I-19 frontage roads study

              Roads Study
I- 19
Ta s k A s s i g n m e n t T P D 0 1 - 0 8
Contract # T0449P001 PGKG 3120
Frontage
E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
August 27, 2008 KHA Project # 091374019
Prepared by
091374019 | August 2008
ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... ............. 1
Recommended Program of Projects ........................................................................................................ 4
Summary of Short- term Projects ........................................................................................................ 8
Summary of Mid- term Projects .......................................................................................................... 9
Summary of Long- term Projects ...................................................................................................... 10
List of Exhibits
Exhibit S- 1 – Study Area .......................................................................................................................... 2
Exhibit S- 2 – Short- term ( Lower Cost Projects) ........................................................................................ 8
Exhibit S- 3 – Mid- term ( Higher Cost Projects) .......................................................................................... 9
Exhibit S- 4 – Long- term ( Higher Cost Projects) ...................................................................................... 10
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
Introduction
The Arizona Department of Transportation ( ADOT) has completed a study of the frontage roads ( east and
west sides) on Interstate 19 ( I- 19) from the United States/ Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona to the
I- 10/ I- 19 interchange in Tucson, Arizona. The study area includes the entire length of I- 19, and lies within
the eastern portion of Pima County and the western portion of Santa Cruz County. The existing frontage
roads in the study area are primarily two- way facilities that serve an important local circulation function,
but they are discontinuous in many areas. Exhibit S- 1 displays the I- 19 frontage roads and surrounding
street system.
The purpose of the I- 19 Frontage Roads Study was to:
􀂃 Document existing ( 2007) traffic operations, safety, and land access conditions on the I- 19 frontage
roads.
􀂃 Identify traffic and safety deficiencies on the frontage roads for a 10- year planning horizon.
􀂃 Review recommendations for long- term improvements on the frontage roads made in other studies
and plans and document the status of the recommendations.
􀂃 Assess ADOT policies and jurisdictional perspectives on frontage roads relating to construction,
maintenance, and operations.
􀂃 Develop a policy recommendation to ADOT for the function, construction, maintenance, and
operations of the frontage roads.
􀂃 Recommend a 10- year program of multi- modal improvements. This may include projects such as
shoulder widening, intersection improvements, speed- change lanes, access management
strategies, or future studies by ADOT.
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
Exhibit S- 1 – Study Area
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
The development of the frontage road projects was based on a review of existing system deficiencies,
public input, and an analysis of future needs. A summary of issues addressed in the study include:
System Continuity — The existing I- 19 frontage road system is largely limited to segments between
Country Club Road in Santa Cruz County and Continental Road in Pima County. Existing
development constraints make construction of new frontage roads north of Continental Road
infeasible. South of Continental Road, the frontage road serves as a backbone for the local access
system. This section of frontage road has several discontinuities that are considered deficiencies.
Frontage roads do not exist south of Country Club Road in Santa Cruz County.
Roadway Cross Section — The majority of the existing frontage roads are two lanes, two- way
roadways with the exception of the East Frontage Road north of Ruby Road where the frontage road
transitions to one lane in each direction with a center left- turn lane. Paved shoulders are generally not
provided along the majority of the frontage roads and the lack of shoulders is considered an existing
deficiency. Representatives of the Santa Cruz County Bicycle Advocate Committee have proposed
that the ADOT standard for four- foot shoulders be changed to six- foot shoulders.
Future Traffic Capacity — An analysis of traffic volumes and the existing capacity of the frontage
road system indicate that the existing frontage road system, as a two- way, two- lane facility, ( on both
east and west sides) will accommodate future 2017 traffic volumes.
Turn Lanes — Currently, there are only two frontage road segments with a continuous left- turn lane
and a limited number of locations with left or right- turn lanes.
Access Control — The existing frontage roads often serve as the sole means of local access and
circulation to development along the I- 19 corridor. Santa Cruz County relies heavily on the frontage
roads as a collector/ arterial roadway to provide linkage between I- 19 and the interstate- based
businesses that front the corridor, as well as the residential developments that extend into the rural
foothills. As traffic volumes increase, turn lanes will be required at intersections and access points.
Interchange Configurations and Traffic Control — Almost all of the intersections at I- 19
interchanges are stop- controlled with the exception of Valencia Road/ West Frontage Road,
Continental Road/ West Frontage Road, and Ruby Road/ East Frontage Road which are signalized.
Currently, the existing stop- controlled interchange configurations operate at acceptable levels of
service under existing traffic volumes. However, as traffic volumes increase, signalization of the
frontage road/ cross street intersections may be necessary. When the I- 19 interchanges require
signalization, it is recommended that frontage roads are converted to one- way operations. One- way
frontage road operations allow the frontage roads to merge with the interstate ramps in advance of
the cross road intersection and reduces the number of intersections on the cross road to two.
It should be noted that there is a proposed roundabout for traffic control at the Canoa Road/ East
Frontage Road intersection. Pedestrian and bicycle accomodations need to be factored into the
roundabout design.
Alternative Modes of Travel — Mainline I- 19 and the frontage roads are the only routes available for
bicycle travel between Green Valley and Rio Rico. The ADOT Bicycle Policy ( MGT 02- 1) states that
“ bicyclists have the right to operate in a legal manner on all roadways open to public travel.â€
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
There are no restrictions on bicycle use on the frontage road system but paved shoulders are mostly
non- existent.
The lack of shoulders on frontage road segments is a deficiency in terms of standard roadway cross-sections.
In addition to accommodating bicycle travel, the shoulder width is necessary for emergency
parking and incident response.
Speed Limits — Existing speed limits vary widely on the frontage roads. It is not anticipated, nor is it
recommended, to use only one speed limit along the entire frontage road system. As development
continues along the frontage roads, the number of access points and associated traffic volumes will
increase creating the need to periodically re- evaluate the existing speed limits.
Maintenance Responsibility — The ADOT Tucson District is responsible for the maintenance of the
frontage roads with the exception of the following segments:
􀂃 Santa Cruz County is responsible for the maintenance of the West Frontage Road between
Rio Rico Road and Peck Canyon Road.
􀂃 The Town of Sahuarita is responsible for the maintenance of the East Frontage Road from
0.10 mile north of the Duval Mine Road Traffic Interchange to the terminus. ADOT maintains
the frontage road from the interchange to 0.1 mile north.
According to the ADOT Roadway Design Guidelines ( 2007), Section 309, “ Frontage roads, outside of
the ramp areas, are generally returned to the control of the local jurisdiction for maintenance and
operation.†Field review of the frontage road has indicated a general need for street sweeping and
debris removal of the frontage roads.
Recommended Program of Projects
The proposed projects were developed by utilizing the results of the needs and deficiency analyses, input
received from the Technical Advisory Committee and ADOT Tucson District representatives, and
supplemental project references such as the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, regional and local
jurisdictions, stakeholders, and the public.
A guidance statement was developed and it incorporates principles for future frontage road development.
The guidance statement is on the next page.
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
GUIDANCE STATEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO I- 19 FRONTAGE ROADS
General
􀂃 New frontage roads will not be recommended north of Continental Road:
a. The I- 19 Corridor Study recommends against construction of frontage roads north of
Valencia Road based on geometric, traffic operations, and land use access issues.
b. Frontage roads will not be constructed north of Continental Road because of existing
development constraints, stakeholder perspectives, and availability of alternatives. Provision
of new frontage road segments north of Continental Road are not considered critical links in
the system as established parallel routes are already available and serve a similar purpose
( La Cañada Drive, Mission Road, and Old Nogales Highway/ Nogales Highway).
􀂃 Consideration should be given to constructing frontage roads between Continental Road and
Country Club Road. Establishment of continuous frontage roads in this section will improve the
functionality of the frontage road as well as improve local circulation.
One- Way Versus Two- Way Frontage Roads
􀂃 It is recommended that the frontage roads along Interstate 19 remain two- way operation until
conditions ( a) and ( b) stated below apply. At such time that both of the conditions are met, it is
recommended that frontage roads be converted to one- way operations.
a. Traffic interchanges on I- 19 are sufficiently spaced to make one- way frontage roads feasible
( e. g. approximately two mile spacing or less). Currently, no new traffic interchanges are
planned between Continental Road and Country Club Road within the 10- year horizon
period. Approximately 8 interchanges would need to be constructed to make one- way
frontage roads feasible.
b. Existing traffic interchanges where frontage roads exist require signalization with the
frontage roads and two- way frontage roads would adversely impact interchange operations.
􀂃 Future development of the frontage road between Agua Linda Road and Chavez Siding Road
should consider needs and input from the United States Border Patrol. The Border Patrol has
indicated preference for no frontage road construction or for one- way frontage road operations in
this area.
Access Management Policies
ADOT has a red letter process where local jurisdictions and counties notify ADOT District staff of new
developments within one mile of the frontage roads. ADOT uses their Red Letter Notification Process to
help limit future escalation of right- of- way costs by requesting that local agencies notify ADOT of potential
development plans within or near right- of- way corridors.
􀂃 Improved coordination and communication among agencies regarding proposed developments
should be considered a priority.
􀂃 New developments adjacent to the frontage road should dedicate adequate right of way to provide
right/ left turn lanes and paved shoulders along the I- 19 frontage roads.
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
GUIDANCE STATEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO I- 19 FRONTAGE ROADS ( cont.)
Maintenance Policies
ADOT, Pima County, Santa Cruz County, and the Town of Sahuarita should consider establishment of
maintenance agreements for increased maintenance of the frontage roads including sweeping, trimming
of brush, and pavement repairs. Innovative programs such as the “ Adopt- a- highway†program should be
explored for routine maintenance such as trash collection.
Alternate Mode Policies
􀂃 Paved shoulders, consistent with ADOT standards, should be constructed with all new construction
and major reconstruction projects on I- 19 frontage roads. Striping and signing for bicyclists should
be considered in the design of frontage road widening projects.
Safety
􀂃 Golf cart access should continue to be prohibited on the frontage roads, due to the speed
differential between golf carts and vehicular traffic Golf carts are prohibited on the frontage roads
per ARS 28- 966*.
Jurisdictional Responsibilities
􀂃 ADOT should maintain and have jurisdiction over the frontage roads.
Design
􀂃 Frontage road design shall conform to ADOT design criteria. Frontage road infrastructure design
projects should also coordinate with local jurisdictions, integrate local design criteria when
reasonable, and include a public information program to obtain public input during the design
process.
* 28- 966. Neighborhood electric vehicles; speed; restrictions
A. A neighborhood electric vehicle shall not be operated at a speed of more than twenty- five miles per hour.
B. A neighborhood electric vehicle shall not be driven on a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than thirty- five miles per hour. This
subsection does not prohibit a neighborhood electric vehicle from crossing a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than thirty- five miles
per hour at an intersection.
C. A neighborhood electric vehicle shall have a notice of the operational restrictions applying to the vehicle permanently attached to or painted on
the vehicle in a location that is in clear view of the driver. 28- 966
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
The 15 roadway improvement projects will address critical needs over the next 10 years. These projects
were further prioritized into the following categories:
c. Short- term ( lower cost projects) — These projects are typically safety improvement
projects that will cost under $ 500,000. Seven of the 15 projects are categorized as short-term,
lower cost projects. One of seven projects is a proposed ADOT study.
d. Mid- term ( higher cost projects) — Mid- term projects include higher cost projects with
higher priorities due to safety, connectivity, and affected jurisdiction concerns. Six of the 15
projects are included in this category. Two of the mid- term projects should be combined in
programming because they are in the same area— the West Frontage Road, Continental
Road to Canoa Road shoulder widening/ lighting project and the West Frontage Road/ Calle
Tres intersection improvement project.
e. Long- term ( higher cost projects) — Two of the 15 project are long- term, higher cost
projects that may require additional lead time to obtain funding and are not necessary to
address a specific safety concern. The construction of frontage roads between Chavez
Siding Road and Agua Linda Road is included in this category.
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
Summary of Short- term Projects
A summary of the short- term, lower cost projects are provided in Exhibit S- 2. Since the construction year
is yet to be determined, a range of costs for the time period from 2008 to 2012 was developed using a
base year of 2008 and an inflation factor of six percent per year. The cost estimates do not include right-of-
way costs.
Assuming 2008 dollars, the project costs total $ 1,593,000. Within the time frame 2008 to 2012, project
costs range from $ 1,593,000 to $ 1,958,000.
Exhibit S- 2 – Short- term ( Lower Cost Projects)
Project No. County Name Project Type
Estimate of
2008
Probable
Cost
Estimate of
Range of
Probable
Costs,
2008 - 2012
7 Pima
West Frontage Road /
Arivaca Road / County
Line Road
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
northbound and
southbound left- turn lanes
$ 152,000 $ 152,000 -
$ 192,000
8 Santa Cruz
West Frontage Road /
San Cayetano
Elementary School
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
continuous left- turn lane
and right- turn Lanes
$ 294,000 $ 294,000 -
$ 371,000
9 Santa Cruz West Frontage Road /
Camino Lito Galindo
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
northbound left- turn lane
and southbound right- turn
lane
$ 240,000 $ 240,000 -
$ 302,000
10 Santa Cruz
West Frontage Road,
Circulo Mercado ( north)
to 0.25 miles south of
Circulo Mercado ( south)
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
continuous left- turn lane
$ 356,000 $ 356,000 –
450,000
12 Santa Cruz East Frontage Road,
Barrio De Tubac
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
northbound and south
bound left- turn lane
$ 213,000 $ 213,000 -
$ 269,000
14 Santa Cruz East Frontage Road,
Avenue de Otero
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
northbound right- turn lane
$ 138,000 $ 138,000 -
$ 174,000
15 Santa Cruz
I- 19 Corridor from
Country Club Road to
Mariposa Road
Study - Evaluation for
provision of frontage
roads
$ 200,000 $ 200,000
SUBTOTAL $ 1,593,000 $ 1,593,000 -
$ 1,958,000
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
Summary of Mid- term Projects
A summary of the mid- term, higher cost projects are provided in Exhibit S- 3. For projects assumed to be
mid- range projects, a range of costs for the time period from 2010 to 2015 was developed, using an
inflation factor of six percent per year. Cost estimates do not include right- of- way costs. Assuming 2008
dollars, the project costs total $ 14,023,000. Within the time frame 2010 to 2015, project costs range from
$ 15,802,000 to $ 21,145,000.
It should be noted that on Project No. 4 – pavement preservation for the I- 19 West Frontage Road, Peck
Canyon to Rio Rico Road, stakeholders would like to include shoulder widening as part of the project. A
preliminary cost estimate for the project with new four- foot shoulders is $ 2,553,000 ( 2008 dollars), or an
increase of $ 1.22 million. This cost does not include right- of- way costs.
Exhibit S- 3 – Mid- term ( Higher Cost Projects)
Project
No. County Name Project Type
Estimate of
2008 Probable
Cost
Estimate of
Range of
Probable
Cost, 2010 -
2015
1 Santa Cruz
West Frontage Road,
Yavapai Drive ( Rio Rico
Dr.) to Calle Calabasas
Capacity Improvement -
Design and construct new
frontage road
$ 4,361,000
$ 4,900,000 -
$ 6,557,000
4 Santa Cruz
I- 19 West Frontage
Road, Peck Canyon to
Rio Rico Road
Pavement Preservation
Improvement - Pavement
resurfacing
$ 1,332,000 $ 1,496,000 -
$ 2,002,000
5* Pima
West Frontage Road,
Continental Road to
Canoa Road
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
shoulder widening and
intersection lighting at
intersections of west
frontage road at Via Del
Petirrojo and Camino
Encanto
$ 4,337,000 $ 4,919,000 -
$ 6,582,000
6* Pima West Frontage Road /
Calle Tres
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
northbound left- turn lane
and intersection lighting
$ 587,000 $ 659,000 -
$ 882,000
11 Santa Cruz East Frontage Road,
Tumacacori Road
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
northbound left- turn lane
$ 1,598,000 $ 1,796,000 -
$ 2,403,000
13 Santa Cruz
East Frontage Road,
Avenida Goya to Bridge
Road
Safety Improvement -
Design and construct
continuous left- turn lane
$ 1,808,000 $ 2,032,000 -
$ 2,719,000
SUBTOTAL $ 14,023,000 $ 15,802,000 -
$ 21,145,000
* Note: Consider combining projects 5 and 6 when programming.
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ADOT I- 19 Frontage Road Study FINAL REPORT
Summary of Long- term Projects
Long- term, higher cost projects are summarized in Exhibit S- 4. For projects assumed to be long- range
projects, a range of costs for the time period from 2012 to 2017 was developed using an inflation factor of
six percent per year and a base year of 2008. Assuming 2008 dollars, the project costs total $ 7,115,000.
Within the time frame 2012 to 2017, project costs range from $ 8,982,000 to $ 12,020,000.
Exhibit S- 4 – Long- term, Higher Cost Projects
Project
No. County Name Project Type
Estimate of
2008 Probable
Cost
Estimate of
Probable
Cost 2012 -
2017
2 Santa Cruz
West Frontage Road,
Chavez Siding Road
and Agua Linda Road
Capacity Improvement -
Design and construct new
frontage road
$ 3,126,000 $ 3,946,000 -
$ 5,281,000
3 Santa Cruz
East Frontage Road,
Chavez Siding Road
and Agua Linda Road
Capacity Improvement -
Design and construct new
frontage road
$ 3,989,000 $ 5,036,000 -
$ 6,739,000
SUBTOTAL $ 7,115,000 $ 8,982,000 -
$ 12,020,000
Other potential projects should be considered as development continues on the corridor. For example, a
recommendation in the Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocate Committee Master Plan is to widen the East
and West frontage roads between Canoa Road and Arivaca Road to accommodate paved shoulders. As
new developments are proposed, shoulder widening should be included as part of development
improvements.