Resolutions relating to the final application for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for pedestrian crossing improvements on Timberwolf Drive.

Adoption of the attached resolutions.  

The resolutions continue the application process initiated on December 11, 2017, when the City Council approved a Resolution of support to authorize application. The attached two resolutions are required to formally complete the application process. During the application process, it became evident that the project would be improved by adjusting the crosswalk’s location by approximately 900 feet to more directly service Rosa Parks Elementary. The scope of the project now includes upgrading the intersection of Timberwolf and Heron from a 3-way crosswalk to a 4-way crosswalk. Safety concerns of the original proposed crosswalk location near College Town have been addressed by recent lighting installation.
 
The Resolution of sponsorship demonstrates the city’s recognition that it is the sponsoring agency for the application. The Resolution agreeing to Maintain Facility demonstrates that the city will assume final responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the crosswalk.
 
The TAP solicitation provides funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for projects that support active modes of transportation. This includes on-and off-road pedestrian facilities, such as the proposed Timberwolf Drive Schoolchild Pedestrian Crosswalk. If approved, 80% of the project's cost will be funded through the TAP. Applications are due Friday, January 12, 2018.
 
Project Need
The crosswalk is imperative for meeting existing pedestrian demand in the area. Not only is there historic demand for upgraded pedestrian infrastructure from the local community, the area’s recent, continuing, and future urbanization makes the project even more necessary. The proposed crosswalk will directly serve students of Rosa Parks Elementary School, promote pedestrian infrastructure in an urbanizing area of the city, calm traffic, incentivize pedestrian and bicycle use, and promote healthier lifestyles. The crosswalk and intersection upgrade will also directly service residents of the planned Rosa Parks Place housing development.
 
The area is identified in the city’s adopted Safe Routes to School Plan, which makes reference to both the school and the area, stating; “…as of 2012, only 17% of [Rosa Parks Elementary] enrollment walked to school…the primary issue that Rosa Parks parents indicated was the safety of the street crossings and intersections. Approximately 71% of parents said that if the safety of crossings and intersections were to be improved, they would probably let their children walk or bike to school.” The project has written support from the Rosa Parks parent-teacher organization, the school principal, and the school superintendent.
 
Scope & Budget
The project consists of installation of a lighted crosswalk, technically referred to as a “High Intensity Activated Crosswalk Beacon (HAWK). Industry standards and studies have demonstrated improvements in safety and motorist behavior at intersections with HAWK signals. The crosswalk will be located on Timberwolf Drive directly due north of Rosa Parks Elementary School. The HAWK will be located in such a way as to service and extend the pre-existing footpath across Timberwolf Drive. The project will also entail upgrading the intersection of Timberwolf Drive and Heron Drive from a 3-way crosswalk to a 4-way crosswalk. The paint of all four crosswalks at the Timberwolf and Heron intersection will be upgraded to more visible continental striping, similar to the striping used further up Timberwolf Drive at the crossing at Cottage Path. Unlike the crosswalk at Cottage Path, the four new crosswalks will include a stop bar/stop line for vehicles to stop at. The project will also entail relocation of the driveway on the northern edge of Timberwolf Drive directly southwest of the proposed HAWK crosswalk. city staff will work with the landowner and school to agree on a new location.  Note, the property is vacant and the access point would most likely be adjusted at the time of development, which is not pending at this time.  Staff has been in contact with the owner regarding the relocation of the access.  
 
The project cost is approximately $230,000. If approved, 80% of the eligible project cost, or approximately $153,500, will be funded through the TAP. The city's total contribution to the project (approx. $77,000) will be funded through the Community Investment Plan in a future year. Projects included in the current TAP solicitation are scheduled for completion in 2021 or 2022. MnDOT has indicated that there are several options available if, once awarded funding, the city would like to proceed sooner than 2021/2022.