DATE: June 18, 2001

TO: Planning Commission

FROM: Chris Beanes, Planner
Community Development Department

FILE NO.: CSP2001-00007

PROPOSAL: State Project review of pavement restoration and addition of curve delineators at Mendenhall Loop Road at Goat Hill Road

Applicant:                 State of Alaska, DOT/PF

Property Owner:      State of Alaska, DOT/PF

Project No.:             State Project No. 68156/HH-0966 (20)

Location:                 Mendenhall Loop and Goat Hill Roads

Zoning:                    D-3 Single Family / Duplex Residential

Length:                    Approximately 650 feet

This is a proposal by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT/PF) to improve traffic safety on a section of Back Loop Road near Goat Hill Road. Currently, there is a sharp curve, which is not clearly marked for motorists. In addition, there is a dip in the road, which increases hazardous conditions at this location. This proposal will alleviate the problem by restoring pavement to create a smooth grade with no dips. Additionally, guardrail delineators will mark the curve as a visual reminder for motorists.

 
PROCEDURE

This project is presented to the CBJ Planning Commission for review and approval under Alaska Statute 35.30. Consistency with Local Government Plans and Ordinances. This statute requires approval of DOT projects by the Planning Commission of the municipality.

This project is proposed as a Highway Safety Improvement Project. These projects are funded from a separate source of funds from those normally used for the construction of the majority of highway improvement projects. The purpose of these projects is to alleviate significant traffic safety problems. These projects compete with other safety projects statewide and must also be relatively low cost and have a readily achievable solution. These types of projects should not be confused with State Transportation Improvement Projects (STIP).

The average daily traffic (ADT) for Mendenhall Loop road is 1,940 trips. Because of the high volume of traffic, this safety project is an important upgrade to this major collector.

The project has been reviewed for compliance with local planning documents and ordinances. In particular the project was reviewed for compliance with the CBJ Comprehensive Plan, CBJ Land Use Code (Title 49), CBJ Transit Development Plan, CBJ Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and previous CBJ Transportation Needs Lists.

Because this is not a major project, it is not specifically addressed in any of these plans. However this proposal is in general conformity or does not conflict with these plans. The project does promote the health and safety of CBJ residents.

The project was reviewed for compliance with CBJ §49.70.900, the Juneau Coastal Management Program. Provisions of the program do not apply to this project.

After review of the proposed project, the Community Development Director makes the following findings:

1. The project is in general conformity with the CBJ Comprehensive Plan, CBJ Non-Motorized

Transportation Plan, and does not conflict with other CBJ plans.

2. The project complies with the provisions of the JCMP.

    3.    The project enhances vehicle safety and promotes the health and welfare of CBJ residents.

We recommend that the Planning Commission adopt the Director’s analysis and findings and approve the proposed plan to increase safety on this section of Mendenhall Loop Road by adding features to the road which will increase safety to motorists.