Consideration and Approval of Contract:  Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for the Fourth Street / I-40 Project Assessment for Bridge Widening and Replacement.

A project assessment is currently being completed by ADOT for the rehabilitation of the existing bridges at Fourth Street and I-40 to ensure they continue to meet the necessary life safety requirements into the future.  In continued discussions with ADOT, City staff recognized this as an opportunity to evaluate the possibility of replacing and widening these bridges to serve the City's Regional Plan Goals as identified below.  This assessment is the first step in ADOT's process for completing a project in their jurisdiction.

This is a summary of the IGA Scope of Work:

• A Project Assessment (PA) will be prepared in accordance with the ADOT’s project Scoping Document Guidelines (See Exhibit A). This document provides specific information for future potential programming of funds for design and construction.
• The PA includes analysis for (1) a bridge deck widening and (2) a total structure replacement.
• Both alternatives will accommodate the proposed 4th Street cross-section as identified in the Fourth Street Corridor Study – South dated March 2010.
• Each alternative will be evaluated on its ability to accommodate the future widening of I-40 to six travel lanes.
• The analysis of both alternatives will include preparation of Stage I (15%) plans, as well as quantity and cost estimates.

The City of Flagstaff is responsible for the estimated $60,000 in costs incurred to provide a project assessment.  These costs will be covered from a FY17 budgeted item within the Transportation Tax labeled Fourth Street Bridge / I40 Design.  Current budget for design is $350,000, and the current budget for construction of Fourth St improvements is $2,275,000.

COUNCIL GOALS:

3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
6) Provide a well-managed transportation system
7) Continue to implement the Flagstaff Regional Plan and focus efforts on specific plans

REGIONAL PLAN:

Goal T.1 - Improve mobility and access throughout the region.
Goal T.2 - Improve transportation safety and efficiency for all modes.
Goal T.4 - Promote transportation infrastructure and services that enhance the quality of life of the communities within the region.
Goal T.5 - Increase the availability and use of pedestrian infrastructure, including FUTS, as a critical element of a safe and livable community.
Goal T.6 - Provide for bicycling as a safe and efficient means of transportation and recreation.
Goal CD.1 Improve the City and County financial systems to provide for needed infrastructure development and rehabilitation, including enhancement of existing infrastructure.
 

The Council approved a capital improvements budget for FY16-17 that includes $350,000 for design of the Fourth Street Bridge and $2,275,000 for general improvements on Fourth Street.

1.  Approve the proposed IGA with ADOT to begin the process of assessing the different alternatives for replacement and widening of the bridges in question.  This option brings the possibility of ADOT financially participating in the replacement and widening of the bridges in lieu of proposed rehabilitation

2.  Deny the proposed IGA with ADOT.  ADOT will likely proceed with the proposed maintenance of the bridges by rehabilitating the bridge decks to satisfy life safety concerns.  The City will likely incur expense to obtain a Project Assessment from ADOT at a later date.

The Fourth Street bridges over I-40 are ADOT structures.

Fourth Street is one of only three north-south arterials and one of only three locations with a grade-separated crossing of the BNSF railroad.

Fourth Street is identified as a minor arterial in the regional plan. The typical cross section for a minor arterial is four lanes.

The FMPO prepared a Fourth Street Traffic Interchange feasibility study in 2007 that found an interchange was not necessary but that widening and lengthening the bridge is needed.

The City’s Fourth Street Corridor Study from March 2010 recommends widening and lengthening the bridges.

ADOT drafted an initial design concept report for Interstate 40 in 2011 that concluded the Fourth Street bridges need to be lengthened in order to widen I-40 to the recommended 6-lane section.

The City has applied for a US Department of Transportation TIGER grant for this project for the past three years. Having the project included in ADOT’s 5-Year construction program is seen as critical to a successful application.

Should this project assessment lead to construction, the benefits include congestion relief, safe pedestrian and bicycle passage across I-40, and a potential financial partnering with ADOT.