Upload
trandung
View
217
Download
2
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Public Involvement Summary Report
1
MPD Project No. 09‐11
I‐10 Phoenix to California Border Multimodal Corridor Profile Study
December 2012
Prepared by
Arizona Department of Transportation
206 S. 17th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
In cooperation with
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Public Involvement Summary Report
2
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Contents
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.0 Public Outreach ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Information E‐Newsletters ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Press Release ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Newspaper Display Notices..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Public Open House Meeting ................................................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Website ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.0 Public Comments ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Comments Received ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Public Involvement Summary Report
3
MPD Project No. 09‐11
1.0 Introduction
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is conducting a long‐range planning study for Interstate 10 called the
I‐10 Multimodal Corridor Profile Study. The study area extends from downtown Phoenix (Central Avenue) to the
Arizona/California border. The intent of the study is to take a comprehensive look at the transportation needs for the I‐
10 Corridor and consider a range of mobility options, including personal and commercial vehicles, rail and public transit,
and air service.
A public meeting was held on November 8, 2012 with the comment period from November 8 – November 22, 2012. The
following public meeting summary includes the information and presentations provided during the meeting, as well as a
summation of comments received from participants and responses from the study team.
2.0 Public Outreach
2.1 Information E‐Newsletters
The study team prepared and distributed an informational e‐newsletter introducing the study and inviting the public to
attend the open house meeting on November 8, 2012. The newsletter was e‐mailed on October 18, 2012, to the
748 addresses contained in the study e‐mail list. A copy of the informational e‐newsletter is attached (Appendix A).
2.2 Press Release
A press release announcing the November 8, 2012, public meeting was developed and sent on November 2 to area
television and radio stations, and newspapers. A copy of the press release is attached (Appendix B).
2.3 Newspaper Display Notices
Newspaper display notices announcing the public open house meeting were published in the Parker Pioneer and
Quartzsite Times newspapers on October 31, 2012. The newspaper display notices are attached (Appendix C).
2.4 Public Open House Meeting
One open house meeting was held on Thursday, November 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Quartzsite Town Hall in Quartzsite,
Public Involvement Summary Report
4
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Arizona. The meeting included display boards showing the identified needs and deficiencies and projects programmed
for construction. A copy of the display boards is attached (Appendix D).
The purpose of the meeting was to present information on the study and provide an opportunity for the public to ask
questions and submit comments. Eleven members of the general public attended the public open house meeting. In
addition, Quartzsite Mayor Foster and Councilperson Workman also were in attendance.
2.5 Website
The study website was developed and the web address was published on all informational materials.
Open house meeting information and project details were provided on the website at
www.azdot.gov/I10corridorstudy.com.
3.0 Public Comments
Comment forms were distributed to meeting attendees at the public open house meeting. Meeting attendees were
encouraged to complete and submit comments to the study team by November 22, 2012. A total of four comment
forms were returned at the public open house. One comment form was e‐mailed to the study team within the 30‐day
comment period. A copy of the comment form is attached (Appendix E).
3.1 Comments Received
Of the comments received, the I‐10 area projects listed that the public felt were most important included, (followed by
the number of people who marked this on his or her comment sheet):
Possible I‐10 Projects in La Paz County Number of Respondents
Interchange Improvements, West Quartzsite Road 4
Bridge Rehabilitation, West Quartzsite Traffic Interchange Underpass 3
La Paz County Regional Bus Service 2
Freight Improvements, Arizona and California Rail Spur to Quartzsite 2
New Airport and Air Cargo Facilities, Quartzsite Airport 2
Quartzsite Local Transit Circulator 2
Interchange Improvements, Dome Rock Road 1
Interchange Improvements, Riggles Avenue 1
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes, California Border to Maricopa County Border 1
Public Involvement Summary Report
5
MPD Project No. 09‐11
The public submitted additional comments on the comment sheets regarding I‐10 roadway improvements. These
comments and associated ADOT responses are as follows.
I‐10 Roadway Issues in La Paz County
Public Question/Comment Response
The off ramp at Milepost 17 needs to be improved.
In the winter, this ramp has a backup of traffic that
is severe. The four‐way stop light on the north side
of Exit 17 is useless since no one stops there for
people exiting the Burger King.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
Expand Exit 17 ramps and overpass to match Exit
19 because the Exit 17 ramps are too small for the
amount of truckers and increased traffic during the
winter. The improvements should also include
installing traffic lights at both ends of the Exit 17
overpass to regulate traffic. Traffic light5s on the
north side at Exit 19 should also be installed.
Ramp improvements on I‐10 are needed.
Exit 17 is a congested area in the summer and
much worse in the winter. A wider interstate might
save more lives.
The study team should consider creating a
Quartzsite bypass on I‐10 from Exit 19 to north
Highway 95 off Riggles Road.
The speed limit should be reduced on I‐10
westbound from Highway 60 to Gold Nugget Road.
The study team should consider widening Exit 17.
The adjacent overpass should be reinforced and a
vehicle safety passing lane and a pedestrian
walkway should be added.
The study team should consider improving I‐10 so
that it is three lanes in each direction from the
California border to Phoenix. Truckers should be
restricted to using the right lane only and not
taking up space in the center or left hand lanes.
There could be a “fast” lane designated for
hospital emergencies.
Public Involvement Summary Report
6
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Public Transit
Public Question/Comment Response
A public commuter airline service at the Quartzsite
Airport for business and pleasure would be
appreciated. Creating this service would be better
for traffic congestion than additional bus routes
through the area. This could also increase tourist
travel to our area.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
There should be bus routes between Phoenix and
Quartzsite, Quartzsite to Yuma, and Los Angeles to
Quartzsite.
Economic Development
Public Question/Comment Response
There are a number of companies who would love
to relocate to Quartzsite but are restricted because
it takes too long for equipment or parts to be
shipped here. Improving I‐10 in this area would
certainly help Arizona commerce. I have worked
for years with the Town of Quartzsite and the
Chamber of Commerce and many times have
talked to corporations, who like the peaceful
Quartzsite environment and fresh air.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
Quartzsite’s potential is great. The sun shines here
most of the time and there is abundant fresh air
and water.
General Comments
Public Question/Comment Response
Something that can limit traffic on Interstate 10 would be to advise outsiders not to drive into or out of Phoenix during rush hour.
Your comment is noted in the study record. Please abandon planning and use of coarse rock for drainage areas. It is a safety issue.
More people have been retiring to this area lately. The available fresh produce and other good foods are cheaper here than in nearby towns.
General Comments (continued)
Public Involvement Summary Report
7
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Public Question/Comment Response
Quartzsite needs to have an emergency hospital
that is open all hours during the week and should
always have doctors available. If this were the
case, there might be less deaths caused from
vehicular accidents on I‐10. People in critical
condition could be flown from here in any direction
to advanced trauma centers.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
Keep up the good work. Freeway planning for
Quartzsite’s anticipated growth is wise.
After the PowerPoint presentation at the public open house, the meeting attendees had various comments and asked
the study team numerous questions. These comments, questions, and associated ADOT responses are as follows.
I‐10 Roadway Issues in La Paz County
Public Question/Comment Response
ADOT needs to put a sign to warn motorists when
approaching “blood alley” (the speaker said that
this is an area on I‐10 that is located west of Exit
31). There is a major issue there with vehicles
losing control and rolling.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
If ADOT would put a closed sign on I‐10 at Exit 81,
this would limit the I‐10 traffic.
When there is an accident at the West Quartzsite
interchange (exit 17), it creates a difficult situation
for drivers to navigate the area. Something needs
to be done to address this situation right away.
On I‐10, the traffic that uses Exit 17 does not flow
well, and the problem gets even worse in January.
Can ADOT construct a traffic signal at the
intersection of Riggles Avenue and the Exit 19 off
ramp? This needs to be done as soon as possible.
Public Involvement Summary Report
8
MPD Project No. 09‐11
I‐10 Roadway Issues in La Paz County (continued)
Public Question/Comment Response
I have been on the overpass at Exit 17 when trucks
are passing. There seems to be too much vibration
and it seems to be that this overpass is not sound
for this heavier truck traffic. Has ADOT tested this
to ensure its durability?
The Quartzsite Avenue overpass was tested prior
to use by the public and adheres to current ADOT
standards.
When exiting I‐10 on Exit 17, the turn heading
toward the Love’s Travel Stop is too tight for
trucks. If Love’s Travel Stop makes other
improvements to their business, will they be
responsible for roadway improvements due to
increased truck traffic?
In the case where a business makes a physical
improvement to their facility, which has a direct
impact on traffic congestion levels on a public
roadway, the business owner could be responsible
for making additional public roadway
improvements to address the added traffic
demand.
Other Roadway Issues in La Paz County
Public Question/Comment Response
Thank you for installing a traffic signal at the
intersection of highways 72 and 95 (21 miles north
of Quartzsite). I believe that we need another
traffic signal at Tyson Street and Highway 95 in
Quartzsite near the Quartzsite Fire and Rescue
station.
Your comment is noted in the study record. There is a major issue on Main Street where there
is a four‐way stop sign near the Burger King and
Carl’s Junior. I was almost run over at this
intersection since no one adheres to the stop signs.
The extended semi‐truck trailers also contribute to
the issue at this intersection.
Highway 95 has two deep dips in the roadway near
the Quartzsite Fire and Rescue station. I would like
something to be done to make this section of the
roadway smoother.
Public Involvement Summary Report
9
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Proposed Quartzsite Roundabout
Public Question/Comment Response
The businesses located at the west end of
Quartzsite must be allowed to provide input in the
proposed roundabout decision.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
I am curious how many of the study team
members here tonight have a commercial driver’s
license? I am concerned about the proposed
roundabout and if the study team knows how
difficult it is for larger trucks to drive through
them. I have viewed the study website, which
shows that there is funding, but no schematic
details are shown.
The roundabout has not been designed at this
time.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
When and where were the meetings held to
discuss the proposed roundabout? Which local
officials were there?
The meeting held was an initial project team
meeting, a public meeting to discuss the
roundabout will be held when the project is
further along in design.
Are there any other alternatives besides the
proposed roundabout? I am wondering how this
proposed facility can route traffic adequately,
especially with the increased area traffic in
January.
Modern roundabouts have been used throughout
Arizona and the local conditions and traffic will be
considered in the design of any improvements.
Earlier, a member of the study team mentioned
that the proposed roundabout has local support.
What is meant by this?
ADOT does not construct roundabouts without the
local jurisdictions’ support. The Town of Quartzsite
Council has indicated it is supportive of the
appropriate design, including a modern
roundabout.
It was mentioned that ADOT has a video that
provides more information about roundabouts.
Can I access this from my personal computer? If so,
what is the website address?
Information and videos regarding ADOT’s modern
roundabout can be accessed from the following
website:
http://www.azdot.gov/ccpartnerships/Roundabou
ts/index.asp.
Public Involvement Summary Report
10
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Community Involvement
Public Question/Comment Response
Many times the Quartzsite general public does not
feel that they are getting information about public
projects. Some individuals are looking at creating a
town newsletter to remedy the situation.
Your comment is noted in the study record.
The businesses located at the west end of
Quartzsite are very important to the town. Their
concerns and ideas must be considered. It seems
that in the past, ADOT hasn’t asked these business
owners for their opinions and some roadway
changes have been detrimental to them.
Are the major businesses involved with ADOT’s
plans for traffic rerouting? I am curious as to their
level of involvement. How much input do they
have into this study versus ADOT constructing a
safer roadway?
The PowerPoint presentation shows that six other
ADOT studies have been done recently in La Paz
County [Town of Quartzsite General Plan (2003),
Arizona Multimodal Freight Analysis Study (2007),
Arizona Rural Transit Needs Study (2008), La Paz
Transportation Planning Study (ADOT 2010), ADOT
Statewide Transportation Planning Framework
(2010), Statewide Transportation System Needs
Assessment (2011)]. How many public meetings
for these other studies were held in Quartzsite?
(The meeting participant was informed that the La
Paz Transportation Planning Study held a meeting
at the Town of Quartzsite.)
I‐10 Bypass
Public Question/Comment Response
Is ADOT considering constructing a proposed
Interstate 10 bypass around Quartzsite?
No such project is being considered at this time. ADOT once proposed an Interstate 10 bypass,
which I believe would connect with I‐10 at exit 19,
and would be constructed near the fire station.
What is the status of this?
Public Involvement Summary Report
11
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Traffic Counts
Public Question/Comment Response
When did the study team record the traffic counts?
The traffic flow on Interstate 10 in this area is
much different depending on the time of year. For
example, traffic is much heavier in January than
in July.
Traffic counts are reported as annual average daily
traffic (AADT). AADT can be thought of as the
average of a continuous, 365‐day count. Traffic
counts are reported in Working Paper #1.
What year were the traffic counts on Interstate 10
in this area done? If they were done two years ago,
the results could be much different than the
current conditions due to a change in population
figures. The study recommendations may need to
be changed if the traffic counts are not relevant to
the current population.
The traffic counts reported were from 2009,
although the study also forecast short‐ and long‐
term future traffic volumes.
General Comments
Public Question/Comment Response
A month ago, I was driving on Interstate 10 west
towards Yuma and I noticed an ADOT project that
using coarse rock for drainage. Is this the only
method being used?
There are various methods used to channel
drainage, and reasons for their application. The
issue referenced will be looked at by the ADOT
Yuma District.
Can truck stops be expanded to alleviate issues
with local traffic congestion? Are the truck stops
responsible for any roadway improvements that
may be needed due to higher truck volume caused
by their businesses?
In the case where a business makes a physical
improvement to their facility, which has a direct
impact on traffic congestion levels on a public
roadway, the business owner could be responsible
for making additional public roadway
improvements to address the added traffic
demand.
Public Involvement Summary Report
12
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix A: Informational E‐Newsletter
Public Involvement Summary Report
13
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix A: Informational E‐Newsletter
8
Public Involvement Summary Report
14
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix B: Press Release
9
Public Involvement Summary Report
15
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix C: Newspaper Display Notice
10
Public Involvement Summary Report
16
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix D: Display Boards
11
Public Involvement Summary Report
17
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix D: Display Boards
12
Public Involvement Summary Report
18
MPD Project No. 09‐11
Appendix E: Comment Sheet
13