Agenda - Public Works Committee - 09/15/2009

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PEDSAFE : recommended guidelines/priorities for sidewalks and walkways Page 11 of12 2. Number of driveways: To comply with ADA, many existing driveways must be replaced with ones that provide a level passage at least 0.9 (3 ft) wide. It can also be advantageous to inventory all existing driveways to see if any can be closed, resulting in a cost-savings. 3. Number of intersections: While intersections represent a reduction in the sidewalk, curb ramps are required where sidewalks cross Intersections and the cost of providing additional traffic control at each intersection should be considered. 4. Obstacles to be removed: The cost for moving or removing obstacles such as utility poles, signposts. and fire hydrants vary too much to be itemized here; however, they are required to be moved if they obstruct access. These costs must be calculated individually for each project. 5. Structures: While minor sidewalk projects rarely involve new structures such as a bridge, many projects with significant cuts and fills may require retaining walls and/or culvert extensions. The costs of retaining walls must be calculated individually for each project. 6. Right-ot-way: While most sidewalk projects can be built within existing rights-of-way (especially inflll projects), some may require some rlght.of-way easement. An alternative to acquiring right-of-way is to narrow the roadway. which should consider the needs ot bicyclists (e.g., through bike lanes or shoulders, at a minimum of 1.5 m (5 ft). 7. Miscellaneous factors: Planters, irrigation, benches, decorative lampposts. and other aesthetic Improvements cost money, but they are usually well worth It if the Impetus for the project is to create a more pleasant and inviting walking environment. VVhen project costs appear to be escalating due to one or more of the above.llsted items, especially retaining walls or acquiring right-of-way, consideration may be given to narrowing the sidewalk in constrained areas as a last resort. The full sidewalk width should be resumed in non.constrained areas-this is preferable to providing a narrow sidewalk. throughout, or dropping the project because of one difficult section. Tips to Reduce Total Costs: 1. Stand-alone vs. Integrated within another project: Sidewalks should always be included In road construction projects. Stand-alone sidewalk projects cost more than the same work performed as part of a larger project. Sidewalks can be piggybacked to projects such as surface preservation, water or sewer lines. or placing utilities underground. Besides the monetary savings, the political fallout is reduced, since the public doesn't perceive an agency as being inefficient (it Is very noticeable if an agency works on a road, then comes back to do more work later). The reduced Impacts on traffic are a bonus to integration. 2. Combining Projects: A cost-savings can be achieved by combining several small sidewalk projects into one big one. This can occur even if the sidewalks are under different Jurisdictions, or even in different localities, If they are close to each other. The basic principle is that bid prices drop as quantities increase. Bibliography and List of References American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, A Policy on .Geometric Designs of Highways and Streets, 1984, Axelson, P. et aI., Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Federal Highway Administration. Washington, DC, July 1999. Institute of Transportation Engineers, Design of Pedestrian Facilities-Recommended Practices: Providing Safety and Mobility, 2001. . :~I http://www.walkinginfo.org/pedsafe/moreinfo _ sidewalks.cfm 8/19/2009