Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute and Administer the revised Agreement between the City of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the I-25 / Cimarron Street Reconstruction Project
Presenter:
Kathleen Krager, Transportation Manager
Travis Easton, P.E., Public Works Director
Body
Summary:
The attached resolution will authorize the Mayor to execute the attached Agreement between the City of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Agreement commits a $7.05 million match from the City of Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Rural Transportation (PPRTA) funding toward the I-25 / Cimarron Interchange Project. This Agreement also includes PPRTA and allows them to pay CDOT with funds designated by the City of Colorado Springs.
Previous Council Action:
Resolution 57-14 was passed on June 24, 2014 to provide $5 million in PPRTA funding as a local match. On February 24, 2015, Council approved an amendment to increase the City’s PPRTA match commitment for the project by $2.05 million for a total of $7.05 million due to increased construction costs.
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, provided 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. In addition, 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.
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
Financial Implications:
The I-25 / Cimarron Interchange Project, with cost increases, will be a $119 million project. The RAMP funding is providing $29 million toward this project. El Paso County will commit a $1 million match, and the City of Colorado Springs will commit a $7.05 million match, which will come from PPRTA project funding to be completed in 2018. The remaining funds will come from other various state and federal funding.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The PPRTA Board approved the I-25/Cimarron match commitment as part to the City’s Roadway Safety and Traffic Operations Annual Budget for years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the attached resolution.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A