without need for backage roads. . Provides more direct vehicle and truck access to business on both sides of Sims Way. . Overall lower projected costs because backage roads are not essential. . Safer from standpoint that there are fewer conflict points (and fewer opportunities for accidents), and collisions occur at lower speeds and collisions occur at angles (instead of head on or rear end) and thereby result in accidents with lesser injury and damage. . Pedestrians have shorter crossing distance. 2. Disadvantages of roundabouts include: . New type of intersection control for Port Townsend. . Less ability to "program" intersection controls. Option 2 - Signals 3. Advantages of signals include: . Controls are similar to other controlled Sims Way intersections; users have greater familiarity of use with signals. . Signals offer "adjustability" and "programmability." . Pedestrians have on demand crossing signal. 4. Disadvantages of signals include: . System is dependent on backage roads for circulation and u-turns. . Higher cost due to need for backage roads. . Indirect circulation for access to businesses on opposite side to Sims Way. . More accidents from larger number of conflict points at intersection, and potential for more serious accidents due to type of accident (head on or rear end). Option 3 - Control at Howard and a continuous turn lane 5. Advantages of Option 3 include: . Initial lower costs. 4 Resolution 07-016 . Offers short terms benefit only; does not resolve long-term traffic issues. May be implemented as an interim measure to Option I or 2. 6. Disadvantages of Option 3 include: . Unknown future costs to address projected traffic increases. . More traffic conflict points resulting in more accidents. . Offers short terms benefit only; does not resolve long-term traffic issues. O. The Council finds that, on balance, for the reasons stated in paragraph N, the advantages of roundabouts outweigh their disadvantages and offer advantages over signals, and better meet the planning objectives in Attachment 3 P. Because overall projected costs for Sims Way improvements, estimated at approximately $5M, exceed available funding, funding should first be applied to further the design process. Staff should submit to City Council options for construction phasing based on available funding. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend resolves as follows: l. The Council hereby adopts the above Recitals. 2. Council hereby adopts intersection controls for upper Sims Way with roundabouts at Howard and at Thomas. 3. Staff, in consultation with W.H. Pacific, is directed to continue with design work for the adopted option for intersection controls and corridor improvements, and shall address in the design the project objectives in Attachment 3. Staff is directed to periodically report to the City Council on design work. 4. Because overall projected costs for Sims Way improvements, estimated at approximately $5M, exceed available funding, staffis directed to submit to City Council options for construction phasing based on available funding. Options for construction phasing should include a recommendation concerning interim improvements, such as, a center turn lane with appropriate access controls, pending full implementation of intersection improvements. 5 Resolution 07-016 ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting thereof, held this eighteenth day of June 2007. -" \ \ ~.. l\1 S? .. J ) l . Mark WelCh, Mayor '\ Attest: (!~2<~. City Clerk Approved as to form: o .-:::::> John P. 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S.r: _ ~~ y 15 Oabh10H jM~ is a3rv~tla i -.~.._ +i'J'Y ~','' ~~ ~~., ..:. m :sa3~wtla ~ _ kV~~ ~, ,k 1S tl1Sd4,5 i ` ~ x ~) _ ~"-.° 4 ~v. i::.. y, a 9 {q 4i~;3• is tll SYNS -.\ ~;~i 1 ~ ~° * r r. x-.•. :~ ~ Y ~ ~_ is c~oH ~ is aooH ~ ~ -t~ K k ` ~ ~Y ~.. r`~ ~:. . 1S `JNiadS ~~~a°: {v~~ e.q y `~~1 $~Y. t ~ ` ~• ~Tf •z ~-j M ~t~a ~ ~ ~ r ~ F f, ~" x~ ;tee Q ~ `'~ boa .a '~ '. ~ ~ a ^~ ui.,v lsAn~ ~ ^' A /+ W 4'~ NS ~ m N U Q Q n~`a~~_..-°---~~-.:n.-~-,~__~a~.~~a.,as_~~a=_a-~-.-~ n~sa~anv+a»>:.~-.--:"„_ ls~3as r-~ k !~ . highways exist to serve a broader interest than a single property owner or business. Howard Street 9.0 Encourage mixed-use development on undeveloped land on the east side of Howard Street. Ensure that new transportation improvements support mixed-use development in the Howard Street area. Ensure that zoning allows for appropriate uses that support this objective. Current zoning requirements should be evaluated and revised to allow for higher- intensity, commercial and mixed-use development along Howard Street. 10.0 Encourage the creation of a neighborhood center and commercial destination. Future commercial growth in Port Townsend can best be accommodated in the Upper Sims Way area. The creation of housing opportunities, commercial uses and public amenities will assist in the development of the area as both a local neighborhood center as well as a commercial destination for the larger commnnity, The east side of Howard Street is especially well-suited for pedestrian oriented mixed-use development opportunities. The City can encourage the development of Howard Street as a commercial center through revised zoning requirements and the construction of key infrastructure improvements. 3 Attachment B CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS DATE COUNCIL MEETING May 20, 2002 Business Meeting - Upper Sims Way consultant study authorized June 6, 2002 Business Meeting - Council rescinds consultant authorization; assigns upper Sims Way components to council committees for analysis June 16, 2003 Business Meeting - Upper Sims Way Improvements /infrastructure needs July 6, 2004 Business Meeting - Council approves contract for appraisal services re formation of special benefit district/LID for upper Sims Way June 13, 2005 Workshop - Upper Sims Way/Howard St. Improvements October 3, 2005 Business Meeting - City Manager Report Upper Sims WayIHoward Street Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) November 7,2005 Business Meeting - Transportation Committee Report Upper Sims Way/Howard Street Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) - schedule Council workshop January 9, 2006 Workshop - Upper Sims Way/Howard Street Transportation Improvements Program February 27,2006 Workshop - Council Priorities (Upper Sims Way-Highest Priority) March 6, 2006 Business Meeting Action: Move to approve Resolution 06-005, authorizing the City Manager to move forward with the Upper Sims Way planning studies and with the preliminary andfinal design of the Howard Street intersection and Howard Street extension project, including obtaining public input and preparing right of way plans, all within the available fUnding and approved budf!,et for the project. April 20, 2006 Workshop - Council Priorities May I, 2006 Business Meeting Council Priorities Resolution 06-013 - sets Upper Sims Way as highest Priority for 2006-2007 Move to approve Resolution 06-010, authorizing City Manager to select a qualified design consultant and enter into a Professional Services Aweement for Phase 1, Upper Sims Way StratefDl and Imvlementation. September 18,2006 Business Meeting - Phase I Upper Sims Way Improvements - Update October 9, 2006 Business Meeting - Preliminary Budget: Transportation Capital Improvement Projects - next phases of Upper Sims Way would be primary budget focus in 2007 (budget aooroved Dec. 4, 2006). October 16,2006 Business Meeting - Phase I Upper Sims Way Improvements - Update January 2, 2007 Business Meeting Resolution 07-002, authorizing the City Manager to sign a grant agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for improvements to Sims Way (SR 20), from Howard Street to Thomas Street. January 4, 2007 Business Meeting 1) Move to adopt the proposed revisions to the Upper Sims Way Strategy and Implementation Plan process; 2) Move to direct Attachment B DATE COUNCIL MEETING the Planning Commission to develop recommended zoning revisions to implement the expanded uses envisioned by the community for the Upper Sims Way/Howard Street area; and 3) Move to direct City staffto identify and evaluate possible funding strategies to implement the Upper Sims Way Strategy and ImDlementation Plan. February 5, 2005 Council Priorities 2007 (adds new matters and does not affect Resolution 06-013 (May 1,2006) setting upper Sims Way as highest priority for 2006-2007 February 12, 2007 Workshop - Unner Sims Wav May 14, 2007 Workshop - Unper Sims Way (with public comment) June 4, 2007 Workshop - Unper Sims Way June 18, 2007 Business Meeting - Upper Sims Way PUBLIC WORKSHOPS I OPEN HOUSES MAY 12, 2005 UPPER SIMS WAY DESIGN CHARETTE - COMMUNITY CENTER September 12,2006 Upper Sims Way Public Workshop I - Grant Street School October 10, 2006 Upper Sims Way Public Workshon II - Grant Street School January 17, 2007 Upper Sims Way Community Open House - Community Center ATTACHMENT C Upper Sims Wav Proiect Obiectives Overall 1.0 Integrated Improvements. Provide an integrated series of transportation improvements coordinated with land use development and existing business activities that improve the function, safety, aesthetics and economic vitality of the project area. The Upper Sims Way area has been the focus of land use and transportation planning efforts over the past i8 years. None of these efforts have been fUlly implemented to date. All prior processes have consistently identified that the best future for the area is predicated on changing it's current function from acting as a transportation corridor into serving as a commercial and residential destination. Key to achieving this goal is the provision offunctional and aesthetic improvements that support enhanced and expanded land uses. 2.0 Acknowledge Linkages and Dependencies. Ensure that proposed transportation and streetscape improvements are designed in a manner that considers and addresses the current and future effect of the proposal on the overall area-wide transportation system. Successful improvements shouldn't be considered in isolation. For example, each proposed intersection improvement will have a direct effect on (or be effected by) other existing or proposed intersection improvements. Proposed improvements must work in concert even if they are incrementally constructed 3.0 Facilitate Connectivity. Enhance both motorized and non-motorized connectivity throughout the project area and from the project area to adjacent neighborhoods. Enhancing connectivity is essential to the creation of a successful and vital district. Currently, only motorized connectivity through the district along SR 20 occurs, with varying degrees of success depending on the time of day and week At best, SR 20 is marginally successfUl as a "conduit" for through-traffic but fails at creating a "destination "for the district as no real "center" is supported, As traffic volumes increase over time, businesses on SR 20 will likely be faced with a declining customer counts due to increased difficulty in accessing their locations. in addition, pedestrian crossings of the SR 20 appear to be perilous at best at present. increasing multi-modal connectivity can assist in the development of a "center" to the district by enhancing access to key areas. 4.0 StreetscaDe Desil!n. Establish a streetscape environment on Upper Sims Way and Howard Street that accommodates both motorized and non-motorized uses, supports businesses and appropriate development, is aesthetically pleasing and allows opportunities for commnnity interaction. There is a direct correlation between streetscape improvements and the economic vitality of adjacent businesses. Streetscape designs that allow for pedestrian connectivity, provide street trees and fUrniture and public spaces encourage the creation of a perceivable district. 5.0 Implementation. Develop a prioritized funding strategy to construct identified improvements in a timely manner that is comprehensive in scope and flexible in recommended techniques. It is acknowledged that there is no one "magic bullet" that allows for complete implementation of the improvements; it is anticipated that a reasoned andflexible scheme that identifies and incorporates a variety of potential fUnding techniques will be necessary. Sims Way (SR 20) 6.0 Allow for existing and proiected traffic flow along Sims Way (SR 20). Minimize traffic friction along the SR 20 corridor while maintaining appropriate urban speed levels. Sims Way is the major access point for Port Townsend residents, visitors and commercial goods. The reduction of friction will allow for a steady flow of traffic (at urban speeds) in and out of town without the needfor increased roadway capacity. (Note: decreasing traffic ''friction'' (and therefore congestion) will, in the long term, require reducing left turn movements across Sims Way traffic. To accommodate these movements, controlled intersections with additional street connections roughly parallel to Sims Way must be provided This will allow for better and safer business and non-motorized access.) 7.0 Ensure that proposed Sims Way (SR 20) roadway improvements are approPriately scaled. Design roadway and intersection improvements to serve resident needs and not for peak summer volumes. Increasing capacity in an attempt to accommodate seasonal peak needs is not acceptable to the community. Some delay is acceptable as a trade-off to maintaining appropriate scale and character. 8.0 Ensure that access is available to businesses located along Sims Wav (SR 20). To improve safety and traffic flow, provide controlled and coordinated access to all existing businesses and future development sites along SR 20. The maintenance of uncontrolled access is inconsistent with state policy, not in the public interest and shall not be permitted. Uncontrolled access along SR 20 has been identified as the most significant contributor to traffic problems in the project area. The highest accident rate in Port Townsend is found at the McPherson/SR 20 intersection, which does not provide left turn pockets on SR 20 due to parking encroaching into the right-of- way. Reasonable access alternatives exist to serve all existing businesses. State 2