2035 transportation plan 040411 - weld county, colorado · comprehensive transportation approach...

WELD COUNTY DRAFT

Weld County

2035 TRANSPORTATION

PLAN

2011

Weld County Public Works Department

WELD COUNTY 2035 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Public Works

WELD COUNTY

2035 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Prepared for:

Board of County Commissioners 915 10th Street

Greeley, CO 80632

Prepared by:

Weld County Public Works Department 1111 H Street

Greeley, CO 80632

May 9, 2011


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TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 5 A. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ............................................................................. 5 B. PURPOSE OF THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN ......................................................... 6 C. BACKGROUND ........................................................................................... 9 II. TRANSPORTATION PLAN GOALS ........................................................................... 15 III. INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS .................................................................. 16 A. FUNCTIONAL ROAD CLASSIFICATION PLAN ...................................................... 18 B ROADWAY CONDITIONS ............................................................................. 24 C. TRAFFIC VOLUMES .................................................................................... 32 D. LEVELS OF SERVICE ................................................................................... 35 E. CRASH HISTORY ....................................................................................... 39 F. MULTI-MODAL FACILITIES .......................................................................... 42 G. EXISTING BRIDGE CONDITIONS ..................................................................... 50 H. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ROUTES .................................................................. 53 IV. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING................................................................ 54 A. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING REGIONS .......................................................... 54 B. HIGHWAY 85 COALITION ............................................................................ 55 C. OZONE NONATTAINMENT BOUNDARY ............................................................ 57 D. NORTH I-25 EIS ....................................................................................... 60 V. WELD COUNTY ROAD CLASSIFICATION PLAN .......................................................... 62 A. FORECASTED GROWTH ............................................................................... 62 B. 2035 TRAFFIC VOLUME PROJECTIONS ............................................................. 67 C. FUTURE ROADWAY PLAN ............................................................................ 69 D. FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS ..................................................... 71 E. UPDATING THE ROAD CLASSIFICATION PLAN ................................................... 76 F. ROAD CLASSIFICATION GUIDE ...................................................................... 77 VI. LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN .................................................................. 81 A. LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS ...................................................... 81 B. IMPLEMENATION STRATEGIES ....................................................................... 86 VII. POLICIES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES ....................................................................... 89 APPENDIX A ROADWAY INVENTORY ................................................................................... I APPENDIX B CONCEPTUAL COST ESTIMATES ...................................................................... III APPENDIX C TYPICAL ROAD CROSS SECTIONS .................................................................... XI APPENDIX D ACCESS MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES ................................................................ XII APPENDIX E ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ...................................................................... XIX APPENDIX F ROUNDABOUTS ....................................................................................... XXIII APPENDIX G ON-LINE TRANSPORTATION SURVEY ............................................................. XXIX APPENDIX H ACRONYMS .......................................................................................... XXXIV APPENDIX I TRANSPORTATION PLAN REFERENCES AND SOURCES ........................................ XXXV


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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Strategic Roadways Map ............................................................................................... 10 Figure 2: 1995 Weld County Road Classification Map ................................................................ 17 Figure 3: FHU Road Classification Map ...................................................................................... 22 Figure 4: MUD Structural Transportation Network ..................................................................... 23 Figure 5: Weld County Road Map ................................................................................................ 24 Figure 6: Fugitive Dust Abatement Map ...................................................................................... 28 Figure 7: Roadway Maintenance Threshold ................................................................................. 30 Figure 8: Traffic Volumes Map .................................................................................................... 34 Figure 9: Levels of Service Diagram ............................................................................................ 37 Figure 10: Crash Data Map ........................................................................................................... 41 Figure 11: Multi-Modal Map ........................................................................................................ 45 Figure 12: Rural Transportation Service Area Map ..................................................................... 46 Figure 13: National/State Trails .................................................................................................... 49 Figure 14: Sufficiency Rating Diagram ........................................................................................ 50 Figure 15: Hazardous Materials Routes Map ............................................................................... 53 Figure 16: DRCOG Denver-Boulder-Greeley-Fort Collins 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area Map ... 57 Figure 17: Weld County 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Boundary .............................................. 58 Figure 18: North I-25 EIS Study Area .......................................................................................... 60 Figure 19: North I-25 recommended preferred alternative ........................................................... 61 Figure 20: Modeling Roadway Network ...................................................................................... 62 Figure 21: Subarea Growth Factors Map ...................................................................................... 63 Figure 22: Weld County Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ's) ............................................................ 66 Figure 23: 2035 Traffic Model ..................................................................................................... 67 Figure 24: Weld County Classification Map ................................................................................ 75 Figure 25: Guide to Modifying Urban Road Classifications ........................................................ 79 Figure 26: Guide to Modifying Rural Road Classifications ......................................................... 80 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Existing Weld County Function Classification Roadway Definitions ........................... 21 Table 2: County Road Miles by Functional Classification ........................................................... 25 Table 3: Mining & Gravel Operations .......................................................................................... 29 Table 4: Highest Traveled County Roads ..................................................................................... 33 Table 5: County Road VMT by Functional Classification ........................................................... 35 Table 6: Top three Accident Intersections for 2009 ..................................................................... 40 Table 7: Top three Accident Intersections for 2010 ..................................................................... 40 Table 8: Rail Service Providers .................................................................................................... 44 Table 9: Sub-Area Growth Factor ................................................................................................. 64 Table 10: Capacity (VPD/Lane) ................................................................................................... 65 Table 11: Road Classification Definitions .................................................................................... 70 Table 12: Short, Mid and Long Range Improvement Needs ........................................................ 81 Table 13: Summary of Roadway Improvement Needs ................................................................. 85


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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Historical Perspective

In 2011, Weld County celebrates its sesquicentennial (150 year anniversary). Incorporated in 1861, Weld County was named after Lewis L. Weld, the first territorial secretary of Colorado. Weld County is the third largest county in the state covering almost 4,000 square miles in north central Colorado. Its importance as an agricultural region dates back to its inception in the early 1860’s. Today, Weld County continues to be one of the most agriculturally productive counties within the state.

How did the road network begin? The Resolution of 1889 established rights-of-way along section lines of public domain lands. Those properties or lands out of the public domain included railroad property, patented lands, and State Land Board Lands; everything else became a legal 30’ right-of-way on each side of the section line throughout the entire county (60’ total right-of-way). These rights-of-way allowed roadways to be constructed, which established the foundation for the road network system throughout Weld County.

First County Truck Nash Quad (1921)


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B. Purpose of the Transportation Plan

The Weld County Transportation Plan will serve an integral part in the decision-making process for Weld County staff and elected officials. The primary purpose of this document is to provide technical information that can be used as a basis for formulating transportation related policies.

To ensure the sustainability of Weld County’s quality of life, this plan shall consider preserving the rural character, while providing strategies that sustain urban development. With Weld County’s diversity, addressing priorities, such as safety and mobility, will rely on creating a balanced, well-maintained transportation system.

According to the State Demography Office, Weld County’s 2009 population estimate is 259,699 residents. This equates to approximately a three percent (3%) annual growth rate, which identifies Weld County as one of the fastest growing counties in Colorado. As a result, ongoing growth and development will continue to increase traffic demands on the county’s roadway network. These impacts are continually difficult to accommodate both physically and financially. In an effort to plan and prepare for travel demands impacting current and future growth, Weld County Public Works is undertaking the process to develop the first-ever comprehensive county wide transportation plan.

Mission Statement

The purpose of

the Weld County

Transportation Plan is to provide a

coordinated county-wide road system that moves people and goods in a

safe, economical, and efficient

manner.

Westbound WCR 54


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Incorporated or Unincorporated?

Within the County boundaries reside thirty-one incorporated municipalities and as many unincorporated communities, all having their own unique identity. Weld County’s diversity provides the residents an abundant amount of choices and opportunities for homes, businesses, recreation, and leisure activities.

Many of these Weld County communities have adopted transportation plans of their own. Weld County reviewed these documents to ensure a regionally coordinated implementation strategy is recognized county-wide for compatibility and future improvements. As a result, this regional outreach hopes to encapsulate a balanced county-wide transportation system uniting the entire region.

There is a symbiotic relationship between transportation and land use, which is true for both rural and urban areas. By coordinating transportation planning and land-use planning, multiple benefits are revealed through effective utilization of transportation resources. Such benefits include, improved travel choices and options; reduced road network demands & vehicle miles traveled; less time spent driving; increased community health and active living; economic vitality; and improved air quality. A

INCORPORTED MUNICIPALITIES:

Ault, Brighton, Berthoud, Dacono, Eaton, Erie, Evans, Firestone, Frederick, Fort

Lupton, Garden City, Gilcrest, Greeley, Grover,

Hudson, Johnstown, Keenesburg, Kersey, LaSalle, Lochbuie,

Longmont, Mead, Milliken, Northglenn, Nunn, Pierce,

Platteville, Raymer, Severance, Thornton and

Windsor.

UNICORPORATED COMMUNITIES:

Barnesville, Briggsdale, Buckingham, Camfield, Carlson, Carr, Chatoga,

Cornish, Dearfield, Dover, East Eaton, Ft. St. Vrain,

Galeton (Zita Town), Gearhart, Gill, Gowanda,

Green City, Hardin, Hereford, Hillsboro,

Lucerne, Keene, Keota, Kuner, Peace Cemetery, Poudre City, Prospect

Valley, Masters, Purcell, Puritan, Roggen, Sligo,

Stoneham Vollmar, Wattenberg and

Youngstown.

ADJACENT COUNTIES:

Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer,

Logan, Morgan, Laramie, WY and Kimball, NE.

County Line Road (1921)


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comprehensive transportation approach can be employed through development design standards, programs, and policies that support a wider variety of transportation choices.

Therefore, the purpose of this 2035 Transportation Plan is to summarize existing transportation conditions and recommend policy, funding, and roadway development for Weld County through the 2035 planning horizon. This timeline supports current travel modeling efforts of the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFR MPO), the Denver Regional Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization (DRCOG) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The most recent Weld County Comprehensive Plan update was completed in December of 2008. The 2035 Transportation Plan will also be an extension of the comprehensive plan focusing on basic travel characteristics unique to Weld County.

Courtesy of CDOT: Fort Vasquez Weigh Station on Hwy 85 in 1957


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C. BACKGROUND

In the late 1990’s, Weld County was experiencing significant growth pressures by new residential, commercial and industrial development. To address these growing demands, the County pursued implementing a road impact fee. Impact fees are one of the most direct ways for local governments to require new developments pay their pro-rata share of the cost of new infrastructure facilities required to serve that development. The charges are typically assessed based on a standard formula and are collected at the time of building permit issuance. In 1999, Duncan & Associates prepared the initial Weld County road impact fee study for the Windsor and Southwest assessment districts that were experiencing the greatest pressures of growth. The road impact fees for these areas were intended to be multi-jurisdictional. The County implemented the road impact fee effective December 1, 1999 based on only two service areas. The Windsor study area included Windsor and Severance and the Southwest service area included all or parts of eight municipalities (Longmont, Broomfield, and Northglenn, and the Towns of Erie, Frederick, Firestone, Dacono and Mead), and it was an assumption of the study that most of them would participate with the County in a regional impact fee system, which was intended to avoid competition between jurisdictions over the fee amounts. However, ultimately only Frederick and Longmont decided to participate.

In June 2001, Duncan & Associates prepared an update of the road impact fees in the Southwest Study Area. The update was limited to recalculating the impact fees for a redrawn Southwest service area, which excluded all of the non participating municipalities. Then, in 2002, Duncan & Associates in association with Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig prepared a County-Wide Road Impact Fee

WCR 74 (1921)

WCR 98 (1922) Photo Courtesy of CDOT


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Study. Like the previous studies, the County-wide study was based on a demand-driven model. The difference with this study was the funding of capacity-expanding improvements within the assessment districts on major roadways identified in the Strategic Roadway Plan. For the purpose of the impact fee study, these major roadway systems were classified as major arterial roads. The Strategic Roadway Plan classified seven roads as “Strategic” meaning they were of more importance to Weld County’s transportation system than other major arterials due to function, length, and connectivity to multiple communities. Following is a list of the Strategic Roadways, which are depicted in Figure 1: Weld County Road 13 Weld County Road 22/24 Two Rivers Parkway (WCR 27) Weld County Road 49 Weld County Road 74 I-25 East Parallel Corridor (WCR 9.5/11) I-25 West Parallel Corridor (WCR 5/7)

Figure 1: Strategic Roadways Map


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In 2010 Duncan Associates, Inc. was contracted to reevaluate the County road impact fees and strategic roadway plan. Due to the fact that it has been eight years since the last fee update, many changes were anticipated including a shift in the “Strategic Road” concept which will be further discussed later in this plan. In addition to the Strategic Roadways fulfilling a road impact fee function, they also serve the County as regional corridors which parallel the State Highway System. Since the Strategic Roads were recognized as regional corridors, Weld County Public Works began performing corridor studies in 2002. The intent of the corridor studies was to refine the alignment or geometry problems associated with the “Strategic Roads”, as depicted in Figure 1 of the Strategic Roadways map, on page 10. Each study included a thorough public process consisting of several open houses, one-on-one meetings with adjacent landowners, and local jurisdiction collaboration. This public process has been so successful, that the same methods have been implemented by the Public Works Department for non-strategic roads. The following bullet points provide a historic summary of the arterial corridor transportation planning studies completed in accordance with the Strategic Roadway Plan: Western Arterial Corridor Study – This is the only corridor study

recommending reservation of 150’ of right-of-way on WCR 27.5 (Two Rivers Parkway). The study area was broken into two segments. The north segment focused on routes for the Western Arterial Greeley Route, beginning at the intersection of SH 60 and WCR 396 extending north to SH 34. The southern segment analyzed the existing SH 60 intersection from US 85 on the south, north to the curve that once existed into Milliken. CDOT has since made improvements to this intersection, which now includes a traffic signal. The preferred alignment was determined to be south from the SH 60 & US 85 intersection north to WCR 27.5, continuing north on WCR 27.5 to WCR 54 (37th Street) along a new alignment from WCR 54 to SH 34 Bypass at 83rd

Two Rivers Parkway


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Avenue. The study encompassed approximately 5.4 miles in length, and was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in December of 1995.

I-25 Parallel Arterial Corridor Study – This study preserved 140’ of right-of-way on either side of I-25 for approximately 24 miles. The study aligned WCR 7 and WCR 7.5 on the west side of I-25 and WCR 9.5 and WCR 11 on the east side. This study was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in October of 2003.

WCR 49 Corridor Study – The study identified a means of connecting WCR 49 from US 34 north to SH 14, which is approximately nine miles in length. This study was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in October of 2004.

Weld County Road 27 (Two Rivers Parkway) Alternative Alignment Study –

This study divided Two Rivers Parkway into two segments. The northern segment recommended a new alignment extending from 83rd Avenue north from approximately WCR 64.5 to SH 392. This alignment includes a new railroad and ditch crossing. The southern segment was an extension of the Western Arterial Corridor Study alignment, which focused on SH 60 north to WCR 378. While the Western Arterial Corridor Study recommended a 150’ right-of-way, this study recommended a 140’ right-of-way, and included a new Big Thompson River crossing. This study was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in June of 2007.

Weld County/Longmont/Mead Subarea Analysis (a.k.a. Black Hole Study) –

This study encompassed the west side of I-25 from SH 66 south to SH 119. The intent of this study was to bring multiple jurisdictions (local governments, Railroad, & State Parks) together in the Mixed Use Development (MUD) area to coordinate transportation issues. This study was completed in May and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in August of 2008.


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WCR 24 Corridor Study – This study recommended a preferred alignment

connecting WCR 22 and WCR 24 across the South Platte River. This study was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in December of 2008.

Weld/Adams County Line Crossroads Alignment Study – Weld County Road 2 (168th Avenue) is a section line adjustment for land surveyors. As a result, the roadways do not align with each other. This study was a multi-jurisdictional effort between Thornton, Northglenn, Adams County, Weld County, and the City and County of Broomfield to study how best to realign six intersections east of I-25. The roads included WCR 11 (York St.), WCR 15 (Holly St.), WCR 17 (Quebec St.), WCR 19 (Yosemite) and WCR 49 (Watkins). This study was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in November of 2008.

“O” Street Alignment

Study – This study recommended an east/west arterial road alignment of O Street extending west from Two Rivers Parkway (83rd Avenue) to Crossroads Blvd (Windsor) at SH 257. This effort included Windsor, Greeley, and Weld County. The Board of County Commissioners adopted the study in December of 2008.

WCR49/Imboden

Alignment Study – This study recommends a preferred alignment for Imboden Road, an arterial roadway in Adams County, connecting to WCR 49 south of I-76. This study was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in May of 2009.


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The above mentioned studies can be obtained by contacting the Public Works Department. The intent of the studies is to serve several functions: 1) to allow local landowners to plan for future roadway improvements or impacts; 2) right-of-way preservation for land use planning; 3) for Road Design Engineers to use as a starting point for detailed designs; and 4) for Transportation Planners to use in travel models. However, these corridor studies will only be as successful as the jurisdictions implementing them. Developers should be requested to preserve or dedicate the ROW to help design and construct the improvements identified in the studies. Future spot analysis corridor studies will be a function of the overall transportation system and processed as a future amendment to the Transportation Plan.

The Weld County Transportation Plan will strive to accomplish many goals, which are identified in the following chapters. For example, the transportation plan will review strategic roadways and their role in the overall road network, update the road classification plan, and generate an improvements project list with associated conceptual costs. The plan also acknowledges and incorporates a number of changes that have occurred since the 2002 Duncan Associates Study, including: The eight years of development experience and roadway improvements

since 2002;

County land use forecasts, including updated North Front Range MPO and DRCOG regional travel demand models that reflect new land use forecasting;

Updated roadway construction costs; and

Define new County road classifications and cross sections.

2035 transportation plan 040411 - weld county, colorado · comprehensive transportation approach...

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