HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 11, 2014 info pkt
DATE: April 9, 2014
TO: Tom Markus, City Manager
FROM: Rick Fosse, Public Works Director
RE: Iowa City Gateway Project
Follow-up to April 1, 2014 Work Session and Formal Meeting
On April 1, 2014, City Council passed a resolution establishing the design elements for
the Iowa City Gateway Project that are necessary for completion of the Concept
Statement. We anticipate submittal of the Concept Statement to the Iowa DOT during
the week of April 21. At the same time, our consultant (HNTB) is able to move from
conceptual design into the preliminary design phase. Preliminary design is expected to
last through early June.
During the preliminary design phase, HNTB will be able to establish the horizontal
alignment based on the new design elements, review and revise grading and begin to
look at utility layout. A tree survey and species identification will be completed within
the corridor. When this information is combined with the revised grading limits, staff will
be able to provide more detailed information to property owners adjacent to the project
and identify areas of concern that can be focused on as we move toward final design.
Based on our notes from the April 1 st meeting, we developed the following list of
aesthetic and landscaping elements to be discussed at the next Gateway Project work
session.
Aesthetic and Landscaping Elements
• Retaining wall appearance
• Options for aesthetic ties between the bridge and Hancher Auditorium
• Potential bridge bump-outs and seating locations
• Lighting
• Tree Survey and species identification (including Ash Trees)
• Plantings
• Potential bio-swales and median drainage
April 9, 2014
Page 2
We originally planned to have the next Gateway Project work session in early May, but
now feel it would be best to schedule it for late June or early July to allow adequate time
to develop the concepts and to explore the following questions discussed at the April 1 st
meeting. The design schedule will not be impacted by moving the work session.
Questions Discussed at the April 1, 2014 Work Session
• Where is the best location for the 25 mph transition north of Mayflower?
• How tall is the proposed retaining wall near 1818 N. Dubuque Street?
• Should the east side walk be extended from the Cliff Apartments to Foster Road?
If not, should the grading be completed to accommodate it in the future? What
effect does this sidewalk have on the property at 1818 N. Dubuque Street? Is
there a cost analysis for doing it now v. in the future (20 years).
• Can the Iowa River Trail on the west side of Dubuque Street meander through
Terrell Mill Park as it currently does or should it follow along the road?
• Without a pedestrian crosswalk in front of Mayflower, what other design elements
can be introduced to improve the crosswalk and make it more visible to vehicles?
• Is there a plan to have green space / plantings between the river bank and the
bottom of the proposed retaining wall south of Terrell Mill Park?
• What are the Kimball Road impacts?
• More detail is needed south of Park Road to the end of the project. What are the
impacts to the first property on the west side and its driveway? What does the
east sidewalk between Brown Street and Park Road look like and how tall is the
retaining wall that is required?
• Are pocket parks possible throughout the corridor and more specifically at the
bottom of the Bella Vista bluff?
• Is a promenade or other pedestrian friendly area possible along Dubuque Street?
Can similar areas or bump outs be provided on Park Road Bridge?
• Can the west side trail be placed at the bottom of the wall, or at a lower, river
walk elevation? Should a separate walk be provided at a lower elevation in
addition to the trail? Is a split-grade crossing possible on the east abutment of
the bridge?
During the design process, the web site and the public email distribution list will continue
to be used whenever there is new information available. Communication with the City
Council will continue to occur as needed or when requested through the information
packets and work sessions. As always, do not hesitate to contact staff with any additional
questions or comments during this process.
Cc: Ron Knoche, City Engineer
Melissa Clow, Special Projects Manager