Title
Approval of Consultant Agreement with Parametrix Regarding West Olympia Interchange Justification Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Consultant Agreement with Parametrix to complete the West Olympia Interchange Justification Report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to enter into a consultant agreement with Parametrix to complete the West Olympia Interchange Justification Report for a not to exceed contract amount of $1,500,000.
Staff Contact:
Randy Wesselman, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8477
Presenter(s):
Randy Wesselman, Public Works Transportation
Background and Analysis:
In 2010, the City and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) completed an evaluation of transportation needs on Olympia's Westside. One of the outcomes of this West Olympia Access Study was a decision to build new freeway ramps to US 101. New ramps are proposed at:
· Kaiser Road. Construction of an eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp. Construction is anticipated 10-15 years from now.
· Yauger Way. Construction of a westbound off-ramp extension at Black Lake Boulevard to connect to Yauger Way will be built following the Kaiser Road ramps, beyond the 20-year planning horizon.
Refer to the attached map for a layout of the proposed ramps.
The Black Lake Boulevard and Cooper Point Road intersection is projected to fail within the next six years due to increased traffic from development. Traffic flow delays through three or more full cycles of the traffic signal can be expected. These ramps will reduce the growth of traffic at this intersection, improve access to medical facilities and businesses, and provide route options in this area. City Council had extensive involvement in developing this Westside transportation solution and has made this project a priority, including legislative funding requests.
Before the ramps can be designed and built, an Interchange Justification Report (IJR) must be approved by WSDOT. The IJR process includes the following eight policy topics to be evaluated:
1. Need for access point revision
2. Reasonable alternatives
3. Operation and collision analysis
4. Access connections and design
5. Land use and transportation plans
6. Future interchanges
7. Coordination
8. Environmental processes
Four technical memorandums prepared during the previous West Olympia Access Study will be updated to address some of these policy points.
A Request for Qualifications was advertised in February 2014 for a consulting firm to prepare the IJR. Two firms, BergerABAM of Federal Way and Parametrix of Puyallup, submitted proposals and were interviewed by a team of WSDOT and City staff. Staff unanimously selected Parametrix as the most qualified firm to complete the IJR. Attached is the proposed scope of work and Consultant Agreement with a not to exceed contract amount of $1,500,000.
The IJR will take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete. This work will result in the following:
1. Approval of the IJR by WSDOT which justifies new access to US 101;
2. Receipt of Engineering and Operational Acceptability from WSDOT in order to move forward with the design, right-of-way, and construction phases;
3. Completing approximately 30% design which will include drawings showing the ramps and a more comprehensive cost estimate; and
4. Approval of environmental documents.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The West Olympia Business Association has expressed great interest and support for this project. Capital Medical Center is also supportive of this project to improve emergency response services and access to the Westside.
Options:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Consultant Agreement with Parametrix to complete the West Olympia Interchange Justification Report. Project proceeds as planned.
2. Do not approve the Consultant Agreement with Parametrix and give staff direction on how to move forward with this project.
Financial Impact:
A total of $1.6 million is budgeted for this project as follows:
Transportation Impact Fees $750,000
Federal Surface Transportation Program Grant $850,000
Total Project Cost: $1,600,000
Attachment(s):
Agreement
Vicinity Map