policy on transportation improvement … on transportation improvement program (tip) preparation...

POLICY ON TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)

PREPARATION Guidance for preparing the 2005-2010 TIP

Adopted August 20, 2003

Amended January 21, 2004

Denver Regional Council of Governments 4500 Cherry Creek Drive South

Denver, Colorado 80246

Preparation of this report has been financed in part through grants from the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration

of the U. S. Department of Transportation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................1 A. Authority of the MPO ........................................................................................... 1 B. Geographic Area of the TIP................................................................................. 1 C. Time Period of the TIP ......................................................................................... 1 D. Regional Plans and Programs for Project Selection......................................... 2 E. TIP Development Schedule ................................................................................. 2

II. TIP PROJECT SUBMITTAL AND EVALUATION ..................................................................4

A. Overview ............................................................................................................... 4 B. Integration of the DRCOG, CDOT and RTD Project Selection Processes....... 4 C. Eligibility and Submittal Rules for All TIP Projects........................................... 5 D. Additional Eligibility & Submittal Rules for DRCOG-Selected TIP Projects... 7 E. Evaluation and Ranking for DRCOG-Selected TIP Projects ............................. 9

III. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT.................................27

A. Overview ............................................................................................................. 27 B. Funding Assessment......................................................................................... 27 C. Primary DRCOG Project Selection ................................................................... 28 D. Secondary DRCOG Project Selection .............................................................. 28 E. Draft TIP Preparation ......................................................................................... 29 F. Training and Peer Review.................................................................................. 29

IV. TIP POLICY ACTIONS ........................................................................................................30

A. Public Involvement in the TIP ........................................................................... 30 B. TIP Adoption....................................................................................................... 30 C. TIP Amendment.................................................................................................. 30

APPENDIX A: ELIGIBLE PROJECTS BY FUNDING SOURCE .......................................................................32 APPENDIX B: ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS....................................................................................................35 APPENDIX C: INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF CONCEPTUAL PROJECT DESIGN.....................41 APPENDIX D: PAVEMENT CONDITION GUIDELINES....................................................................................42 APPENDIX E: SAFETY CRITERIA....................................................................................................................44 APPENDIX F: METRO VISION IMPLEMENTATION CRITERIA.......................................................................49 APPENDIX G: CONGESTION CRITERIA..........................................................................................................50 APPENDIX H: NEW TRANSIT SERVICE ..........................................................................................................51 APPENDIX I: POTENTIAL NEED MEASURES FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROJECTS.................52

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LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Transportation Improvement Program Development Process............. 2 Table 2 2013 RTP Capacity Project Staging ....................................................... 12 Table 3 Project Eligibility Requirements for DRCOG-Selected Projects ........ 13 Table 4 Maximum TIP Project Submittals............................................................ 14 Table 5 Roadway Reconstruction ........................................................................ 15 Table 6 Roadway Operational Improvements ..................................................... 16 Table 7 Roadway Widening .................................................................................. 17 Table 8 New Roadway ........................................................................................... 18 Table 9 New Interchange....................................................................................... 19 Table 10 Studies ...................................................................................................... 20 Table 11 Rapid Transit ............................................................................................ 21 Table 12 New Bus Service ...................................................................................... 22 Table 13 Transit Passenger Facilities .................................................................... 23 Table 14 Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects ............................................................. 24 Table 15 Other Enhancement Projects .................................................................. 25 Table 16 Air Quality Improvement Projects........................................................... 26 Table 17 Crash Reduction Factors......................................................................... 47

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Geographic Area of the TIP..................................................................... 3 Figure 2 2025 RTP Transportation Management Area Highway Network................................................................................... 10 Figure 3 2025 RTP Emphasis Corridors ............................................................. 11 Figure 4 Portland Concrete Pavement Evaluation Tool .................................... 43 Figure 5 Asphalt Pavement Evaluation Tool ...................................................... 43 Figure 6 2002 Transportation Urban Areas ........................................................ 48

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I. INTRODUCTION

The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) identifies the federally funded transportation improvements and management actions to be completed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Regional Transportation District (RTD), local governments, and other project sponsors over a six-year time period to implement the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The TIP also notes major state and locally funded transportation projects. As required by federal law, the TIP must be fiscally constrained to funds expected to be available. All projects selected to receive federal surface transportation funds must be identified in the TIP. The TIP is prepared and adopted by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the region's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in cooperation with CDOT and RTD. This document establishes the MPO policies for developing the TIP and selecting projects to be included. A. Authority of the MPO Federal law charges MPOs with the responsibility for developing and approving the TIP. DRCOG directly selects projects funded with Surface Transportation Program (STP)-Metro, STP-Enhancement, and Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. DRCOG reviews CDOT and RTD submitted projects for consistency with regional plans. B. Geographic Area of the TIP The TIP is prepared for area shown in Figure 1. Since the last census, this area has expanded beyond the Denver Transportation Management Area (TMA), to include the entire Longmont and Lafayette/Louisville urbanized areas, part of which are in Weld County. C. Time Period of the TIP The first three years of each TIP contain committed projects. The second three-year period of the TIP is limited to carryover projects, begun in the first three years. Projects are normally programmed for completion over two or more years. Typically, the first years of funding will include: (1) the environmental process; (2) right-of-way (ROW) acquisition; and (3) design approval by CDOT (where required). The final year(s) typically fund construction.

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D. Regional Plans and Programs for Project Selection The Metro Vision 2020 Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for future development of the region with respect to growth, development, transportation and water quality management.

The 2025 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is fiscally constrained by anticipated revenues, and specifies strategies, policies and major capital improvements which advance the objectives of the Metro Vision 2020 Plan. The 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will specifically identify and program projects for federal funding to implement the RTP. The TIP may also include studies to foster RTP implementation. E. TIP Development Schedule Table 1 shows the process and tentative schedule for developing the 2005-2010 TIP. A more detailed schedule, project recommendation forms and instructions will be distributed with the Project Solicitation and posted on the DRCOG website.

Table 1 Transportation Improvement Program Development Process

TIP Process Element Nominal Schedule

TIP Policy, Process and Criteria Revision January-August, 2003 Project Solicitation August, 2003 Project Submittal October, 2003 Project Evaluation and Ranking October-December, 2003 Draft TIP Document Preparation January, 2004 Public Hearing on Draft TIP February, 2004 Committee Review of Draft TIP February-March, 2004 Board Action March, 2004

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3

August, 2003

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II. TIP PROJECT SUBMITTAL AND EVALUATION This chapter describes the processes and procedures used for the submittal and evaluation of projects for possible inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), consistent with TEA-21. A. Overview At present, three separate processes exist for selecting transportation projects to receive federal funds within the TIP region; each of the three primary regional transportation planning partners (DRCOG, CDOT and RTD) selects projects for the federal funds over which it has authority. DRCOG selects projects to receive Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds (and matching local funding) from the following three programs: • Surface Transportation Program (STP) - Metro • Surface Transportation Program (STP) - Enhancement • Congestion Mitigation / Air Quality Improvement Program CDOT selects TIP projects using a variety of federal, state and local revenues. These include primarily roadway and bridge construction, operation and maintenance activities, and are listed in the TIP under the following categories: • 7th Pot (statewide strategic CDOT priorities) • Other Regional Priorities (strategic regional CDOT priorities) • FTA Section 5310 (transit capital for elderly & disabled services) • Surface Treatment (repaving projects) • Bridge (On-System, Off-System, Discretionary) • Safety and Traffic Signal Projects • Intelligent Transportation Systems • Transportation, Community and System Preservation (TCSP) • other projects using federal discretionary funds RTD selects projects using a variety of federal funds and local revenues to fund regional transit system construction, operation and maintenance. Its projects follow the Regional Transit Development Program (TDP), and are listed in the TIP under the following categories: • FTA Section 5307 (mass transit capital, O&M, studies) • FTA Section 5309 (rapid transit and mass transit capital & studies) B

. Integration of the DRCOG, CDOT and RTD Project Selection Processes

These three processes are conducted separately until they are integrated into a draft TIP by DRCOG staff. That draft is then reviewed, and recommendations prepared by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and Regional Transportation Committee (RTC), before consideration and formal adoption by the DRCOG Board of Directors. DRCOG, CDOT and RTD have begun a process of integrating these three project selection processes; this will likely be an iterative effort to be implemented over the next few TIP cycles. For the 2005-2010 TIP, three steps toward process integration will be undertaken: (1) the three agencies will participate in each other's separate meetings, discussions and public forums leading to project selection; (2) CDOT (for roadway widening projects and new roadways) and RTD (for rapid transit projects) will identify the multimodal connectivity elements planned as part of the projects on their draft lists of recommended TIP projects; and (3) the three agencies will hold an inter-agency review and comment on each other's draft lists of recommended projects and those not recommended, prior to committee review.

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C. Eligibility and Submittal Rules for All TIP Projects 1. Eligible Applicants County and municipal governments, RTD, the State, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) and DRCOG are eligible to submit projects. With the exception of applicants for FTA Section 5310 and 5311 funds, private, non-profit and civic organizations must submit projects through government agencies. The RAQC may jointly submit (with project sponsors) State Implementation Plan (SIP) Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) and contingency measures. 2. Project Eligibility All projects to be granted federal funds through the TIP must implement the improvements and/or policies contained in the 2025 RTP. The types of projects eligible for specific federal funding sources have been established in TEA-21 and are listed in Appendixes A and B. 3. Air Quality Commitments and Project Staging The TIP must implement any submitted SIP TCMs and conformity measures identified in the RTP air quality conformity finding. The conformity finding is also based on the implementation of certain capacity improvements over time (project 'staging' specified in the RTP). For the 2005-2010 TIP, regional roadway and transit improvements must be pursued consistent with the 2013 staging of the 2025 RTP. 4. Eligibility of Roadway Capacity Projects For TIP roadway “capacity projects” (i.e. highway widening, new roadways, new interchanges and interchange reconstruction), the RTP contains a specific list of eligible projects which implement its objectives. Only those roadway capacity projects included in the 2013 staging of the RTP are eligible for funding in the 2005-2010 TIP (as listed in Table 2). Capacity projects may be added to the current staging list only through RTP amendment. 5. Carryover Projects All carryover projects from the 2003-2008 TIP must be resubmitted for inclusion in the 2005-2010 TIP. 6. Commitment to Implement Project Since the TIP is dependent on a satisfactory air quality conformity finding, project submittal shall constitute a commitment to complete the project (if selected) in a timely manner as described in the application form by the project sponsor. Any funding necessary to complete the project beyond the federal share allocated in the TIP must be borne by the project sponsor. If project costs increase, CDOT and RTD may provide additional federal funds and match equal to the increase or make accommodating reductions in other TIP projects they sponsor to compensate for the increase. Other project sponsors with more than one project included in the TIP under the same federal funding source may shift federal funds and match between projects, subject to the administrative and policy amendment process below and the ability to obligate all federal funds. All projects involved in such amendments must be completed as defined in the application from the project sponsor. All commitments in EISs/Records of Decision, EAs/FONSIs, or other NEPA decision documents made during project development must be funded as part of the project.

7. Public Involvement It is during project submittal preparation by the sponsoring agency when early citizen input is most appropriate, and the responsibility for seeking it lies with the project sponsor. The DRCOG committee review process (Transportation Advisory Committee and Regional Transportation Committee) and a public hearing at the regional level provide opportunities for public comment prior to Board action on adoption of the TIP or major TIP policy amendments. 8. Advance Construction Sponsors wishing to accelerate the completion of their project with local funds may do so through a procedure allowed by the Federal Highway Administration and referred to as Advance Construction. Through Advance Construction, a project sponsor can independently raise up-front capital for a project and preserve eligibility for future Federal-aid funding for that project. At a later point, the State can obligate Federal-aid funds for reimbursement of the Federal share to the sponsor. This technique allows projects to be implemented that are eligible for Federal aid when the need arises, rather than having to set aside obligation authority for the Federal share. The project sponsor may access capital from a variety of sources, including its own funds and private capital in the form of anticipation notes, commercial paper and bank loans. In order to receive future reimbursement for an Advance Construction project, the sponsor must have FHWA "designate" the project and approve it as an Advance Construction project. However, the State itself can determine when to obligate funds for reimbursement of the project, by later "converting" the entire project to a regular Federal-aid highway project. This allows States (and MPOs) to manage their Federal-aid funds more effectively, by choosing when to seek reimbursement.

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D. Additional Eligibility & Submittal Rules for DRCOG-Selected TIP Projects In addition to the eligibility and submittal rules listed in Section C above, projects submitted as candidates for DRCOG selection must satisfy the eligibility requirements listed in Table 3, and must also adhere to the requirements below. The project types in Table 3 have been established consistent with the 2025 RTP. 1. Eligibility of Projects on State Highways Any projects on State Highways must be submitted by, or with the concurrence of, CDOT. 2. Eligibility of Projects Requiring a Contract with CDOT In submitting an application, agencies submitting any projects requiring the sponsor to contract with CDOT to receive federal funds agree to use the standard CDOT contract, available from DRCOG, without revision of any of the boilerplate language. This includes any carryover projects to be initiated in 2005 or later. 3. Eligibility of Roadway Projects Only projects on freeways, major regional arterials, and principal arterial corridors as depicted in Figure 2 are eligible for TIP-funded improvements. For roadway operational improvements, the evaluation criteria provide priority to projects identified on the RTP’s 'Emphasis Corridors', depicted in Figure 3. 4. Eligibility of TDM Projects. Startup of new TMOs/TMAs are only eligible for 2 years of funding, with a required second year local match of 50%. 5. Project Submittal Limitations Each municipality and county in the TIP area may submit up to the following number of new (not carryover) projects based on DRCOG’s latest estimate of population or employment (see Table 4 or number of new project submittals allowed, by community1): f

• Two projects for communities with a population or employment up to 9,999; • Four projects for communities with population or employment between 10,000 and 49,999; • Six projects for communities with population or employment between 50,000 and 99,999;

Eight projects for communities with a population or employment of 100,000 or more. • 6. Financial Requirements Candidate projects submitted for consideration must have committed local/state financial support (minimally 20 percent of the total project cost). For DRCOG-selected projects, sponsors must request a minimum federal grant of $75,000 for non-construction projects, or $200,000 for construction projects. These minimum levels are necessary to reduce the administrative burden of managing numerous small projects.

1 Denver may submit its maximum number of projects as both a city and a county, for a total of 16.

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7. Project Delays Implementation of a construction project may be delayed only twice by the project sponsor. A 'delay' occurs when the project’s first year of federal funding is reprogrammed from the originally funded year to a later year, requiring a change in the year federal funding is obligated. This includes both projects delayed by formal TIP amendment or by a request to roll-over unobligated funds during resubmittal for the new TIP. If a project cannot be initiated and has been delayed two times previously, it shall be deleted from the TIP without appeal to the Board. Projects which are unable to proceed to obligation authority should be brought to the attention of the DRCOG staff at the earliest opportunity. 8. Commitment to Implement Project As with all TIP projects, project submittal for DRCOG selection shall constitute a commitment to complete the project (if selected) in a timely manner as described in the application form by the project sponsor. Any part of the project scope credited in awarding evaluation points becomes a

ermanent part of the project scope and must be implemented. p In order to ensure that all obligation authority made available to the region is used, sponsors with projects selected for inclusion in the TIP shall work with CDOT or RTD to ensure that all federal requirements are followed, and that the project follows the schedule of implementation programmed in the TIP. 9. Application Preparation and Submittal DRCOG staff shall provide TIP project application materials and instructions. For the 2005-2010 TIP, both paper form submittal and a self-guiding electronic submittal method will be available. At the initiation of the TIP process, DRCOG staff shall conduct a training workshop to explain the TIP process and identify application requirements for project applicants. DRCOG staff will assist jurisdictions preparing project applications, as needed. All project applications must be complete when submitted to DRCOG as candidates for program selection. Incomplete project applications will NOT be evaluated for this funding cycle. All agencies submitting project applications are encouraged to contact DRCOG staff at 303-480-5626, prior to the application deadline, with any questions they may have regarding the data required to complete their applications. Information available from DRCOG includes regional travel model estimates of 2013 baseline traffic volumes and volume/capacity (V/C) ratios, accident data, and population and employment estimates by traffic analysis zone (TAZ). Complete project applications, with formal project commitment forms, are due approximately six weeks from the date of project solicitation. Applicants who desire first year TIP funding (i.e. fiscal year 2005) must also submit CDOT's design data form 463 and checklist with the application. For all other local government-sponsored projects, form 463 and the checklist must be completed within six weeks after the draft TIP has been recommended by the TAC.

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E. Evaluation and Ranking for DRCOG-Selected TIP Projects Newly submitted projects are evaluated as follows: 1. Eligibility review, in which the applications are reviewed for completeness and to determine if

submitted projects meet the eligibility requirements. Projects not meeting the requirements are rejected and not further evaluated.

2. Scoring review, in which the submitted scoring for each eligible project is reviewed for accuracy

by staff. With the concurrence of the applicant, staff may reassign the project to another project type than the one selected by the project sponsor, if it will improve either the project’s scoring or its chances for selection. The scoring criteria are contained in Tables 5 through 16.

3. Project ranking, in which the scored projects are rank ordered by project type. Any submitted SIP TCMs for air quality and any specifically identified air quality conformity actions identified in the RTP shall be selected for the TIP without evaluation. Carryover projects will be automatically recommitted if four conditions are met in the sponsor’s resubmittal: • the project scope is not reduced; • no additional federal funds are requested; • the CDOT design data form 463 and its “checklist” are included to demonstrate sponsor

readiness to start the contracting process; and • some advance work on engineering, right-of-way acquisition or environmental clearance work

has progressed since the project was originally submitted (this must include, at minimum, conceptual design as specified in Appendix C).

Note: Past TIP funding of a study does not imply a commitment to fund implementation of the study’s recommendations; such implementation is not a carryover project.

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Figure 2 (RTP igure 19) 2025 RTP Transportation ManagHighway Network

August, 2003

F

ement Area

Figure 3

August, 2003

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Table 2

2013 Staging of the Regional Transportation Plan (Roadway Capacity Projects Eligible for the 2005-2010 TIP)

Roadway Capacity Project Type & Project Limits

Primary Roadway Begin (or at) End Type of

Improvement New Roadway

Buckley Road 136th Avenue Bromley Lane New 4 lane road

96th Street (new) .5 mile n/of Dillon Rd Courtesy Rd. (SH-42) New 4 lane road

Roadway Widening

120th Avenue US-85 E-470 Widen from 2 to 4 lanes

Washington Street 52nd Avenue 83rd Drive Widen from 2/3 to 4 lanes

88th Avenue Dahlia Street I-76 Widen from 2 to 4 lanes

Buckley Road 120th Avenue 136th Avenue Widen from 2 to 4 lanes

Buckley Road (27th Ave.) Bromley Lane Bridge Street Widen from 2 to 4

lanes Courtesy Rd. (SH-42) 96th St. Extension Arapahoe Widen to 4 lanes

96th Street Tape Dr. / NW PW .5 mile n/of Dillon Rd Widen to 4 lanes

SH-121 (Wadsworth Blvd.) 36th Avenue 46th Avenue Widen from 4 to 6

lanes SH-121 (Wadsworth Blvd.) Mississippi Avenue Ohio Avenue Widen from 4 to 6

lanes

US-285 Foxton Road Park Co. line Phase 1 (widen 2 to 4 lanes,

Interchange Reconstruction

none in this 2013 staging

New Interchange

SH-88 (Arapahoe Rd.) @ SH-83 (Parker Rd.) New Interchange

Notes: This “staging” list is for selection of “new” projects. Capacity projects previously programmed in the 2003-2008 TIP remain eligible for carryover to the 2005-2010 TIP.

All roadway capacity projects are subject to successful completion of NEPA and required project-level congestion management system (CMS) evaluation.

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Table 3 Project Eligibility Requirements (for DRCOG-Selected Projects)

Project Type Eligibility Requirements Evaluation Criteria

Roadway Reconstruction All roadways in the 2025 RTP (see Figure 2).2 see Table 5 Roadway Operational Improvements

All roadways in the 2025 RTP (see Figure 2).2 see Table 6

Roadway Widening Specific roadway widening projects listed in the 2013 staging of the 2025 RTP (see Table 2).2

see Table 7

New Roadway Specific new road projects listed in the 2013 staging of the 2025 RTP (see Table 2).2

see Table 8

New Interchange Specific interchange projects listed in the 2013 staging of the 2025 RTP (see Table 2).

see Table 9

Interchange Reconstruction

There are none specified in the 2013 staging of the 2025 RTP, so none are eligible for the 2005-2010 TIP.

table deleted for this TIP

Studies Studies pertaining to any 2025 RTP roadways (see Figure 2), or addressing specific problems defined in the RTP.

see Table 10

Rapid Transit Transit vehicle and service additions meeting RTD service standards.

see Table 11

New Bus Service Any new bus service sponsored by local governments. see Table 12 Transit Passenger Facilities

Any terminals, transfer facilities or park-n-Ride lots identified in the 2025 RTP.

see Table 13

Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

Partial or complete ‘gap closure’ projects either (a) contained in a locally or regionally adopted plan or (b) connecting to the RTP roadways or (c) providing improved access to transit.

see Table 14

Other Enhancement Projects

Any other transportation-related projects meeting FHWA eligibility rules, as outlined in Appendix B.

see Table 15

Congestion Management Projects selected for funding under the following direct allocations or programs: RideArrangers Program, Regional Traffic Signal System Improvement Program (TSSIP), Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems Program (ITS), and Regional Transportation Demand Management Program (TDM). Contact DRCOG for further information.

Air Quality Improvement Projects

Projects selected for funding under the Conformity Finding Mitigation Program. Contact DRCOG for further information. Other CM/AQ-eligible transportation-related projects which provide an estimate of air pollution reduction (see Appendix A). Roadway projects applying under this project type are limited to roadways in the 2025 RTP (see Figure 2)

see Table 16

2 Within the urban boundary, arterial roadway projects must demonstrate that sidewalks are or will be provided. Projects failing to commit to the provision of sidewalks will not be considered eligible for funding.

Table 4

Population and Employment Estimates, and Maximum TIP Project Submittals

Municipality 2000 Population 2000 Employment # of Submittals Adams County 363,857 160,485 up to 8 Arapahoe County 487,967 301,086 up to 8 Boulder County 291,288 190,433 up to 8 Douglas County 175,766 62,722 up to 8 Jefferson County 527,056 230,396 up to 8 Arvada 102,153 30,944 up to 8 Aurora 276,393 105,118 up to 8 Bennett 2,021 784 up to 2 Boulder 94,673 99,976 up to 6 Bow Mar 847 --- up to 2 Brighton 20,905 10,477 up to 4 Broomfield 38,272 21,825 up to 4 Castle Rock 20,224 10,728 up to 4 Centennial 100,677 69,360 up to 8 Cherry Hills Village 5,958 1,938 up to 2 Columbine Valley 1,132 400 up to 2 Commerce City 20,991 27,087 up to 4 Denver 554,636 490,470 up to 16 Edgewater 5,445 1,467 up to 2 Englewood 31,727 27,493 up to 4 Erie 6,291 1,257 up to 2 Federal Heights 12,065 1,630 up to 4 Foxfield 746 333 up to 2 Glendale 4,547 10,629 up to 4 Golden 17,159 13,022 up to 4 Greenwood Village 11,035 47,939 up to 4 Jamestown 205 --- up to 2 Lafayette 23,197 5,384 up to 4 Lakeside -- 940 up to 2 Lakewood 144,126 72,565 up to 8 Larkspur 234 169 up to 2 Littleton 40,340 25,654 up to 4 Lone Tree 4,873 1,366 up to 2 Longmont 71,093 37,327 up to 6 Louisville 18,937 11,303 up to 4 Lyons 1,585 1,151 up to 2 Morrison 430 975 up to 2 Mountain View 569 118 up to 2 Nederland 1,394 547 up to 2 Northglenn 31,575 11,561 up to 4 Parker 23,558 6,452 up to 4 Sheridan 5,600 6,424 up to 2 Superior 9,011 1,356 up to 2 Thornton 82,384 20,453 up to 6 Ward 169 --- up to 2 Westminster 100,940 39,727 up to 8 Wheat Ridge 32,913 21,301 up to 4

Note: --- = less than 100

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Table 5 Roadway Reconstruction

Evaluation Criteria Points Scoring Instructions Pavement Condition

0-20 Based on the pavement condition index computed per Appendix D, 20 points will be awarded to projects with a condition index below 25, 0 points to projects with a condition above 50, with straight-line interpolation between.

Safety 0-7 Based on the project’s weighted crash rate, as compared to the statewide average, and on its estimated crash reduction, up to 7 points will be awarded. Appendix E explains the point allocation.

Usage 0-9 Based on current AWDT/ lane, projects with an AWDT/lane above 11,000 will receive 9 points, projects with an ADT/lane below 2500 will receive 0 points, with straight-line interpolation between.

Cost-effectiveness 0-17 Based on project cost per current vehicle mile of travel (VMT), projects with a cost per VMT below $50 will receive 17 points, projects with a cost per VMT above $250 will receive 0 points, with straight-line interpolation between.

Transportation System Management

0 - 5 1 point will be awarded for each of the following features to be added by the project, up to 5 points: - Provision of raised, depressed, or barrier medians - Access control/consolidation - Provision of left-turn lanes at signalized intersections - Provision of signal interconnection - Provision of ITS infrastructure

Multi-Modal Connectivity

0-5 Up to 5 points will be awarded for inclusion of the following inter-modal aspects in highway projects: - 1 points for addition of bicycle lanes or an adjacent bicycle path - 2 points for adding new or improved intermodal connections/transit access

(bus shelters, bike racks, etc). - 2 points for providing transit signal priority, bicycle signal activation or

transit operational improvements Overmatch 0-16

Based on providing above the minimum 20% local funding match: 16 points will be awarded to projects with local match above 50%; 0 points to projects with the minimum 20% local match; with straight-line interpolation between.

Metro Vision Implementation

0-16 Up to 16 points will be awarded for sponsor actions implementing Metro Vision. Appendix F explains the specific criteria.

PM10 Conformity 0 or 5 5 points will be awarded if either the sponsor or project location’s jurisdiction has met its PM10 conformity commitments as specified in the current TIP. The survey of past performance conducted annually in June by the RAQC will be compared to the conformity commitments identified in the TIP conformity document.

Total 0-100

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Table 6 Roadway Operational Improvements

Evaluation Criteria Points Scoring Instructions Congestion 0-16 Based on the current degree of congestion (V/C ratio) on the existing roadway,

up to 16 points will be awarded per the guidance in Appendix G. RTP Emphasis Corridors

0-4 4 points will be awarded to projects on emphasized freeways or major regional arterials on the RTP Emphasis Corridors map, Figure 3. 2 points will be awarded to projects on emphasized principal arterial segments on that map.

Safety 0-7 Based on the project’s current weighted crash rate, as compared to the statewide average, and on its estimated crash reduction, up to 7 points will be awarded. Appendix E explains the point allocation.

Usage 0-9 Based on current AWDT/lane, projects with an AWDT/lane above 11,000 will receive 9 points, projects with an AWDT/lane below 2,500 will receive 0 points, with straight-line interpolation between.

Cost-effectiveness 0-17 Based on the cost per current vehicle hour of travel reduced during the peak hour: 17 points will be awarded to projects with a cost per VHT reduced below $20,000; 0 points to projects with a cost per VHT reduced above $200,000; with straight-line interpolation between.




0-5 Up to 5 points will be awarded for inclusion of the following inter-modal aspects in highway projects: - 1 points for addition of bicycle lanes or an adjacent bicycle path - 2 points for adding new or improved inter-modal connections/transit access







Total 0-100

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Table 7

Roadway Widening Evaluation Criteria Points Scoring Instructions Congestion 0-14 Based on the current degree of congestion (v/c ratio) on the existing roadway, up to 14

points will be awarded, per the guidance in Appendix G. System Continuity 0-10 10 points will be awarded when adding lanes between two multi-lane segments of RTP

oadway which are already built to RTP specification. r 5 points will be awarded when adding lanes to a portion of a segment as described above, -or- between two multi-lane segments of RTP roadway, only one of which is lready built to RTP specification. a

3 points will be awarded when adding lanes between two segments of RTP roadway, one of which is not a multi-lane segment.

Safety 0-10 Based on the project’s weighted crash rate, as compared to the statewide average, and on its estimated crash reduction, up to 10 points will be awarded. Appendix E explains the point allocation.

Cost-effectiveness 0-14 Based on 3-hour peak 2013 forecast cost per daily person-miles-of-travel (PMT) on the added lane(s): 14 points will be awarded to projects with a cost per added PMT below $2,000; 0 points to projects with a cost per added PMT above $10,000; with straight-line interpolation between.




0-10 Up to 10 points (of a possible 12) will be awarded for the following features being included in and constructed by the project or otherwise committed by the sponsor: • 2 points for constructing project elements in a way that allows implementation of future transit facilities identified in the Metro Vision Plan or RTP; • 1 point each for the following: - adding transit operational features (e.g. bus pads, queue jump lanes) - adding appropriate transit amenities (e.g. bus shelters, multimodal information kiosks) - building new bike lanes or bike path - grade separating an existing trail from the widened roadway - adding bike amenities (e.g. bike racks, bike lockers) - building new pedestrian links to adjacent key facilities (e.g. parks, transit stations/lots, businesses) - implementing transit priority or bicycle activation at project signals - providing new public parking in destination areas or origin areas (e.g., nearby park-n-pool lot) - establishing or financially committing to continue an existing transportation management organization serving the project corridor

- funding telework, carpooling, and/or vanpooling promotion efforts, targeted to the project corridor (part of the project, by a TMO, or by a regional agency)

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

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Table 8 New Roadway

Evaluation Criteria

Points Scoring Instructions

System Continuity

0-22 22 points will be awarded when completing a gap between two multi-lane egments of RTP roadway already built to RTP specification. s

11 points will be awarded when completing a gap between two multi-lane egments of RTP roadway, at least one of which is not built to RTP specification. s

5 points will be awarded when constructing a new segment of RTP roadway not adjacent to a multi-lane segment of RTP roadway.

Cost-effectiveness

0-26 Based on cost per daily PMT from a 2013 forecast using the improvement, 26 points will be awarded to projects with a cost/PMT below $200, 0 points to projects with a cost/PMT above $750, with straight-line interpolation between.


0 - 5 1 point will be awarded for each of the following features to be provided as part of the project, up to 5 points: - Provision of raised, depressed, or barrier medians - Access control/consolidation - Provision of left-turn lanes at signalized intersections - Provision of signal interconnection - Provision of ITS infrastructure


0-10 Up to 10 points (of a possible 12) will be awarded for the following features being included in and constructed by the project or otherwise committed by the sponsor: • 2 points for constructing project elements in a way that allows implementation

of future transit facilities identified in the Metro Vision Plan or RTP • 1 point each for the following: - including transit operational features (e.g. bus pads, queue jump lanes) - including transit amenities (e.g., bus shelters, multimodal information kiosks) - building bike lanes or a new bike path - grade separating an existing trail from the new road - providing bike amenities (e.g. bike racks, bike lockers) - building pedestrian links to adjacent key facilities (e.g. parks, transit

stations/lots, businesses) - incorporating transit priority or bicycle activation at project signals - providing new public parking in destination areas or origin areas (e.g. park-n-

pool lot) - establishing or financially committing to continue an existing transportation

management organization serving the project corridor - funding telework, carpooling, and/or vanpooling promotion efforts, targeted to

the project corridor (part of the project, by a TMO, or by a regional agency) Overmatch 0-16




PM10 Conformity

0 or 5 5 points will be awarded if either the sponsor or project location’s jurisdiction has met its PM10 conformity commitments as specified in the current TIP. The survey of past performance conducted annually in June by the RAQC will be compared to the conformity commitments identified in the TIP conformity document.

Total 0-100

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Table 9 New Interchange

Evaluation Criteria Points Scoring Instructions

System Continuity 0-25 25 points will be awarded for constructing a new interchange on a freeway where there is no existing local access interchange within 2 miles in either irection of the new interchange. d

12 points will be awarded for constructing a new interchange on a major egional arterial. r

0-25 points will be awarded for providing missing ramps at an existing interchange, in proportion to the number of missing movements provided.

Cost-effectiveness 0-28 Based on cost per daily PMT from a 2013 forecast using the improvement, 28 points will be awarded to projects with a cost per PMT below $250, 0 points to projects with a cost per PMT above $2,750, with straight-line interpolation between.


0 - 5 1 point will be awarded for each of the following features to be provided as part of the project, up to 5 points: - Provision of raised, depressed, or barrier medians - Access control/consolidation - Provision of left-turn lanes at signalized intersections - Provision of signal interconnection - Provision of ITS infrastructure


0-5 Up to 5 points will be awarded for inclusion of the following inter-modal aspects in highway projects: - 1 points for addition of bicycle lanes or an adjacent bicycle path - 2 points for adding new or improved intermodal connections/transit access







Total 0-100

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Table 10 Studies


Congestion 0-23 Based on the current degree of congestion (v/c ratio) on the existing roadway, up to 23 points will be awarded, per the guidance in Appendix G.

Regional Relevance 0-20 Studies necessary to implement projects in the Metro Vision Plan will be awarded 20 points. Studies focusing on operational and/or safety improvements for emphasis corridors in Figure 3 will receive 10 points.

Usage 0-20 Based on the number of travelers who would be directly impacted by results of the study: 20 points will be awarded to studies impacting above 80,000 travelers; 0 points for studies impacting below 40,000; with straight-line interpolation between.

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

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Table 11 Rapid Transit

Evaluation Criteria

Points Scoring Instructions

Usage 0-27 Based on the anticipated change in number of daily 2025 linked transit trips, 27 points will be awarded to the project with the highest usage. Points for other projects will be prorated based on relative usage.

Cost-effectiveness 0-26 Based on annualized cost per annual user, 26 points will be awarded to the project with the lowest cost per user. Points for other projects will be prorated based on relative cost-effectiveness.


0-10 Up to 10 points will be awarded (from the possible 12) for the following features being included in and constructed by the project or otherwise committed by the sponsor: • 2 points for constructing project elements in a way that allows

implementation of future roadway improvements identified in the Metro Vision Plan or RTP

• 1 point each for the following: - constructing roadway operational improvements needed to serve the rapid

transit line or station (e.g. turn lanes, accel/decel lanes, access control features including medians)

- providing fiber optic capacity for sharing with or providing redundancy to ITS partners

- implementing transit signal priority or bicycle activation at signals adjacent to stations

- building new bike lanes or bike path - grade separating existing trail from rapid transit line - incorporating bike amenities at stations (e.g. bike racks, bike lockers) - building bike links from stations to nearby bike lanes or paths - building pedestrian links from stations to adjacent key facilities (e.g. event

venues, businesses, offices, neighborhoods) - providing shuttles or new local service to key facilities beyond walking

distance - financially assisting establishment of a new transportation management

organization in the project corridor or continued operation of an existing one Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

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Table 12 New Bus Service


Usage 0-16 Based on projected daily boardings, 12 months after initiation of service: 16 points will be awarded to projects with boardings above the RTD 25% Service Standard; 0 points to projects with boardings below the RTD 10% Service Standard; with straight-line interpolation between. These standards are based on the class of new bus service: Urban Local, Suburban Local, Express, Regional or call-n-Ride. A detailed description of the estimated ridership must be supplied with the submittal, per Appendix H. An independent/peer review will be performed on the ridership estimates.

Cost-effectiveness 0-16 Based on the projected subsidy per passenger, 12 months after initiation of service: 16 points will be awarded to projects with a subsidy below the RTD 25% Service Standard; 0 points to projects with a subsidy above the RTD 10% Service Standard; with straight-line interpolation between. These standards are based on the class of new bus service: Urban Local, Suburban Local, Express, Regional or call-n-Ride.

Usage Support Programs

0-8 4 points will be awarded for new services which employ a marketing program identify how to reach prospective riders. to

1 point will be awarded for each action taken to increase pedestrian access between origins and destinations with the transit service (up to 2 points). One xample is constructing sidewalks with direct connections to the new service. e

1 point will be awarded for each action taken to reduce the cost of transit service (up to 2 points). One example is ECO-Pass promotion by employers.

Long-Term Funding

0 or 15 15 points awarded to projects with 5 years of program funding support from either: (a) an independent funding source; (b) RTD via a letter of support; or (c) a combination of the two. Zero points will be awarded to projects that do not define 5 years of funding support.

Connectivity 0-8 4 points will be awarded if the new service fills an existing service gap. 2 points will be awarded if the new service connects to existing park-n-Ride ots and transit stations. l

1 point will be awarded for each transit route connected (up to 2 routes)

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

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Table 13 Transit Passenger Facilities


Usage 0-36 Based on the estimated average number of persons to be served per day at the new facility six months after its completion: 36 points will be awarded to projects serving more than 5,000 people; 0 points to facilities serving less than 1,000; with straight-line interpolation between.


0-27 On the basis of number of modes3 served at the new facility, 3 points will be awarded for each mode of travel served up to a maximum of 27 points.

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

3 Modes are defined as:

• local or limited bus service; • express or regional bus service; • mall shuttle or circulator bus; • intra-regional commuter rail; • inter-regional commuter rail; • light rail; • inter-city van/limo (gaming, ski areas); • inter-city rail (AMTRAK, ski train, etc.); • private inter-city bus and charter bus service; • bicycle;

• pedestrian; • auto parking; • rental car.

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Table 14 Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects


RTP Priority Corridors

0-4 4 points will be awarded for bike projects on RTP Regional Bicycle Corridors 2 points will be awarded for bike projects on Community Bicycle Corridors 4 points will be awarded for pedestrian projects along RTP major regional arterials (see Figure 2) 2 points will be awarded for pedestrian projects along RTP principal arterials (see Figure 2)

Safety 0-12 Projects will be evaluated on the anticipated improvement of existing safety problems to be made by building new facilities for non-motorized travel. Appendix E explains the point allocation.

Potential Need 0-23 Up to 23 points will be awarded for specific project attributes which address existing local or regional needs of non-motorized travel. Specific criteria are listed in Appendix I.

Usage 0-12 Up to 12 points will be awarded based on the estimated user base within a 1.5 mile radius of a bicycle project or within a 0.5 mile radius of a pedestrian project, as follows: projects with a user base above 50,000 will receive 12 points; those with a user base below 3,000 will receive 0 points; with straight-ine interpolation between. l

The project’s user base is as the combined sum of the DRCOG 2013 traffic analysis zone (TAZ) population and employment estimates, except where applicants can document an alternate user base for the project.

Cost-effectiveness 0-12 Based on the user base calculated above: projects with a total cost per user base below $2 will receive 12 points; projects with a total cost per user base above $50 will receive 0 points; with straight-line interpolation between.

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

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Table 15 Other Enhancement Projects


Benefit 0-33 Transportation-Related Historic Preservation / Archaeological Projects will be awarded:

• 17 points if this project is part of a local, regional or state preservation or archaeological effort.

• 8 points if this project positively affects the regional transportation system (see Figure 2).

• 8 points if this project is a good use of public dollars. The economic benefits (i.e., revitalization of tourism and/or reduction in public and private expenditures) must be quantified.

Transportation Aesthetics and Scenic Values Projects will be awarded: • 9 points if this project is part of the state’s scenic highway program. • 8 points if this project removes a visual blight. • 8 points if the project enhances the visual environment. • 8 points if this project is a good use of public dollars. The economic benefits

must be quantified. Projects which Mitigate Water Pollution due to Highway Runoff will be awarded: • 17 points for a project which implements mitigation measures identified in

the Colorado Department of Health Non-Point Source Management Program and/or DRCOG Clean Water Plan for a demonstrated water quality problem.

• 8 points if evidence is provided that the proposed mitigation will improve water quality, preserve wetlands or create new ones.

• 8 points if this project is a good use of public dollars. The economic and environmental benefits must be quantified.

Cost-Effectiveness 0-30 All projects in this category will be compared by their dollar cost per benefit point calculated above. Up to 30 cost-effectiveness points will be awarded to these projects after this comparison of merits and costs.

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

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Table 16 Air Quality Improvement Projects


Benefit

0-32 For projects which would indirectly reduce air pollution by reducing VHT or VMT: Based on the daily reduction in pounds of total air pollutants expected from the project, as a percentage of the regional total from mobile sources, 32 points will be awarded to projects which would reduce above 0.3% of the regional total; 0 points to projects which would reduce no pollution; with straight-line interpolation between. For projects which directly address reduction of a specific air pollutant (NOx, CO, PM10 or VOC): Based on the daily reduction in pounds of any single pollutant as a percentage of the regional mobile source total from that pollutant: 32 points will be awarded to projects which would reduce above 0.3% of the regional total; 0 points to projects which would reduce no pollution; with straight-line interpolation between. Only projects scoring at least one point for Benefit are eligible for funding under this project type.

Cost-effectiveness

0-31 Based on the anticipated daily cost in dollars per pound of total daily air pollutant reduction expected from the project: 31 points will be awarded to projects which would cost below $1/pound; 0 points to projects which would cost above $5/pound; with straight-line interpolation between.

Overmatch 0-16





Total 0-100

III. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

A. Overview With the 2005-2010 TIP, a new process will be used for developing the TIP. The new elements are a two-step method for DRCOG project selection and an inter-agency review of the evaluated projects from all three primary regional transportation planning partners (DRCOG, CDOT and RTD). This process is intended to maximize regional benefit and flexibility in project programming: 1. Funding assessment phase, in which staff will prepare an estimate of the anticipated funding

availability from all TIP funding sources, program all eligible carryover projects, and establish the level of funds remaining for selection of new projects.

2. Project selection phase

Primary DRCOG project selection, in which approximately 85% of the anticipated federal revenues will be allocated to carryover and new projects based on pre-established funding targets and project ranking within each project type (see Section III.C). Secondary DRCOG project selection, in which options for allocating the remaining 15% of anticipated revenues will be recommended by staff, based on criteria in Section III.D

CDOT and RTD project selection, in which these two agencies evaluate and select eligible projects for the funding sources over which they have spending authority.

3. DRCOG project selection review phase, in which the Metro Vision Issues Committee

(MVIC) will review the primary DRCOG project selection and options for secondary DRCOG project selection; then make its suggestions for a complete list of DRCOG-selected projects to be incorporated into the draft TIP.

4. Inter-agency review phase, in which DRCOG, CDOT and RTD will review and comment on

each other’s recommended project selection lists, as well as those projects not selected. 5. Draft TIP preparation phase, in which the three separate project selection processes are

merged into a complete TIP document. B. Funding Assessment Before solicitation of project submittals for the new TIP, staff will estimate how much funding will be available, by funding source, for fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The total three-year program funding must fund the federal share of both carryover and new projects. After fiscal allowance is made to reprogram all approved carryover projects, direct program allocations and program pools, the remaining program funding will be designated for selection of new projects. New projects must score a minimum of 50 points to be selected. Whenever possible, new projects will be programmed to commence only in the first two years of the TIP cycle (i.e. fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for the 2005-2010 TIP). This will conserve more future funding for programming in the 2007-2012 TIP, which will be the first TIP to implement the 2030 RTP.

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C. Primary DRCOG Project Selection Funding targets will be used for the primary project selection phase (85% of the total DRCOG program funding): These seven targets have been established to implement the objectives in the RTP. These targets represent the approximate share of total TIP federal funds to be allocated to DRCOG-selected projects in the 2005-2010 TIP, and must fund (a) carryover projects, (b) direct TIP allocation programs, and (c) new project programming. Roadway Capacity Projects 26% roadway widening new roadways

new interchanges Transit Capacity Projects 10% rapid transit new bus service

transit passenger facilities R

oadway Operational Improvements 13% R

oadway Reconstruction 13% Congestion Management Activities (direct TIP allocation programs) 19% Regional Traffic Signal System Improvement Program RideArrangers Program Regional Transportation Demand Management Program

Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems Program Air Quality Improvement Projects 12% Conformity Finding Mitigation Program (direct TIP allocation program)

Other air quality projects Enhancement Activities 7% Bicycle & pedestrian projects Other Enhancement Projects Federal funding for Primary Project Selection (85% of total program funding) 100%

D. Secondary DRCOG Project Selection The remaining 15% of anticipated revenues will be programmed in a second phase of project selection, based on these criteria: • Financial equity of project awards among DRCOG members at the county level. • Potential cost savings (design, EA, ROW or construction) from merging projects. • Synergistic planning of projects in high-priority corridors and multi-use projects. • Project readiness for construction.

Financial equity of project awards shall be calculated by first totaling the federal dollars granted by county ( for the past ten years and recommended for the next TIP cycle) in the first selection phase. Those totals shall be compared to the percent contribution from each county to the region, based on three weighted factors: population (40%), gross vehicle miles of travel (40%) and transportation-related sales tax revenues (20%).

While project scoring within its project type category will not be the primary consideration for the second selection phase, no projects scoring below 50 points will be selected.

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E. Draft TIP Preparation After the internal DRCOG project selection reviews and inter-agency reviews are completed, DRCOG staff will prepare a draft TIP. This program of projects will respond to the comments, ensure that construction funding for long-range projects is commensurate with the proposed construction schedule, and include an air quality conformity analysis and finding. The draft program will be referred to the Transportation Advisory Committee and the Regional Transportation Committee for recommendation, and made available for public comment at a public hearing by the DRCOG Board of Directors. 1. Included Projects The draft program will include: • all CDOT and RTD-submitted projects determined to be eligible; • DRCOG-selected projects; and • any State-only-funded transportation projects within the DRCOG TIP area, provided they are

consistent with the RTP. 2. Air Quality Certification The Clean Air Act requires that DRCOG find the TIP to conform to the State Implementation Plans for air quality. The finding must be based on the most recent forecasts of emissions determined from the latest population, employment, travel and congestion estimates by DRCOG. 3. Financial Plan As required by TEA-21, a financial plan will be prepared demonstrating that adequate resources are available for program implementation. The plan will indicate public and private resources that are reasonably expected to be available to carry out the program. The plan may also recommend innovative financing techniques to finance needed projects and programs including value capture, tolls, and congestion pricing. 4. Appeals After the public hearing on the draft TIP, any applicant may appeal project scoring or exclusion of a project from the draft. That appeal should be made to the TAC, at its next meeting.

F. Training and Peer Review Each TIP cycle, training workshops will be held by DRCOG prior to the due date for project submittals. This training shall cover project submittal, eligibility and evaluation; contract and development requirements for construction projects; and sponsor responsibilities. All local government sponsored projects recommended for funding in the TIP will undergo peer review of cost, scope and schedule after the project has been selected for inclusion in the TIP and before the TIP is adopted. The peer review is advisory in nature, and aids sponsors in understanding the implications of federal requirements on the specific project selected.

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IV. TIP POLICY ACTIONS A. Public Involvement in the TIP Sponsoring agencies are encouraged to provide opportunities for public comment on project applications submitted to DRCOG. A public hearing will be held prior to Board action in adopting a new TIP or making major policy amendments to an existing TIP. B. TIP Adoption In response to the federal requirements identified in TEA-21, the TIP shall be adopted every two years by the DRCOG Board of Directors. Adoption of the TIP by the Board of Directors shall be upon recommendation of the RTC, following consideration by the TAC. Once the TIP is approved by DRCOG, and air quality conformity is demonstrated, federal law requires that the TIP also be approved by the Governor and incorporated into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) by CDOT. C. TIP Amendment The TIP is subject to amendment, either administratively by staff, or, when policy amendments are concerned, by the DRCOG Board of Directors. Amendments reflect project changes which may affect the TIP's programming. Two levels of amendments can be made to the TIP - policy and administrative. 1. Policy Amendments P

olicy amendments are those that:

• change the scope of an existing project to drop a project feature that was used to justify its selection score;

• change the project termini; • delete a project or defer it from the first three years of the TIP; • change a project’s funding by more than $2 million in the first three years of the TIP; • could potentially be inconsistent with the Metro Vision Plan; or • change a project feature or add a new project that would affect the air quality conformity

analysis. Amendments requiring a new conformity finding may take an additional three to six months for approval. These involve any changes to the 2013 staging network in the RTP, such as:

• changing the number of through-lanes shown on the network; • adding or deleting road segments including interchange ramps; or • adding or deleting rapid transit segments or stations.

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2. Administrative Amendments Administrative amendments include all amendments other than policy amendments. These amendments usually involve: • shifting funds between years; • moving project staging between years without affecting the scope of the project, affecting its

expected completion within the first three years of the TIP, or affecting the 2013 staging; • changing the federal/state/RTD funding source; • changing the designated responsible agency with the original sponsor’s approval; • changing project funding in the first three TIP years, up to a maximum change of $2 million; • changing the program allocation to the CDOT safety, signal or resurfacing pools; • adding new bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects with bridge funds; • adding rural/small urban and elderly and disabled transit projects; or • adding congressional or federal approved discretionary projects. 3. Amendment Processing Policy amendments will typically be processed quarterly, and must be submitted by January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. Policy amendments will be recommended by the TAC and RTC, for DRCOG Board consideration and action. A prerequisite for policy action is a project status update. Administrative amendments submitted to DRCOG by the first working day of each month will typically be processed by the tenth working day of that month, provided they are complete. Processing may be delayed if additional information is required. These are typically submitted by the CDOT regions, and processed by DRCOG staff. Administrative amendments do not require committee review or approval. DRCOG staff will process TIP amendments by: • entering the requested amendments into the TIP project database; • notifying CDOT of amendments for inclusion in the State TIP; and • sending a monthly summary of amendments to DRCOG Board and the TIP notification list. 4. Changes in Federal Program Allocations Under TEA-21, actual allocations to the state and metropolitan area are determined annually with no guaranteed amount. As federal funds change, it may be necessary to add, advance or postpone projects through TIP amendment. I f federal revenues are increased, the additional revenues will be allocated to projects as follows:

• The priority for allocating additional funds will be to advance implementation of currently funded projects, as applicable. Funds may be flexed between categories to advance projects.

• After options for advancing currently funded projects have been exhausted, new projects may

be selected in rank order with remaining monies. A 'waiting list' of eligible projects submitted, evaluated and ranked, but not yet selected for the current TIP, will be maintained.

5. Automatic Amendment of the STIP Amendments to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) which reflect an increase in local match to cover cost overruns (provided federal funding does not change) may be made by CDOT without first amending the TIP.

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APPENDIX A:

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS BY FUNDING SOURCE The funding categories established by TEA-21 and the types of projects eligible for funding within each category, provided they are consistent with the RTP, are summarized below: 1. Interstate Maintenance (IM)

he following types of projects on the existing interstate system are eligible: T • Reconstruction of existing through-lanes; • Acceleration/deceleration lanes; • Interchange reconstruction or reconfiguration; • Bus/HOV lanes or rail rapid transit as a substitute for general purpose highway lanes (as

subject to SB208 construction approval); and • Studies as appropriate to plan and implement the above. 2. National Highway System (NHS) The following types of projects on the NHS are eligible: • Construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration and rehabilitation; • Operational improvements; • Safety improvements; • Surface transportation planning as contained in a Unified Planning Work Program; • Highway research and planning; • Technology transfer; • Traffic management and control start-up costs; • Fringe and corridor parking facilities; • Carpool and vanpool projects; • Bicycle and pedestrian travel facilities; • Management Systems projects; • Wetland mitigation associated with NHS project construction; • HOV lanes or rail rapid transit as a substitute for new general purpose lanes on freeways and

major regional arterial roadways, subject to SB208 construction approval; and • Studies as appropriate to plan and implement the above. Construction of or operational improvements for a Federal Aid highway not on the NHS, or construction of a transit project eligible for assistance under the Federal Transit Act, are eligible if: • the highway or transit project is in the same corridor as, and in proximity to, a fully access

controlled highway designated on the NHS; • the construction or improvement will improve the level of service on the fully access

controlled highway and improve regional travel; and • the construction or improvement demonstrates comparable benefit to and is more cost-

effective than improving a fully access controlled highway on the NHS

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3. Bridge The following types of bridge projects are eligible: • Reconstruction; • Widening to relieve congestion; and • Construction of HOV lane structures. 4. Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) The following projects, methods, strategies and transportation system management actions are eligible: • those likely to contribute to the attainment of a National Ambient Air Quality Standard; • those described in Section 108(f) of the Clean Air Act (except clauses (xii) and (xvi)); • those included in an approved State Implementation Plan for air quality; • traffic signal coordination, • arranged ridesharing, • trip reduction programs, • variable work hours programs, • bicycle and pedestrian travel projects • rapid transit Improvements; • HOV lanes (if available to single-occupant vehicles off-peak only); and • studies as necessary to plan and implement the above. further guidance is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cmaq99gm.htm 5. Surface Transportation Program The following types of projects are eligible: • construction/reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, and operational

improvements of the existing system; • capital costs for transit projects, subject to SB208 construction approval; • carpool projects; • fringe and corridor parking facilities and programs; • bicycle and pedestrian projects; • highway and transit safety improvements and programs; • highway and transit research programs; • capital and operating costs for traffic monitoring, management and control; • surface transportation planning as contained in a Unified Planning Work Program; • transportation enhancement activities; • transportation control measures listed in the Clean Air Act, except as noted in TEA-21; • wetland mitigation associated with project construction; • transportation system management actions; and • studies as necessary to plan and implement the above.

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6. Section 5307 (Formula Funding to Transit Operators) The following types of projects are eligible: • mass transit operation (up to FTA approved limits, with a minimum 50 percent local match); • Regular mass transit capital improvement projects; • Transit vehicle maintenance and operations; • transit system management actions; and • studies as necessary to plan and implement the above. 7. Section 5310 (Capital Assistance to Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities) Capital assistance projects are eligible, up to exceed 80 percent of total cost, to provide service for elderly persons and persons with disabilities. 8. Section 5311 (General Transit Assistance to Rural and Small Urban Areas) Operating and capital assistance is eligible, up to 80 percent of total cost, for rural and small urban area transit projects. 9. Section 5309 (Federal Transit Administration Discretionary Funds) The following types of projects are eligible: • special mass transit capital projects; • regional rapid transit system construction, subject to SB 208 approval; • incremental costs of alternative fuel vehicles over and above the cost of diesel vehicles; and • studies as necessary to plan and implement the above.

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APPENDIX B:

ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS

A. Qualifying Activities 1. Federal Enhancement Qualifying Activities: Section 1007 (a) of TEA-21 requires that 10 percent of the Surface Transportation Program funds be used exclusively for transportation enhancement activities, and identifies ten (10) eligible qualifying activities:

• Provision of Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicyclists; • Acquisition of Scenic Easements and Scenic or Historic Sites; • Scenic or Historic Highway Programs; • Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification; • Historic Preservation; • Rehabilitation and Operation of Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures, or

Facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals); • Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors (including the conversion and use thereof

for pedestrian or bicycle trails); • Control and Removal of Outdoor Advertising; • Archaeological Planning and Research; and • Mitigation of Water Pollution Due to Highway Runoff.

2. DRCOG Application and Evaluation Categories: The ten federal enhancement-qualifying activities have been grouped into the following broad categories in order to simplify the project application and evaluation process: 1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects: Includes pedestrian and bicycle facilities and the

preservation of abandoned railway corridors for public use. 2. Other Enhancement Projects: Transportation Aesthetics and Scenic Values: acquisition of scenic easements and scenic sites; scenic highways programs; landscaping and other scenic beautification; and control and removal of outdoor advertising. Historic Preservation: acquisition of historic transportation-related sites, historic highway programs, transportation-related historic preservation rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation facilities; and

transportation-related archaeological planning research.

Mitigation of Water Pollution due to Highway Runoff.

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B. General Eligibility Requirements: TEA-21 requires that enhancement projects be related to a transportation project or the area to be served by a project. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) interprets "area served" to mean that a proposed enhancement activity must have "a direct relationship to the intermodal transportation system, but not necessarily to a currently planned highway project." FHWA suggests three (3) tests for eligibility: function, proximity, or impact. In applying these tests, the intermodal system in the DRCOG Region shall be defined by the RTP roadway network. A project need only meet one of the three tests to be eligible to apply for funding. T

he FHWA eligibility tests can be explained by the following examples:

• An independent bicycle path is a functional component of the intermodal transportation system;

• A proposed enhancement related in proximity or nearness to a transportation facility; • Removal of non-conforming bill boards in the view-shed of or proximity to a scenic

highway; • Proposed enhancements with an impact on an existing or planned transportation facility. • Construction of a system of pedestrian walkways reduces automobile use in the area is an

impact-related enhancement. Proposed enhancement projects must also go beyond activities customarily incorporated into highway and transit projects. If a proposed project is a requirement of a highway or transit project, then it is NOT eligible for enhancement funding. The Transportation Enhancement Program does NOT fund certain types of work which may be part of a proposed enhancement project application. In order for certain activities to be funded by the program, the applicant must make a strong case for the necessity of this work, demonstrate that it is essential to the success of the project, establish that the work is not required for a roadway to meet roadway standards or is not required as specific mitigation, and show that enhancement funds are needed for the proposed portion of the project in order for the entire project to be completed. In addition to the eligibility requirements stated above, all applicable federal regulations will apply, including: historical and archaeological resources protection legislation, minority business enterprise (MBE) mandates, Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations for right-of-way transactions, Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements, wetlands protection legislation, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. C. Specific Eligibility Requirements: The specific eligibility requirements for each of the qualifying activities listed below are based on the definitions developed by the State of Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Each project application must comply with the specific eligibility requirements for the category in which the proposed project is grouped.

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1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities The following types of projects are eligible for funding under this category:

• Separate Bicycle Paths (off road facilities); • Separate Sidewalk Facilities; • Crosswalks; • Pedestrian/Bicycle Grade Separations; • Bicycle Parking/Storage Facilities; • Paved Shoulders; • Outside Curb Lanes (that create a total single lane width that is greater than 12 feet when

added to an existing roadway); and • Rails-to-Trails projects (preserving abandoned rail corridors for bicycle and/or pedestrian

travel). Projects in this category must meet these additional requirements:

• designed to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) bicycle standards and all Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards for pedestrian facilities;

• a written commitment for long-term maintenance and operation of the facility accompanying the application; and

• consistent with the policies of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. Additional information for rails-to-trails conversion projects:

• Rail corridors are transportation corridors of varying width in which fixed rail tracks exist or have existed in the past. Abandoned rail corridors are rail corridors which have been authorized for abandonment by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) or for which abandonment proceedings are pending.

• The preservation of abandoned railway corridors includes the planning, acquisition,

rehabilitation, and development of corridors for public uses including pedestrian and bicycle use. Privately owned rail corridors open to the general public without a charge may also be eligible for funding.

• The following information must be provided if the rail corridor is not currently in public

ownership:

a. written evaluation of the condition of title; b. market value of property established by independent appraisal; and c. environmental inventory for possible corridor contamination.

• The CDOT staff historian may be consulted for assistance in answering questions about the

preservation of abandoned railway projects.

Examples of projects normally NOT funded under this category:

• Replacement of existing sidewalks, paths, trails, or paved shoulders; • Construction of paved shoulders, curb lanes, sidewalks and curb cuts in conjunction with a

roadway construction or reconstruction project; and • Lighting, enclosed drainage or buried utility lines.

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2. Transportation Aesthetics and Scenic Values The following types of projects are eligible for funding under this category:

• acquisition of scenic properties; • construction of pullouts, access stairways, or viewing platforms along Scenic Byways; • streetscape projects, including tree gates, benches, planters, and decorative pavers; • planting all types of landscape materials, including wildflowers; and • removal of outdoor advertising.

Projects in this category must meet the following additional requirements, and have a written commitment for maintenance and operation of the facility:

• For acquisition of scenic easement projects:

a. proximity to a designated Scenic Byway or a National Register property; b. accessibility from a transportation facility; c. provision for perpetual ownership; and d. maintenance of the significant scenic or historic values of the acquired properties.

• For scenic highways projects:

a. location on a roadway that is formally designated a Colorado Scenic Byway; b. review and endorsement by the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission; c. may be used for the planning and development of the State Scenic Byways Program; d. projects designed to protect and enhance the integrity of the designated landmark; and e. review by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the local landmark commission

prior to submission of an application for funding.

• For landscaping and other beautification projects:

a. location within the existing public right-of-way; b. professionally design; c. adherence to CDOT specifications for roadside landscaping and safety;. d. provision for a two year period for plant establishment; and e. adequate post-construction maintenance commitments.

• For control and removal of outdoor advertising projects:

a. the advertising must be within the view-shed of state highways, designated Scenic

Byways or National Register roadways; b. the sponsor must address legally erected but non-conforming outdoor signs; and c. the sponsor must establish a reasonable payment for the removal.

Examples of projects normally NOT funded under this category:

• addition of irrigation systems to existing landscaping; • lighting which is not in conjunction with an historic preservation project; • burying of utility lines; • any items of work which normally would be classified as maintenance activities; and • construction of welcome or city identification signs.

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3. Historic Preservation / Archaeological Projects The following types of projects are eligible for funding under this category:

• rehabilitation of historic places; • activities that facilitate and encourage tourism, improve neighborhood appearance or

quality, or provide an educational experience; • archaeological site preservation; • planning to identify, evaluate, and treat archaeological sites; and • displays and public education materials related to highways and public transportation.

Projects in this category must meet these additional requirements:

• listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as landmarks or historic districts by a local government or landmarks commission;

• a National Register nomination letter form or a letter from the local landmarks commission certifying historic designation, included with the application;

• a full description of the historic resource, its significance, and its surroundings; • a professional historian, architectural historian, or archaeologist meeting federal

qualifications outlined in 36 CFR 61 serving in a principal capacity on the project; • historic buildings must have a current use or a realistic planned use; • rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation projects must adhere to the Secretary of the

Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation; and • historic sites must be accessible for a transportation facility, be accessible to the general

public, and the owner of the historic property must be willing to accept a preservation covenant attached to the deed of the property;

T

he following conditions must be met for archaeological planning and research projects:

• Phase I and Phase II surveys must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Survey and Evaluation;

• technical reports and documentation of research conducted must meet recognized professional standards;

• data recovery projects must have a research plan approved by the State Archaeologist; • review of preservation projects by the State Historic Preservation Officer prior to

submission of an application for funding; and • a written commitment for maintenance and operation of the facility.

Examples of projects normally NOT funded under this category include:

• rehabilitation, restoration, or stabilization work on privately owned resources • rehabilitation, restoration, or stabilization work on publicly or privately owned resources

which do not have a current or projected transportation use • highly technical research or site evaluation reports.

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4. Water Quality Mitigation due to Highway Runoff The following types of projects are eligible for funding under this category:

• Research and modeling impacts on receiving waters from highway runoff. • Comparative studies to evaluate the effectiveness of specific highway runoff control

measures. • Controlled experimentation with new and innovative pollution abatement measures. • Design and construction of new storm-water treatment devices along existing highways. • Implementation and construction of mitigation measures

P

rojects in this category must meeting following specific requirements:

• the proposed activity cannot be required by statute, policy, or permit condition; • the proposed project must be related to runoff from a state highway; and • the applicant must demonstrate the capability to complete the proposed project, including

qualifications of the applicant to plan, implement, and evaluate the success of all project objectives.

• the submittal must include a written commitment for maintenance and operation. Examples of projects normally NOT funded under this category include:

• paving, except for restoration of a disturbed section of pavement which was removed for the installation of mitigation measures; and

• culvert replacements resulting from any other reason not related to highway runoff (Participation will be allowed for the documented percentage of flow resulting from highway runoff).

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APPENDIX C:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF CONCEPTUAL PROJECT DESIGN

New submittals for construction projects must include a conceptual project design to be eligible for evaluation and possible inclusion in the TIP. This conceptual design must include layout and profile drawings or schematics on aerial or other base(s) showing the project components and key characteristics (for example, lane configurations, medians, cross sections, height/width for bike/ped grade separations, elements identified to “claim” points in the evaluation, etc.). The conceptual design reflects the sponsor’s preliminary scoping of the project and demonstrates that (1) the sponsor has considered the project’s key aspects in sufficient detail to identify potential problems or challenges and that (2) the cost estimate is reasonable and realistic. Elements that sponsors are encouraged to consider include:

• design requirements; design standards (e.g., AASHTO, ADA) and possible variances • drainage and water quality requirements • utilities; what utilities exist, what needs for relocation might be created • railroad issues • potential environmental affects and mitigations; what the probable environmental

clearance category might be, what environmental examinations might be required, what environmental resources might be affected, what mitigation might be required both long term and during construction

• structure requirements • safety; permanent elements to be included to enhance safety (e.g., sight distance

improvements, lighting, etc.), traffic control during construction including accommodation of pedestrian and bicycle users

• other project elements; aesthetics, landscaping, signing, striping, traffic signals, ITS, multimodal features

• right-of way needs and requirements; including permanent and temporary easements, relocations

• administration of project development and construction Sponsors must also consider maintenance and operations of the project upon completion.

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APPENDIX D:

PAVEMENT CONDITION GUIDELINES The following elements define the information required to calculate the pavement condition index for roadway reconstruction projects. V

isual Inspection of Core Distresses

Applicants are required to visually investigate and report five key distresses. These specific distresses shall be examined and reported as specified in the “Pavement Distress Identification Manual,” by CTL/Thompson Inc. T

he key distresses for asphalt roadways are: The key distresses for concrete roadways are: • alligator cracking (page 1 of the manual) corner cracking (page 23) • rutting/shoving (page 12) linear cracking (page 25) • longitudinal cracking (page 5) divided slabs (page 27) • patching (page 9) blowup/buckling (page 32) • potholes (page 10) faulting (page 33) For intersection reconstruction projects the distress survey shall be the entire project area. For roadway reconstruction projects, a sampling technique can be used. The sample must encompass a contiguous section of at least 10 percent of the project segment (with a minimum survey length

f 200 lineal feet). All lanes within the sample section must be evaluated. o The sample section must be representative of the average pavement condition for the project. Specific areas showing multiple distresses should only be reported once. For example, if areas that have been patched are reported under “patches,” other distresses within the patched area should not be reported. Applicants must identify the specific location of the sample. Computation of Condition Index To aid in self-scoring, a software program has been developed to compute the condition index. The program will be made available to all interested applicants by contacting DRCOG. The basis for the program is the Corps of Engineers’ PAVER method. Perfect pavements start with a value of 100, and points are deducted from that on the basis of the amount and severity of the stresses reported in the visual survey. A correction curve for multiple distresses is applied. A copy of the input screens for asphalt pavement (Figure 4) and concrete pavement (Figure 5) are attached. After all necessary input data is entered, toggling the “Compute PCI” button will compute the PCI. 20 points will be awarded for a PCI below 25; 0 points for a PCI above 50; with straight-line interpolation between. V

alidation

DRCOG staff and/or subject matter experts may conduct a field review of the top “tier” of highway reconstruction projects to validate the magnitude of distresses reported. C

ontact

The means for obtaining the distress manual and the software program, along with a contact number for clarification/interpretation, will be included in the TIP solicitation packet.

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Figure 4

Portland Concrete Pavement Evaluation Tool

Figure 5

Asphalt Cement Pavement Evaluation Tool

43

APPENDIX E:

SAFETY CRITERIA

A. Roadway Project Safety Scoring Safety points are awarded for three roadway project types: Reconstruction, Operational Improvements and Widening. They are based on the estimated reduction in number of crashes and the project’s weighted crash rate (Rw), compared to the statewide average. The applicant will enter the following information into the DRCOG-TIP project submittal and evaluation program: 1. Number of Crashes Over Three Years

Project sponsors are asked to supply the number of crashes by crash-type over the latest three years for which data is available. The crashes should be tallied at all appropriate intersections, approaches, and road segments along the identified project length. It is important to identify each three-year total of crashes by severity category: fatal, injury, or property damage only (PDO). The project location must also be noted as rural or non-rural, based on Figure 6.

2

. Roadway Data

The sponsor should provide the roadway type, the project length and the traffic volumes (for both the primary roadway and its cross street on operational improvement projects, if applicable). Traffic counts must be performed per the guidance in Appendix G, and be entered as average weekday traffic (AWDT). Specifically for intersection operational improvement projects:

• the sum of intersection leg distances used for both traffic counts and crashes, on both the primary

and secondary roadways, must equal at least one mile; • at minimum, two traffic counts must be supplied, one each on the primary and secondary streets;

more desirable would be to supply one count for each leg of the intersection.

3. Estimated Number of Crashes Eliminated Due to Project

Sponsors are asked to estimate the potential crash reduction benefits of the project. The estimates are used to determine levels (low, medium, high, very high) of improvement to award safety points. They are not meant to imply precise predictions of eliminated crashes. All individual elements of the project may be considered when calculating crash reductions. Specific improvement elements, and their percentage reduction in relevant crashes, are listed in Table 17, Crash Reduction Factors. This able should be used to estimate crash reduction. t

Sponsors must provide documentation of how the crash reductions were determined, by site. Crash reduction factors must only be applied at specific sites along the project length and for relevant crash types. Total crash reduction estimates may not exceed 75 percent of the original 3-year crash total. It is understood that professional engineering judgement will be necessary at several points in the crash reduction determination process.

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45

The program will compute and award the safety points scored, as follows:

A. Calculate the weighted annual crash rate for the existing roadway(s) or intersection: F

rom the entered volume, length and crash data, the program will calculate Rw, as follows:

Weighted Crash Rate, Aw: A w ={ (12)(# of fatal crashes)+(5)(# of injury crashes)+(# of PDO crashes)} /3

Annual miles traveled on the subject segment of roadway(s), VMT: V

MT = AWDT x length x 365 x .9277 (minimum length = 1.0 mile) Weighted Annual Crash Rate, per Mile Rw = Aw / (VMT/106)

B. Identify the crash range

Look under the column in the following table for the appropriate roadway type, to find the crash range (row A, B, C or D in the left column) which includes the actual value of Rw.

Urban Arterial Urban Freeway Rural Arterial Rural FreewayCrash Range

A < State Average: 0.01 to 7.52 0.01 to 4.55 0.01 to 3.47 0.01 to 2.54B 1-2 X State Avg: 7.53 to 15.05 4.56 to 9.11 3.48 to 6.95 2.55 to 5.09C 2-3 X State Avg: 15.06 to 22.58 9.12 to 13.67 6.96 to 10.43 5.10 to 7.64D >3 X State Avg: 22.59 + 13.68 + 10.44 + 7.65 +

Rw (weighted annual crash rate per Million Vehicle Miles of Travel) by Roadway Type

Rw

C

. Identify the estimated crash reduction:

Low (14 or fewer crashes eliminated), Medium (15-35), High (36-59) or Very High (60 or more). A "Low" crash reduction rate will be assumed if no data is provided by the sponsor.

D

. Award the safety points

The following 2 tables show the number of safety points the program will award, based on the estimated number of crashes eliminated and the crash range.

Low Medium High Very High0-14 fewer 15-35 36-59 60+

Crash RangeA 0 1 3 4B 1 2 4 5C 2 4 5 6

Safety Points to be Awarded for Roadway Reconstruction or

Estimated # of Crashes Eliminated per 3 years, per mile

safety points to be awarded

Roadway Operational Improvement Projects

Low Medium High Very High0-14 fewer 15-35 36-59 60+

Crash RangeA 1 2 4 6B 2 4 6 8C 3 6 8 9D 5 7 9 10

safety points to be awarded

Safety Points to be Awarded for Roadway Widening ProjectsEstimated # of Crashes Eliminated per 3 years, per mile

B. Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Safety Scoring Instructions: Bicycle and/or pedestrian projects will be awarded up to 12 safety points based on the anticipated improvement of existing safety problems to be made by building new facilities for non-motorized travel. The scope in the project submittal should clearly show what features are being built to support the points awarded. The following information should be supplied with he project submittal, in support of the safety points claimed: t

• a description of the relevant crash history on the existing facilities; • a description of lighting conditions on the existing vs. planned facilities; and

a description of the nature, volume and speed of traffic on the existing vs. planned facilities. • Three measures of safety improvement will be awarded: 1

. Relevant Crash History:

Based on the number of documented injury accidents • created by the interaction between motorized and non-motorized traffic, • in the area to be affected by the proposed new facility, and occurring over the last 3 year period for which data is available; •

1 point will be awarded for each applicable injury accident, up to a maximum of 5

2

. Conflict Factor:

If the existing facilities are roadways which allow interaction between motorized and non-motorized traffic , and if the project will build new facilities for the non-motorized traffic, to eliminate or reduce the conflict factor, the project will earn safety points. Based on the

umber of speed limit on the existing facilities, up to 5 points will be awarded as follows: n • 1 points will be awarded if the existing speed limit is 25 MPH or less; • 2 points will be awarded if the existing speed limit is 26-34 MPH; • 3 points will be awarded if the existing speed limit is 35-44 MPH; • 4 points will be awarded if the existing speed limit is 45-54 MPH; or 5 points will be awarded if the existing speed limit is 55 MPH or above. •

3

. Facility Lighting:

Two points will be awarded to projects which will provide lighting to facilitate non-motorized travel on the planned facilities, if sufficient lighting is not currently available.

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Table 17

Percentage Reduction Example RelaventImprovement Characteristics in Relevant Crashes Crash Types

(at applicable crash locations)INTERSECTIONS:

New traffic signal 20% right-angle, turnsUpgrade traffic signal (heads) 20% rear-end, red light runAdd new approach turn lanes 25% rear-end

Add accel/decel lane 25% rear-end, sideswipeConvert to roundabout 40% right-angle

Increase turn radii 15% turn crashes

RAILROADAutomatic Gate 75% vehicle-trainGrade separate 100% vehicle-train

ROADSIDE / BRIDGESGuard rail - install/upgrade 60% fatal, 40% injury run off road

Shoulder widening / addition 20% run off road, overtake ped./bikeBridge widening 40% bridge

Remove fixed objects 50% fatal, 15% injury fixed objectSeparated bicycle/pedestrian path 80% overtake ped., bicycle

ROADWAYSCurve reconstruction 50% run off road, head-onVertical re-alignment 45% head-on, limited sight

Median barriers 60% fatal, 10% injury head-onClimbing / Passing lane 15% passing, rear-end

Lane widening 20% sideswipe (multi-lane)Widen from 2-lane to 4-lane road 30% rear-end, head-on

Continuous center-left turn lane 30% rear-end

OTHERLighting improvement 90% night time crashes

Ramp modifications 25% rampClose median opening 30% turn crashes

Turn prohibitions 40% turn crashes

Notes:

3. Rates should be applied only to specific applicable sites within the project area. 4. Rates should only be applied to relevant crash types addressed by the improvement.5. Do not double-count similar improvement types or eliminated crashes.6. Crash reduction factors may be applied to improvement and crash types not shown on this table, however, applicant must provide justifying documentation.

DRCOG TIP Project Evaluation Safety CriteriaSample Suggested Crash Reduction Factors

2. The factors are not meant to imply precise predictions of eliminated crashes. (road widening, operational, interchange reconstruction, and roadway reconstruction projects)1. Crash reduction factors are for TIP project scoring guidance only.

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48

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Figure 6

APPENDIX F:

METRO VISION IMPLEMENTATION CRITERIA

Up to 16 points will be awarded (from a possible 32) for the following actions being implemented by the sponsor or the project location’s jurisdiction. Each action is worth 2 points.

• Incorporating the UGB/A map into the comprehensive plan and using the UGB/A in development decisions.

• Signing the Mile High Compact

• Protecting an amount of open space in the past two years equal to one percent of the area

of the jurisdiction or 160 acres of open space, whichever is less

• Protecting open space within one of the DRCOG Open Space Preservation Focus Areas within the past two years

• Approving a development plan for a redevelopment project in the past two years (Infill)

• Approving a development plan for a redevelopment project in the past two years within 1

mile of the proposed transportation project (Infill)

• Allowing accessory dwelling units in Single Family Districts of the Zoning code (Infill)

• Exceeding the regional average for Multi-family percentage of building permits for the past two years (Mix of land use)

• Moving the ratio of employment to housing closer to the regional average since 1997

(Mix of land use)

• Approving a development plan for a mixed-use project in the past two years (Mix of land use)

• Approving a development plan for a mixed-use project in the past two years within 1

mile of the proposed transportation project (Mix of land use)

• Adopting a Mixed-Use district in the jurisdiction’s zoning code (Mix of land use)

• Having completed a major streetscape project in the past two years (Neighborhood Preservation)

• Adopting architectural design guidelines (Regional Aesthetics)

• Creating a stormwater utility (Water Quality)

• Including the project as part of a corridor rehabilitation or design consistency effort

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APPENDIX G:

CONGESTION CRITERIA

Performing Traffic Counts The project sponsor must provide a recent traffic count, for calculating the V/C ratio for each affected roadway. This should be a directional 72-hour count, by hour. The 72 hour hour counts should commence after noon on Monday and before noon Tuesday so that the total count will end no later than noon Friday. Weeks with holidays should not be used. The collecting agency must perform quality control on the data. A count summary should be prepared, taking pecial note of the following: s

Any hourly volumes reported as zero for either direction.

Any hourly volumes reported as substantially lower or higher than expected for either direction. (a measured

v/c ratio greater than 1.2 might indicate that a count is high or the capacity assumptions are in error.)

Directional distribution of the 24-hour volume different than expected (a daily volume in on direction which is greater than 120 percent of the opposite direction’s daily volume would be considered unusual).

Any consecutive hourly counts which are exactly or nearly the same.

A composite 24-hour volume which is substantially lower or higher than previous day’s count at, or near,

the same location. If any of these measures show that the count may be in error, a recount should be performed. C

apacity of the Affected Roadway or Interchange

The project sponsor is responsible for entering the roadway capacity into the TIP data entry program, and for providing an update (with the project submittal) of those characteristics which could affect capacity. These are defined in chapter 6 of “Design of the Congestion Management System”, including: • the number of through lanes; • topography (level, rolling, mountainous); • area type (urban/urbanizing or rural); • number of signals per mile; • median characteristics; and

one-way or two-way traffic. • Sponsors requiring help determining roadway capacity should contact DRCOG at 303-480-5626. C

alculation of the v/c Ratio for the Affected Roadway or Interchange

The sponsor will enter Based upon average workday traffic volume (AWDT), from the 72-hour traffic volume data collected, the peak volume/ capacity (v/c) ratio for a three hour period (in urbanized areas) and a 1 hour period (in rural areas and free-standing communities) should be calculated by the project sponsor and supplied with the submittal. Award of Points for the Congestion Measure The maximum points will be awarded to projects with a v/c ratio greater than 1.1; 0 points to projects with a v/c atio less than .95; with straight line interpolation between. r

The maximum congestion points projects can earn, by project type, are: Studies (23 points), Roadway Operational Improvements (16 points) and Roadway Widening (14 points).

50

APPENDIX H:

NEW TRANSIT SERVICE Ridership estimates are critical in determining the viability of new transit service. As such, a detailed description of the estimated ridership, service and any supporting activities to aid in attracting riders is needed to perform an evaluation of the proposed services. P

roject submittals for new transit services should include:

a basic description of the “what” or type of service to be provided; the route, stops and frequency of service for proposed new services should be defined;

connections to any existing RTD services should identified and their schedule relationship described; the service area, response times and related details for proposed demand-responsive services

should be defined. connections to any existing RTD services should be identified; the hours of operation, fare structure, vehicles type(s) to be used, and any limitations of the

market to be served should be defined, such as serving just the elderly. Additional details which should be supplied with the submittal: Ridership:

Describe the ridership estimates and the method(s) used to estimate the total ridership for the new service.

Purpose of service:

Describe the gap(s) in existing services that the proposed service is expected to serve. Describe the justification for the new services and how the new services will relate to any existing RTD and other transit services. Note any impacts to existing services from the operation of the proposed service. Provide a map to aid in understanding the proposed service.

Support efforts:

Describe the project support efforts from businesses, employers, local governments and others to market the services and encourage a shift in travel to transit. Examples of support efforts are marketing programs, provision of ECO passes, installation of shelter, and construction of sidewalks connecting bus stops to destinations.

The proposed service ridership estimates will be compared with existing similar RTD and non-RTD services in the region. The score will depend upon the total riders expected from the new service, the gaps to be served and how well the support efforts aid in developing and sustaining the proposed ridership.

51

APPENDIX I: POTENTIAL NEED MEASURES FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROJECTS

Projects will be awarded points for incorporating the following features in their design, up to a maximum of 23 points (from the possible 29 each project could score). Projects may address the needs of either or both modes of non-motorized travel (bicycle and/or pedestrian). The scope description and conceptual design in the project submittal should clearly show what features are being built to support the points awarded.

Feature or Characteristic of the Proposed Project

Points which a Pedestrian-Only Project Could Score

Points which a Bicycle-

Only Project Could Score

Gap-closure measures (score points for only one of these 4) Closing a gap in the RTP bicycle path or sidewalk network

10 10

Building a partial gap closure in the RTP bicycle path or sidewalk network

7 7

Closing a gap in a local bicycle path or sidewalk network

6 6

Building a partial gap closure in a local bicycle path or sidewalk network

4 4

Pedestrian crossing measure (score pts for only one of these 2) Provide controlled pedestrian crossing for an intersection greater than 80 feet in width

6 --

Provide controlled pedestrian crossing for an intersection 60 to 80 feet in width

4 --

Other direct potential need measures(score all that apply) Provide facilities for bidirectional use by both bicycles and pedestrians (bike projects only)

-- 3

Connect local facilities to the regional bicycle network or corridors (bike projects only)

-- 3

Eliminate a barrier (railway, highway, waterway) for pedestrians or cyclists to major destinations

4 4

Provide new or improved access to transit facilities (stations, park-n-Ride lots, bus routes)

3 3

Bonus points for multiple enhancements (score all that apply) Provide bicycle lockers or racks; 1 point for each 10 racks or 3 lockers, up to 3 pts

3 3

Acquire scenic easements, scenic or historic sites (see Appendix B)

1 1

Rails-to-Trails conversion of abandoned railway corridors (see Appendix B)

1 1

Provide landscaping or other scenic beautification along the planned facility (see Appendix B)

1 1

Total of applicable scoring measures Max 23 points Max 23 points

policy on transportation improvement … on transportation improvement program (tip) preparation...

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