Agenda - 10-21-2003-5b - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT 1 7 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS REGARDING THE 2004 -2010 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1. Comments on Project U-3808 Elizabeth Bradv Road Extension A. The Orange County Board of Commissioners is pleased that bicycle and pedestrian facilities have been included in the Elizabeth Brady Road Extension project connecting US 70 Business with US 70 Bypass. The Board requests that the 2004- 2010 DCHC Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program use the following alignment and cross section for the project. 1. An alignment that has the least impact on the Eno River, the natural environment and cultural sites. 2. An alignment that does not cross the Eno River, but is aligned along the ridge south of the river (if that alignment has the least impact on the natural environment and cultural sites). This recommendation is in accordance with the Economic Development District Transportation Work Group priority order by preference of options to be studied for environmental analysis. 3. A road configuration of two lanes with right-of-way reserved for four lanes (four lanes if necessary). The Board further stresses that it does not endorse the alternative for this project that proposes a western bypass of Hillsborough with an interchange at I-40/I-85 that would impact the critical area of the Upper Eno Watershed. B. An Economic Development District (EDD) Transportation Work Group made up of Orange County and Town of Hillsborough elected officials, planning staff, developers and community groups was established to address transportation issues regarding the Hillsborough area EDD. That group's recommendations and comments regarding the planning and design of this project were submitted on December 3, 2001, as part of Orange County's Transportation Priority List for Consideration of Funding in the 2004 -2010 Transportation Improvement Program. 2. Comments On Other Tip Projects Initiated By NCDOT A. I-3306 Section A' widening of I-40 to six lanes from I-85 in Orange County to NC 147 (Buck Dean Freeway) in Durham County. Project planning and design for this facility in Orange County is in progress and construction in Durham County is underway. Orange County is opposed to any widening of I-40 through Orange County unless there is a commitment by NCDOT to provide HOV and/or dedicated bus lanes. Transportation modeling studies indicate that the existing four-lane section from I-85 to NC 86 may be adequate to handle projected future traffic, but HOV lanes, along with widening to a six-lane section for general traffic, will be needed to help alleviate congestion from NC 86 to Wake County.