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 Old Ranch Road and Powers Interchange 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 $8.6 million match from the City of Colorado Springs, using Pikes Peak Rural Transportation (PPRTA) funding, toward Old Ranch Road / Powers Interchange 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 Old Ranch Road / Powers Interchange Project. This high priority project for our Region was selected to receive RAMP funding.
The current intersection of SH 21 (Powers Boulevard) and Old Ranch Road is an incomplete interchange that is an at-grade intersection that utilized the current ramps for through traffic. This project will construct the Old Ranch Road Bridge over the new mainline SH 21 (Powers Boulevard) and shift mainline traffic to Powers Boulevard. The at-grade intersections will remain and carry only ramp traffic. This will construct mainline Powers Boulevard that will pass under the new Old Ranch Road Bridge tying Powers on either side and thus completing a 4 lane freeway from north of Union Boulevard to SH 83.
The need of the project is to complete a partially completed interchange that has experienced frequent and severe accidents as high speed "through" traffic is utilizing existing ramps not designed or intended for long term traffic use. As a result, accidents at the intersection of the ramps have been severe and include 2 fatalities over a three year period.
The project is consistent with ongoing efforts to complete the North Powers Corridor as identified as a top priority in the PPACG STIP and long range plan. Recently CDOT completed two additional interchanges to the south of Old Ranch at Briargate and Union Boulevard. The completion of Old Ranch and the recently completed projects will complete a freeway from Research Parkway to SH 83.
The project limits are included in an environmental assessment completed in July, 1997 and a FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) completed in January, 1998. Recently, an environmental reevaluation completed the environmental clearance for this project. The project requires no right of way and limited utility work. The project is ready for construction as a design-bid-build project as of March, 2014.
Financial Implications:
The construction of Old Ranch Road / Powers Interchange is a $9.7 million project. The City of Colorado Springs will provide $8.6 million match toward the project using PPRTA funds. The City will make payment to CDOT for $8.6 million in equal payments over six years beginning in 2015. The Public Partnership RAMP funding will provide $0.6 million towards the project and an additional $0.5 million will be funded from existing CDOT pools or surplus from recently completed projects.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A The match commitment will begin starting in 2015 and will be equal payments of approximately $1.4 million over six years.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the attached resolution.
Ordinance Language
N/A