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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA046 - Staff report regarding options for a potential study of Lincoln Way from Grand Avenue to University BoulevardITEM #:46 DEPT:PW September 22, 2026 Staff Report LINCOLN WAY CORRIDOR STUDY (GRAND AVE - UNIVERSITY BLVD) BACKGROUND: At the June 23, 2026, City Council meeting, staff prepared a report and presented on the pedestrian crossing along Lincoln Way at South Russell Ave following a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred there on February 18, 2026. The staff report from that meeting is attached. At the meeting, Council passed the following motions relating to this item: 1. Approve the purchase of a set of dynamic feedback signs to be placed at the South Russell intersection of Lincoln Way, with placement of a temporary speed feedback trailer until installation occurs and request increased enforcement of speeding by the Police Department (These signs have been installed.) 2. Place the intersection at South Russell and Lincoln Way on the list of high-priority intersections identified by the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Walk Bike Roll Ames). 3. Request that staff investigate lighting improvements along the Lincoln Way corridor from Grand Avenue to University Boulevard. After the above motions were approved, Mayor Haila inquired whether the limits of the Lincoln Way Corridor Study from Duff Avenue to Grand Avenue could be expanded westward to also include Grand Avenue to University Boulevard. Staff indicated it would explore this possibility and would return to Council with a proposed course of action. At the August 25, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council considered a memo from Public Works Director Justin Clausen regarding potential options for an expansion of the Lincoln Way Corridor Study limits. Council then unanimously passed a motion to place this item on a future agenda. EXISTING STUDY (LINCOLN WAY - DUFF AVE TO GRAND AVE): The City Council approved a professional services agreement with Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, for a study of the Lincoln Way corridor from Duff Avenue to Grand Avenue in the amount of $125,000 at its June 23, 2026, meeting. The Council Action Form from that action is attached. 1 This study was identified as a need in the Ames Area MPO's (AAMPO's) Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Ames Connect 2050) and was subsequently included in the MPO's FY 2027 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) with $100,000 in federal planning funds budgeted for the project. The City also included the project in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan in the 2026/27 Traffic System Capacity Improvements Program with a local match of $25,000 in Road Use Tax funds. A total of six proposals were received for completion of the study, and Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, was selected following a qualifications-based selection process that adhered to state and federal purchasing requirements due to the use of federal MPO planning funds. POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL STUDY (LINCOLN WAY - GRAND AVE TO UNIVERSITY BLVD): Following the Mayor's request on June 23, 2026, staff developed a high-level scope for a potential study of Lincoln Way from Grand Avenue to University Boulevard. This approximately 0.7-mile segment carries substantial vehicle, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic and serves seven CyRide stops. The study would generally mirror the existing Duff Avenue to Grand Avenue study and would evaluate crash history, vehicle speeds, corridor lighting, pedestrian crossings, traffic operations, and cross-section alternatives. It would also produce conceptual designs and planning-level cost estimates to guide future capital planning and funding decisions. Staff requested a quote from Foth for budgeting purposes based on the scope described above. Foth indicated that the study would cost $116,500. OPTIONS: OPTION 1: Perform the additional study at the same time as the existing Lincoln Way corridor study Under Option 1, the City Council would direct staff to study Lincoln Way from Grand Avenue to University Boulevard in parallel with the ongoing Lincoln Way study from Duff Avenue to Grand Avenue. This would provide the most coordination with the adjacent corridor study along Lincoln Way. Additionally, the data collected would be consistent for each study. Because the existing Lincoln Way corridor study is identified in the Ames Connect 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the study limits are explicitly defined and cannot be changed without significant effort, which includes concurrence by the MPO Policy Committee and Iowa DOT, with no guarantee of approval. Therefore, simply modifying the current study limits is not recommended. Staff believes that a separate, locally funded agreement with Foth would be the most effective approach if Council wishes to study this segment now. Because the two segments are directly adjacent, using the same firm would allow shared tasks to be performed once and help ensure compatible recommendations across the corridor. It would also avoid the time and cost of a new solicitation, and Foth was ranked first among six firms in the competitive selection process completed earlier this year for the adjacent study. City of Ames Purchasing staff has affirmed this approach. 2 This study could be funded by $116,500 in available Local Road Use Tax revenue from the Accessibility Enhancements Program. Funding for this study is not currently programmed in the Capital Improvements Plan; however, the Accessibility Enhancements Program currently has an unobligated balance of $216,385 in Road Use Tax funding that could be used for the study . Staff would prepare a professional services agreement with Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC, for the Council's consideration, along with a request to waive the City’s Purchasing Policy requirement for competitive proposals. OPTION 2: Program the additional study in a future fiscal year In Option 2, the City Council would direct staff to program this study in a future fiscal year, using local Road Use Tax funds, through the Transportation Planning Program in the upcoming Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The study would be considered by the City Council during the approval of the CIP. It is likely that the study would be programmed in 2028 or beyond based upon prioritization of Road Use Tax funding across the CIP. OPTION 3: Delay the study until the upcoming Metropolitan Transportation Plan update In Option 3, the City Council would direct staff to delay the study of this segment and instead wait for the AAMPO's upcoming 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) update to identify this segment as a regional priority requiring further study. The MTP update occurs every five years and involves several rounds of public engagement and data analysis to determine the short, medium, and long-range priorities for the AAMPO. Following the public engagement and prioritization of projects, the MTP is fiscally constrained, meaning that projects are identified that can be planned and funded based upon estimated federal funding allocations. Planning for the 2055 MTP would begin in FY 2028/29 so that adoption occurs in 2030. The study would be evaluated and ranked in the MTP development process and would then be eligible for federal planning funds in lieu of being strictly locally funded. STAFF COMMENTS: Option 1 would allow the study to be conducted concurrently with the adjacent Duff Avenue to Grand Avenue study, with shared tasks performed once and recommendations coordinated across the full corridor. This option would use $116,500 in Road Use Tax funding that would otherwise remain available for future accessibility improvements, including addressing other priorities identified in Walk Bike Roll Ames. Option 2 funding would be available no earlier than FY 2027/28. Coordination with the adjacent study is not likely to occur as that study would be substantially complete, so the benefits of conducting the two studies together would no longer be a factor. This option would require Road Use Tax funding to be identified in future fiscal years to support the inclusion of the study in the CIP. Option 3 would defer the decision to the regional planning process. The 2055 Metropolitan 3 Transportation Plan (MTP) is anticipated to be adopted in 2030. If this segment is identified as a regional priority, a future study could be eligible for federal MPO planning funds. Historically, the majority of the larger corridor studies are programmed through the MPO process. Option 3 would be the most consistent with previous corridor planning efforts across the City. However, benefits of conducting the studies together would not apply. While the process in Option 3 does require that the study is identified in the MTP, the use of federal funding reduces the City’s local share to a 20 percent match of the federal funding level. By reducing the local funding level, priorities that are already identified in the CIP can continue to move forward as planned rather than reallocate current funding. Options 2 and 3 would both delay the study. However, improvements already directed by the City Council, including dynamic speed signs, evaluation of lighting, and prioritization of the intersection of S. Russell and Lincoln Way in the Walk Bike Roll Plan would continue to move forward. The installation of the dynamic feedback signs is already complete. In either of these options, the lighting improvements would be evaluated separately and reported to the City Council at a future meeting. ATTACHMENT(S): Staff Report - Lincoln Way & S Russell Pedestrian Crossing (6-23-26).pdf CAF - Lincoln Way Study (Duff to Grand) PSA (6-23-26).pdf 4 ITEM #:33 DEPT:PW June 23, 2026 Staff Report PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ALONG LINCOLN WAY AT SOUTH RUSSELL BACKGROUND: At the April 28, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council received a memo from Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineering Manager, in the non-agenda packet regarding pedestrian crossing along Lincoln Way at South Russell. A copy of this memo is attached to this staff report. This memo was a response to the Council's request for potential crossing improvements following a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on February 18, 2026. At the April 28 City Council meeting, staff was directed to place this item on a future agenda and to include additional information regarding CyRide bus stops along the corridor. CyRide Bus Stops CyRide operates transit service in both directions on the Lincoln Way corridor with multiple stops between University Boulevard and Grand Avenue (see attached map). There are four stops for westbound transit and three stops for eastbound transit. The table below indicates annual ridership activity for the last full fiscal year (FY 2025) at each stop: Stop Boardings Alightings Total Activity** N Russell (Westbound)2,115 341 2,456 N Hazel (Westbound)*1,505 513 2,018 N Maple (Westbound)5,252 252 5,504 N Oak (Westbound)*3,491 1,309 4,800 S Oak (Eastbound)*1,727 7,422 9,149 S Hazel (Eastbound)*531 3,425 3,956 S Russell (Eastbound)531 3,171 3,702 *CyRide stop adjacent to Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing Infrastructure (traffic signal) ** Total Activity reflects the combined number of boardings and alightings. Boardings and alightings should both be considered when evaluating stop activity, as riders often board in one direction and alight in the opposite direction, depending on trip purpose and destination. CyRide transit stop locations along Lincoln Way are intended to balance rider accessibility, operational efficiency, and stop spacing throughout the corridor. The ridership data indicates substantial activity at all stop locations throughout the corridor, including locations both adjacent to and separate from signalized crossings. 1 5 OPTIONS: The April 28, 2026 memo to Council highlighted several options, which are repeated below, along with an additional option related to CyRide bus stop locations. Option 1 – Continue Implementation of the Walk Bike Roll Plan Under this option, the City would continue to implement pedestrian crossing improvements based on the existing prioritization framework established in the Walk Bike Roll Plan. This includes advancing projects identified in the High and Med-High priority tiers as funding allows, while addressing other locations through the Plan’s established phasing approach. Under this option, South Russell is not identified as a high priority crossing and as such any improvements made would follow the prioritization that was identified in the Walk Bike Roll Plan. Those improvements would include, higher visibility markings, advanced signage, pedestrian refuge, and evaluation of pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB's). The timing of these improvement would depend upon first completing higher ranking priorities within the Walk Bike Roll Plan. The Plan also contemplates periodic updates, which provide an opportunity to incorporate new information, including changes in traffic conditions, pedestrian activity, and safety data, and to adjust priorities through a comprehensive and consistent process. This approach maintains consistency with the City’s adopted policy framework and supports the equitable allocation of limited resources across the community by focusing investment on locations identified as the highest priority through the planning process. However, this approach would not result in near-term changes at this specific location. Option 2 – Evaluate Increased Lighting Standards Under this option, the City would evaluate whether enhanced roadway lighting or pedestrian- scale lighting standards should be developed for arterial street crossings. This would include defining what an enhanced lighting treatment would consist of, evaluating associated costs, and identifying how such a standard could be applied across similar crossing locations citywide. This approach could improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, particularly during nighttime conditions like those present at the time of the accident. Compared to more substantial crossing improvements, lighting enhancements may represent a lower-cost, faster implementation strategy and could be repeated more broadly across corridors with similar characteristics. The estimated cost per location is in the magnitude of $10,000 - $20,000. Establishing and applying enhanced lighting standards would require additional analysis and funding to implement the necessary improvements. While improved lighting may increase visibility, it may not fully address other factors influencing pedestrian safety at arterial crossings, such as driver yielding behavior, traffic speeds, or the availability of controlled crossing opportunities. In addition, significantly increasing lighting levels at select crossings may create conflicts with the City’s dark sky ordinance and could result in concerns from adjacent residential properties 2 6 where such treatments are implemented. Option 3 – Evaluate Increased Crossing Treatment Standards Under this option, the City would evaluate whether pedestrian crossing treatments along arterial corridors such as Lincoln Way should be enhanced beyond what is currently assumed in the Walk Bike Roll Plan. This could include consideration of treatments such as pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs), signals, or other measures at locations that may not have been previously identified for higher-level improvements. Estimated costs for PHBs are in the $250,000 - $300,000 magnitude. This approach could provide more direct safety benefits at specific crossing locations by increasing driver awareness and improving opportunities for pedestrians to cross higher- volume roadways. It is also generally consistent with the range of treatment options identified in the Plan, though it may involve applying those treatments more broadly or at lower thresholds than originally contemplated in the Walk Bike Roll Plan. Enhanced crossing treatments at arterial locations represent a significant investment and may require reevaluation of priorities across multiple locations to maintain consistency with available funding. In addition, certain treatments, particularly signalized or beacon-controlled crossings, may have impacts on traffic operations and the environment, and would require further analysis to determine appropriateness at specific locations. It should be noted that enhanced crossing treatments would not include the use of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). The use of these treatments has been suggested in several communications regarding this accident. Current guidance would not recommend their use on a multi-lane arterial street without additional considerations for pedestrian refuge. Option 4 – Evaluate Transit Stop Spacing and Pedestrian Access There are seven (7) CyRide stop locations in the Lincoln Way corridor between University Blvd and Grand Avenue. Three (3) of those locations are not adjacent to existing traffic signals that provide for enhanced crossing opportunities. Under this option, the City could evaluate whether consolidating or relocating selected stop locations would increase the percentage of transit riders accessing service near existing enhanced crossing infrastructure and whether such changes would support the safety objectives identified in the Walk Bike Roll plan. Consolidating or relocating CyRide stops, as contemplated in Option 4, may affect riders’ accessibility and alter established travel patterns. While transit stop locations may influence where some riders access service, it is unclear whether stop consolidation would meaningfully alter pedestrian crossing behavior or significantly reduce pedestrian activity at a particular location. Riders may continue to cross Lincoln Way depending on their origin, destination, and direction of travel, even if stop locations are modified. As a result, transit stop relocation should be considered only one of many factors when evaluating pedestrian safety along the corridor. CyRide has not identified an operational need to consolidate or relocate stops within this corridor at this time, and any reduction in transit accessibility would need to be weighed against the uncertain effect such changes could have on pedestrian safety. Additionally, it is unclear whether stop consolidation would result in a measurable improvement in pedestrian safety or meaningfully address the circumstances associated with this location. 3 7 STAFF COMMENTS: This accident at Lincoln Way and South Russell Avenue highlights the challenges associated with pedestrian crossings along high-volume arterial corridors, particularly in locations where crossing demand exists, and enhanced crossing infrastructure may not be readily available at every intersection. The Walk Bike Roll Plan identifies these conditions at a citywide transportation system level and establishes a prioritized, phased approach to addressing them within available funding constraints. The Lincoln Way and Russell intersection was not identified as a priority location under the Plan’s current framework. If the City Council choses to continue implementation of the existing Plan in Option 1, staff would proceed with advancing identified priority projects as funding allows through the City’s annual Capital Improvement Plan process. The Plan reflects prior safety and operational analysis, as well as extensive public input, and is intended to guide investment decisions across the transportation system. Under this approach, no additional action specific to this location would be taken at this time. Staff recommends that any changes to crossing treatment levels or project prioritization be considered systematically to maintain consistency across the City with the adopted Plan and ensure a balanced allocation of resources. Options 2 and 3 would represent potential changes to the assumptions, priorities, or implementation approach established in the Plan. Future updates to the Walk Bike Roll Plan provide an opportunity to incorporate new safety information and reevaluate priorities. As part of that process, additional emphasis could be placed on pedestrian crossings along arterial corridors. ATTACHMENT(S): D. Pregitzer - N Russell Pedestrian Crash 4-28-26.pdf Lincoln Way Corridor Map - University to Grand.pdf 4 8 ITEM #:26 DATE:06-23-26 DEPT:PW SUBJECT:PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FOTH INFRASTRUCTURE & DESIGN, LLC FOR LINCOLN WAY CORRIDOR STUDY COUNCIL ACTION FORM BACKGROUND: The Lincoln Way corridor between Grand Avenue and Duff Avenue is an extremely important east-west route in Ames. This approximately half-mile segment serves downtown Ames, nearby residential and commercial areas, Iowa State University-related travel, CyRide transit stops, bicycle and pedestrian activity, and regional traffic passing through the community. The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's (AAMPO's) long-range transportation plan, Ames Connect 2050, identified the need to study this corridor because of its current and projected traffic volumes, safety concerns, anticipated future development (including the LINC development), and its importance as a multi-modal corridor. The study is focused on developing future improvements in the corridor that will help manage expected traffic flows, improve intersection levels of service, reduce crash potential, incorporate multimodal facilities, and provide multiple options for managing turning traffic along the corridor. The study will include specific outreach to adjacent businesses to facilitate and understand turning movements to help manage traffic queueing within the commercial corridor. The study will also identify opportunities to prepare for the future infrastructure improvements through reconstruction activities or redevelopment activities such as the Linc project. As alternatives are developed and evaluated, consideration will be given to maintaining business access and minimizing adverse impacts to adjacent businesses and properties. Funding for the study is available as follows: Source Amount AAMPO Federal Planning Funds $100,000 City of Ames 2026/27 Traffic System Capacity Improvements Program (Road Use Tax Fund)$25,000 Total:$125,000 CONSULTANT SELECTION: In accordance with federal and state procurement regulations governing the use of federal MPO planning funds, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 8, 2026. Per federal requirements, firms were not asked to submit fee information, ensuring a 1 9 qualifications-based selection process. A selection team of City and AAMPO staff evaluated proposals using the following weighted criteria: RFP Scoring Criteria Points Project Understanding & Approach 45 Project Team & Key Personnel 20 Previous Experience 20 Understanding of Study Area/Ames 10 Ability to Perform Work 5 Total Possible Score:100 Six proposals were received. Scores were as follows: Rank Firm Score 1 Foth 95.7 2 HDR 94.3 3 Strand Associates 94.0 4 Olsson 88.3 5 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 86.3 6 ISG 80.7 Based on these results, staff negotiated a professional services agreement with the top-ranked firm, Foth Infrastructure & Design, LLC, for completion of the study. PROJECT SCOPE: Under the proposed agreement, Foth will provide transportation planning, traffic engineering, and conceptual design services for the Lincoln Way corridor. The study area encompasses Lincoln Way from Grand Avenue to Duff Avenue, with a focus on five intersections: Lincoln Way at Grand Avenue, Clark Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, Duff Avenue, and a potential new or modified intersection associated with the LINC development (see attached study area map). Services will include: Evaluation of existing traffic operations, safety conditions, vehicle speeds, access needs, transit service, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the corridor. Forecasting of future traffic volumes and assessment of the impacts of anticipated development, including the LINC Development, for interim year 2035 and horizon year 2050. Development of traffic models and operational analysis for existing, interim, and future corridor conditions. Evaluation of potential corridor and intersection configurations. 2 10 Assessment of multimodal needs based on existing conditions and recommendations from Walk Bike Roll Ames. Development of up to three detailed conceptual design alternatives, addressing roadway geometry, pavement markings, traffic signal modifications, multimodal improvements, utilities, drainage, and potential right-of-way needs. Public engagement, including two digital surveys, outreach to local businesses, developers, and property owners, and presentations to Ames City Council. Preparation of a final report, design criteria memorandum, conceptual design exhibits, intersection geometry sheets, and planning-level cost estimates for each concept. The completed study will identify a preferred long-term improvement concept for the corridor and provide the planning-level cost and implementation information needed to guide future project development, capital planning, and funding decisions. The study is scheduled for completion by June 2027. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Foth Infrastructure & Design, LLC of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the Lincoln Way Corridor Study in an amount not to exceed $125,000. 2. Direct staff to negotiate an agreement with the next highest ranked firm. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: Lincoln Way is a critical corridor serving local and regional travel, downtown access, transit stops, businesses, residents, and residents walking and biking. The segment between Grand and Duff Avenue is particularly complex due to its traffic volumes, closely spaced intersections, limited right-of-way, multimodal demands, and nearby development activity. The proposed study will evaluate existing and future transportation needs and identify a preferred concept for improving safety, mobility, and long-term corridor function. It will also produce planning-level cost and implementation information to support future capital planning and funding decisions. Foth submitted the top-ranked proposal through the qualifications-based selection process, and staff successfully negotiated an agreement within the available budget. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1. ATTACHMENT(S): PSA - Lincoln Way Corridor Study.pdf Project Study Area Map.pdf 3 11