30th Street Sidewalk Feasibility Study - River to Sea TPO

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VOLUSIA COUNTY MPO CITY OF EDGEWATER

30th

Street Sidewalk Feasibility Study September 2007

What’s inside? 1

Introduction

2

Project Purpose & Scope

3

Physical Inventory & Assessment of Right-ofWay

4

Sidewalk Concept Plan

5

Financial Feasibility

This proposal is critical in terms of safety for the pedestrians and bicyclists

FINAL

1. Introduction The City of Edgewater (Edgewater) has submitted an application to the Volusia County Metropolitan Planning Organization (VCMPO) for the review of the feasibility of a new sidewalk along the north side of the 30th Street from Silver Palm Drive to the Whistle Stop Park, connecting to an existing boardwalk. This application stems from recommendations for Indian River Elementary School in the Volusia County MPO Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Review. This proposal includes the construction of a six to eight (6-8) feet wide sidewalk on the north side of 30th Street in right-of-way owned by Edgewater as illustrated in Figure 1. In 2007, the VCMPO completed an update to its 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the region. One of the priorities that emerged from the transportation plan was the “importance of providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities as a means of expanding the travel opportunities for residents.”1 The 2025 LRTP also recognizes the importance of bicycle 1Volusia

and pedestrian facilities as a tool for economic development and as an expansion of recreational activities for residents and visitors.

most likely due to the lack of sidewalks on the north. Additionally, a middle school is planned within 2 miles of the project site.

The 2025 LRTP describes the performance used to measures analyze and evaluate the need for improved or new bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The consider: measures bicycle and pedestrian injuries per million vehicle miles, connectivity of segments, proximity to attractions (such as: schools, parks, civic and centers, etc.) proximity to transit.

This proposal is critical in terms of safety for the pedestrians and bicyclists. This facility will eliminate the need for students to cross 30th Street to reach the existing southern sidewalk and the school and will provide safety for the large numbers of walkers and bicyclists currently utilizing the roadway.

Florida Shores is a residential community which is served by a collector road, 30Th Street. A majority of the students living in the Florida Shores community attend the elementary school located on the southeast side of the 30th Street near Hibiscus Drive. Several students walk or ride bicycles to the school. Currently there are no sidewalks on the north side of the 30th Street. Students use the grid of roadways to reach the sidewalk and often cross 30th Street at places where there are no crossing guards,

This sidewalk will provide more opportunities for recreational use, providing a connection to the Whistle Stop Park, as well as an alternate form of transportation to Edgewater and the residents of the Florida Shores community. The VCMPO seeks to provide safe ways to school for children throughout their region. As identified in the VCMPO Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Review report, the VCMPO recognized the need to upgrade the facilities at this location. This project can serve to increase the safety for the students at the elementary school.

County Metropolitan Planning Organization, 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan, Chapter 5.

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Figure 1: Project Location Map

SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

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2. Project Purpose & Scope The following sections provide an overview of the Scope of Work completed for this feasibility study. The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of the Sidewalk considering items such as project need, constructability issues and construction cost estimates.

Study Purpose This study evaluated the feasibility of constructing a sidewalk along 30th Street from Silver Palm Drive to Whistle Stop Park, connecting to existing boardwalk leading into the park. The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of the sidewalk considering items such as project need, constructability issues and construction cost estimates. Physical Inventory & Assessment of Right-ofWay The application by Edgewater for funds for construction of a sidewalk (April 2007), parcel maps and the utility location maps prepared by Edgewater Environmental Services were reviewed to assess the physical inventory as it relates to the proposed improvements. 30th Street is a two-lane, undivided roadway, approximately 24 feet wide from Silver Palm Drive to the Whistle Stop Park. The parcel map provided by Edgewater shows that the roadway consists of 60 feet of

right-of-way and is approximately 1.24 miles long. Upon review of the previously published studies, a field review and analysis was conducted of the proposed corridor. This analysis provided information that was used to make specific recommendations for construction, safety, signing and access. Also identified were potential locations for connections to public facilities, to parking areas and to other facilities that are part of the bicycle and pedestrian network in this area. Sidewalk Concept Plan The field analysis and mapping were used as a base for the planning proposed of the construction elements. Mapping of the proposed corridors identified environmental and natural features, surrounding land uses, surrounding roads, community developments and assets and construction element locations. The final graphics include notes, diagrams and callouts identifying the sidewalk and conceptual changes. A concept plan of the sidewalk project area

was prepared and includes all of the features listed, as well as any other proposed enhancements. Financial Feasibility Detailed cost estimates for construction were prepared based on American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, Florida Department of Design Transportation Standards, Edgewater Standards and past construction bids for related projects.

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SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

3. Physical Inventory & Assessment of Right-of-Way A physical inventory and assessment (via field review) for the corridor was conducted in order to document present conditions, assets and obstacles throughout the area. Two field reviews were conducted during this study process. The following persons attended the field review and represented the respective entities: • July 9, 2007 – VCMPO – Stephan Harris and HNTB Corporation – Luis Diaz, P.E. and Kate Brady, P.E. • August 6, 2007 – HNTB Corporation – William Umlauf, P.E. and Hiren Shah, E.I. Based on the discussions among the participants, it was determined that the best alternative is to construct a six (6) feet asphalt sidewalk on the north side of 30th Street that could accommodate pedestrian and bicycle riders, mainly serving the school children. A photographic inventory of the corridor is presented here to provide an understanding of the physical features of the corridor. Physical Description The proposed sidewalk corridor begins at Silver and Palm Drive

continues to the boardwalk at the west end of Whistle Stop Park. The existing boardwalk can be seen in Figure 2. The proposed sidewalk will cross 21 side streets as it traverses the corridor. There are three existing mid-block school crosswalks that are controlled by crossing guards: Queen Palm Drive, Mango Tree Drive and Indian Palm Drive. At the east end of the project, just before the park, 30th Street crosses the Florida East Coast railroad. 30th Street is raised at the railroad intersection creating a hazard for the pedestrians crossing 30th Street from the boardwalk to the school. This intersection can be seen in Figure 3, taken from 30th Street looking west. The public bus system, VOTRAN, has several stops in place along 30th Street, providing additional opportunities for pedestrian and bicyclist access to this corridor. Several utilities are present along the length of the corridor, including fire hydrants, utility poles with overhead lines, utility boxes and underground water lines. Some of these features can be

seen in Figure 4. There are three cross culverts located along the length of the project. The culvert between Woodland Drive and Yule Tree Drive as seen in the Figure 5 will have to be extended approximately 16 feet to accommodate the sidewalk. The existing swales will have to be reconstructed so that they can be accommodated between the sidewalk and the roadway. Currently some property owners have driveways to their property through the corridor area. All easements will be respected during final design, and construction maintenance of the sidewalk network. Right-of-Way Throughout the length Street, of 30th Edgewater has approximately 60 feet of right-of-way. The 24 feet roadway exists within that right-of-way and is centered about the centerline of the right-of-way. The existing right-of-way provides enough opportunity for the inclusion of the six (6) feet of sidewalk without the need for acquisition of additional land.

Figure 2: Existing Boardwalk at Whistle Stop Park looking south on 30th Street

Figure 3: Railway Crossing looking north on Roberts Road

Figure 4: Utility Boxes and Utility Poles looking north on 30th Street

Figure 5: Culvert located between Umbrella Palm Dr and Travelers Palm Dr looking south on 30th Street

SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

PAGE 5

4. Sidewalk Concept Plan Establishing a network of sidewalks along 30th Street in the vicinity of the elementary school will offer residents and students a safer connection from their homes to the school.

Figure 6: Existing Culvert connecting swales on south Side of the 30th Street The Sidewalk along North side of 30Th Street offers a feasible option for use by the residents and visitors of the City of Edgewater.

Figure 7: Existing Pedestrian Signal on Railway Crossing looking east on the Roberts Road

In order to provide safe, useable facilities along 30th Street for the pedestrians and bicycle riders of the Florida Shores residential community, a six (6) is feet sidewalk proposed on the north side of 30th Street, as a sidewalk on the south exists today. The 30th Street corridor presents many features of the right-of-way which impede the design and construction of a sidewalk on the north side. This section discusses the issues defined during this feasibility study. As mentioned in the discussion of the physical features, there is currently an open drainage system along the north side of 30th Street. In order to build this sidewalk, swales will have to be reconstructed in several areas as shown in the conceptual plans due to the need for flat ground for the The construction. reconstruction of the swale will be required between the edge of the existing pavement and the edge of the

sidewalk as seen in Detail I of the concept plans. Culverts will be required to connect the swales on either side of Tamarind Drive and Unity Tree Drive, similar to the existing culverts as shown in Figure 6. The existing culverts on the north side of 30th Street present conflicts with the construction of the sidewalk as well. The space between the existing road and edge of the culvert located between Woodland Drive and Yule Tree Drive is only four (4) feet. The six (6) feet sidewalk cannot be realigned in order to avoid the extension of the culvert. It is recommended that the culvert be extended approximately 16’ feet north from the existing location. A trail is proposed and funded along Mango Tree Drive for school connectivity. The proposed Mango Tree Drive trail runs along the east side north of 30th street. This facility will tie into the 30th street sidewalk, providing a continuous network. The proposed sidewalk will have to be jog between Umbrella Palm Drive and Travelers Palm Drive as shown in the concept plans, to avoid the extension of the culvert. The third

culvert located between Juniper Drive and Indian Palm Drive does not provide any conflicts for the sidewalk. A handrail will be required on each of the culverts to protect users from the difference in ground levels. Following the reconstruction of some swales and the construction of the sidewalk, there will be elevation differences between the sidewalk and ground level. The elevation difference may require the construction of gravity wall and possibly handrails depending on the finished elevations. As no survey has been performed as part of this scope, it will be critical during design to address this issue. At the far east end of the project limits, the proposed sidewalk has been located adjacent to the roadway due to the presence of the wetlands in the park. During design and wetland delineation, this sidewalk should be pushed as far from the roadway as possible. At the location of the railroad crossing, a railroad pedestrian system, with arm, is required on the north side to protect the users of the sidewalk when a train is present. Figure 7 illustrates a similar arrangement on the south side of 30th

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Street. Modification of the railroad crossing is required in order to accommodate the proposed sidewalk. Construction of the sidewalk will impact 13 trees while an additional 11 trees may affect the construction of the sidewalk. Locates of these features should be completed during the design survey. The utility poles after Victory Palm Drive needs to be given careful consideration during the design stage as almost all the utility poles are located in the location of the proposed sidewalk. The utility poles, fire hydrants and trees needs to be relocated or the sidewalk needs to be realigned at these conflict points (Figure 8). Our recommendation is to jog the sidewalk at these conflict points. The sidewalk along this corridor offers a feasible option for use by the residents and visitors to the Florida Shores residential community. The surrounding land use is completely residential throughout this portion of the corridor. These land uses are not in conflict with the proposed trail and design challenges can be overcome prior to construction.

SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

This sidewalk has been proposed for use as a safe way to school’, as such, the improvements should also include updates to the signing and pavement markings along the corridor. At each end of the 21 cross street locations, crosswalk markings should be provided on the pavement. As many of the crossings on the south side aren’t painted, they should be updated as part of this project as well. The locations for the crosswalks along the proposed sidewalk are shown in the concept plans. The locations of the crosswalks should be signed on the side streets with School Advance Warning Assemblies (W16-7p) and Ahead panels as well as school pavement markings. These will be located on the 21 side streets and in locations where needed based on a future review of the south side of the project by the designer, the VCMPO or Edgewater. Figure 9 indicates the soil types present in the areas surrounding the proposed sidewalk. This map provided a basis for any considerations given to the infrastructure in this

conceptual plan. The soils should be studied in more detail upon undertaking of the design of this system. This sidewalk is designed to enhance safety and beautify the area. It will promote community and neighborhood that are activities healthy for the population. Most of all this sidewalk, will aide to protect the communities children from harm on their way to and from school.

Figure 8: Trees and fire Hydrant looking North on the 30th Street (Needs to be relocated)

SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

Figure 9: Soils Map of Corridor

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SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

5. Financial Feasibility Table 1 provides cost estimates for the design and construction of the Sidewalk along 30Th Street. The item number and unit of measure are based on the FDOT Basis of Estimate manual. The unit prices are based on the average costs for each pay item as provided by the FDOT. As shown in Table 1, the total estimated cost for design and construction of the sidewalk as detailed in the conceptual plan and discussed in this report is $612,487.87. Cost for updating the railroad crossing is not included as it is likely the responsibility of the railroad. Wetland mitigation near the existing boardwalk, if necessary, is not included in the cost estimate as wetland limits have not been delineated during this study. This project will be planned, designed and constructed with a variety of funds. The project is eligible for federal funds that will flow through the Florida Department of Transportation and will be matched by the City of Edgewater. This cost is provided in 2007 dollars. Should this project be built in future years, an inflationary factor of 3.0 percent should be applied in

each year for through 2010.

2008

SIDEWALK FEASIBILITY

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Table 1: Cost Estimates ITEM NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

EST QTY

104 13 1

Staked Silt Fence (Type IV)

110-1-1

Clearing & Grubbing (2.74 acres)

120-1

Regular Excavation

120-6

Embankment

339-1

6450.0

UNIT OF MEASURE

UNIT PRICE

EXTENDED PRICE

LF

$4.56

$29,412.00

1

LS

$19,303.26

$19,303.26

4356.3

CY

$6.50

$28,315.95

148.1

CY

$9.58

$1,418.80

Miscellaneous Asphalt Pavement (4" Thick)

784.1

TN

$198.05

$155,291.01

400-1-2

Concrete Class I (Endwalls)

27.8

CY

$1,028.57

$28,594.25

400-1-11

Concrete Class I (Retaining Walls)

84.2

CY

$1,007.23

$84,808.77

430-172-102

Pipe Culvert CD (36")

32.0

LF

$122.75

$3,928.00

430-174-101

Pipe Culvert (18")

127.0

LF

$64.90

$8,242.30

430-984-125

Mitered End Section (18")

14.0

EA

$1,239.28

$17,349.92

515-1-2

Pipe Handrail (Aluminum)

122.0

LF

$38.74

$4,726.28

570-1-1

Performance Sod

7841.3

SY

$1.35

$10,585.76

711 11 123

Pavement Marking (Thermoplastic, 12")

2782.5

LF

$1.77

$4,925.03

711 11 124

Pavement Marking (Thermoplastic, 18")

220.5

LF

$3.71

$818.06

SUBTOTAL BEFORE MOT AND MOBILIZATION

$397,719.39

101-1

N/A

Mobilization

LS

10%

$39,771.94

SUBTOTAL BEFORE DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION/SCOPE CREEP

$437,491.33

Engineering & Design

LS

15%

$65,623.70

999-25

Initial Contingency

LS

5%

$21,874.57

999-99

Scope Creep

LS

20%

$87,498.27

TOTAL COST

$612,487.87

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