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Department of Streets and Fleet
Reference: Traffic Signal System Improvement Program (TSSIP) FY 2016-2017 Miscellaneous Equipment Purchase Program (MEPP) CDOT IGA
To: Mayor Richard N. McLean and Members of City Council
Through: Clint Blackhurst, Acting City Manager
Prepared By: Kimberly Dall, PE, Director of Streets and Fleet
Date Prepared: June 23, 2017
PURPOSE
Consider a request to enter into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as a result of being selected to receive Miscellaneous Equipment Procurement Program grant funding from Denver Regional Council of Governments.
BACKGROUND
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) administers the federally-funded “pool” project titled Regional Traffic Signal System Improvement Program, or TSSIP. The purpose of TSSIP is to implement cost-effective traffic signal timing and coordination improvements that reduce travel time and harmful auto emissions within the DRCOG Transportation Management Area (TMA). Within TSSIP, the miscellaneous equipment procurement funds provide agencies with 100% funding designated for signal improvements that promote and support coordinated signal timing operations. Corridors that were retimed before 2013 and have an average signal spacing no greater than ½ mile are eligible for funding.
TSSIP funds come from the federal Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) program funds. As such, post-implementation project benefits must be reported for the projects. DRCOG staff will assist with the implementation of an optimized signal timing coordination plan to measure the project benefits.
The funds are to be used for equipment purchases only; design is not eligible for funding. Installation must be performed by city staff or contractors with no federal participation. All equipment purchased will be owned, operated, and maintained by the city. The installed equipment must advance the Regional Transportation Operators goals and initiatives and must be procured and installed within 12 months.
The TSSIP Miscellaneous project applications were evaluated, Brighton was selected as a project eligible for grant funding. These funds will replace 15 traffic signal controllers, installing up-to-date technology that will allow staff to gather data for signal performance metrics and identify if targets related to corridor progression and vehicle delay are being met. The primary metrics of interest at this time are cars arriving on green and total cars through intersection. This will show whether the main thoroughfares such as Bridge Street, Bromley Lane, and 27th Avenue are being prioritized appropriately during peak hours to limit driver delay and reduce emissions. Additional available metrics will be incorporated in the signal performance measures over time as the signal metrics program expands.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The amount allocated within the IGA to purchase the controllers is $40,586.60. There are no matching funds required and no additional resources are required to perform the installation of controllers. The grant will reimburse funds expended; there are sufficient funds within Project 99920 Traffic Signals to procure the controllers; however, a budget amendment will be necessary to allocate the grant revenue back to that project.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize execution of the IGA with CDOT.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Approve the request; deny the request; provide staff with direction to provide additional information.