20200515_rtac_agenda.docx - rtc.wa.gov · april 17, 2020 rtac minutes page 2 lynda went over...

Regional Transportation Advisory Committee

An advisory committee to:

1300 Franklin Street, Floor 4 P.O. Box 1366 Vancouver, Washington 98666-1366 360-397-6067 fax: 360-397-6132 http://www.rtc.wa.gov

The Regional Transportation Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020, at 9 a.m., via ZOOM web meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94232269377?pwd=aTZ2NitoVjBPcHV3L3JDeE44UjE4Zz09

Meeting ID: 942 3226 9377 Password: RTAC-May15

Dial in Number Telephone: 253 215 8782

Meeting ID: 942 3226 9377 Password: 896169

A G E N D A

I. Call to Order and Approval of April 17, 2020 Minutes, Action II. May TIP Amendment, Action

III. Vancouver Area Smart Trek: Shared Central Signal System Study, Action

IV. 2019 Congestion Management Process, Action

V. Other Business

A. RTAC Members

B. RTC Staff

a. WSDOT Pedestrian and Bicyclist Program (applications due July 13) and the Safe Routes to School Program (applications due July 20) -grant application opportunities https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/SafeRoutes/CallForProjects.htm

b. TIP Project Database

c. Grant Application Due Dates • May 22 - WSDOT First Mile/Last Mile • July 10 – RTC Grant Quality Review • July 13 – WSDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Program • July 17 – RTC Grants • July 20 – Safe Routes to School • August 21 - TIB

Served by C-TRAN Route 25 or 2 If you have special needs, please contact RTC

20200515_RTAC_Agenda.docx

https://zoom.us/j/94232269377?pwd=aTZ2NitoVjBPcHV3L3JDeE44UjE4Zz09

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/SafeRoutes/CallForProjects.htm

Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) Meeting Minutes

April 17, 2020

I. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes The meeting of the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Matt Ransom, RTC Executive Direction, on Friday, April 17, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. via GoToMeeting web meeting. Those in attendance via teleconference were as follows: Gary Albrecht Clark County Jennifer Baker CREDC Jim Carothers Camas Rob Charles Washougal Tony Cooper La Center Lynda David RTC Taylor Eidt C-TRAN Jason Gibbens WSDOT Jim Hagar Port of Vancouver Mark Harrington RTC Bob Hart RTC Ally Holmqvist Metro Brenda Howell Ridgefield Ryan Jeynes Battle Ground Tom Kloster Metro Laurie Lebowsky WSDOT Chris Malone Vancouver Matt Ransom RTC Dale Robins RTC Scott Turnoy ODOT Shann Westrand RTC Michael Williams WSDOT Susan Wilson Clark County Matt asked if there were any changes or corrections to the March 20, 2020, meeting minutes and asked for a motion of approval. JIM HAGAR, PORT OF VANCOUVER, MADE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 20, 2020 MEETING MINUTES; THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY SUSAN WILSON, CLARK COUNTY, AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. II. FY 2021 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Action Lynda David, RTC, mentioned that the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is prepared annually by RTC, serving as the MPO/RTPO for the region. The FY 2021 Work Program covers the period from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Lynda noted some of the changes made since RTAC reviewed the first draft in January 2020. The Revenue Summary table on page 61 of the document cautions that RTC is currently unable to quantify the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 17, 2020 RTAC Minutes

Page 2 Lynda went over the timeline for completion, adoption and submittal of the FY 2021 UPWP. RTC and Metro are both MPOs within a bi-state region and there is a federal requirement that both MPOs develop their work programs in coordination with each other. TOM KLOSTER, METRO, MADE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND FORWARDING THE FY2021 UPWP TO THE RTC BOARD FOR ADOPTION AT THE BOARD’S NEXT MEETING. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY ROB CHARLES, WASHOUGAL, AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED. III. CY 2023-2024 Regional Grant Program Call For Projects, Discussion Dale Robins, RTC, noted that the purpose of this memorandum is to issue a call for urban and rural Surface Transportation Block Grant program (STBG), and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) projects, utilizing estimated 2023-2024 funds. The call for projects will be conducted consistent with the process outlined in the Transportation Programming Guidebook. Projects selected through the regional project selection process must be drawn either directly from specific project recommendations made in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) or developed from a more general series of RTP recommendations including safety, bicycle, pedestrian, or other recommendations. Projects that add single-occupant capacity must be listed in the RTP. The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) invites public agencies in the Clark County region to submit applications for estimated 2023-2024 federal urban and rural Surface Transportation Block Grant program (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. Dale went over the funding and timelines. Project Applications will be due to RTC on Friday, July 17, 2020. Dale noted that a project qualification review will be completed for draft application submitted by Friday, July 10, 2020. Dale also wanted agencies to know that if they have any questions to please reach out to RTC. Dale asked what agencies will be submitting applications. Clark County will be submitting four (4) applications, and the Cities of La Center, Camas Washougal, Ridgefield and Battle Ground are not sure at that this time if they will be submitting applications. Dale mentioned that if program allocation is not fully subscribed that a 2nd Call for Projects may need to be done or if a smaller amount of funds are left they could be rolled into the next the year’s program. IV. Project Delivery and Obligation Status Update, Discussion Dale Robins, RTC, reported that agencies have expressed concern about near term Obligation deadlines due to the impacts of COVID-19. Dale went over the statewide obligation policy and that if local agencies do not meet their obligation target this could result in lost local allocations to the regions that did not meet their obligation target. In the first year unused Obligation Authority will be carried into the next year, with no sanctions. After the first year (2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.) unused Obligation Authority will be lost and funds will be redistributed to other regions, based on their share of total over-delivery amount.


Page 3 RTC’s obligation policy asks local agencies to notify RTC staff by March 1st of all projects that will be obligated by July 1st. RTC’s policies were adopted prior to WSDOT’s revision to their policy. Under current WSDOT and RTC policy an agency could obligate their project the last three months of a year, while the region has money taken away by WSDOT. RTC’s policy should be modified to reflect additional consequences for project(s) that cause the region to lose money. Dale went over the 2020 Planning Obligation list of projects and asked agencies to update on their projects and if they were going to be able to meet their deadlines. Michael Williams, WSDOT, noted, that with our current situation, local agencies are being asked to continue to use the checklist as this has been very helpful in expediting the process. Michael also reminded agencies to contact him if they have questions.

Matt Ransom, RTC, asked each agency of their status noted on the 2020 Planned Obligation list. Agency updates are listed below.

• Chris Malone, City of Vancouver, their Mill Plain project is already at the Olympia level but their 1st Street Project is having issues with Right-Of-Way. They have residents that will not sign until the City comes out to meet with them. Vancouver is thinking they can submit paperwork by September but the July deadline may not be able to be met.

• WSDOT is thinking they will be able to meet the timelines for their projects. • C-TRAN is planning to move forward with projects and on time. • RTC is on schedule with their process. • Clark County is on time with their deadlines. Some of their projects are already

submitted and expecting they will meet the July 1st deadline on all their projects. • Camas is thinking they will have no problems meeting their deadlines. • Battle Ground is planning on meeting the July 1st deadline but not sure if there will be

any delays due to the impacts of COVID-19. • The Port of Vancouver noted delays, due to the Hotel construction delays, the Port is still

planning on submitting the LAA by end of the calendar year. • Ridgefield will be submitting their LAA for their project by July 1st.

There was some discussion within the group and WSDOT and RTC just asked all agencies to do their best to meet their deadlines and to reach out for any assistance. V. 2019 Congestion Management Process – Initial Data, Discussion Dale Robins, RTC, reported initial data for the 2019 congestion monitoring effort. The full 2019 Congestion Monitoring Report will be brought to the May RTAC meeting for committee consideration. Dale went over some of the data including Corridor Capacity Ratio, AM & PM Speed and Bi-State Speeds. Dale reviewed the Northbound and Southbound data for I-5 and I-205.

Overall findings show that in Clark County freeway congestion is more prominent in the morning hours. The Evening freeway congestion is mostly in Oregon and arterial congestion is more severe in the evening peak. There was discussion regarding noting traffic comparisons in future monitoring reporting due to COVID-19 which will impact the data greatly. Mr. Robins noted that data is collected in the fall and he hopes traffic will be more normal by that time.


Page 4 VI. Other Business

A. RTAC Members

a. Jennifer Baker, CREDC, introduced herself and wanted members to know that if there is anything they can do to help agencies through these difficult times to please reach out to CREDC. b. Tom Kloster, Metro, introduced Ally Holmqvist of Metro. Ally is a new Senior Planner at Metro and will be attending some of the RTAC meetings as Metro’s representation.

c. Scott Turnoy, ODOT, also wanted to mention that traffic conditions are showing less congestion in Oregon and ODOT will be dealing with future reporting also.

B. RTC Staff

a. Regional Active Transportation Plan (ATP) – Project Update – Lynda David, RTC, gave a quick review of some of the work Alta Planning has been working on for the ATP. Lynda also indicated that Alta will be reaching out to agencies looking for information about their ATP programs in the region. Lynda also noted that TIB will not be issuing a Call for Projects for the Complete Streets program in the near future. Ryan Jeynes, City of Battle Ground, asked about clarification that agencies who previously were awarded TIB complete streets funding will still get their money. Lynda David, RTC, indicated that yes they would. Lynda will also be sending an email out to RTAC members regarding the 1st Mile-Last Mile Grant Funding opportunity.

b. Bob Hart, RTC, noted that the Smart Cities Workshop in March was a major task of the Smart Communities project and that an online survey and assessment will be coming out within the next couple weeks to the jurisdictions.

c. Dale Robins, RTC, wanted agencies to know that the region is half way thru the federal fiscal year and only at 10% obligation. Dale also mentioned that WSDOT will be holding a video training for the upcoming Bike and Pedestrian grants and Safe Routes to Schools grants. RTC will send out the information once it’s received.

d. Matt Ransom, RTC Executive Director, wanted all members to please reach out and if there is anything RTC can assist with during these unprecedented times.

e. Mark Harrington, RTC, will be working with local land use personnel on Land Use scenarios in preparation for use in the I-5 Bridge traffic modeling work.

The meeting adjourned at 9:56 a.m.



1300 Franklin Street, Floor 4 P.O. Box 1366 Vancouver, Washington 96666-1366 564-397-6067 fax: 564-397-6132 https://www.rtc.wa.gov

MEMORANDUM

TO: Regional Transportation Advisory Committee

FROM: Dale Robins

DATE: May 8, 2020

SUBJECT: May TIP Amendment, Action

BACKGROUND In 2020, the City of Vancouver was awarded a one-time bonus of $1,000,000 in STBG funds for construction on SE 1st Street. These funds were conditional on the City submitting their construction supplemental Local Agency Agreement to WSDOT by August 1, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and Governor’s Stay at Home order has created obstacles for completing right of way acquisition (see attached letter). Rather than waiting to see if Vancouver can make their obligation target, RTC staff is proposing that the region move funding for the SE 1st street back to a later year and bring funds forward to a project that will be obligated in 2020. RTC staff is requesting this STIP amendment to reduce the risk of the region not meeting our 2020 obligation target. If the SE 1st project is not obligated by September 30th the region could be sanctioned and loose federal dollars. This TIP amendment will make the following three-way moving of federal dollars to help the region meet obligation targets:

• SE 1st street funding (approximately $2.87 million in federal funds) is moved back to years 2021 and 2022 in the TIP, and all federal dollars become STBG urban dollars. Necessary to meeting financial feasibility constraints. The City could be forced to use Advance Construction funding for dollars programmed in year 2022.

• Add $1.5 million in federal funds ($362,393 HIP and $1,137,607 STBG Urban) to the NE 10th Avenue project, which will be submitted for obligation in June.

• Remove $1.5 million in STBG urban funding from NE 99th Street project. Necessary to meeting financial feasibility constraints. The County will be eligible to request $1.5 million in future grant cycles for the NE 99th Street project.

The last three amendments processed by RTC, show that even if your project is not programmed in the first two years of the TIP, if a project is ready, there is likely an opportunity to pull your project forward due to delays on other projects.

ACTION RTAC is asked to recommend forwarding this TIP amendment to the RTC Board, and move federal funds on SE 1st Street, NE 99th Street, and NE 10th Avenue to reduce the chance that the region will not meet our obligation target.

Attachments 20200515_RTAC_TIPAdmin.docx

Washington State S. T. I. P.

2020 to 2023

(Project Funds to Nearest Dollar)

MPO/RTPO: RTC Y Inside N Outside May 6, 2020

County: Clark

Agency: Clark Co.

FuncCls

ProjectNumber PIN STIP ID

ImpType

TotalProjectLength Environmental

TypeRWRequired

BeginTermini

EndTermini

Total Est. Cost of Project

STIPAmend.No.

05 WA-12437 21 0.340 CE Yes NE 149th Street NE 154th Street 14,227,000 20-05

NE 10th Avenue

Construct a 2-lane collector with center turn lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks.

Funding

Phase Start Date Federal Fund CodeFederal Funds

State Fund Code State Funds Local Funds TotalCN 2020 HIP(UL) 1,362,393 0 8,325,000 9,687,393

CN 2020 STP(UL) 1,637,607 0 0 1,637,607

Project Totals 3,000,000 0 8,325,000 11,325,000

Expenditure Schedule

Phase 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th & 6th

CN 100,000 7,500,000 3,700,000 25,000 0

Totals 100,000 7,500,000 3,700,000 25,000 0

Page 2


2020 to 2023



County: Clark

Agency: Clark Co.

FuncCls


ImpType


TypeRWRequired

BeginTermini

EndTermini


STIPAmend.No.

04 4410(004) WA-10684 04 1.100 CE Yes NE 94th Avenue Vicinity of NE 117th Avenue 24,919,000 20-05

NE 99th Street

Reconstruct existing roadway with bike lanes and sidewalk. Construct a new section of roadway segment across the landfill to complete the corridor gap. Intersection improvements may include roundabout(s), signal(s) and/or stop control. Environmental/storm water, and utilities will be installed and/or improved.

Funding


State Fund Code State Funds Local Funds TotalRW 2020 STP(UL) 0 0 2,020,000 2,020,000

CN 2021 STP(UL) 2,350,000 0 17,993,000 20,343,000

Project Totals 2,350,000 0 20,013,000 22,363,000



RW 1,990,000 30,000 0 0 0

CN 0 30,000 17,813,000 2,500,000 0

Totals 1,990,000 60,000 17,813,000 2,500,000 0

Federal FundsState Funds Local Funds Total

Agency Totals for Clark Co. 5,350,000 0 28,338,000 33,688,000

Page 3


2020 to 2023



County: Clark

Agency: Vancouver

FuncCls


ImpType


TypeRWRequired

BeginTermini

EndTermini


STIPAmend.No.

04 4266(002) WA-02750 03 1.400 CE Yes 164th Ave 192nd Ave 24,000,000 20-05

SE 1st Street 164th Av. to 192nd Av.

Widen to 2-5 lanes with sidewalk and bicycle lanes. Phase 1 is funded from 164th Avenue to 177th Avenue. Phase 1 will be a 2-3 lane section with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.Phase 2 construction is unfunded from 177th Avenue to 192nd Avenue. Phase 2 will be a 2-5 lane section with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

Funding


State Fund Code State Funds Local Funds TotalCN 2021 STP(UL) 2,200,000 TIB 3,000,000 5,142,400 10,342,400

CN 2022 STP(UL) 657,600 0 0 657,600

Project Totals 2,857,600 3,000,000 5,142,400 11,000,000



CN 10,342,400 657,600 0 0 0

Totals 10,342,400 657,600 0 0 0

Federal FundsState Funds Local Funds Total

Agency Totals for Vancouver 2,857,600 3,000,000 5,142,400 11,000,000

Page 4




MEMORANDUM


FROM: Bob Hart

DATE: May 8, 2020

SUBJECT: Vancouver Area Smart Trek: Shared Central Signal System Study, Action

BACKGROUND

In January 2020, the RTC Board amended the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program to add the Shared Central Signal System Study and program $50,000 in federal STBG funds, with $50,000 in local match for the Study to be managed by WSDOT. The Shared Central Signal System Study will analyze existing signal systems and develop guidelines for implementing a Clark County traffic signal central management system for the region. The Study will also document the systems engineering process for a shared signal system and outline an implementation strategy for future operations and maintenance for managing a regional signal system.

The financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation funding have been significant. In response, WSDOT has taken several actions to preserve existing transportation funds. Among those actions is the suspension of new consultant contracts and task orders. While WSDOT still has local match to carry out the study, they are limited from entering into new consultant contracts and are unable to conduct a procurement process for the Study.

The Shared Central Signal System Study is a critical foundational step in developing initial systems engineering documents and verification and validation plans for WSDOT’s Shared Regional Signals System project, programmed in 2022. Because of the importance of this study to the future WSDOT project, RTC and WSDOT have been discussing approaches to allow the study to proceed so that it can be completed prior to the initiation of the Shared Regional Signals System project. RTC wants to support partner agencies where possible and has the capacity to carry out the consultant procurement process for the study.

RTC and WSDOT have developed a cooperative agreement where RTC would be responsible for leading the procurement process, review and approve consultant billings and progress reports. WSDOT would take lead responsibility for day to day consultant management, setting agendas and scheduling meetings with support from RTC.

ACTION

RTAC is asked to recommend approval to the RTC Board for the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with WSDOT for $100,000, consisting of $95,000 consultant services and $5,000 for RTC contract management for the Shared Central Signal System Study and to include this Study in the FY 2021 UPWP.

Attachment 20200515_RTAC_SCSS Study.docx

Scope of Work and Budget Vancouver Area Smart Trek

Shared Central Signal System Project Description The proposed scope of work describes the tasks needed to document existing and future centralized traffic signal systems for transportation agencies in the Clark County/Vancouver region. This currently is comprised of the following Vancouver Area Smart Trek (VAST) agencies: City of Vancouver, Clark County, WSDOT, and C-TRAN and, in the future, may include other cities in the region. This Study will evaluate corridor operations, develop guidelines for implementing a regional centralized traffic signal management system, and outline an implementation strategy for future operations and maintenance. The purpose of the project is to clearly outline the goals and objectives for the VAST partners and provide a path to improve operations of the region’s traffic signal systems. An improved signal system will help minimize delay, balance congestion, smooth traffic flow, and further enhance the region’s capability to implement operations and maintenance strategies that maximize safety, efficiency, and reliability of the traffic signal system. This scope of work will provide the initial systems engineering documents of the future Shared Regional Signals System project. Final modifications, FHWA approval, and evaluation of the system will be conducted at the time of implementation of the system and are not part of this scope of work. This scope of work does provide for developing the verification and validation plans that will be used to evaluate the system at time of completion. Tasks 1 to 4 for this scope of work will analyze other shared signal systems including research of existing shared systems and developing and evaluating use cases for the VAST partners. Task 4 will evaluate alternatives and make a recommendation on moving forward with a shared signal system option for the region. Task 5 will apply the recommendations from Task 4 as a basis for development of a Shared Signal System Concept of Operations that will include the goals and objectives of regional stakeholders, architecture of the shared central traffic signal system solution, and system operation and maintenance. Scope of Work Task 1 – Project Management and Coordination Consultant shall manage and coordinate the tasks included in this Scope of Work including budget, scope, and schedule and provide project management activities through the schedule duration noted to coordinate resources in delivering this project. This task also includes project management team meetings, technical advisory committee meetings and agency stakeholder meetings. This task assumes a contract schedule of no more than 12 months.

Task 2: Shared System Existing Use Cases Consultant shall research two existing shared operation signal systems currently in operation and develop a deliverable listing benefits, advantages/disadvantages, challenges and governance structure of shared operations. Preferably, one of the two use cases will include a group of agencies operating on the Trafficware ATMS.NOW platform similar to the VAST agencies. Task 3: Systems Engineering Consultant shall produce Systems Engineering documents in accordance with all Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Guidelines regarding systems engineering process. Consultant shall coordinate with FHWA Washington Division ITS Engineer to confirm Systems Engineering document deliverables are in compliance with FHWA expectations for procurement using federal dollars. This shall include working with the regional stakeholders to assess user needs. The needs will be based on the signal system operational objectives and strategies indicated by the regional users of the central signal system. The user needs assessment will summarize what the users require the centralized signal system must do to meet operational goals. Prior to conducting the User Needs assessment, WSDOT, Clark County, City of Vancouver and other regional stakeholders, including City of Battle Ground, City of Camas, and City of Washougal, will provide the Consultant with a field inventory of communications and controller information. The consultant will consolidate the results of the needs assessment into one document. Based on the user needs identified as part of this task, three use cases will be developed that describe how the regional partners will use the shared signal system and will be used to evaluate and compare the different signal system solutions. The use cases will also be included in the Concept of Operations. Example use cases could include:

• Freeway incident, traffic is diverting to arterial and the parallel route • Coordination across agency boundaries • After hours operation

Task 4 Evaluate Shared Signal System Options Consultant shall evaluate the purpose, need, and architecture options for a regional shared signal system. The outcome of the evaluation will be a unified multi agency regional operational system. The evaluation will:

• Document and evaluate shared signal system architecture options • Document evaluation criteria with stakeholder input • Compare advantages and disadvantages for each option including how well each

option meets the goals and user needs, the technical and institutional feasibility, and the costs.

• Consider needs for a successful deployment including the potential for a joint operations center

• Provide a recommended alternative Task 5: Shared Signal System Concept of Operations Consultant shall develop a draft and final Concept of Operations for the shared regional central traffic signal system. The Concept of Operations will address the goals and objectives of regional stakeholders, architecture of the shared central traffic signal system solution, and operation and maintenance of the shared central traffic signal system. The concept of operations will include the following elements:

• Purpose and background of the system • Roles and responsibilities • Goals and objectives • User needs • System operational needs • Integration requirements with existing hardware • System support (resources) and operating environment • Overview of the system • Operation and maintenance of the system, including resources • Discussion on location and staffing of a joint signal operations center, including

assessment of benefits and drawbacks of a joint signal operations center and recommended high-level operating procedures such as operations during after hours, probable lead agency, operations during incidents that result in diversion.

Consultant shall develop a list of recommended system requirements that can be used for enhancements of the shared system. The Consultant shall also develop a System Verification Plan that will be used by WSDOT to verify system enhancements meet the system requirements. Task 6: RTC Contract Management RTC will be responsible for leading the procurement process, review and approve consultant billings and progress reports, ensure that the consultant carries out tasks defined in the scope of work, and the successful completion of the contract. The Study will be coordinated closely with the STATE, who will take lead responsibility for day to day consultant management, setting agendas and scheduling meetings with support from RTC. RTC will also provide advice and other assistance to the STATE as requested for the Study.

Budget by Task Amount

Project Management and Coordination $9,000

Shared System Existing Use Cases $10,500

Systems Engineering $27,000

Evaluate Shared Signal System Options $12,500

Shared Signal System Concept of Operations $36,000

RTC Consultant Management $5,000

Total Budget $100,000




MEMORANDUM


FROM: Dale Robins

DATE: May 8, 2020

SUBJECT: 2019 Congestion Management Process, Action

BACKGROUND At the April RTAC meeting staff highlighted preliminary congestion data. In May, RTC staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the draft reports. Both the draft 2019 Congestion Management Process Report (Full Report) and Summary Report are attached to this memo for your review. Please come to the May RTAC meeting prepared to discuss the 2019 Congestion Management Process findings and recommend endorsement by the RTC Board.

KEY FINDINGS This year’s congestion monitoring report reveals that growth within the region has slowed. Most major indicators only had minor changes. Although, the region did continue the overall trend of speed degradation, despite having significant improved morning speeds on I-205 South and SR-14 Central. The 2019 Congestion Management Process shows the need for agencies to invest in and improve signal timing, Transportation System Management and Operations, Transportation Demand Management, urban arterials, busy intersection, and the I-5 Bridge replacement.

SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS Major transportation improvement projects completed in 2018 to widen NE 18th Street and remove traffic signals on SR-500 showed notable traffic benefits in 2019. Both projects resulted in traffic pattern changes and enhancement to performance measures in each corridor. Although no major congestion management system improvements were made in 2019, there are several planned in 2020. Most notably, WSDOT in coordination with C-TRAN will be implementing Active Traffic Management and Bus-On-Shoulder in the southbound I-5 Corridor from NE 78th Street to Interstate Bridge. These improvements will like result in improved traffic flow and safety in the region’s busiest corridor.

2019 Congestion Management Process, Action Page 2

CORRIDOR DEFICIENCIES AND NEEDS The corridor analysis shows that the region needs to continue to focus on operational improvements, key bottlenecks, select capacity improvements, and address strong demand for bi-state travel. The following table shows capacity and speed deficient CMP corridors and identified needs:

Corridor Capacity Speed Needs Highway 99 X Intersection Improvements, Transit, and TSMO I-5 South X X I-5 Bridge Replacement, Interchanges, Transit, TSMO Main Street X X I-5 Bridge Replacement, Transit, and TSMO I-205 South X Interchange modifications, transit, and TSMO 112th Avenue X Urban Upgrade, intersections, and TSMO Grand/St. Johns X Intersection, signal timing, and TSMO Andresen South X Intersection Improvement and TSMO SR-503 South X Intersection improvement, Access Management, and TSMO 136/137/138 Ave. X Road improvements and TSMO 164th Av. South X Signal timing and TSMO SR-14 Central X X Auxiliary lanes and TSMO Fourth Plain to Port X TSMO SR-500 Central X Grade Separation, Auxiliary lanes, and TSMO Fourth Plain Central X Intersection improvement and TSMO Fourth Plain East X Intersection improvements, transit, and TSMO NE 78/76 Street X Signal Timing and TSMO Burton Road X Urban Upgrade and TSMO 18th Street X Urban upgrade, Transit and TSMO

KEY STRATEGIES The Congestion Management Process shows that implementation of the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) can help address many of the key capacity bottlenecks. The following are key projects to address congestion needs within Clark County:

Identified Needs In RTP Funded I-5 Interstate Bridge and Interchanges - I-5/Mill Plain Interchange (2026 Construction) - Bi-State Transit Expansion

(P)

Freeway Operational Improvements (I-5, I-205, SR-14, SR-500) - Active Traffic Management I-5 Southbound (2020) - Active Traffic Management I-205 - Active Traffic Management SR-14

(P) (P)

I-205/SR-14 Interchange I-205, SR-500 to Padden Widening I-205/Salmon Creek Interchange Phase II

2019 Congestion Management Process, Action Page 3

Identified Needs In RTP Funded SR-14, I-205 to 164th Av. Widening (2020 Construction) Major Intersection Upgrade - SR-500/SR-503/Fourth Plain - SR-503/Padden Parkway - Andresen Rd./Padden Parkway - Fourth Plain/Andresen

Arterial Operational Improvements - Highway 99, 78th St. to 139th St. - Main Street, I-5 to Mill Plain - 112th Avenue, 28th St. to SR-500 - St. Johns, Mill Plain to 72nd Av. - Andresen, Mill Plain to SR-500 - 136/137/138 Av., Mill Plain to Padden - 164th Avenue, SR-14 to Mill Plain - Mill Plain, 136th Av. to 192nd Av. - Fourth Plain, Port to 162nd Av. - SR-503, Fourth Plain to 99th - 78th/76th Street, Lakeshore to SR-503 - Burton Road, Andresen to 162nd Av. - 18th Street, I-205 to 162nd Av.

County-Wide Transit Expansion - Mill Plain BRT - Local Routes - I-5/Highway 99 BRT - I-205 Bi-State Transit

(P) (P)

Attachments: 1) Congestion Management Process 2019 Monitoring Report 2) 2019 Congestion Management Process Summary Report

20200515-RTAC-CMP.docx

Regional Transportation Council Congestion Management Process

RegionalSummary

ClarkCo.Population

2014 – 442,800 vs. 2019 – 488,500 OFMPopulations

Portland/VancouverEmployment

2014 – 1.13 vs. 2019 – 1.28 InmillionsofjobsBLS

UnemploymentRate2014 – 6.5% vs. 2019 – 4.8% Percentoflaborforce

Bi‐StateC‐TRANRidership2014 – 1,680 vs. 2019 – 1,633 DailyEveningPeakRiders

ColumbiaRiverCrossings2014 – 284,300

vs.

2019 – 304,700 DailyI‐5andI‐205BridgeVolumes

EveningTravelSpeed2014 – 36.3 mph vs. 2019 – 32.1 mph Averagesystemspeed

2019 Congestion Management Process Summary Report

Introduction

Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council’s (RTC’s) federally required Congestion Management Process (CMP) is a regional program that analyzes travel delay characteristics and provides system performance information on major streets and state highways. Monitoring of congestion is a planning tool that provides reliable data to identify traffic problems, to support wise investment decisions, and to enhance the movement of people and goods.

Key Findings

This year’s congestion monitoring report reveals that the pace of growth within the region grew at a slower rate between years 2018 and 2019, when compared to the five year trend.

Between 2018 and 2019, region wide traffic volumes, employment, unemployment, transit ridership, and other indicators experienced modest changes. This points to a slowing of the economic growth that the region has been experiencing in recent years.

Although the region had modest changes in various indicators, the region did experience a continuation of the 5-year trend of modest degradation of roadway speed performance. I-5 Southbound morning travel speeds declined, as did region-wide evening travel speeds. In contrast, the I-205 South and SR-14 Central corridor travel speeds showed improved performance, which may be related to enhanced traffic management in those corridors.

Major transportation improvement projects completed in 2018 to widen NE 18th Street and remove traffic signals on SR-500 showed notable traffic benefits in 2019. Both projects resulted in traffic pattern changes and enhancement to performance measures in each corridor.

The 2019 Congestion Management Process shows the need for agencies to invest in signal coordination and other traffic operational improvements such as access management, ramp meters, and transit. These improvements will help the region to get the most out of the existing transportation system. There is also a need for transportation improvements at several high volumes intersections and urban arterial segments. In particular, the SR-500/Fourth Plain intersection is a key bottleneck which needs to be improved. Lastly, the region should continue to work towards the I-5 Bridge replacement, to serve demand and improve access within the Portland/Vancouver region.

10%

12%

7%

3%

14%

14%

2019 Monitoring Report Summary Page 2


Freeway Peak Hour Congestion

Most Congested Corridors Using corridor capacity ratio the following corridors are the most congested:

1 I-5, Main St. to Jantzen Beach (AM) 1.00

2 I-205, Padden to Airport Way (AM) 0.94

3 SR-14, I-205 to 164th Av. (PM) 0.93

4 Main Street, Ross St. to Mill Plain (AM) 0.93

5 SR-500, Andresen to I-5 (AM) 0.86

6 I-205, I-5 to Padden (AM) 0.86

7 SR-503, Fourth Plain to 119th St. (PM) 0.82

Acorridorwithcapacityratioabove0.90isverycongestedandacorridorabove0.80willfeelcongestion.



Intersection Delay

A long average delay for the through movement at an intersection adds to the overall travel time and increases congestion. The following intersections have average evening delays over 100 seconds for a key through movement:

1 SR-500/Fourth Plain/SR-503. (N) 214Sec.

2 NE 18th St./NE 162nd Av. (E) 134Sec.

3 Padden Parkway/SR-503 (S) 127Sec.

4 Fourth Plain/Ft. Vancouver Way (N) 127Sec.

5 Fourth Plain/Andresen Rd. (N) 109Sec.

6 NE 49th St./NE 112th Av. (N) 105Sec.

Insignaltiming,thehighervolumemovementisgenerallyfavoredoverlowervolumemovements,toimprovetheoverallintersectionoperations.Thegreatestconcernislongdelaysintheeastboundandnorthboundpeakdirections

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Fourth Plain/SR‐500 Intersection

In previous years, the Congestion Management Process identified the SR 500 at Fourth Plain Boulevard intersection as having the most traffic congestion and delays of any at-grade intersection in Clark County. In response, The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), along with partner agencies studied the intersection to identify issues affecting safety, mobility, and travel reliability. Over 20 potential projects were analyzed, ranging from small operational changes to large-scale infrastructure improvements. Throughout the process, public input and a technical advisory committee directed the analysis.

Through the process it became clear that improvements at three key intersections of SR-500/Fourth Plain, SR-503 and 65th St., and Fourth Plain/121st Av. were necessary to improve left turn capacity, reduce delay, and improve travel reliability. Other mobility enhancements to the intersecting corridors were also recommended. Identified improvements include:

SR-500/Fourth Plain Intersection: Convert eastbound and westbound left turns into displace left turns (see diagram)

Reconfigure SR-503/65th Street intersection (possible roundabout)

Reconfigure Fourth Plain/121st Avenue intersection (possible roundabout)

Improve traffic signal timing (Fourth Plain and SR-503)

Add guide and travel time signs Connect and extend local roads to improve

local circulation.



PROJECTS and STRATEGIES

Trunnion Repair/TDM

In September 2020, the northbound bridge of the Interstate Bridge between Vancouver and Portland will close for up to two weeks as crews replace a cracked trunnion and other parts that help lift and lower the bridge. The closure of northbound bridge will produce heavy congestion and provide a unique opportunity for the region to practice demand management options. This Includes options such as delaying or shifting trips, carpooling, biking, taking transit, and working from home or another location.

Transit

In the summer of 2020, C-TRAN, in cooperation with WSDOT, will complete a second Bus on Shoulder project on I-5 south from about 78th Street south to the Interstate Bridge. This project will be in place during the I-5 Bridge Trunnion Repair project and beyond.

C-TRAN is currently designing and conducting environmental work for a Bus Rapid Transit line along their second busiest route of Mill Plain Boulevard. Construction is expected to begin in 2021.

I‐5 SB Active Traffic Management

Due to the significant morning congestion during morning weekday commute times and in an effort to improve safety and trip reliability, WSDOT will implement additional Active Traffic Management along southbound I-5, from 78th Street to the Interstate Bridge in the summer of 2020.

This smart technology will include ramp meters, traffic cameras, traffic sensors, and electronic message signs. This technology will work to provide information to the WSDOT Traffic Management Center. Allowing for real-time processing of data to improve traffic flow and improve safety.

I‐205 Study

Volumes on I-205 exceed the carrying capacity of the corridor. These capacity deficiencies result in congestion, unreliable traffic flow, and safety issues.

In 2019, WSDOT along with partner agencies conducted a study to identify bottlenecks and potential solutions in the I-205 Corridor. Identified solutions will be included in long-range plans and will be implemented as further analysis is completed and funding becomes available. The solutions include the following:

Add auxiliary lanes on I-205 between Padden Parkway and SR-500.

Reconfigure the existing Glenn Jackson Bridge to add mainline lanes across bridge by using the shoulders. This adds lanes to and from SR-14.

Add southbound ramp meters at interchanges from Padden Parkway to Mill Plain Blvd.

Key Regional Strategies

The information and data contained in the Congestion Management Report is used to identify appropriate congestion management strategies:

Local and state agencies need a robust program to analyze and invest in corridor signal timing to get the most out of the existing transportation system.

Implement Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, including major corridor transit expansion.

Support widening of major arterials within the Urban Growth Areas to Comprehensive Plan standards, including multi-modal accommodations.

Identify and implement innovative high volume intersection concepts to resolve acute bottlenecks.

Advance implementation of an I-5 bridge replacement project.

For More Information

YoucangetmoreinformationontheCongestionManagementProcessbycontactingtheRegionalTransportationCouncilat564‐397‐6067orbyvisitingtheprojectwebsiteathttps://www.rtc.wa.gov/programs/cmp.

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