Agenda - 10-21-1997 - 10d - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 . ' prepare for the eventual need to widen the road to five lanes with the widening occurring only on the side of the road which has the paved shoulder), and 4) that only a portion of the road be widened to five lanes with the remainder widened to three lanes (with Seawell School Road as the likely transition area from five to three lanes). As the meeting progressed, it became apparent that there were three main issues of concern to local officials. These included: 1) the adequacy of the proposed capacity improvements for moving vehicles (i.e., are five lanes needed now instead of three), 2)whether or not sidewalks would be provided, and 3) whether or not bicycle facilities would be included in the proposed improvements. It should also be noted that the citizens informational meeting was held immediately after that of the elected officials. Most citizens preferred that sidewalks be built as a part of the improvements to Homestead Road. However, NC DOT requires that local governments partially fund approximately 30% of new sidewalk construction. Because this road is physically located outside the city limits of the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and because NC DOT does not maintain sidewalks, a local government would have to agree to accept and maintain the newly constructed sidewalks. The proposed improvements programmed in the 1998-2004 State Transportation Improvement Program include widening the road to a three lane facility with four foot paved shoulders to accommodate bicycles. If additional lanes, curb and gutter, etc. are requested, then construction will be delayed until additional funding for such improvements can be secured. On August 20, 1997 the Orange County Board of Commissioners authorized the Chair to write the Town of Chapel Hill and request their preferred design of improvements to Homestead Road. The NC Department of Transportation also requested the Town's preference for improvements to Homestead Road on September 4, 1997 (see attached H. Franklin Vick letter). As you will notice in the NC DOT letter, they recommend that a 5 lane curb and gutter facility with wide (14 foot) outside lanes for bicycles and sidewalks be constructed. On September 22, 1997 the Chapel Hill Town Council adopted the attached resolution that supports the widening of Homestead Road to a 3 lane curb and gutter facility with five-foot bike lanes and sidewalks. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that the Board send the attached draft letter of concurrance to the Town of Chapel Hill on the proposed design of Homestead Road.