Welcome. Thank you for attending tonight s open house. The purpose of this open house is to give you an opportunity to:

Transcription

1 Welcome Thank you for attending tonight s open house. The purpose of this open house is to give you an opportunity to: Review the circulation plan concept Give us your input

2 Why a circulation plan? During the design of the Eagle Road and McMillan Road intersection project concerns were expressed about the future intersection improvements in relation to school pedestrian traffic. ACHD evaluated school bus, staff and parent circulation data to determine what could be done to increase safety and efficiency during school drop off and pick up times. ACHD has been working with the Meridian School District and Lowell Scott Middle School to come up with the plan shown this evening.

3 What options were considered? X Replacing the pedestrian beacon on McMillan Road with a full traffic signal A full signal would be less safe for pedestrians since traffic leaving driveways would have a green light at the same time pedestrians cross the street, creating conflict. Vehicle volume criteria was not met for full traffic signal. X Pedestrian overpass Pedestrian overpasses have significant impacts and are expensive. For more information please see next board. Circulation plan

4 Why no pedestrian overpass? Pedestrians will not use it if a more direct route is available.* Making a pedestrian overpass accessible for all users (those using wheelchairs, etc.) requires extensive ramping, resulting in a very long structure. The impacts would likely include: Eliminating three to four houses Using more of the school grounds Significant utility impacts Overpasses are very expensive and can cost as much as $4 million depending on the required right-of-way acquisition and site characteristics. * Generally considered an eyesore *Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

5 Circulation plan The proposed circulation plan has two components that increase safety. Both eliminate many of the conflicts between turning vehicles and pedestrians that are currently an issue near the existing pedestrian beacon. Relocate the pedestrian beacon approximately 90 feet to the east Moving the pedestrian beacon away from the driveways at Albertsons and Lowell Scott Middle School improves visibility of pedestrians. Add a pick up and drop off facility east of the relocated beacon Minimizes congestion during peak times in the morning and afternoon, improving access to and from the school site.

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8 Eagle and McMillan intersection construction Construction is expected to last 6-9 months Utility and irrigation work is currently scheduled to begin in early 2015 School circulation plan will be constructed in summer 2015 Work will be done at night The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) requires night work on Eagle Road (State Highway 55). However, to minimize noise disturbance ACHD will require the contractor to construct the west leg of McMillan Road during the daytime hours. Construction schedule is subject to change.

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11 Thank you All displays and handouts will be posted to ACHD s web site, for review and comment. What s next Review and address comments received from the public. Refine circulation plan if needed. Comments are due by October 3, Construct school improvements in summer 2015 with Eagle and McMillan intersection project.