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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2013-79\Etie Gi(y of Suggested by: Administration CITY OF KENAI RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -79 A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, REQUESTING THAT THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES (ADOT /PF)DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A FIVE -LANE ROADWAY TO IMPROVE THE KENAI SPUR HIGHWAY FROM MILEPOST (M.P.) 2.8 -8.1. WHEREAS, the Kenai Spur Highway is an important and integral component of the Alaska Highway System serving residents of Nikiski, Kenai, Soldotna, the Kenai Peninsula Borough and visitors and tourists; and, WHEREAS, from 2000 to 2009 the Kenai Spur Highway from M.P. 2.8 -8.1 exhibited crash rates significantly above the statewide average of 1.176 crashes per million vehicle miles (MVM), between Sports Lake to Beaver Loop Road it is 1.76 crashes per MVM and between Beaver Loop Road and Swires Road it is 1.91 crashes per MVM, both are above the upper control limit (UCL); and, WHEREAS, the Kenai Spur Highway MP 2.8 -8.1 ranks 2nd highest in the State for moose - vehicle collisions; and, WHEREAS, ADOT /PF provided a cost estimate to the Alaska Legislature for over $40 million to improve the Kenai Spur Highway from MP 2.8 -8.1 to meet future traffic volumes and level -of- service standards for a 20 -year design life; and, WHEREAS, the Alaska Legislature included $20 million dollars for the Kenai Spur Upgrade MP 2.8 -8.1 in a State general obligation (G.O.) bond sale; and, WHEREAS, funding of $20 million will not construct a roadway to meet future traffic volumes and maintain acceptable and safe levels -of- service through the 20 -year design life; and, WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai for roadway improvements to be constructed that meet future traffic volumes and maintain an acceptable and safe levels -of- service to a 20 year design life; and, WHEREAS, a five -lane design will meet future traffic volumes and maintain an acceptable and safe levels -of- service through a 20 -year design life. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, that the City of Kenai requests that the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT /PF) design and construct a five -lane roadway to improve the Kenai Spur Highway from Milepost (M.P.) 2.8 -8.1. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 18th day of December, 2013. PAT PORTER, MAYOR ATT T: San ra od gh, Ci Clerk M "'Villaye with a Past, C# wA a Future 210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611 -7794 Telephone: 907- 283 -7535 / FAX: 907- 283 -3014 'lull 1992 MEMO* TO: City Council FROM: Rick Koch DATE: December 11, 2013 SUBJECT: Resolution 2013 -79, Kenai Spur Highway MP 2.8 -8.1 Upgrades The purpose of this correspondence is to recommend Council adoption of the above referenced ordinance. The Kenai City Council has been actively involved for many years in requesting that the State of Alaska provide funding for the construction of an upgrade project for the Kenai Spur Highway from milepost 2.8 to 8.1. This section of highway exhibits a high level of accidents, including the second highest incidence of moose - vehicle accidents in the State. Kenai Spur Highway between Kenai and Soldotna is a two -lane roadway sandwiched by five - lane roadways in both Kenai and Soldotna. The highway is fronted by residences, businesses, vacant land, and properties with other uses. At present the level -of- service classification of the roadway is a "D ", on a scale of A -F, A being the best, F being the worst. This classification will only worsen over time and only roadway designs of four or five lanes will provide a roadway during a twenty -year design period which will maintain a "C" or better classification. Presently there is only $20 million available for this project, or roughly one -half of what is required to construct a five -lane roadway. The City should not settle for a band -aid project dictated by the available funding. Administration recommends that the City go on record as requesting a five -lane roadway and that ADOT /PF should request additional funding through the Legislature or through other funding sources. There may be a State GO Bond to support capital projects come out of the Legislature this year and if so, it will be in the City's best interest to have formally requested this project be constructed to a five -lane configuration. Thank you for your attention in this matter. If you have any questions, please contact me at your convenience.