The section in question is the westernmost 1 mile of Old Sauk Road, Fortunately it also has the lowest traffic volume. At prior urging, I believe the Town had already planned to pave the section from Pioneer Road to Swoboda Road (1/2 mile) to a width of 28 feet because the roadbed was already wide enough to do so. Could somebody check on that?.
Here is a note I sent to Town Administrator back in April. ********************************************************* David Shaw Town of Middleton Administrator David. As you know I have been following with great interest the improvement of Old Sauk Road from Pioneer Road to Timber Lane and the ensuing bicycling "escape route" issues. I understand that the original concept was to pulverize the existing 20 to 22-foot road and overlay with a 28-foot pavement. Then issues such as minor contamination of the existing base course, substandard sight distance at a couple of hill crests and intersection needs arose. In good faith the consultant then proposed a reconstruction with improved sight lines and a new pavement structure. This alternative was at a greater cost. Further I understand that the consultant proposed another alternative with bike lanes (actually paved shoulders) at an even greater cost. I have heard that the Town Board balked at the latter proposal. That is probably understandable for a road that is still in transition as additional development occurs. After reviewing all of the scenario's I suggest that you consider and move ahead with the original pulverize and overlay proposal for a 28-foot pavement. This is the most cost effective alternative for an area that is still evolving. Any contamination would be encapsulated under the asphalt and seeded topsoil. This is common practice on many roadway projects. Even bicycle paths in old railroad corridors use this best practice. The sight distance issues appear to be minor especially for a 35 mph posted road. Ironically when I was Planning Chief for the Southwest District of WisDOT I granted sight distance exceptions when the Town reconstructed Airport. Those sight distance were more severe than any on Old Sauk Road. Such exceptions are not required on a resurface. If certain intersections need some geometric improvements, go ahead and make those spot improvements. Pavement mark the road with 10-foot motor vehicle lanes and 4-foot paved shoulders road. Ten-foot lanes will further "calm" the traffic, which to appears to want with the posted 35 mph limit - very difficult to adhere to with wide motor vehicle lanes. The 4-foot paved shoulders would meet minimum requirements for bikes. (As a reference point - two lanes in each direction on East Washington Avenue in Madison are 10 feet.) With due respect to your consultant, please go with pulverize and overlay. It best serves everyone's needs at the lowest cost. Please do not hesitate to give me a call if you or the Town Board have any questions of me. Michael Rewey, P.E. -------------------------------------------------- On 1 Dec 2010 at 8:56, Larry D. Nelson wrote: This is unfortunate but not surprising. The cost of preparing plans and doing the environmental work to federal/state standards probably represents one-half the cost of the grant and those local costs are not eligible for funding according to the procedures of our MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization.) On the other hand, bike lanes on arterial streets, including County Trunk Highways should be considered as elemental design. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Kevin Luecke Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 4:07 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Bike Fed Staff Subject: [Bikies] Town of Middleton refusing TE Funds Hello All. It looks like rejecting state and federal funds for transportation projects is unfortunately catching on in Wisconsin: today the Town of Middleton notified WisDOT that they are refusing the Transportation Enhancement funds they were awarded to add wide shoulders to Old Sauk Road. You may recall that this has been an ongoing issue with the Town's planned reconstruction of Old Sauk. The project is between Timber Lane and Swoboda Road. The Town is planning on widening the road from 22' to 24', but stated that widening to 28' to include wide shoulders/bike lanes was cost prohibitive. There is a Capital Times article from early this year about the issue here: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_b3533244-507e- 11df-bb09-001cc4c03286.html Most people assumed the issue was resolved when the Town applied for a $235,880 grant ($294,850 total cost) to add the additional width. The Town was awarded its full grant request even though many people felt that the Town should be carrying out this project on its own without grant money. Well, the Town decided that even after receiving the grant, they are not going to construct the additional road width. According to the Town, they will have to push back the start date from early spring in order to conduct environmental and engineering studies for the project. They also state that because the grant is for a fixed sum, it may not cover all their costs, especially if a delay increases costs (keep in mind, the Town chose how much money to apply for). These concerns are legitimate, but should have been figured out before applying for the money. My personal feeling is that the Town never intended to do the project in the first place, expected to have their grant request rejected, but wanted to look good in applying for the money. Then when they didn't get the grant they could say "Well, we tried." However, when the grant was awarded they had to scramble to come up with reasons why they wouldn't be accepting nearly a quarter million dollars in funds. I don't have any action for people to take at this time - it seems the Town is pretty set in their decision. I just wanted to keep people posted on local bike funding and facilities. Fortunately there are plenty of other communities who will be glad to use the funds that the Town is refusing! Kevin -- Kevin Luecke Lead Planner, Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin www.bfw.org 608-251-4456
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