On March 12, 2010 the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project: Resolution No. 2010-008 Project Planning Review Resolution No. 2010-009 Plan and TIP Amendment. Title: Traffic Signal Improvements in Westlake Sponsor: City of Westlake Estimated Total Cost: $3,274,656 Proposed Source of Federal Funds: NOACA History/Background: The City of Westlake retained TMS Engineers, Inc. to prepare a Purpose & Need Study that evaluated the condition of its existing citywide signal system. The report concluded that certain improvements are needed and justified that would improve congestion, air quality, and safety. On November 20, 2009, City Of Westlake, Ohio approved Ordinance No. 2009-135 authorizing the mayor to submit an application to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) for CMAQ funding of the citywide traffic signal upgrade project in the City of Westlake, and declaring an emergency. Current Conditions: The sponsor reports that the major roadways within the city having an east-to-west orientation include Detroit Road (SR-254), Hilliard Boulevard, and Center Ridge Road (US-20). Major roadways within the city having a north-to-south orientation include Columbia Road (SR-252), Dover Center Road, Crocker Road, Clague Road and Bradley Road. Center Ridge Road (US-20) is functionally classified as an urban principal arterial, from the Westlake west corporation line (WCL) to Columbia Road and as a minor arterial from Columbia Road to West 199th Street. Columbia Road (SR-252) is functionally classified as a minor arterial from Cedar Point Road to Lorain Road and as principal arterial from Lorain Road to Lake Road (US-6). Crocker Road is functionally classified as an urban principal arterial, from I-480 to I-90 and as a minor arterial from I-90 to Lake Road. Clague Road and Detroit Road are functionally classified as urban minor arterials. Bradley Road, Dover Center Road and Hilliard Boulevard are functionally classified as urban collectors. According to the sponsor, the city‘s roadways currently experience a high traffic volume due to commuter and retail traffic. Roadway characteristics and average daily traffic (ADT) vary depending on the route and roadway segment. According to NOACA Cuyahoga County Highway Traffic Counts, published 2009, the respective ADT ranges are as follows: Detroit Road – 7,870 to 18,780; Hilliard Boulevard – 6,750 to 10,400 (2004 count); Center Ridge Road – 11,140 to 15,680; Columbia Road – 14,240 to 25,180; Dover Center Road (south of Center Ridge Rd. to north of Bassett Rd.) – 13,887 to 21,112; Crocker Road (Hilliard Blvd. to Westlake north corporation line) – 10,862 to 36,177; Clague Road (Hilliard Blvd. to I-90) – 16,921 to 19,016; and Bradley Road (Detroit Rd. to Westlake NCL) – 10,618 to 12,277. The sponsor reports that the Westlake traffic signal system is comprised of 49 traffic signals and two emergency signals that make up nine closed-loop sub-systems. The majority of this system was designed in 1995 and constructed in 2000 as a citywide modernization program. Signals were added to the system in conjunction with the Crocker Park development. A signal at the intersection of Columbia Road and First Street was added following the completion of the city-wide signal upgrade project. A signal at the intersection of Bradley Road and Schwartz Road was recently installed after it was justified by a signal warrant study. The vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes throughout the city have created the need for signalization of many of the city’s intersections. In order to improve the operation of these signalized intersections, many of the signals have been grouped together in closed-loop systems to allow signals with a group to communicate with each other and improve traffic flow. While the existing intersections and closed-loop systems are currently suitable for operation, they have several limitations that will prohibit the introduction of advanced traffic control systems and future technology. The sponsor further reports that most of the traffic signal equipment controlling City of Westlake intersections has been in operation for a long time and that most of the equipment and hardware has been found to be outdated. Proposed Project: The proposed project involves upgrading the City of Westlake’s existing citywide signal system (location map). The report prepared by TMS Engineers, Inc contained recommendations that meet certain goals pertaining to safety, efficiency, conservation as well as reducing liability operation and maintenance costs. The following recommendations were made: Mast arm signal supports at six intersections along Hilliard Boulevard should be replaced since they are beyond their design life and the mounting of the vehicle signals should centered on the mast arm. Curb ramps at 40 intersections should be upgraded to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. It is estimated that 107 curb ramps may need to be re-constructed or improved. Vehicle and pedestrian signals at 46 signalized intersections and the two fire signals should be retro-fitted to LED (light emitting diode) technology. It is estimated that 406 red, yellow and green lenses will need to be re-lamped along with 26 green and yellow arrow lenses and 408 walk and don’t, walk lenses. Retrofit vehicle and pedestrian signals at 46 signalized intersections and the two fire signals with LED (light emitting diode) Technology. The sponsor estimates that 406 red, yellow and green lenses will need to be re-lamped along with 26 green and yellow arrow lenses and 408 “walk” and “don’t walk” lenses. Re-lamp existing school flashers with illuminated 20 miles per hour lenses with LED Technology. Install uninterrupted power supplies at 47 signalized intersections and the two fire signals. Upgrade all pedestrian signals at 49 signalized intersections to countdown type. Upgrade all pedestrian pushbuttons to include indicator pilot lights. Install an advanced central traffic control system in order to bring all existing signal controllers under a single operational system and prepare for future additions and expansions wherever they may be needed. Upgrade the traffic signal controllers with National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation System Protocol (NTCIP) communications protocol. Upgrade the traffic signal controllers to include network addressable components to communicate with the system. Install a system of closed circuit TV cameras at the signalized intersections at the I-90 interchanges of Crocker Road, Columbia Road and Clague Road. Expand the existing fiber optic communication system currently used to monitor the citywide traffic control system. The cable will connect all sub-systems together and route back to City Hall for tie-in to a centralized computer network. Connect the City’s illuminated school flashing beacons with the communications system in order to allow the flashers to be programmed on a yearly basis from a central location. The estimated construction cost for the recommended improvements, provided by the sponsor, is $3,274,656. The sponsor is requesting that eighty percent ($2,619,725) of the construction cost be funded with Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. The City of Westlake will provide the 20% local match ($654,931). Staff Comment (Summary): Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team: This project is consistent with NOACA’s Connections 2030 Goal #3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System) and ODOT’s Access Ohio 2004 - 2030 Goal #4 (System Preservation). The sponsor should conduct a complete traffic warrants analysis study (if not done already) to verify all proposed signalized intersections. NOACA requests a copy of the existing traffic counts and the signal warrant study when completed. Eligibility for CMAQ funding will require an analysis from the sponsor demonstrating pollutant emission reduction as a result of the project. The request for CMAQ funds will need to be processed consistent with Governing Board policy that was approved on April 13, 2007. The sponsor should review the cost estimate of each phase at significant review stages of project design development. If video detection is included as part of this project, (which is capable of turn movement traffic counts), NOACA requests the city to provide traffic counts on major intersections on a yearly basis. NOACA requests that the city provide the signal warrant analysis reports and any traffic counts used for the warrants report. The sponsor will be required to document that this project conforms to regional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) architecture. The sponsor should include accommodation for the blind and visually-impaired (e.g. sound actuated signals). The emergency vehicle pre-emption should be coordinated with neighboring communities. If there are any at-grade railroad crossings within 200 feet of any signalized intersection, railroad pre-emption should be considered for the affected signals. Recommend committee and public review in order to obtain comments. Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC): If you are a representative of a governmental entity and would like to comment on this project, please email us. "Our only comment is on the Westlake signals. Last upgrade was in 2000..cannot use federal monies on replacing equipment less than 10 years old so we will have to check on completion date of last upgrade and watch for sale date of new job. We also make sure all items are eligible for federal money once plan prep begins. " - ODOT District 12 "RTA asks that any street improvements include concrete bus pads at stops near intersections. The projects include curb ramps and sidewalks that allow pedestrians to walk to the bus stops. Any intersection work or signal projects include the realization that buses run on the streets and operate differently than passenger vehicles. Any lane changes include the minimum width of a bus in 10' and RTA typically perfers 11' lanes. RTA supports the major infrastructure improvements being made to these projects as it improves our ability to provide timely, efficient bus service on these roadways. It makes our pedestrians safer and the ride more comfortable. RTA asks that the projects be done holistically considering not only automobiles but buses, bikes and pedestrians."- Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Agency, Cuyahoga County Public Involvement: NOACA encourages comments from the public on this proposed transportation improvement project. Please notify us if you would like to be added to our e-mail notification list for future updates. Committee Review: Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan. Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC): Add loops for bike detection and mark them with non-skid bike symbols.