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AGENDA
REQUEST Sponsor:
Board of Supervisors Meeting Date: Sharon Grove McCamy, Staff Lead:
Department: Garrett Moore, Resident
Engineer
Elizabeth A. Cook, Chief of Planning Community Development Topic: A Resolution to Support and Implement the Findings and Recommendations of the Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Improvement Plan for Crossovers Along U.S. Route 17, 15, 29, & 211 in Fauquier County, Virginia Topic
Description: At
the request of the Fauquier County Transportation Committee, the Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT) initiated an assessment of the
existing crossover (median break) locations along Route 29 from the
Culpeper to 1.
Sight Distance: The
traveler along the mainline as well as the occupant of the median break
should have clear sight of potential conflicts.
In most cases, this is measured in relationship to the mainline
operating speed. VDOT uses
approximately 10 feet for every mile per hour speed.
Simply put, if you are entering a roadway with traffic averaging 60
mph then your minimum length of sight should be no less than 600 feet. 2.
Reaction Time & Breaking:
The amount of time required for the average driver to respond to
obstacles in the roadway. 3.
Deceleration and Storage:
This is the amount of lane and taper needed to allow the vehicle
leaving the mainline at speed to safely decelerate and negotiate a turn
without a rapid stop. A
critically undersized turn lane can lead to vehicles "spilling
out" into mainline traffic that presents a hazardous situation. 4.
Separation: The
amount of roadway between two median openings.
This factor carries with it many issues.
For example, the speed, rural or urban environments, growth
potential, terrain and access points are included in this consideration.
The sum of all of these issues makes ridged spacing intervals
difficult to project. The
American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) recommends
preferred spacing of 0.25 to 0.5 mile. While
all the above factors have interrelated considerations, the safe operation
of the highway and a desirable level of service are the goals of
improvements recommended in VDOT's Safety Improvement Plan for Crossovers. A
component of the Safety Improvement Plan is access management, which is
described as follows. "Access
management is the process that provides access to land development while
preserving traffic flow for the purpose of enhancing highway safety and
capacity. One component of the
access management process involves providing adequate spacing between
intersections or median crossovers to allow motorists sufficient time to
react to potential conflict locations.
With a good access management plan the flow of traffic can be
improved and safety enhanced with less potential for accidents.
The goal of this safety improvement plan for crossovers is to
provide a comprehensive and uniform implementation strategy to improve
overall safety along the U.S. Route 29 corridor." Copies
of the Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Improvement Plan for
Crossovers Along U.S. Route 17, 15, 29, & 211 in Fauquier County,
Virginia dated October 30, 2003 may be reviewed at the Warrenton Residency
Office of the Virginia Department of Transportation, located at 457 East
Shirley Avenue, Warrenton, Virginia. In
addition, a copy of the report is available in the Department of Community
Development for review. The
Board of Supervisors has been provided a paper copy of this report. Requested Action of the
Board of Supervisors: Consider
adoption of the attached resolution.
Transportation Committee
Recommendation:
On
October 29, 2003, the Transportation Committee unanimously recommended
approval of the Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Improvement
Plan for Crossovers Along U.S. Route 17, 15, 29, & 211 in Fauquier
County, Virginia. Financial Impact
Analysis: VDOT
has submitted estimated costs for some of the potential improvements
including: 1.
Restricting turning movements
through signage with an estimated cost of signage at $400 per median
break. 2.
Lengthening or installation
of turn lanes with an estimated cost of $15,000 per lane. 3.
Closure of existing
crossovers with an estimated cost of $8,000 per closure. While
the report makes recommendations on the priority timing for some of the
recommendations, to date no funds have been set aside for these
improvements. Some of the
proposed turn lane improvements, identified crossover closures, and median
break relocations are included with development plans for current
projects, such as the Jamison Farm residential subdivision and the
Suffield Meadows continuous care development.
If the Board of Supervisors implements the Plan, staff and VDOT
will work with future developers of residential and commercial projects
along Route 29 to insure their participation in these recommended safety
improvements. Identify
any other Departments, Organizations or Individuals affected by this
request: VDOT, land developers,
business owners, the traveling public and the citizens of *(Copies of
the Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Improvement Plan for
Crossovers Along U.S. Route 17, 15, 29, & 211 in Fauquier County,
Virginia are available in the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors’
office for review upon request. A
printed copy has been provided to each member of the |