Resolution_PFacilitiesAgmt_CityofEllensburg

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PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Project Description: Describe the scope of work. Indicate the major work involved, including a brief comparison of existing and proposed conditions. The proposed project will install a traffic signal at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Railroad Avenue. Both Railroad Avenue and 5th Avenue are minor arterial streets that are both on the established City truck route, and both streets have significant truck volumes. In addition, immediately west of this intersection is 350 acres of contiguous park and open space land. The current configuration is a two-way (east -west) stop sign controlled intersection, which routinely has significant traffic delays in the evening peak hour and when there are events at Rotary Park. The above land uses create a unique transportation challenge at the intersection that affect freight mobility, hamper future industrial development, and limit regional activities and events at Rotary Park, which can be resolved with the proposed improvements. The proposed traffic signal will be an eight phase traffic signal, with phases dedicated for each through and left turning movement. The traffic signal will also include radar/video vehicle and bicycle detection, emergency vehicle detection and preemption, pedestrian push buttons and displays, and will be connected to the City's existing traffic signal management system. These improvements will greatly enhance the safety and functionality of the intersection, which is the entrance to Rotary Park. 2. Explain the specific Infrastructure issues the project addresses and how they are linked to economic development improvements. The City of Ellensburg's Comprehensive Plan (Dec. 2017) has adopted a minimum level of service (LOS) standard of C. Development that would drop the LOS below the minimum allowed standard could not be permitted. Currently the eastbound and westbound legs approach a 20 second delay during the evening peak hour and exceed that during special events at Rotary Park. A peak hour delay exceeding 25 seconds will drop the LOS to a D and be below the adopted minimum. Based on current growth, this is anticipated within the next 3 to 4 years. Once at these levels, building permits (commercial or residential) would not be able to be issued for any project that would create vehicle trips at this location. Installation of a traffic signal at this location, as outlined in our Comprehensive plan would improve the LOS of the intersection to an LOS A, with minimal delays. Railroad Avenue and Dolarway Road have a significant amount of undeveloped land which is zoned light industrial. Signalization of this intersection would allow for development of these areas, which may not be permitted without the project. In addition, the improvements would also allow for expanded activities at Rotary Park, including regional baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments. These activities include events and toumaments which is a significant economic generator in Ellensburg. The signalization of this intersection will also significantly improve the safety of the intersection. The non -motorized or active modes of travel (pedestrian and bicycle) will have pedestrian push buttons and walk/don't walk displays to provide specific dedicated pedestrian crossing times to safely cross the busy intersection.