City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: ADRIANA CASTANEDA, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Support the Application to the Commonwealth Transportation Board for the FY 2025 Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program Systemic Safety Funding Program.[ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Should the City seek funding from the Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program (VHSIP) to enhance safety and reduce crash severity at intersections?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the resolution (Attachment 1) supporting the grant application to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, for VHSIP funds;
(2) Approve the submission of a funding request to the Commonwealth Transportation Board for VHSIP with the understanding that there is no local match required; and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to apply for the VHSIP funding programs and enter into any necessary agreements with the Virginia Department of Transportation to accept this funding.
BACKGROUND: The VHSIP has announced an opportunity to apply for VHSIP Systemic Safety Funding for localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Program has pre-approved six systemic initiatives for which localities are encouraged to apply. The City of Alexandria is focusing on the specific criteria that supports safety enhancements at its approximately eighty T- intersections. T-intersections pose a unique threat to pedestrians crossing the street since all vehicles are turning through the crosswalk at the same time the pedestrian has a walk signal. The VHSIP notified that localities may apply for funding for systemic treatments other than those that are pre-approved and those will be evaluated based on their benefit-cost ratio, among other factors.
DISCUSSION: The proposed VHSIP grant will support the implementation of systemic safety measures at T-intersections in the City of Alexandria. Staff will work to refine the specific treatments for each intersection based on an inventory of existing and needed upgrades, but the grant would include the following type of activities in the project application that would be applied at signalized T-intersections citywide:
• Structural upgrades include enhancements to the signal structure to increase structural loading capacity.
• Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI)
• Higher version traffic controllers to support LPIs
• No Turn on Red Signage
• Audible push buttons
• Smart Detection devices
• Intersection signage and signal upgrade
• High-visibility, dynamic signage
• High Visibility Backplates for the traffic signal heads
Current cost estimates indicate that these upgrades, including design and construction will cost up to $2,000,000. The project is scalable, and intersections would be prioritized based on safety and need.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact as the VHSIP Program requires no local match. Depending on funding elements received, there could be savings for some CIP projects such as Traffic Control Upgrades or Fixed Transportation Equipment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
Attachment 2: Transportation Commission Support Letter
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Philip Pugh, Deputy Director, T&ES
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, T&ES
Bob Garbacz, Division Chief, T&ES
Maha Gilini, Civil Engineer, T&ES
Philippe Simon, Grants Coordinator, T&ES