AGENDA DATE: 5/15/2024
TITLE:
Title
Route 250 Pantops Corridor Improvements Project
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consideration of Concurrence with Virginia Department of Transportation Plans Regarding Proposed Pedestrian Improvements along the Route 250 Pantops Corridor
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Filardo, Barnes, McDermott
PRESENTER (S): Kevin McDermott
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In Round 4 of Smart Scale, Albemarle County applied for pedestrian, turn lane, and access management improvements to the US 250 corridor between Route 20 (Stony Point Road) and Rolkin Road. Albemarle County committed $2 million in local match to the project. The application was successful, and the project was awarded approximately $6 million through Smart Scale. The project is being administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
The US 250 East Corridor Improvements Project is now moving into more detailed design, and VDOT has shared a memo (Attachment A) describing proposed bicycle and pedestrian accommodations for the project. VDOT requests County concurrence with the proposed accommodations.
This Project will be making significant improvements to pedestrian accessibility in the Corridor including upgrading 29 curb ramps to bring them to current ADA/PROWAG standards. Of note in the memo, VDOT has identified nine existing curb ramps or commercial entrances along US 250 that likely met ADA standards when initially installed, but do not meet current ADA/PROWAG standards. It would require additional right-of-way to make any improvements to bring them fully up to the current standard. VDOT is proposing no changes to those nine curb ramps with this project.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: All other bicycle and pedestrian improvements described in Attachment A are consistent with the project as described in the Smart Scale funding request, which received a resolution of support from the Board of Supervisors at the time of final application. The cost of right-of-way acquisition needed to bring the nine curb ramps up to current standards was not included in the Smart Scale application, it is not within the project scope or budget. Given the overall consistency with the project application and significant improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities and accessibility, County staff supports VDOT’s plan for the proposed pedestrian improvements and not adding those unfunded improvements to pedestrian facilities to the scope of the project, as described in Attachment A.
It should be noted that four of the nine curb ramps not being upgraded are part of a site plan currently in review, which would be required to be upgraded through the site plan process. Additionally, staff has reviewed all nine of the locations that do not meet the current standards to confirm that they do include ramps and a detectable warning surface that provides access to the sidewalks.
BUDGET IMPACT: No budget impact is associated with this item. The project has already been awarded funding and the $2 million local match does not change regardless of whether Albemarle County concurs with VDOT’s plans. However, without concurrence, the project budget will be impacted, which may result in reductions for other areas of the project to ensure the project can move forward.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board authorize the County Executive to sign the attached VDOT memo (Attachment A) providing concurrence with the proposal on behalf of the County.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - US 250 Corridor Improvements - Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations Memorandum