Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Executive Summary May 2012 Prepared for the: Arizona Department of Transportation Prepared by: Jacobs 101 N. 1ST Ave. Suite 3100 Phoenix, AZ 85003 P: 602.253.1200 F: 602.253.1202 www.jacobs.com ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS City of Apache Junction Council Members Mayor John S. Insalaco Robin Barker Doug Coleman Rick Dietz Jeff Serdy Clark Smithson Chip Wilson Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Charla Glendening, Project Manager, ADOT Multimodal Planning Division Giao Pham, P.E, City Engineer/Interim Director, Public Works, City of Apache Junction Steve Filipowicz, Director Economic Development, City of Apache Junction Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent, City of Apache Junction Brett Jackson , Police Lieutenant, Apache Junction Police Department Dan Campbell, Fire Chief, Apache Junction Fire District Dave Montgomery, Chief Fire Marshall, Apache Junction Chad Wilson, Superintendent, Apache Junction Unified School District Bill Leister, Transportation Director, Central Arizona Association of Governments Michelle Green, Project Manager, Arizona State Land Department Doug Hansen, Planning Section Chief, Pinal County Greg Stanley, P.E., Director / County Engineer, Pinal County Alan Sanderson, Deputy Transportation Director, City of Mesa Ken Hall, AICP, Senior Planner, City of Mesa Tim Oliver, Systems Planning Manager, Maricopa County Department of Transportation Felicia Terry, Regional Planning Director, Maricopa County Flood Control District Pat Brenner, Community Relations Manager, City of Apache Junction Angelita Bulletts, District Manager, Bureau of Land Management - Phoenix District Troy White, Director / Public Works, Town of Queen Creek Tim Wolfe, District Engineer / Maintenance, Phoenix Maintenance District Rob Samour District Engineer / Construction, State Engineer Office Thor Anderson, Manager, ADOT Environmental Planning Group Julian Avila, Community Relations , ADOT Communication and Community Partnerships Sam Chavez, Transit, ADOT Multimodal Planning Division Marsha Miller, Public Involvement Consultant, KDA Creative TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Purpose of the Study................................................................................................................. 1 Study Process ............................................................................................................................ 3 Transportation Issues................................................................................................................ 4 Multimodal Transportation Plan............................................................................................... 4 Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) Transportation Recommendations .................. 4 Mid-Term (Population Level 2 – 75K) Transportation Recommendations .................... 4 Long-Term (Population Level 3 – 130K) Transportation Recommendations................. 4 Regional Roadway Improvements ............................................................................... 13 Portalis Area Roadway Improvements ......................................................................... 13 Transit Recommendations ........................................................................................... 14 Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trails Facilities ....................................................................... 15 Functional Classification ............................................................................................... 24 Build-Out Roadway Network Recommendations ........................................................ 24 Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 24 Implementation Actions ............................................................................................... 24 LIST OF TABLES Page 1: Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) Improvements .............................................................. 6 2: Mid-Term (Population Level 2 – 75K) Improvements ................................................................ 9 3: Long-Term (Population Level 3 – 130K) Improvements ........................................................... 11 4: Regional Improvements ............................................................................................................ 13 5: Funding Sources ........................................................................................................................ 28 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study i LIST OF FIGURES Page 1: Study Area and Project Influence Area ...................................................................................... 2 2: Study Process .............................................................................................................................. 3 3: Transportation Issues.................................................................................................................. 5 4: Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) Improvements .............................................................. 8 5: Mid-Term (Population Level 2 – 75K) Improvements .............................................................. 10 6: Long-Term (Population Level 3 – 130K) Improvements ........................................................... 12 7: Service Concept for Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) .................................................... 16 8: Core Area Circulator Detail for Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) ................................... 17 9: Service Concept for Mid-Term (Population Level 2 – 75K)....................................................... 18 10: Service Concept for Long-Term (Population Level 3 – 130K) ................................................. 19 11: Proposed Pedestrian Facilities ................................................................................................ 20 12: Proposed Bicycle Facilities ...................................................................................................... 21 13: Proposed Equestrian Facilities ................................................................................................ 22 14: Proposed Multimodal Facilities .............................................................................................. 23 15: Recommended Roadway Functional Classification ................................................................ 26 16: Recommended Roadway Network for Build-Out Population Levels...................................... 27 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study was a joint effort by the City of Apache Junction and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to develop a long-range multimodal transportation plan to address the City’s most critical current and future transportation needs. The study was funded by Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) State Planning and Research Program and administered through ADOT’s Multimodal Planning Division. Significant growth anticipated in the Portalis area located in the southern portion of the City, could result in population growth, economic development, and increased traffic volumes. The principal focus of the transportation plan was to address the growing demands placed on the City’s local roads and streets by developments in study area, the Portalis area, and within the region. In addition, the plan examined public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian needs, and additional multimodal opportunities necessary to accommodate growth and development. The City of Apache Junction is located on the eastern edge of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The City is situated in the northwest portion of Pinal County and a small portion is located in eastern section of Maricopa County. Due to the City’s location, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and Central Arizona Association of Governments (CAAG) coordinate planning activities for Apache Junction. The study area is comprised of approximately 44 square miles and is bounded by Meridian Drive to the west, McKellips Road to the north, Elliot Road alignment to the south, and the Tonto National Forest on the east. Figure 1 shows the study area boundary along with the project influence area. The study area represents the Transportation Improvements Plan boundary limits while the project influence area represents a geographic area beyond the study boundary that directly affects the study area. The project influence area is needed to identify and accurately quantify the impact of traffic generated outside the study area within the City’s transportation system. Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 1 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 2 STUDY PROCESS The study was guided by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that included representatives from:        Maricopa County Department of City of Apache Junction Transportation (MCDOT) ADOT  Bureau of Land Management (BLM)  Town of Queen Creek  Maricopa County Flood Control District Pinal County CAAG City of Mesa Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) (MCFCD) The role of the TAC was to provide guidance, support, advice, suggestions, and recommendations, and to perform document reviews throughout the study process. The First Public Open House was conducted in March 2011 to present existing and projected transportation conditions and issues. The second round of public input involved extensive outreach through online social media and a presentation was given to the City Council of recommended transportation improvements. The study process is illustrated in Figure 2 FIGURE 2: STUDY PROCESS Forecast Future Conditions Obtain Stakeholder Input Identify Deficiencies Forecast Future Needs Present to Stakeholders and Public - Seek Input Identify and Analyze Solutions Recommend a Staged (Short, Mid, Long) Transportation Improvement Plan Technical Advisory Committee City of Apache Junction, ADOT Inventory Current Conditions For All Travel Models Present to Stakeholders and Public - Seek Input Final Implementation Plan Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 3 TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Based on an inventory and analysis of existing conditions, transportation system deficiencies and issues were identified. These issues and deficiencies formed the basis for the next phase of the study which is the development of the long range transportation plan. Figure 3 displays the current major transportation issues in the study area. MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) Transportation Recommendations Short-term phase projects are recommended to be completed as the study area reaches Population Level 1 (60K). Table 1 lists the transportation recommendations for this phase, as well as the project number*, location, description, and estimated costs for each project. Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the short-term transportation recommendations. Mid-Term (Population Level 2 – 75K) Transportation Recommendations Mid-term phase projects are recommended to be completed as the study area reaches Population Level 2 (75K). Table 2 lists the transportation recommendations for this phase, as well as the project number*, location, description, and estimated costs for each project. Figure 5 is a graphical representation of the mid-term transportation recommendations. Long-Term (Population Level 3 – 130K) Transportation Recommendations Long-term phase projects are recommended to be completed as the study area reaches Population Level 3 (130K). Table 3 lists the transportation recommendations for this phase, as well as the project number*, location, description, and estimated costs for each project. Figure 6 is a graphical representation of the long-term transportation recommendations. Estimated costs for each project are expressed in 2011 dollars and are general estimates. Actual costs for projects could vary at the time of implementation; therefore, a detailed analysis should be performed on a case-by-case basis to determine actual costs. * The Project Identification Number (eg: ST -1) does NOT represent the priority of the project; rather it is an identification number to track project progress in the future. Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 4 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 5 ID ST-1 Project Type Bridge TABLE 1: SHORT-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 1 – 60K) IMPROVEMENTS Issue Addressed Project Description Safety Bridge rehabilitation Cost $3,200,000 Agency ADOT Bridge Bridge Bridge Safety Safety Safety Bridge rehabilitation Bridge rehabilitation Bridge rehabilitation $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 ADOT ADOT ADOT Bridge Bridge Safety Safety Bridge rehabilitation Bridge rehabilitation $2,500,000 $2,500,000 ADOT ADOT Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion Widen to six lane roadway for 1 mile $2,500,000 MAG/Apache Junction Traffic congestion New traffic signal design $1,510,000 Apache Junction Traffic congestion New traffic signal construction $1,200,000 Apache Junction Traffic congestion Widen to four lane roadway for 1 mile $2,800,000 MAG/Apache Junction Included in MAG TIP Traffic congestion Widen to four lane roadway for 1 mile $2,800,000 MAG/Apache Junction Included in MAG TIP Traffic congestion Construct half diamond interchange $12,500,000 ADOT Traffic congestion and Central Arizona College expansion Flooding New traffic signal at intersection $1,200,000 Apache Junction $350,000 Apache Junction Included in ADOT STIP Included in Apache Junction TIP Safety: High crash location Review and enhance signage, lighting, and intersection striping Review and enhance signage, striping, lighting, and signal timing Review and enhance signage, lighting, and intersection striping Review and enhance signage, lighting, and intersection striping Conduct a corridor study for 2.5 miles of roadway to: 1)assess the need for a roundabout, traffic signal, or intersection reconstruction to offset sight distance issues at each intersection 2) identify proper signage type and location to direct tourist traffic accessing the historic Apache Trail $45,000 Apache Junction $45,000 Apache Junction $45,000 Apache Junction $45,000 Apache Junction $350,000 ADOT ST-8 Project Location Apache Trail: 1/4 mile west of Mountain View Road US 60/Meridian Drive US 60: 1/2 mile east of Idaho Road US 60: 1/2 mile east of Ironwood Drive US 60: 1/2 mile east of Meridian Drive US 60: 1/4 mile east of Tomahawk Road Baseline Avenue: Meridian Drive to Ironwood Drive Meridian Drive/Southern Avenue ST-9 Meridian Drive/Southern Avenue ST-10 Meridian Drive: Broadway Avenue to Southern Avenue ST-11 ST-12 Meridian Drive: Southern Avenue to Baseline Avenue US 60/Meridian Drive ST-13 Winchester Road/Old West Highway ST-14 ST-15 Broadway Avenue: 1/4 mile east of Idaho Road Apache Trail/Delaware Drive Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Flooding / Drainage Safety ST-16 Apache Trail/Idaho Road Safety Safety: High crash location ST-17 Apache Trail/Ironwood Drive Safety Safety: High crash location ST-18 Apache Trail/Phelps Drive Safety Safety: High crash location ST-19 Apache Trail: Old West Highway to Lost Dutchman Boulevard Safety Safety: Sight distance issues, high crash locations ST-2 ST-3 ST-4 ST-5 ST-6 ST-7 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Bridge/Culvert Comment Included in MAG TIP for 4 lane widening Included in Apache Junction TIP Page 6 TABLE 1: SHORT-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 1 – 60K) IMPROVEMENTS (CONTINUED) ID Project Location Project Type Issue Addressed Project Description Cost ST-20 Citywide Signage Improvements Safety Safety Signage improvement ST-21 Cortez Road/Broadway Avenue Safety Cortez Road/Junction Street Safety $25,000 Apache Junction ST-23 Goldfield Road/Broadway Avenue Safety $25,000 Apache Junction ST-24 Safety $25,000 Apache Junction ST-25 Goldfield Road/Superstition Boulevard Idaho Road/Superstition Boulevard $45,000 Apache Junction ST-26 Idaho Road/Tepee Street Safety Clear brush and other debris in the vicinity of the intersection to enhance sight distance Clear brush in the vicinity of the intersection to enhance sight distance Clear brush and other debris in the vicinity of the intersection to enhance sight distance Clear brush in the vicinity of the intersection to enhance sight distance Review and enhance signage, lighting, and intersection striping Review and enhance signage and intersection striping $25,000 ST-22 $45,000 Apache Junction ST-27 Ironwood Drive/Broadway Avenue Safety Safety: Sight distance issues Safety: Sight distance issues Safety: Sight distance issues Safety: Sight distance issues Safety: High crash location Safety: Lack of designated turn lanes Safety: High crash location. School zone CAAG/Apache Junction Apache Junction $55,000 Apache Junction ST-28 Ironwood Drive/Southern Avenue Safety $55,000 Apache Junction ST-29 Old West Highway/Royal Palm Road Safety Safety $55,000 Apache Junction ST-30 Tomahawk Road/Southern Avenue Safety Safety $55,000 Apache Junction ST-31 ST-32 Tomahawk Road/2nd Avenue Ironwood Drive: 16th Avenue to Broadway Avenue Ironwood Drive: Lost Dutchman Boulevard to Tepee Street Old West Highway: Apache Trail to US 60 Safety Safety Safety Safety $350,000 $1,486,790 Safety Safety Conduct intersection safety study to: 1) identify safety improvements in the vicinity of the intersection 2) assess the need for photo enforcement Conduct intersection safety study to: 1) identify safety improvements in the vicinity of the intersection 2) assess the need for photo enforcement Conduct traffic signal warrant study to assess the need for a traffic signal Conduct traffic signal warrant study to assess the need for a traffic signal Construct box culvert Resurfacing and reconstruction of roadway for 0.5 miles of roadway Reconstruction of roadway $374,220 Apache Junction CAAG/Apache Junction Apache Junction Safety Safety: Sight distance issues, high crash locations $350,000 Apache Junction Baseline Avenue/CAP Canal Bridge Functionally obsolete ST-33 ST-34 ST-36 Safety Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Safety: High crash location. School zone Conduct a corridor study for 3 miles of roadway to: 1)assess the need for a traffic signal or other intersection control type for each intersection to offset sight distance issues 2) identify proper signage type and location along the corridor Widen bridge over CAP canal to accommodate higher traffic volumes $285,390 Agency $2,500,000 Comment Included in CAAG TIP Included in CAAG & AJ TIP Included in Apache Junction TIP ADOT Page 7 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 8 TABLE 2: MID-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 2 – 75K) IMPROVEMENTS ID MT-1 Project Location Baseline Avenue: Ironwood Drive to 1/4 Mile East of Goldfield Road Project Type Capacity Improvement Issue Addressed Traffic congestion and future economic development Project Description Widen to a four lane roadway with a center turn lane for 3.25 miles Cost $9,250,000 Agency Apache Junction MT-2 Delaware Drive: 1/2 Mile North of Apache Trail Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion Widen from two lanes to a four lane roadway for 0.5 miles $1,600,000 Apache Junction MT-3 Delaware Drive: 1/2 Mile South of Apache Trail Southern Avenue: Meridian Drive to Mountain View Road Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion $1,600,000 Apache Junction Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion and alternative emergency route to US 60 Widen from two lanes to a four lane roadway for 0.5 miles Widen from two lanes to four lane roadway with a center turn lane for 3.25 miles $9,750,000 Apache Junction Winchester Road: Old West Highway to 16th Avenue 16th Avenue: West of Ironwood Drive Apache Trail: 1/4 mile east of Ironwood Drive Baseline Avenue: 1/2 mile east of Idaho Road Ironwood Drive/Foothill Street San Marcos Drive: 1/4 mile south of Broadway Avenue Old West Highway/Goldfield Road Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion $2,250,000 Apache Junction Flooding/Drainage Flooding Widen from two lanes to four lane roadway for 0.75 miles Flood warning system Flooding/Drainage Flooding Bridge/Culvert $350,000 Apache Junction Flooding/Drainage Flooding Bridge/Culvert $350,000 Apache Junction Flooding/Drainage Flooding/Drainage Flooding Flooding Culvert Bridge/Culvert $350,000 $350,000 Apache Junction Apache Junction Safety Reconstruct intersection $950,000 Apache Junction MT-12 Tomahawk Road/Superstition Boulevard Safety Safety: Sight distance issues and complex intersection design lead to driver confusion Safety: Sight distance issues $15,000 Apache Junction MT-13 Apache Trail: Meridian Drive to Phelps Drive Safety and economic development Safety and economic development: High crash corridor. Divided Highway causes signal timing coordination issues, excessive business access driveways Conduct an Urban Corridor Planning Study for 2 miles of roadway to develop specialized" 1) land development standards 2) infrastructure standards to accommodate walking, bicycling, transit, and driving. The study will identify specific improvements to enhance safety, promote economic development, and improve access to activity centers $190,000 Apache Junction MT-4 MT-5 MT-6 MT-7 MT-8 MT-9 MT-10 MT-11 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Convert intersection to 4-way stop sign controlled intersection Comment $350,000 Page 9 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 10 TABLE 3: LONG-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 3 – 130K) IMPROVEMENTS ID Project Location Project Type Issue Project Description Cost Agency LT-1 Goldfield Road: Old West Highway to Baseline Avenue Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion Widen from two lanes to a six lane roadway with a center turn lane for 0.75 miles $1,900,000 Apache Junction LT-2 Idaho Road/ SR 88: Apache Trail to Baseline Avenue Ironwood Drive: Apache Trail to Baseline Avenue Meridian Drive: Apache Trail to Baseline Avenue Tomahawk Road: Old West Highway to Baseline Avenue Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Capacity Improvement Traffic congestion Widen from four lanes to a six lane roadway with a center turn lane for 1.25 miles Widen from four lanes to a six lane roadway with a center turn lane for 2.5 miles Widen from four lanes to a six lane roadway with a center turn lane for 2.5 miles Widen from two lanes to a six lane roadway with a center turn lane for 1.5 miles $5,600,000 Apache Junction $6,250,000 Apache Junction $6250,000 Apache Junction $4,500,000 Apache Junction Cortez Road: 1/2 mile south of Lost Dutchman Boulevard Junction Street: 1/4 mile east of Tomahawk Road Junction Street: West of Tomahawk Road Lost Dutchman Boulevard/Wickiup Road Lost Dutchman Boulevard: West of Goldfield Road Mountain View Road/Junction Street Mountain View Road: 1/4 mile north of US 60 Tomahawk Road: 1/4 mile south of Lost Dutchman Boulevard Flooding/Drainage Flooding Bridge/Culvert $350,000 Flooding/Drainage Flooding Bridge/Culvert $350,000 Apache Junction Flooding/Drainage Flooding/Drainage Flooding/Drainage Flooding Flooding Flooding Bridge/Culvert Culvert Bridge/Culvert $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 Apache Junction Apache Junction Apache Junction Flooding/Drainage Flooding/Drainage Flooding Flooding Culvert Culvert $350,000 $350,000 Apache Junction Apache Junction Flooding/Drainage Flooding Culvert $350,000 Apache Junction LT-3 LT-4 LT-5 LT-6 LT-7 LT-8 LT-9 LT-10 LT-11 LT-12 LT-13 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Traffic congestion Traffic congestion Traffic congestion Comment Page 11 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 12 Regional Roadway Improvements The transportation improvements recommended above are based on the implementation of additional regional improvements as outlined in Table 4. TABLE 4: REGIONAL IMPROVEMENTS Project Location Regional Improvements Project Description Meridian Drive: Southern Study Boundary Limits to SR 24 Alignment Idaho Road: Elliott Avenue to Warner Road Goldfield Road: Elliott Avenue to Warner Road Meridian Drive: Southern Study Boundary Limits to SR 24 Alignment Warner Road: Meridian Drive to Elliott Avenue Phase Widen to a four lane roadway Mid New 0.75 mile, four lane roadway Long New 1 mile, four lane roadway Long Widen to a six lane roadway Long New four lane roadway Long Portalis Area Roadway Improvements As the Portalis area is developed in the future, several new roadways are needed to meet the traffic demand. The new roadways required in the Portalis area for the short, mid, and long term phases are illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6. Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 13 Transit Recommendations The Apache Junction Transit Feasibility Study Update, conducted in conjunction with this study, outlines specific transit recommendations for the study area. Short-Term (Population Level 1 – 60K) Transit Recommendations  Implement a local circulator serving the areas of the City that have the highest combined residential and employment density, together with regional commuter services connecting the Study Area with Valley Metro and, hence, with the remainder of the Phoenix metropolitan area.  Establish a Core Area Circulator that would both serve the “core” area of the City having the highest existing residential and employment density and would also serve as the “core” of the local transit system. Figure 7 presents an overview of the service concept including alternate routes for the regional service, including park-and-ride lots, color-coded to the routing of the regional service that would make use of them. Figure 8 illustrates the potential Core Area Circulator route. Mid-Term (Population Level 2 – 75K) Transit Recommendations  Add three additional routes to the local circulator and establish a transit hub near the Chamber of Commerce. Figure 9 presents an overview of the recommended transit system for the mid-term phase as the study area reaches Population Level 2 (75K). The three additional routes include: o Route 2 - Idaho Road/Baseline Avenue Route o Route 3 – Ironwood Drive: o Route 4 – Meridian Drive: Long-Term (Population Level 3 – 130K) Transit Recommendations  Add additional connection to the East Valley Connector  Restructuring Route 4- Meridian Drive to include service to Baseline Avenue  Add two additional routes to the local transit system o Route 5 – Idaho Road/Southern Avenue: o Route 6 – Tomahawk Road: Figure 10 presents an overview of the recommended transit system for the long-term phase as the study area reaches Population Level 3 (130K). Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 14 Regional Options  Extending service to newer areas, including but not limited to: o Deviated fixed route service or dial-a-ride service can be extended east on US 60 toward Gold Canyon o Peak period only “commuter bus” service can be extended to outlying areas while the core of the city receives service throughout the day o Park-and-ride lots at the extents of fixed-route or high-capacity lines, can be complemented by dial-a-ride service into the newer neighborhoods to bring mobility-limited persons within reach of the other services  Provide rural transit services from the downtown Transit Hub to communities east of Apache Junction, communities in eastern Pinal County, and new developments in the Superstition Vistas area.  Market park and ride facilities located either downtown or on Idaho Road to motorists and carpools to utilize public transit to Mesa, Tempe, or Phoenix. Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trails Facilities The City of Apache Junction has already prepared preliminary plans to expand the pedestrian, bicycle, and trails (including equestrian) facilities throughout the study area and are illustrated in Figure 11 through 14. Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 15 FIGURE 7: SERVICE CONCEPT FOR SHORT-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 1 – 60K) Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 16 FIGURE 8: CORE AREA CIRCULATOR DETAIL FOR SHORT-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 1 - 60K) Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 17 FIGURE 9: SERVICE CONCEPT FOR MID-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 2 – 75K) Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 18 FIGURE 10: SERVICE CONCEPT FOR LONG-TERM (POPULATION LEVEL 3 – 130K) Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 19 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 20 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 21 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 22 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 23 Functional Classification Figure 15 illustrates the recommended functional classification of the roadways in the study area. The City of Apache Junction should first coordinate with CAAG to prepare the appropriate applications to reclassify the roadways. Applications must be submitted to ADOT through CAAG. Final roadway classification will be forwarded to the FHWA for final approval. Build-Out Roadway Network Recommendations The Countywide TransCAD travel demand model was used to forecast traffic volumes for the build-out population scenario to subsequently develop the build-out roadway network. Figure 16 illustrates the proposed build-out roadway network for the study area. Funding Sources The successful implementation of the Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Plan is contingent upon the availability of funding for design and construction of the improvement projects. Primary funding sources for the Town include federal programs, ADOT, and other regional government agencies such as CAAG. Table 5 is a comprehensive funding matrix of funding sources that the City of Apache Junction can apply for funding of transportation projects identified in this study. Implementation Actions The following action items are recommended for the City of Apache Junction to successfully implement the Multimodal Transportation Plan.  Present the Transportation Plan to the City Council for approval and adoption.  Coordinate with CAAG and ADOT to request change in functional classification of roadways identified in Figure 15      Apply for funding sources for each project in the transportation plan. Include high-priority projects in the City's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Establish a transit department. Coordinate with ADOT to initiate a Transit Implementation Plan. Develop policies and procedures to promote alternative modes of transportation. Review and update street design standards, develop comprehensive access management standards, and detailed traffic impact guidelines procedures.  Promote alternative modes of transportation through improved developer collaboration.  Create aesthetically appealing gateways into the City at key roadway entry points. Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 24  Increase communication, cooperation, and collaboration with ADOT, CAAG, the City Council, neighboring jurisdictions including the City of Mesa, MAG, Town of Queen Creek, and Pinal County. Work in partnership with each agency to address transportation needs and implement the plan.  Offer opportunities for public involvement throughout the plan implementation process.  Promote Public-Private partnerships between the City and the private sector.  Monitor progress on the transportation plan on a quarterly basis.  Update the transportation plan on a five year cycle. Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 25 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 26 Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Page 27 TABLE 5: FUNDING SOURCES Program Description Requirements Surface Transportation Program (STP) Federal funds, managed by FHWA and ADOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Federal funds, managed by FHWA and ADOT Transportation Enhancement Funds provide funding for bicycle, pedestrian, historic and beautification projects. Funds projects that address the link between land use, community quality of life, and transportation. - Located on Federal-aid highway - Bridge project on any public road - Transit capital products - Intracity/intercity bus terminals and facilities. Project must be used on safety improvement projects to reduce number and/or severity of highway related crashes Must be surface transportation- related Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program (TCSP) Transit Funds – Section 5310, 5311, 5313 Provides funding for local transit. Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316) Grants (JARC) Provides financing for projects that providing access to jobs, promoting use of transit and transit vouchers for welfare recipients and eligible low income individuals, and promoting use of employer provided transportation. Grants provide competitive grants for improved public transportation services and alternatives for people with disabilities beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 Focused on enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bicycle to school New Freedom Program (Section 5317) Grants Safe Routes to School Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Favors projects that partner with private sector interests State must use between 10-30 percent of the funds for non-infrastructure related activities Eligible Uses Source Application General transportation, environmental, and transit projects Federal Programmed by ADOT and local MPO or COG Safety improvement projects Federal - Bicycle projects - Pedestrian projects - Historic & beautification projects. -Improve the efficiency of the transportation system - Reduce environmental impacts of transportation - Reduce the need for costly future public infrastructure investments - Ensure efficient access to jobs, services and centers of trade - Examine development patterns and identify strategies to encourage compatible private sector development patterns. - 5310 program funds transit programs for elderly and disabled - 5311 program funds local transit systems in nonurbanized areas - 5313 program funds state planning and research programs Capital planning and operating expenses for projects that transport low income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to employment, and for reverse commute projects. Federal The Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) analyzes highway safety data Applications considered yearly through MPO and COG Capital and operating expenses for new public transportation services and new public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), that are designed to assist individuals with disabilities. - Projects can include sidewalk, traffic - Calming and speed reduction - Improvements, pedestrian and bicycle - Crossing improvements, traffic diversion improvements near schools. Federal Jurisdictions are eligible recipients of these grant funds, and there is no maximum on the dollar amount of the award. Federal Applications for funds are generally made available in January through ADOT Federal - Applications for funds are generally made available through MPO and ADOT, depending upon the size of the urban population. Federal Applications for funds are generally made available through MPO and ADOT, depending upon the size of the urban population. Federal Programmed through ADOT Page 28 TABLE 5: FUNDING SOURCES (CONTINUED) Description Requirements Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program Funding for States to improve the condition of their highway bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and systematic preventive maintenance Preventative maintenance on Federal-aid and non-Federal-aid highway systems Preventative maintenance on Federal-aid and nonFederal-aid highway systems Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Finances State and local government highway safety projects. Cannot be used for the construction, design, or maintenance of highways or for highway construction research projects. Inventories, need studies, engineering studies, systems development, program implementation, or for purchasing equipment State State and Community Highway Safety Grants Funds to assist jurisdictions in the development and implementation of highway safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes, deaths, injuries and property damage. Federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Managed by Federal Office of Housing and Urban Development Located in a census tract or block group with at least 51% of population in low to the moderate income group - Alcohol countermeasures - Occupant protection - Police traffic services (e.g. enforcement) - Emergency medical services - Traffic records - Motorcycle safety - Pedestrian and bicycle safety (jointly administered by FHWA and NHTSA) - Non-construction aspects of roadway safety (administered by FHWA) - Speed control (jointly administered by NHTSA and FHWA) Sidewalk improvements and possible roadway projects National Highway System Must be located on the National Highway System A wide variety of transportation improvement projects Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) Funding for construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and safety improvements on the National Highway System Funds transportation projects that reduce emissions in nonattainment and maintenance areas. Located in nonattainment or maintenance areas A wide range of transportation and transit programs Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) Provide funds to develop and maintain recreation trails Funds derived from fuel taxes, vehicle license tax, registration fees and other fees. A wide range of recreational improvement projects Federal Vehicle License Tax (VLT) Arizona tax paid by vehicle owners Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Funds Funds derived from lottery proceeds to preserve natural and cultural resources Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Project must be on highway Eligible Uses Highway construction, improvements, and other related expenses Source Federal Application Applications available year-round Formula based funds are distributed to States Federal State Available annually through Arizona State Parks Distributed directly to jurisdictions based on population State Public Access Environmental Education Schoolyard Habitat Urban Wildlife and Urban Wildlife Habitat IIAPM State Available annually in November through Arizona State Parks Page 29 TABLE 5: FUNDING SOURCES (CONTINUED) Program Description Requirements Eligible Uses Source Development Impact Fees Impact fees or development requirements for targeted projects or areas. Development Stipulations Developers dedicate appropriate ROW and build adjacent streets Local Hotel Bed Tax Tax added to hotel room charge that is paid to the state during tax returns and refunded to the local jurisdiction by the state of Arizona. Local Sales Tax Funds from a portion of a municipality’s sales tax Developer Exactions Require developers to construct off-site facilities necessary to serve their development. Equity Bonus Funding to States based on equity considerations Special District created for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of public infrastructure improvements. Community Facilities District (CFD) Apache Junction Comprehensive Transportation Study Amount of the assessment needs to be in direct proportion to the magnitude of the need created by the project Application Local Motorized and non-motorized improvements Local Local Applications available year-round - Water and sewer projects - Police and fire facilities (and sites) - Public buildings (and sites) - Flood control and drainage projects - Roadways - Public parking structures - Landscaping and lakes - Lighting and traffic control - Parks and recreational facilities - Schools and school sites - Pedestrian malls - Enhanced public services Local Applications available year-round Page 30