2009-12-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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11 newspaper publisher’s affidavit showing that the public hearing on this matter was advertised and (ii) a certified copy of the Council minutes showing the action taken at the advertised public hearing. RESOLUTION : ROUTE 250 BYPASS INTERCHANGE AT MCINTIRE ROAD – MAJOR DESIGN FEATURES AS PRESENTED AT THE OCTOBER 29, 2009 PUBLIC HEARING th Mr. Tolbert explained that there was a design public hearing on October 29 and the issue was taken to Council on November 16. He said Council raised questions at that time about the trail, phasing and pedestrian bridge. As a result of those questions, he made the following comments: the trail can be moved back to the east side; a bike and pedestrian trail can be on both sides; neither the advocates for or the consultants thought a tunnel under Rt. 250 was a good idea due to the height of the wall that would be required; the intersection at Harris Road needs to be improved, but it has not been designed yet; phasing the turn lanes was not recommended for the left turn, but the right turn could probably be eliminated in the short-term, but not long term; the pedestrian bridge north of the 250 bypass is not recommended because there is not high enough volume and research shows that it will not be used unless it is convenient. He said as the master plan is done for McIntire Park a location for a pedestrian bridge may be found. Mr. Huja said the trail on both sides will be a great help. Dr. Brown said he has been convinced that the windy road to the pedestrian bridge is not good, but asked for more detail. Mr. Tolbert said you would have to go 300 to 400 feet to get to it and there would be 25 feet walls on both sides of a 12 foot long tunnel. He said the height and length of the interchange bridge would also have to change. Responding to a question from Ms. Edwards, Mr. Tolbert said that the Rivanna Trails Foundation agrees that the tunnel would not be safe. Mr. Norris said a question was raised by Mr. Bluestone and the Coalition to Preserve McIntire Park that it is premature to do a MOA before we know about the mitigation. Mr. Owen Peery of RK&K, design consultants for the interchange, said that the MOA is in final draft and the details have been agreed to by the required oversight agencies. He said the costs are clearcut. Mr. Norris asked if those costs have been factored into the budget, and Mr. Peery said yes. Mr. Norris said that the Rescue Squad still has some concerns about their access, but they are willing to try what is proposed on the condition that if the new road/signal does not work they can go back to the current road. Mr. Peery said the response time of the Rescue Squad is important. He said perhaps only emergency vehicles come could use the current access and others could use the alternate access. Mr. Norris asked about the request to eliminate the turn lanes, and Mr. Peery said it is an issue of vehicle safety and efficiency. He said FHA asked them to look at traffic and take it out to 2033. He said there is the opportunity to phase the south and north turn lanes. He said that data can be brought back to Council. Mr. Norris said he thinks the number of lanes is ultimately a Council decision, and Mr. Tolbert agreed, but said it is also a FHA decision. Mr. Norris clarified that a trail, not a sidewalk, is proposed for both sides, and Mr. Tolbert said yes.