Warsaw, Missouri Van Buren Street Preliminary Engineering Report

Transcription

1 Warsaw, Missouri Van Buren Street Preliminary Engineering Report Prepared for: The City of Warsaw 181 Harrison Street Warsaw, MO (660) Prepared by Charles LePage, P.E. CFS Engineers 119 W. Pacific Street Branson, MO 65611

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS VAN BUREN STREET I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY II. III. IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS..3 DESIGN CHALLENGES...7 Koskiusko to Osage Osage to Jackson Jackson to Jefferson....8 Jefferson to Washington....9 Washington to Main Main to Harrison DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Proposed Improvements Parking Bike Accommodations Environmental Street Lighting Easements and Right of Way Koskiusko Street Improvements North Elementary School V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN.15 Koskiusko to Osage Osage to Jackson Jackson to Jefferson Jefferson to Washington Main to Harrison APPENDICES VAN BUREN STREET EXHIBITS I III SCHOOL TRANSIT CENTER EXHIBITS SCHOOL WEST PARKING AND KOSKIUSKO EXHIBIT 1

3 INTRODUCTION VAN BUREN STREET Over the past 19 years, the city of Warsaw, Missouri has taken proactive steps to make community-wide improvements to their infrastructure. This started with a series of planning processes that looked comprehensively at sewer and water, transportation, community recreation and tourism. The goal of the City was to overcome deficiencies in the infrastructure, develop a more livable community and create an environment that would attract businesses and tourists. The catalyst for creating a livable community derived from a series of strategies and planning documents that were continually updated to reflect successes and short falls. These studies and planning documents outlined community needs and recommended improvements with priorities and cost estimates for budgeting. The City aggressively sought out funding for these much needed improvements with great success. The City has made significant upgrades to its existing utility network and recreational facilities as well as some improvements to the transportation system. The City is now focusing on its attention on addressing the transportation network to better accommodates the citizens of Warsaw along with the increasing number of visitors to the area. In addition, the City desires to improve accessibility to all modes of transportation throughout the community that will encourage the attraction of new residents and businesses. This new direction by the City was initiated with the adoption of the community s new Comprehensive Plan titled, Building on Success to Capitalize on the Future. This Comprehensive Plan includes a section entitled Warsaw Livable Community Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The TIP is a very thorough plan on how to improve the community s transportation system that provides great connectivity throughout the City, and capitalizes on the exceptional waterfront trails system that currently exists. The goal of the transportation improvements plan is to create a network of multi-modal streets and pathways that link to the trail system to create a unique transportation system for all who live, visit or conduct business in Warsaw. These highly visible projects will make a statement that Warsaw is a progressive city that is willing to invest in improving the quality of life for all who live, work or visit our community. These improvements will provide everyone with great flexibility, safety and comfort to enjoy the many unique and abundant outdoor beauty and experience opportunities that Warsaw has to offer. For future planning and funding the City of Warsaw has commissioned CFS, Engineers to study the Van Buren corridor between Koskiusko Street and Harrison Street. For the City s proposed CDBG funding application, the project area will be defined as from Kiokiusko Street to Jackson Street. Currently CFS is also preparing a Preliminary Engineering Report for the City that addresses transportation issues and needs along the entire Jackson Street Corridor. The two studies will assist the city in developing a comprehensive approach to providing multi-modal transportation improvements for the two vitally important routes. Improvements along these two corridors with multi-modal capabilities will encourage redevelopment as outlined in the city comprehensive plan entitled Building on Success to Capitalize on the Future. Additionally, the improved streets will provide muti-modal routes that access parks, commercial and residential areas and community services and amenities. 2

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Van Buren Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) project limits extend from Harrison Street in the downtown, Northward to Koskiusko Street and the North Elementary School property. The purpose of the (PER) is to evaluate the condition of the existing infrastructure, identify conflicts, issues and limitations for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, discuss critical needs and determine improvements that will promote multi-modal transportation choices as well as health and safety for citizens of the community. The existing conditions along several blocks of Van Buren are unsafe for pedestrians as can be seen in the adjacent photo where students and parents are seen walking in the roadway. VAN BUREN STREET The PER addresses needed improvements such as ADA compliant sidewalks, potential for bike lanes, improved storm drainage, streetscapes, lighting, parking and traffic flow and pavement marking and signage. This study also looks at the North Elementary School and provides recommendations for a transit facility that will improve traffic safety and conflict resolutions between students and buses from multiple schools with multiple arrival and departure times. The school site is a central location within the community and streets connecting to the school (such as Van Buren) see a large volume of pedestrian and bicycle use. Because of its strategic location, the overall concept of a transit facility at the school can also provide additional opportunities for community when the school is not using the facility. These uses could include: a community transit facility, parking for users of the multi-modal transportation network and community event parking. The PER discusses the environmental permitting process and probable issues that will need to be addressed for agency approval, depending upon which funding source is utilized. The report provides conceptual design with cost estimates for engineering and surveys, utility adjustments, easements and construction related expenses for various alternatives and includes recommendations for proposed improvements. The ultimate rational for this project is to continue promoting Warsaw s goal of developing safe, reliable, and economical transportation choices to by investing in walk-able neighborhoods. Improvements to Van Buren Street were mentioned in the 2015 Warsaw Livable Streets Transportation Improvements Plan. The benefits of which are to provide connectivity from the downtown waterfront trail system to the heart of the community. Van Buren was identified as one of the key streets to be improved as it provides an important route between downtown and North Elementary School. 3

5 Existing Conditions VAN BUREN STREET Van Buren Street in Downtown Warsaw, MO. Vicinity Map General Van Buren Street s boundaries extend about 1,785 feet, from Kosciusko Street and North Elementary School at the north end to Harrison Street and the Warsaw Community Building at the south end. From Kosciusko south to Jefferson, the area is residential, changing to a mostly commercial area from Jefferson to the Community Building. Portions of Van Buren Street have received major improvements as part of several downtown renovation projects. Traffic Van Buren Street is currently a Community Connector between the North Elementary School and the Warsaw downtown, Community Building and waterfront. At about the midway point along this section of roadway, Van Buren crosses Jackson Street which is one of the primary arterials through the City. Vehicular traffic along Van Buren north of downtown is light through most of the day with heavier numbers occurring during the morning and evening start and end of the school day. The North Elementary School serves as a transit center for dropping off and picking up students from three of the area schools, including the elementary school. As a result there are large numbers of buses, passenger cars and pedestrians converging at this location. Confusion and traffic conflicts are common. A large percentage of this traffic travels along Van Buren Street. 4

6 Roadway Sections The right of way width for Van Buren Street is 66 feet. The existing roadway is an approximately 24 foot wide asphalt pavement. The pavement is in fair to poor condition and mostly in need of an asphalt overlay. Sidewalks exist along portions of Van Buren, but are generally in poor condition. Beginning about 200 feet southwest of Jefferson Street and extending to Koskiusko Street, Van Buren has variable width, turf shoulders and open ditches with sidewalks at the back of the ditches. From 200 feet southwest of Jefferson to Washington Street, Van Buren has no shoulders or ditches but includes on-street parking with a sidewalk beyond the parking area. Between Washington Street and Main Street, Van Buren has been upgraded to include ADA compliant sidewalks, corner bump-outs with on-street parking, landscaping and ornamental street lighting. The area between Main Street and Harrison Street has a sidewalk along the west side of the street only with diagonal on-street parking on both sides and ornamental lighting at the corners. Sidewalks The current sidewalk is mostly a 4 foot wide section north of Washington Street and is located between 10 and 15 feet from the edge of the existing pavement, near the existing right of way line. The majority of this sidewalk is in very poor condition, presents trip hazards, has gaps and is non-continuous. To the right is an example of a sidewalk that shows evidence of upheaval from tree roots. Between Jackson Street and Koskiusko a sidewalk exists on the west side of the roadway only. This is likely due to some of the physical challenges and obstacles in this area. From Kosciusko to Osage the roadway grade is very steep with the existing sidewalk incorporating concrete steps and retaining walls to help meet the roadway grade and a concrete sidewalk bridge to help pass over the Town Branch Creek box culvert at Osage. From Osage Street southward, about 110 of sidewalk was reconstructed along the west side of the roadway as part of city-wide waterline replacement project. About 60 of this sidewalk was constructed adjacent to the edge of roadway, due to drainage issues at the southwest corner of the intersection. This segment of sidewalk is 6 feet wide, meets ADA compliance and can be used in-place with a future sidewalk project. The remaining 50 feet of sidewalk that was constructed with this project is offset from the roadway to align with the older sidewalk to the south and is in excellent condition. From Jackson St. to Washington St. there are currently sidewalks on both sides of Van Buren, but sections are missing. 5

7 At Jackson Street there are sidewalk extensions in three of the four corners of the intersection that connect with the 4 feet wide sidewalks currently running east and west on Jackson Street. At Jefferson there are sidewalk connections with the cross street in the NE and SW quadrants of the intersection. At Washington Street there are sidewalk connection with the cross street in all four quadrants. The sidewalks between Washington and Main Street were reconstructed in recent years and upgraded to be ADA compliant with a 10 sidewalk on the west side and a 6 sidewalk on the east side (Benton County Courthouse) and both are in excellent condition. ADA compliant sidewalks also extend to the west along the south side of Washington Street and to the east adjacent to the courthouse. Stamped concrete pavers and landscape beds create island bump outs at the corners to provide protected buffers for parked vehicles. From Main Street to Harrison Street, the sidewalk is currently located on the west side of the roadway only. The sidewalk on the west side is 4 feet wide adjacent to a barrier curb at the front and a building at the back. Complete street improvements were recently constructed with the Harrison Street project that included ADA compliant sidewalk upgrades to the southwest and southeast quadrants of the Van Buren intersection across from the entrance to the Community Building. On-street diagonal parking exists on both sides of the street in this area. Buildings on either side of the street appear to have zero setback from the right-of-way line. Storm Water The storm water and drainage system along Van Buren is currently handled using roadside shallow swales, ditches and culverts. These culverts are located underneath some of the entrances and under the roadways at intersections. The storm water runoff beginning at Koskiusko Street travels overland, southwesterly toward Osage Street. Most of this runoff flows into the Town Branch Creek at the northwest corner of Osage Street, however a portion of the storm water flows across the street and into the southwest corner of the intersection. At the intersection of Osage and Van Buren there is a large 5 foot by 10 foot box culvert that carries drainage from the Town Branch Creek under the intersection from the NW quadrant to the SE quadrant. The property owner at the southwest corner of this intersection has complained that 6

8 there is a considerable amount of storm water that backs up into their property during heavy rainfall events. At Jackson Street, there are culverts with head-walls that carry storm water east to west on both the north and south sides of Jackson, as well as carry the water from the south to the east and west. In the SE quadrant of this intersection there is a sizable ditch with retaining walls on both sides to the east. At the Jefferson Street intersection, culverts with head-walls carry storm water from south to north across Jefferson on the west side of the road, as well as east to west on the south side of Jefferson. At the Washington Street intersection, the storm water from the roadway is handled by grate inlets located adjacent to the roadway, in the NE and NW quadrants of the intersection. Small pipe culverts outlet the water into shallow ditches that drain northward to Jefferson Street. The storm water from Washington to Main Street is captured by inlets installed during the reconstruction projects for this stretch of roadway. From Main to Harrison Street, the storm water flows southward and into drainage structures constructed with the Harrison Street project. Driveways/Entrances Between Kosciusko and Washington there are many residential, and several commercial entrances and driveways. These driveways consist of a variety of material including aggregate, asphalt, and concrete. As discussed earlier, some of these driveways have pipe culverts under them, some of them do not. The profile grade of nearly all of these driveways are flat to very gentle. Parking Parking is currently allowed on the street throughout the corridor, however, limited shoulder space is not conducive to parking for much of the area north of Jefferson Street. From Harrison Street to midway between Washington and Jefferson, there is designated on-street parking. Utilities Utilities along the Van Buren Street corridor include water, sanitary sewer, natural gas, telephone, and overhead power. The waterlines in this area are in good condition and should not require much adjustment. Other utilities such as power poles may require minor adjustments to stay out of the proposed sidewalks. Bike Lanes Currently, bike lanes do not exist along this roadway. There is adequate room for adding bike lanes along the Van Buren Street for about half of the corridor. Street Lighting Street lighting exists along Van Buren in several locations. Between Koskiusko and Osage, there are three lights located on power poles along the west side of the roadway. There are no street lights between Osage and Jackson Street. A light attached to a power pole exists at the southwest corner of the Jackson Street intersection. No lights exist along the remainder of the block from Jackson to Jefferson. The next light pole is at the southwest corner of the Jefferson Street intersection. No lighting exists along the remainder of the block southward to Washington. The 7

9 block of Van Buren from Washington Street to Main Street contains three ornamental lights on each side of the street, as well as a light on the southeast and southwest corners of Main Street. There are no lights again, until Harrison Street. 8

10 Design Challenges VAN BUREN STREET Kosciusko Street to Osage Street This stretch of Van Buren has many design challenges, the first being the steep grade of the roadway. This steep grade and the current offset of the sidewalk from the roadway on the west side contributed to concrete stairs being constructed along the sidewalk instead of sidewalk ramps. These existing stairs along with large segments of retaining walls will have to be removed and the area adjacent will require regrading with new retaining walls constructed. Along with the grade of the road, along the side of the road there are steep grades up to the private properties in some places. A major problem in this stretch of the corridor is the large box culvert at the NW corner of Osage and Van Buren. This culvert carries the drainage of Town Branch Creek diagonally underneath the intersection and outlets on the SE corner. The existing roadway side-slope drops very steeply from the edge of the pavement down to the existing elevated sidewalk and continues to fall away under the sidewalk down to the channel bellow. In order to rebuild the sidewalk in this area, some form of retaining wall will be required, as well as an extension of the inlet/upstream end of the box culvert. Handrails should also be considered. Clearing of some trees at this location will be required to do the construction. The power pole at this location will probably not require relocation. Another design challenge will be constructing a sidewalk around raised sanitary sewer manholes on the east side of Van Buren. There are also overhead utility poles that will have to be designed around or relocated. At the SE corner of Kosciusko and Van Buren, and at the NE corner of Osage and Van Buren there are old concrete street markers that will need to be undisturbed or removed and reset, as they are likely set at the property corners. These street markers are located at nearly all intersections. The challenges with the roadway grade, steep side slopes, utility and property conflicts present many physical limitations to adding bike lanes along this block of Van Buren. 9

11 Osage Street to Jackson Street This section of Van Buren includes the challenge of constructing a sidwalk around or over the box culvert at the Town Branch Creek. At the SW corner of Osage and Van Buren in order to construct a sidewalk, some form of retaining wall, as well as possibly extension of the outlet end of the box culvert will be required. While steep at the north end towards Osage, the roadway to the south is mostly very flat with no ditches or drainage structures, except at Jackson Street, where there is a cross road pipe with head-walls under Van Buren Street. At Jackson Street new sidewalks will require connections to sidewalks that link to the east and west and will require extension of existing pipe culverts. Overhead utility poles will need to be relocated or sidewalks will need to be designed around the poles. Jackson Street complete street improvements are planned for future reconstruction, including bike lanes and sidewalks. This will be addressed later in this report and needs to be taken into account during the design of Van Buren in this area. At the NE corner of Jackson and Van Buren there is an old street marker that will need to be undisturbed or removed and reset, as it is likely set at the property corner. There is adequate room to widen the roadway to add 5 bicycle lanes along most of this block of Van Buren, except for the area near the Osage Street intersection. Jackson Street to Jefferson Street From Jackson to Jefferson Street, ditches are located along both sides of the roadway for most of this section. Culverts carry storm water underneath private entrances. Culverts with head-walls carry storm water under Van Buren, draining from west to east at Jackson. Jackson has been planned for future improvements as stated previously, and that design will need to be incorporated into this intersection design. At the southeast corner of the Jackson intersection, There is a large ditch that runs to the east with a retaining wall which will need to be taken into account when designing this intersection. Along the west side of Van Buren, towards the south end of this stretch, there are several small retaining walls at the property line, as well as concrete steps on private property in some locations that will need to be taken into account when designing this section of Van Buren. There is a culvert with a headwall that carries water from south to the north under Jefferson street on the west side of Van Buren as well as a sidewalk connection to the west that includes some concrete steps 10

12 approximately 75 feet west of the intersection that would likely need to be reconstructed as a sidewalk ramp. Overhead utility poles along the corridor will need to be designed around or relocated and old street name markers at intersections will need to be undisturbed or removed and replaced at the likely property corners. There is adequate room to widen the roadway to add 5 bicycle lanes along this block of Van Buren, Jefferson Street to Washington Street There are ditches along both sides of the road on the north half of this stretch of roadway. At the south side of Jefferson Street, a pipe culvert carries storm water under Van Buren draining from west to east with head-walls on both ends of the pipe. Large ditches running east and west along the south side of Jefferson Street will also require culvert extensions in order to design and construct a new sidewalks along Van Buren. Along the west side of the roadway, there are retaining walls at the property line supporting the raised grade of the private property, with concrete steps leading into some of the properties. These walls will likely need to be removed and new walls will need to be constructed. Small block walls, or concrete walls integral to the sidewalks would be the preferred options. Entrances with culverts under them line the west side of the roadway. Grate inlets at the edge of the street about halfway between Jefferson and Washington will need to be relocated and replaced in order to accommodate curbs and sidewalks. Along the east side of Van Buren towards Washington, there is currently on street angled parking with sidewalk at the back on the property line. This sidewalk is raised from the road grade, and the grade difference is rather large at the southernmost end, with steps to return to road/parking grade at Washington. Retaining walls may be needed at the property line in this area, and a fence at the property line will also need to be relocated, or replaced. Grate inlets again on the north side of Washington will need to be relocated and replaced to accommodate sidewalks and curbs through this section. The south side of the Washington and Van Buren intersection was reconstructed recently, so no further design is necessary. Old street name markers at the SE corner of Jefferson and the NW corner of Washington will need to be undisturbed or removed and reset as they are likely at the property corners. 11

13 There is adequate room to widen the roadway to add 5 bicycle lanes for about half of this block of Van Buren, Approaching the Washington Street intersection, on-street parking limits the ability to add bike lanes. Washington Street to Main Street This block of Van Buren Street was recently reconstructed with sidewalks, curb ramps, onstreet parking, street lighting and landscaping so no further design or construction is necessary. Design considerations for Van Buren within the downtown business area should be consistent with the nature and appearance of this block. Main Street to Harrison Street The intersection of Main Street and Van Buren was reconstructed with downtown Main Street renovations, so no further design is necessary. South of Main, sidewalks run along the west side, but not the east side. The sidewalk along the west side is in good condition, but is only about 4 feet in width. There is angled parking along both sides of Van Buren in this area. In order to build a sidewalk along the east side of Van Buren, this angled parking will likely need to be changed to parallel parking. The sidewalk on the west side could be reconstructed to 6 feet wide and still allow diagonal parking. Another concern is an elevated entrance into the building on the east that currently has wooden steps. These steps will need to be replaced and a curb bump out will need to be constructed to accommodate this entrance. South of the building, there is a concrete retaining wall which may be able to be used in place, but some inspection will need to be done to determine whether or not is should be replaced. At the south end, the Harrison Street intersection was recently reconstructed, and includes sidewalk connections, so the sidewalks along Van Buren will need to be designed to tie into these connections. 12

14 Design Considerations VAN BUREN STREET Proposed Improvements In order to accommodate upgraded sidewalks, and better control the storm water runoff, curb and gutter should be constructed along Van Buren. A 28 foot cross section with 2 12 foot lanes and 2 foot curb and gutter would allow for reconstruction of the sidewalk and allow room for separation from the roadway and grading within the right of way. A rollback, low-profile curb and gutter is recommended where the roadway side slopes fall away steeply. In addition to curb and gutter roadway improvements, a mill and asphalt overlay would be beneficial to Van Buren Street. The existing terrain, as well as some large drainage structures will require that the sidewalk be designed at the back of the curb adjacent to the roadway in some locations. The new sidewalk would be 5 foot wide for most of the corridor, along both sides of the road. In some locations, where the sidewalk would be at the back of curb, it would need to be 6 feet wide. At the Town Branch Creek crossing, the existing box culvert may need to be extended, however sidewalk construction may be possible with a block retaining wall. A combination of both box culvert extension and retaining wall may be the best solution. A wider sidewalk could be constructed along one side of the roadway to accommodate bikes for most of the block from Kosiusko to Osage. With the addition of curb and gutter to Van Buren, an enclosed storm sewer system will be required. This storm sewer system would collect the runoff and divert it to existing ditches along the side roads, as well as to the Town Branch Creek. Near the Washington Street intersection, storm water is currently being captured in existing inlets with culverts that flow into open ditches along the shoulder. Ideally some portions of the existing storm culvert pipes could be used as part of a larger system to capture and divert the storm water. For the purposes of this report, new inlet structures and piping will be assumed to be required throughout the corridor. It is also possible for portions of Van Buren to be upgraded with new sidewalks without the addition of curb and gutter. The segments of roadway between Osage and Jefferson could be constructed without curb and gutter. In this region, the ditches could be modified by adding 13

15 storm pipes and filling in the ditches to create shallow swales. The storm water runoff from the roadway would collect in area inlets located at low spots within the swales. Connecting to the existing sidewalks running east and west on the side roads will also present a challenge in some areas. The design will include a length of sidewalk to the east and west at each intersection. In addition to the sidewalk connection at the side roads, the storm culverts would be extended to accommodate these transitions. Parking On-street parking should be maintained where it exists currently. The parking between Washington Street and Main Street should remain unchanged. The north side of the Washington Street intersection should include curb bump outs to match the south side of the intersection and to protect on street parking, as well as provide safer and more defined pedestrian crossings. The addition of curb bump outs in this area will also allow for landscaping and better storm water collection. Some of the areas where diagonal parking exists should be reconfigured as parallel parking to allow for improved sidewalks. One area in particular is the east side of Van Buren, between Main Street and Harrison. This area currently has diagonal parking with insufficient room to add sidewalks. A solution for this issue would be to reconfigure the parking as parallel parking, which would allow for a 6 foot sidewalk adjacent to the building. The sidewalk would need to jog around the doorway into the side of the building and new stairs would need to be constructed something similar to the rendering shown. Parking at this location would reduce from 9 spaces to 6 spaces. Bike Accommodations In addition to the pedestrian upgrades along Van Buren, enhancements for bike transportation should be investigated. About 850 feet of bike lanes could be added to Van Buren between Washington Street and Osage, up to where on-street parking near Washington Street exists Ditches are very shallow in this area and would not require a significant amount of earthwork to widen and add bike lanes. This would likely eliminate the use of curb and gutters in this segment of Van Buren. North of Jackson Street, the roadway side slopes drop off and would require earthen fill that would encroach on adjacent properties, requiring easements or would necessitate retaining walls at the back of the sidewalks in order to widen for bike lanes. At the Town Branch Creek crossing 14

16 and going up the hill toward Koskiusko, the issues with adding bike lanes are very problematic and costly and would require substantial grading on private properties as well as impact to sanitary sewers and other utilities. From Washington Street to Harrison Street there is inadequate room to add bike lanes. With these design concerns, impacts and associated costs, dedicated bike lanes would be not be recommended for this roadway. The low vehicular traffic volume on Van Buren for most of the day is conducive to a shared roadway, using sharrow type pavement markings and signage to denote Van Buren as a Share the Road facility. With the improved sidewalks, younger bicyclists would have a safer alternative to riding in the street. Environmental The environmental concerns of a Van Buren street project are minimal. Section 106 clearance will be required and likely 404 permits for work done in the Town Branch Creek, which will be impacted only minimally. Possibly an extension of the existing box culvert or a large block retaining wall along the existing bank to help prevent erosion. Impacts to Public Lands such as the school playground may warrant the need for Section 4f clearance. Other environmental concerns will most likely be covered by a Storm Water Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP). The NEPA process will need to be adhered to if federal funds are utilized for improvements to the corridor. Street Lighting Street lighting is present at some locations along the corridor. In addition to other improvements, including pedestrian/street lighting should be considered along Van Buren Street. As mentioned above, Van Buren is a major pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the school to the community center and harbor. The addition of lighting on both sides of the street would provide additional safety for pedestrians and vehicle traffic. The street lighting fixtures should be similar to those already installed in the downtown area and should be spaced at no more than 140 feet apart. This spacing would typically place lights near the intersections and midway between blocks. Easements and Right of Way This project can be designed to be completely constructed within the existing right of way for Van Buren and the side roads. Temporary construction easements will be required along the corridor to reconstruct private sidewalks, remove existing structures, build storm sewers and regrade slopes. Right of way or permanent easement will be needed at the NW corner of the Van Buren and Osage intersection. A large volume of earthen fill will be needed to bring the slopes up to a reasonable grade for the sidewalk, as well as bank bank stabilization and box culvert extension. Additional right of way for future maintenance of the box culvert or retaining walls along the creek bank is warranted. Kosciusko Street Improvements Also included in this project will be the closure of Kosciusko Street to through, motorized vehicular traffic between Stagecoach and Seminary Street. There is one house located along this portion of Koskiusko, with driveway access about 130 east of Seminary Street. Access would continue to be provided to this house, but beyond this property eastward, Kosciusko would be 15

17 converted in to a bike/pedestrian pathway, restricting access to other vehicles. There are several ways to accomplish this, including construction of curbs creating a neck-down at each end, or installing bollards at each end which would create the same effect as a neck-down in a more cost efficient manner. Bollards would need to be placed at spacing that would be narrow enough to restrict motorized vehicles from passing through, probably 6 feet. Street lighting should also be considered along this new pedestrian/bicycle route. Special signing would added as well to let users know that this is a new addition to the existing Warsaw bike and pedestrian trail system. North Elementary School The final aspect to the Van Buren Street Preliminary Engineering Report focuses on improvement needs at the North Elementary School. These improvements include upgrades to parking and the addition of a school bus transit center (bus pick up and drop off). There are two parking areas that are considered. The first is the grassy lot immediately southeast of the school. This area would be used for a new parking lot for parents dropping off and picking up students that ride the buses to the other schools in the district. This lot would separate these vehicles from the pedestrian traffic entering the school from the east side. Adjacent to this lot would be a new transit center with one-way bus traffic in and out of the dropoff and pick up area. Shelters could be provided at the drop-off zone. Sidewalks would connect between the transit center, the new parking lot and the school. The existing drop-off area could be modified and utilized for drop-off and pick up of special needs students and possibly for other uses. The parking area would have access to Niangua and Kosciusko streets, and would be the main location for parents to wait while they drop off or pick up their children. The transit center would have a one-way (southbound) roadway between Niangua and Koskiusko. The transit center could be connected to Kosciusko, Niangua, and Commercial streets in a number of different configurations. Construction of this new parking area and transit center would require relocation of the existing school playground. Land to the north of the school could be utilized for a new playground and for parking for school employees. The relocation of the playground would also include the closure of part of Niangua on the north side of the school to provide a safe crossing for children to and from the playground. This closing could be permanent or temporary with gates during school hours. Southwest of the school, there is currently a gravel parking area with driveway connections to Kosciusko and Stagecoach that is used for dropping off and picking up children by parents. This parking lot could be paved to provide better delineation for parking, as well as be converted to a one way in and out to reduce conflicts and improve traffic flow. A curb with a 6 foot sidewalk could be constructed adjacent to the edge of pavement for students being dropped off. Parents could use this area to drop off and pick up their children as well as the new parking area discussed earlier. 16

18 Recommendations and Conceptual Design VAN BUREN STREET Van Buren Street should be upgraded to include as much infrastructure improvement as can be afforded by the City of Warsaw and ideally optimize the amount of funding that can be acquired for the corridor. The project limits should encompass the boundaries between Koskiusko Street and Washington Street and the block from Main Street to Harrison Street. Minimum improvements should consist of constructing a new 5 sidewalk on both sides of the roadway for the entire route. Recommended improvements would consist of a wider sidewalk (8 to 10 ) on one side that could be used as a multi-use path, the construction of curb and guttering with an enclosed storm sewer system, street lighting, and landscaped islands at the corners of Washington Street. At all intersections sidewalks and curb ramps should be constructed that parallel the cross streets in the area between the Van Buren sidewalks and the edge of the roadway. Pavement markings should be applied for crosswalks and street lighting should also be included. Exhibits I - V in the Appendix show aerial displays of the Conceptual Designs for Van Buren and the Elementary School. The recommended improvements are discussed on a block-by-block basis as follows: Koskiusko to Osage This block of Van Buren will require significant grading and embankment in order to construct a sidewalk on each side. The 5 sidewalk beginning at Koskiusko would be located a minimum of 5 behind the back of curb to provide a buffer from the roadway. Heading down the hill, the sidewalk would be constructed closer to the edge of the street and likely at the back of curb due to the challenges with steep side-slopes and potential impact to utilities. Where the sidewalk is constructed at the back of the curb it would need to be 6 feet wide. The existing sidewalks and stairs, including a fair amount of the private sidewalks leading back to the houses will need to be demolished and reconstructed along this block. Existing retaining walls will need to be removed and replaced or have the slopes regraded back toward the houses. Retaining walls would be required to avoid damage to mature trees. At the Osage Street intersection, the existing 5 x 10 concrete box culvert will likely need to be extended both upstream and downstream in order to accommodate sidewalks in this area. At the upstream end of this culvert, a retaining wall at the back of the sidewalk or bank slope protection along the channel wall would be recommended to protect the embankment from erosion and collapse. Crosswalks would be added at all street crossings as well as signage. 17

19 East side of Van Buren near southeast corner of Osage Street Osage to Jackson Street The block between Osage and Jackson Street should include curb and guttering with a minimum 5 buffer separating the sidewalk from the back of the curb. This area has relatively gentle sideslopes from about 100 south of Osage Street to the intersection of Jackson and is conducive to providing the grass buffer with sidewalks located near the right-of-way line. Impacts to existing utilities are minimal and storm drainage improvements would be easy to accommodate. West side of Van Buren facing southward toward Jackson Street 18

20 Jackson to Jefferson Street The block between Jackson Street and Jefferson Street includes a drainage ditch along both sides of the street through much of the block. These ditches will allow for minimal grading to install curb and guttering and an enclosed drainage system. A minimum 5 buffer separating the sidewalk from the back of the curb is easy to accommodate and should be provided. This area has relatively gentle side-slopes although a few properties would likely require small retaining walls or grading outside of the right-of-way limits. Sidewalks should be located near the right-of-way line as much as possible, however there are some locations where the sidewalks may need to move closer to the back of curb to avoid power poles and other utilities. The other option is to have the poles relocated closer to the roadway and continue the straight route of the sidewalk. West side of Van Buren facing southward toward Jefferson Street Tree stumps along the east side will require removal and mailboxes may require relocation behind the curbing. Jefferson to Washington Street The block between Jefferson and Washington Street includes a drainage ditch along both sides of the street for the north half of the block, with an enclosed storm drainage system through the south half. Curb and gutter and a new enclosed storm drainage should be constructed along the entire block. The east side of the street has a vacant lot covering about half the block and has gentle sideslopes. Along the west side of the street, existing retaining walls should be able to remain in place. A minimum 5 buffer separating the sidewalk from the back of the curb is easy to 19

21 accommodate and should be provided where possible. Sidewalks should be located near the right-of-way line as much as possible, however there are some locations where the sidewalks may need to move closer to the back of curb where on-street parking exists. The areas near Washington Street should continue to include on-street parking, however the diagonal parking on the east side should be converted to parallel parking. Island bump-outs should be constructed to match what was previously constructed along the block to the south. Street lighting should be located near intersections at all four corners and at mid-block. Landscaping should be added to all islands. Southeast corner of Van Buren at Washington Street 20

22 Main Street to Harrison This block of Van Buren should include constructing 6 wide sidewalks adjacent to the buildings on either side with a barrier curb at the edge of the pavement. Diagonal parking on the east side of Van Buren should be converted to parallel parking. The sidewalk should jog around the side doorway into the building and new stairs with handrails should need to be constructed. Street lights should be added at mid-block. No storm drainage inlets or piping should be needed. The estimated cost to construct Van Buren Street improvements from Koskiusko Street to Harrison Street is $819,705. The the total cost estimate, including right of way costs, utility adjustments, engineering and construction administration and inspection is $1,041,843. The addition of street lighting is a major cost item for this project. Eliminating street lighting would drop the overall cost estimate to $815,270. The estimated cost to construct improvements from Koskiusko Street to Jackson Street is $380,542. The the total cost estimate, including right of way costs, utility adjustments, engineering and construction administration and inspection is $498,066. Extending new sidewalks, with minimal additional improvements southward to Jefferson Street would increase the cost estimate to just under $580,000. This would not include curb and gutters, storm drainage or lighting for this additional block. This would be recommended scope of improvements for the City s proposed USDA funding application. Curb and gutters, enclosed storm sewers and street lighting could be added later when additional funding is available or some elements could be constructed by City forces. The estimated cost to construct improvements from Koskiusko Street to Jefferson Street is $560,350. The the total cost estimate, including right of way costs, utility adjustments, engineering and construction administration and inspection is $729,150. Kosciusko Street Improvements Kosciusko should be converted into a bike and pedestrian pathway between the lone house on the block and Stagecoach Avenue. Raised islands should be constructed to restrict and prevent motorized vehicles from passing through this section of the block. Street lighting should also be considered along this new pedestrian/bicycle route for enhanced safety. Special signing should also be added alert and deter motorists and to inform bike and pedestrians of the purpose of the route. Refer to Exhibit V in the Appendix for a conceptual layout of the proposed Koskiuko street improvements. 21

23 Street lighting is the most significant cost for this improvement. The estimated cost to revise the existing roadway to accommodate bikes and pedestrians (if done in conjunction with the Van Buren or school projects) would be about $70,000. If constructed as a separate project the mobilization costs would increase the estimate to $80,000 to $85,000. These costs include engineering and construction administration. North Elementary School East Side The North Elementary School improvements should include upgrades to the existing parking and the addition of a school bus transit center (bus pick up and drop off). The grass lot immediately southeast of the school should be graded and a new parking lot should be constructed to allow parents to drop off and pick up students that ride the buses to the other schools in the district. This lot should be designed and constructed to provide as much parking as possible. The lot would separate parent and student vehicles from the pedestrian traffic entering the school from the east side. Adjacent to this lot to the east a new transit center should be constructed. This center should function to allow one-way bus traffic in and out of the drop-off and pick up area. Shelters could be provided at the drop-off zone. Sidewalks should be constructed to connect the transit center to the new parking lot and the school. The existing drop-off area could be modified and utilized for drop-off and pick up of special needs students and possibly for other uses. The new parking area would have access to Niangua and Kosciusko streets, and be the main location for parents to wait while they drop off or pick up their children. The transit center would have a one-way (southbound) roadway between Niangua and Koskiusko. The transit center could be connected to Kosciusko, Niagua, and Commercial streets in a number of different configurations. Construction of this new parking area and transit center would require relocation of the existing school playground. Land to the north of the school could be utilized for a new playground and for parking for school employees. The relocation of the playground should also include the closure of part of Niangua Street on the north side of the school to provide a safe crossing for children to and from the playground. Refer to Exhibit IV in the Appendix for a conceptual layout of the proposed improvements. The estimated cost to construct these improvements including engineering and construction administration is $565,322. North Elementary School East Side Southwest of the school, the existing gravel parking area should be reconstructed and reconfigured to provide a more efficient method of dropping off and picking up students. This parking lot could be paved to provide better delineation for parking, as well as be converted to a one way in and out to reduce conflicts and improve traffic flow. A curb with a 6 foot sidewalk should be constructed adjacent to the edge of pavement for students being dropped off. Refer to Exhibit V in the Appendix for a conceptual layout of the proposed improvements. The estimated cost to revise and pave the existing parking lot (if done in conjunction with the Van Buren or school projects) would be about $120,086. If constructed as a separate project the 22

24 mobilization costs would increase the estimate by about another $10,000 to $15,000. These costs include engineering and construction administration. 23