Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute and Administer the Agreement Between the City of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Department of Transportation for the I-25 / Cimarron Interchange Reconstruction Project
Body
From:
Dave Lethbridge, Interim Public Works Director
Kathleen Krager, Transportation Manager
Summary:
The attached resolution will authorize the Mayor to execute the attached Agreement between the City of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Agreement commits a $5 million match from the City of Colorado Springs, using Pikes Peak Rural Transportation (PPRTA) funding, toward the I-25 / Cimarron Interchange Reconstruction Project.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
On July 1, 2013, the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Region 2 and the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) submitted a proposal to the State for RAMP (Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships) funding to construct the I-25 / Cimarron Interchange Project. This high priority project for our Region was selected to receive RAMP funding. The Scope of Work, attached to the Agreement, provides the following project information:
The I-25/Cimarron Street Interchange is a key connection within Colorado Springs. It will enhance the capacity and safety of the U.S. 24 connection to the I-25 network. U.S. 24 is the primary east-west highway through the city. This segment of U.S. 24 originally was constructed in 1964. Most of the structures that are part of this interchange were built in 1959. It is the only major route into the Rocky Mountains for nearly 50 miles north and south of Colorado Springs. The lack of gateway routes into the mountains results in congestion for regional weekday commuters, and destination and recreational traffic. Planned improvements are generally described in the I-25 Environmental Assessment (EA) completed for the project in summer of 2004 (link to I-25 EA) and the U.S. 24 West EA currently under review.
Limits of this project are along U.S. 24 between 8th Street on the west and the Union Pacific Railroad/Cimarron Street Bridge on the east , and on I-25 between Colorado Avenue and South Nevada Avenue. The interchange improvements are intended to provide enhanced operations, correct existing safety and design deficiencies, and to serve the anticipated short-term and long-term travel demand in this area.
The project will provide the following:
• Improved and extended acceleration/deceleration lanes for increased vehicle storage and safety (NB/SB I-25 off-ramps), widened shoulders, and improved curbs
• New I-25 bridges
• Improved interstate and interchange operations and safety
• Enhanced trail connections
• Improved water quality
• Aesthetic enhancements
The project will be procured using a Design-Build two-step process, qualification and "Best Value" selection as listed below:
• enables maximized improvements
• expedites project delivery by accelerating construction schedule
• recognizes contractor innovation
• efficiently manages existing resources
A presentation was given to City Council at the January 13, 2014 Work Session.
Financial Implications:
The I-25 / Cimarron Interchange Project is a $95 million project. The RAMP funding is providing $24 million toward this project. El Paso County will commit a $1 million match, and the City of Colorado Springs will commit a $5 million match which will come from PPRTA project funding over the next five years for a total of $30 million. The $65 million balance is being funded by CDOT utilizing a variety of state and federal funding sources.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The PPRTA Board approved the $1 million match in the 2014 PPRTA Budget. The additional match commitment will be made in equal payments of $1 million from PPRTA funds in years 2015-2018.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the attached resolution.
Ordinance Language
N/A