From: "Rep. Julie McCluskie" <repmccluskie@gmail.com> Subject: Answers to the Transportation Town Hall Questions! Date: February 16, 2023 at 4:22:33 PM MST To: Julie McCluskie <repmccluskie@gmail.com>, Mark Baisley <markbaisleyco@gmail.com> Hi All, Thank you for taking the time to meet with Speaker McCluskie, Senator Baisley, Transportation Commissioner Lisa Hickey, CDOT Region 2 Regional Transportation Director Shane Ferguson, and CDOT Region 2 Traffic Safety and Engineering Program Manager Jason Nelson. CDOT has provided the questions and associated answers to the best of its ability. Below are some additional resources if additional information is needed or other topics related to highway concerns can be addressed quickly. CDOT Region 2 Customer Service: 719-562-5568 Planning Group covering Park County : https://www.uaacog.com/what-we-do/transportation.htm <https://www.uaacog.com/what-we-do/transportation.htm> Central Front Range 2045 Regional Transportation Plan: cfr-rtp_public-review-draft_052120.pdf (codot.gov) <https://www.codot.gov/programs/yourtransportationpriorities/assets/regional-transportation-plans/cfr-rtp_public-review-draft_052120.pdf> US 285 Bailey Safety Project Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/studies/us285-bailey-crow-hill-study <https://www.codot.gov/projects/studies/us285-bailey-crow-hill-study> CDOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) information: https://www.codot.gov/programs/planning/transportation-plans-and-studies/stip <https://www.codot.gov/programs/planning/transportation-plans-and-studies/stip> CDOT Map of all STIP Projects: https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/prolojs/ <https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/prolojs/> CDOT Active Construction Map: https://www.codot.gov/projects/projects/southeast-colorado-projects <https://www.codot.gov/projects/projects/southeast-colorado-projects> CDOT Pavement Asset program will overlay (pave) US285 from Bailey to Pine Junction in Calendar year 2025 or 2026, depending on regional pavement conditions. Here is a list of all of the questions we received on note cards at the town hall and the correlated answers from CDOT: Question What is the status of the bridge over the Arkansas River in Chaffee County? This bridge had the same problem as the bridge collapsed in Minneapolis in 2007. It’s also rusted underneath. Band-Aids were applied to it, but does it need to be replaced? Answer Assume this is the bridge that leads into Granite, CO. The bridge replacement is currently out for bids, and CDOT is hopeful to award the project at the end of February if contractor prices are within CDOT's budget for the project. Question I am currently structuring Mountain Highways Safety Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit aimed at funneling private-sector funding into public safety projects and educational outreach. We need interested stakeholders to participate, please help me spread the word! Our sister organization is the Permian Road Safety Coalition Answer Thank you. CDOT does have Public Private Partnerships (P3) initiatives and branch. More information can be found at https:www.cpdpt.gpv/programs/ctio/procurement/resources <http://www.cpdpt.gpv/programs/ctio/procurement/resources> Question I was born and raised in Bailey for over 50 yrs. With the barrier down the itr[?] of Bailey (proposed), what about the pinball effect? China village, Knotty pine, and so on. The speed limit needs to be addressed. Answer If an errant vehicle hits the median concrete barrier, it will be directed along the path of the barrier. Predicting post-crash vehicle paths after impact is impossible, though based on past experience, vehicles tend to come to rest a short distance after impact and redirection. As with all highways, we commit to continue to monitor this section for safety improvements. Question Can you prioritize the cheap and easy projects and get going right away–like signage and restriping? Warning sign top of crow hill southbound Answer The funding is tied to the project as a whole and needs to go out as one package. We are hopeful to have a contractor on board in early May 2023, with construction starting soon thereafter and wrapping up in the fall. Question CHANGE STRIPING at CR 72 grade-separated intersection and US 285. CR72 needs an acceleration lane. Answer Due to engineering requirements, the striping cannot be changed without the addition of pavement, removal of the turn lane at CR43A, or reducing lanes on US 285. CDOT is looking for future funding opportunities to achieve this. Question What kind of barrier can you put along the river in Bailey that will NOT flip tractor-trailer trucks onto their tops in the river? Answer Performance of crash barriers depends on the angle of approach to the barrier along with the speed and mass of the vehicle. Adding the concrete median barrier limits the angle at that potential crashes can occur along the riverside, and CDOT is confident that the metal guardrail along the river, will perform as expected. Question Skirted over law enforcement. Good design and investment in infrastructure do not compensate for the lack of adherence to the law. Answer CDOT has a long history of fruitful partnering with local law enforcement and Colorado State Patrol (CSP). CSP is highly active in the Bailey area, given their limited resources. They routinely conduct mobile weight checks and provide speed enforcement. CSP and CDOT will continue to do the best possible to promote adherence to traffic laws. If there are specific concerns, please reach out to the project team or CDOT customer service line at 719-562-5568. Question Is there a plan in place to redo the white lines on the sides of the roads? Is photo radar a possibility for those driving at excessive speeds…maybe a ticket would assist in slowing people down Answer The project will redo the white edge line markings, and we will restripe all other highway segments on a rotating basis. If you have a specific concern, please reach out to the project team or CDOT customer service line at 719-562-5568. Question How does an 80,000 lb vehicle come to a COMPLETE stop on a 7% downgrade? “National guideline” is 6% per NTSB Answer Currently, no project is identified to reduce the grade at this location. Question Can speed limits be lowered from the top of Crowhill, down the hill also? What is the amount of time for the light, and can a sign letting people know that the light is changing? Answer We will review the current posted speed along with the current average running speed for the possibility of reducing the posted speed limit per Federal guidelines. On US 285 at CR43A, flashing beacons do exist to let drivers know when the signal is changing by beginning to flash before the signal changes to yellow and then red. Currently, we run several different signal timing plans for CR43A. The longest wait period on the side street is roughly two minutes during the summer peak periods. Off-peak wait times are slightly longer than a minute. This intersection is coming up on our retiming list and should be completed after summer weekend data can be collected. Question How about a weigh station heading south on 285 before crow hill? Truckers are running too heavy. This could also help with “jake brake” noise on Crow Hill. Answer Colorado State Patrol (CSP) does perform mobile weigh station activities in the area on a rotating basis. CSP would need to request a new weigh station. Question You should consider J turners tp the Meadow as posted to cross our traffic Answer CDOT refers to these movements as jug handles. Alternative intersection designs are evaluated for all intersection improvements. When this intersection is prioritized for improvements, this will definitely be considered and evaluated. Question Suggestions: since it is a bigger lift to change federal programs. The match requirements & deadhead mile issues with providing transit in places like Park county need to be addressed at the state level with additional funding to offset the costs of providing rural transit Answer Comment received and under advisement. Question 285 needs big improvement on passive lighting. Most of the roadside reflectors are busted/twisted & filthy. We need many more new reflectors put in. In addition, can center lane embedded reflectors be put in? It's so dark on the 285–Especially in Park County Answer Maintenance has been advised of this concern and will investigate delineator conditions. Lighting is used to mitigate nighttime crash patterns, and we will review the corridor for opportunities. CDOT has tried the center lane reflectors and, with current technology, found that they cannot resist snow plowing efforts. We are actively monitoring the industry for additional technology along with communicating with other DOT’s for product information and performance for opportunities here in Colorado. Question What are you doing to slow down traffic on 285 before Bailey, up & down 285? Answer We are hopeful that the additional warning signs and new overhead signs, that will be installed with the project will help with this issue. CDOT will continue to monitor speeds, volumes, and accidents for additional mitigation. Question Runaway truck ramp Reduce speed limit in Bailey Bailey bypass per 2002 vision statement Answer Comments received. Speed is being reviewed. Currently, the truck runaway ramp is not a viable option, given the length and restraints of Crow Hill. The bypass is a community-led decision that can be communicated through the planning process. Central Front Range is this area planning organization: https://www.uaacog.com/what-we-do/transportation.html <https://www.uaacog.com/what-we-do/transportation.html> Question Bailey Bypass Status? Answer The long range Central Front Range Plane does not currently have the bypass listed as a potential project. cfr-rtp_public-review-draft_052120.pdf (codot.gov) <https://www.codot.gov/programs/yourtransportationpriorities/assets/regional-transportation-plans/cfr-rtp_public-review-draft_052120.pdf> Question Can special mountain training for truck drivers be required? Is it possible to create weigh stations on 285? (Heavy truck traffic is ruining the road) How to better curb excessive speed all along the 285 Hwy? Most accidents are caused by speed! Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question What can CDOT do to improve safety? Eg. driver education, road improvements Answer CDOT's primary goal is to provide a safe and efficient highway system. All project and planning efforts have safety at the center of each and every activity. Increasing safety takes education, enforcement, engineering, along with cultural change. CDOT partners with agencies for enforcement and education and complete vigorous safety analysis for each project, along with having a Traffic Safety and Engineering Program in each Region that continuously monitors and collaborates with numerous communities and entities attempting to answer this question with results. We need to do better and are trying numerous efforts to attempt to fulfill our Vision of ZERO fatalities. Question Are there any plans for barriers between N & S bound 285 in the 2&3 lane section from Conifer to Bailey? And beyond. Answer No identified projects exist to date. If you have specific concerns on specific segments in regard to safety performance, please contact CDOT Customer Service at 719-562-5568. Question Do we have a maintenance schedule for Park Co. and 285? What improvements are scheduled for 285? Answer There are maintenance barns located near 285 at multiple locations. Localized concerns can be communicated through the CDOT customer service line at 719-562-5568. Near term Region 2 projects can be found here: cfr-rtp_public-review-draft_052120.pdf (codot.gov) <https://www.codot.gov/programs/yourtransportationpriorities/assets/regional-transportation-plans/cfr-rtp_public-review-draft_052120.pdf> This map does not show asset management projects such as pavement markings, roadway overlays, sign replacement, etc. There is an overlay planned in 2025, possibly 2026, from Bailey to Pine Junction. Question Can we get a pedestrian bridge in downtown Bailey? Answer This effort is not identified within current planned projects or long range plans. Question Why isn’t the 7% downgrade (currently permitted) prohibited for 80,000 GVW vehicles? Why are “jake brakes” not restricted south of crow hill? Answer All State Highway are considered truck routes; prohibiting certain classes of vehicles is not permitted. Prohibiting Jake Brakes must be requested through Colorado State Patrol as they perform enforcement. Question Are there any assurances from C.S.P or Park County so that the new proposed 35 mph speed limit will be enforced? Especially on large and heavy commercial truck rigs? Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question The Bailey curve project looks to prevent vehicles from going into the river. Does not appear to help prevent accidents. Answer Comment received. Question Can you please extend the entrance ramp from 43 to US285 at the bridge? Currently, nonexistent Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question When you place the barriers at the bottom of crow hill, will that be closed down? If so, for how long? Answer The project has developed pay items based on closing the center of US 285 to construct the barrier and then closing a single lane for NB US 285 for the guardrail construction. Based on estimated production rates, this took 45 working days or a little more than two months. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times on US285. Question What’s the timeline for when our project will be completed? Answer We are hopeful to have a contractor on board in early May 2023, with construction starting soon thereafter and wrapping up in the Fall. Question What kind of signage? Not a fan of huge signs destroying ambiance & views. -G Answer Project information, including plan sheets, can be viewed at: https://www.codot.gov/projects/studies/us285-bailey-crow-hill-study <https://www.codot.gov/projects/studies/us285-bailey-crow-hill-study> There is also the ability to email project team leads with questions, recommendations, or other needed information. Question Is there a website where we can stay up-to-date on 285 plans? Answer https://www.codot.gov/projects/studies/us285-bailey-crow-hill-study <https://www.codot.gov/projects/studies/us285-bailey-crow-hill-study> Question We need a chain-up station on 285 just after 470. Too many semis slide out going up the canyon Answer Thank you for the comment, it is under consideration. Question Median concrete barrier vs Riverside??? Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question Could a “smart” light be installed at Hwy 285 & CtRd 43? Answer By smart light, the assumption is a light that detects traffic and immediately cycles to serve demand. The accident pattern at this location is rear end crashes, and operating the signal in this fashion would increase the number of rear-end crashes and degrade the safety of the intersection. CDOT asks for your patience in waiting at the light, the wait time will not exceed two and a half minutes. Question The mileage going north[?] on 285 from the top of the hill to 40 mph is 1.7 miles. Why 40 mph?? Answer Currently, CDOT sets speed limits following Federal Guidelines and posts speed limits for this type of corridor using the 85th percentile speed, meaning the posted speed limit is set for the speed at which 85 percent of drivers are traveling. Question When are you going to pave up Schaggers crossing & richmond hill, expand shoulder work. Answer Shaffers Crossing construction is looking to be constructed in 2028; the project is on a possible extra funding list in the event of excess funding, or new funding becomes available. Question Emphasis must be put on safety as being mostly the responsibility of drivers. Obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and paying attention to the road and other drivers. Safety starts with personal responsibility. Answer Comment received. Question Re: Senior Transportation. Many rural counties cannot afford a 50/50 split for funding transit options. Is there any plan for helping these counties with additional funding for rural counties? Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question What plans are there for maintenance on Hwy 285–no shoulders, boulders nearly on road. Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question My question is, if there is a cable barrier put up in the median in downtown Bailey what will keep the cars & trucks from bouncing off and coming into my store? I am only 20 feet away from 285. We also need a left hand turn lane northbound 285 & main st. Answer Answered in other Q & A’s Question Whatever is decided for the intersection of U.S. 285 and Park County Road 43, please ensure it allows for efficient movement in the case of an evacuation. Answer Comment received Thank you all again for attending our town hall! We greatly appreciate your engagement and great questions. Please feel free to reach out to our office with any additional questions or concerns. Sincerely, Taylor Furrh (she/her) Legislative Aide Office of Speaker Julie McCluskie House District 13 Office Number: 303-866-2952
