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