Category: TIP

Draft 2019-2022 Duluth-Area Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Now Open for Comment

Posted on by Rondi Watson

Comments are being taken on Duluth-Area projects proposed for the next four years.

Federally-funded transportation projects can be big, expensive, and time-sensitive — which means they need to be planned in advance.  Projects have been approved in previous years for 2018-2020, and we’re working now to line up funding for Duluth-area projects in 2022.

We are taking comments on the Draft 2019-2022 Duluth Area Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) through August 30.  The new projects for 2022, as approved by the MIC Policy Board and the Northeast MN Area Transportation Partnership, include:

MIC-Area Project Submittals (FHWA Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds)

View project locations

Three projects will be coordinated between two jurisdictions (St. Louis County and the City of Duluth) to achieve cost savings and reduce construction impacts:

Project: Snively Road – Roadway and Intersection Improvements
Description: Mill and overlay of Snively Rd. between Woodland Ave. and Glenwood St. and construction of a roundabout at Snively Rd./Glenwood St. Intersection
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County and City of Duluth (joint project)
Project Cost: $1,800,000 ($1,290,000 federal, $510,000 state)

Project: Woodland Ave – Roadway and Intersection Improvements
Description: Mill and overlay of Woodland Ave. between Arrowhead Rd. and Anoka St. and replacement signals at the intersections of Woodland Ave./Snively Rd. and Woodland Ave./Arrowhead Rd.
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County and City of Duluth (joint project)
Project Cost: $1,500,000 ($800,000 federal, $606,250 state, $93,750 local)

Project: Arrowhead Rd Preservation
Description: Mill and overlay of Arrowhead Rd. between Woodland Ave. and Dodge St.; ADA upgrades & spot repair to curb, gutter, and sidewalks.
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost: $ 737,500 ($ 590,000 federal, $ 147,500 state)

Total FHWA Funds: $2,680,000 / Total Cost: $3,581,250

MnDOT Project Submittals (FHWA Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds)

View project location

Project: Thompson Hill Reconstruction
Description: Reconstruction of north and south bound lanes on I-35 from the bridge over DMIR Railway to the north end of bridge 69879 over Trunk Highway 23
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
 Project Cost: $13,000,000 ($11,700,000 federal, $1,300,000 state)

 

View project location

Project: Trunk Hwy 194 Mill & Overlay
Description: Medium mill and overlay of TH 194 from the intersection of TH 2 to the west junction of TH 53
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $4,543,099 ($3,634,479 federal, $ 908,620 state funds)

Total FHWA Funds: $15,334,479 / Total Cost: $17,543,099

Duluth Transit Authority Project Submittals (FTA Section 5307 transit funds)

Project: Duluth Operating Assistance – Regular Route
Project Cost: $21,000,000 

Project: STRIDE Operations
Project Cost: $1,450,000 

Project: Operating and Preventive Maintenance
Project Cost: $1,000,000 

Project: Bus Support Equipment/Facility Rehabilitation
Project Cost: $ 150,000 

Project: Technology Updates
Project Cost: $ 100,000 

Project: Bus Stop/Stations/Terminal Updates
Project Cost: $  75,000 

Total FTA Funds / Total Cost: $23,775,000

We want to know what you think!

Give us a call: Talk to Planner Chris Belden at (218) 529-7502

OR –

Attend a Drop-In Open House:

When:  DAY, DATE from 10:00 am to noon or DAY, DATE from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: ARDC/MIC office in downtown Duluth at 221 West First Street (skywalk level)

 

 

Seeking Comments on Proposed 2022 Transportation Projects

Posted on by Rondi Watson

We’re working to line up funding for Duluth-Area projects four years from now

Federally-funded transportation projects can be big, expensive, and time-sensitive — which means they need to be planned in advance.  In fact, we’ve received applications for Duluth-area projects to be funded in 2022.

The following projects have been proposed by eligible Duluth-area jurisdictions for construction in the year 2022.  They will be submitted for review and approval by the MIC Policy Board and the Northeast MN Area Transportation Partnership for inclusion in the Draft 2019-2022 TIP, and we are seeking public input or comment by March 20:

View project locations
MIC-Area Project Submittals (FHWA Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds)

The three proposed projects will be coordinated between two jurisdictions (St. Louis County and the City of Duluth) to achieve cost savings and reduce construction impacts:

Project: Snively Road – Roadway and Intersection Improvements
Description: Mill and overlay of Snively Rd. between Woodland Ave. and Glenwood St. and construction of a roundabout at Snively Rd./Glenwood St. Intersection
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County and City of Duluth (joint project)
Project Cost: $1,800,000 ($1,290,000 federal, $510,000 state)

Project: Woodland Ave – Roadway and Intersection Improvements
Description: Mill and overlay of Woodland Ave. between Arrowhead Rd. and Anoka St. and replacement signals at the intersections of Woodland Ave./Snively Rd. and Woodland Ave./Arrowhead Rd.
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County and City of Duluth (joint project)
Project Cost: $1,500,000 ($800,000 federal, $606,250 state, $93,750 local)

Project: Arrowhead Rd Preservation
Description: Mill and overlay of Arrowhead Rd. between Woodland Ave. and Dodge St.; ADA upgrades & spot repair to curb, gutter, and sidewalks.
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost: $ 737,500 ($ 590,000 federal, $ 147,500 state)

Total FHWA Funds: $2,680,000 / Total Cost: $3,581,250

MnDOT Project Submittals (FHWA Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds)
View project location

Project: Thompson Hill Reconstruction
Description: Reconstruction of north and south bound lanes on I-35 from the bridge over DMIR Railway to the north end of bridge 69879 over Trunk Highway 23
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
 Project Cost: $13,000,000 ($11,700,000 federal, $1,300,000 state)

 

View project location

Project: Trunk Hwy 194 Mill & Overlay
Description: Medium mill and overlay of TH 194 from the intersection of TH 2 to the west junction of TH 53
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $4,543,099 ($3,634,479 federal, $ 908,620 state funds)

Total FHWA Funds: $15,334,479 / Total Cost: $17,543,099

 

Duluth Transit Authority Project Submittals (FTA Section 5307 transit funds)

Project: Duluth Operating Assistance – Regular Route
Project Cost: $21,000,000 

Project: STRIDE Operations
Project Cost: $1,450,000 

Project: Operating and Preventive Maintenance
Project Cost: $1,000,000 

Project: Bus Support Equipment/Facility Rehabilitation
Project Cost: $ 150,000 

Project: Technology Updates
Project Cost: $ 100,000 

Project: Bus Stop/Stations/Terminal Updates
Project Cost: $  75,000 

Total FTA Funds / Total Cost: $23,775,000

We want to know what you think!

Do these projects meet our area’s transportation needs, and make good use of our limited federal, state and local funds?  Do you have any other comments or questions? 

Call Chris Belden at (218) 529-7502
OR – Send Chris an email 
OR- Stop in and talk in person at the ARDC/MIC office in downtown Duluth at 221 West First Street (skywalk level)

 

 

Draft 2018-2021 Duluth-Area Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Now Open for Comment

Posted on by Rondi Watson

We’re working to line up funding for Duluth-Area projects for the next four years

Federally-funded transportation projects can be big, expensive, and time-sensitive — which means they need to be planned in advance.  Projects have been approved in previous years for 2018-2020, and we’re working now to line up funding for Duluth-area projects in 2021.

We are taking comments on the Draft 2018-2021 Duluth Area Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) through August 22.  The new projects for 2021, as approved by the MIC Policy Board and the Northeast MN Area Transportation Partnership, include:

Project: Bridge improvements at junction of State Highway 35 and 27th Ave W. in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $2,100,000 million ($1,890,000 federal, $210,000 state funds)

Project: Culvert Improvements at US Steel Creek in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $1,100,000 ($1,100,000 state funds)

Project: Culvert improvements at Gogebic Creek in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $1,100,000 ($1,100,000 state funds)

Project: I-35 Drainage System improvement at Lakewalk in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $1,100,000 ($1,100,000 state funds)

Project: Upgrade fiber optic cable and traffic cameras in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $425,000 ($382,500 federal, $42,500 state funds)

Project: Resurface Lismore Road, 5.5 miles from North Tischer Road to Ryan Road
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County
Project Cost: $3,143,825 ($1,285,000 federal, $1,858,825 local funds)

Project: Resurface roadway, storm sewer, curb and gutter repairs and sidewalks along Railroad Street from Garfield Ave to 5th Ave W.
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost: $992,788 ($742,936 federal, $249,852 state funds)

Project: Resurface roadway, storm sewer, curb and gutter repairs and sidewalks along Railroad Street from 5th Ave W to Canal Park Drive
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost: $724,362 ($542,064 federal, $182,298 state funds)

Project: Duluth Dial-A-Ride Transit Operating Assistance
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $1,400,000 ($1,400,000 local funds)

Project: Duluth Operating Assistance – Regular Route
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $14,040,000 ($1,000,000 federal, $13,040,000 local funds)

Project: Rehab/Renovation of Transit Terminals and Shelters
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $50,000 ($40,000 federal, $10,000 local funds)

Project: Transit Signal Priority (TSP) System Improvements
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $150,000 ($120,000 federal, $30,000 local funds)

Project: Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Improvements
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $100,000 ($80,000 federal, $20,000 local funds)

Project: Support and Facilities Equipment Purchase
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $690,000 ($552,000 federal, $138,000 local funds)

Project: Purchase Nine Standard 40-ft. Replacement Buses
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $4,695,000 ($3,756,000 federal, $939,000 local funds)

Project: Facility Rehabilitation
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $400,000 ($320,000 federal, $80,000 local funds)

We want to know what you think!

Give us a call: Talk to Planner Chris Belden at (218) 529-7502

OR –

Attend a Drop-In Open House:

When:  Tuesday, August 8 from 10:00 am to noon or Thursday, August 10 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: ARDC/MIC office in downtown Duluth at 221 West First Street (skywalk level)

 

 

Seeking Comments on Proposed 2021 Transportation Projects

Posted on by Rondi Watson

We’re working to line up funding for Duluth-Area projects in 2021

Federally-funded transportation projects can be big, expensive, and time-sensitive — which means they need to be planned in advance.  In fact, we’re working now to line up funding for Duluth-area projects in 2021.

The following projects have been proposed by eligible Duluth-area jurisdictions for construction in the year 2021.  They will be submitted for review and approval by the MIC Policy Board and the Northeast MN Area Transportation Partnership for inclusion in the Draft 2018-2021 TIP, and we are seeking public input or comment by March 15:

Project: Bridge improvements at junction of State Highway 35 and 27th Ave W. in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $2,100,000 million ($1,890,000 federal, $210,000 state funds)

Project: Culvert Improvements at US Steel Creek in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $1,100,000 ($1,100,000 state funds)

Project: Culvert improvements at Gogebic Creek in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $1,100,000 ($1,100,000 state funds)

Project: I-35 Drainage System improvement at Lakewalk in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $1,100,000 ($1,100,000 state funds)

Project: Upgrade fiber optic cable and traffic cameras in Duluth
Jurisdiction: MnDOT
Project Cost: $425,000 ($382,500 federal, $42,500 state funds)

Project: Resurface Lismore Road, 5.5 miles from North Tischer Road to Ryan Road
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County
Project Cost: $3,143,825 ($1,285,000 federal, $1,858,825 local funds)

Project: Resurface roadway, storm sewer, curb and gutter repairs and sidewalks along Railroad Street from Garfield Ave to 5th Ave W.
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost: $992,788 ($742,936 federal, $249,852 state funds)

Project: Resurface roadway, storm sewer, curb and gutter repairs and sidewalks along Railroad Street from 5th Ave W to Canal Park Drive
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost: $724,362 ($542,064 federal, $182,298 state funds)

Project: Duluth Dial-A-Ride Transit Operating Assistance
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $1,400,000 ($1,400,000 local funds)

Project: Duluth Operating Assistance – Regular Route
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $14,040,000 ($1,000,000 federal, $13,040,000 local funds)

Project: Rehab/Renovation of Transit Terminals and Shelters
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $50,000 ($40,000 federal, $10,000 local funds)

Project: Transit Signal Priority (TSP) System Improvements
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $150,000 ($120,000 federal, $30,000 local funds)

Project: Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Improvements
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $100,000 ($80,000 federal, $20,000 local funds)

Project: Support and Facilities Equipment Purchase
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $690,000 ($552,000 federal, $138,000 local funds)

Project: Purchase Nine Standard 40-ft. Replacement Buses
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $4,695,000 ($3,756,000 federal, $939,000 local funds)

Project: Facility Rehabilitation
Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority
Project Cost: $400,000 ($320,000 federal, $80,000 local funds)

We want to know what you think!

Do these projects meet our area’s transportation needs, and make good use of our limited federal, state and local funds?  Do you have any other comments or questions? 

Call Chris Belden at (218) 529-7502
OR – Send Chris an email 
OR- Stop in and talk in person at the ARDC/MIC office in downtown Duluth at 221 West First Street (skywalk level)

 

Last Call for Comments on 2019 Transportation Projects

Posted on by Rondi Watson

Almost $10 million of federal funding is being programmed for Duluth area transportation projects in 2019, and you have the opportunity to review and comment.

2019ProjectApps-ImageStrip550px

The programmed projects include:

  • Bridge preservation on the Blatnik bridge and the Mesaba Avenue bridge over Superior Street in downtown Duluth;
  • Mill and overlay of Highway 39 in Gary/New Duluth;
  • Resurfacing of Maple Grove Road (from Midway Road to Westberg Road) in Hermantown;
  • Pavement reclamation and storm sewer repairs on E 8th St/E 9th St in Duluth’s East hillside; and
  • Duluth Transit Authority operations (approx. $2 million in FTA funding programmed for continued public transit operations.

Additional project details are described in a post from March 5th, when they were first proposed.  As noted in that post, because federal funding is public money, the public has the right for their comments to be recorded and reported on these projects. 

The MIC will be taking official public comment on all projects included in the 2016-2019 Duluth Area TIP – from July 12 to August 13th. 

You may leave your comments in the section at the end of this blog post, and you are welcome to stop by the ARDC offices and speak with MIC staff directly during a couple of “Open House” days from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, August 12th and Friday, August 13th.

Look the projects over – do you have anything to say about them?<br></br>

How federal transportation dollars will be spent in Duluth…4 years from now

Posted on by Rondi Watson

Although it fluctuates from year to year, about $8 million – on average– of federal transportation assistance comes in to the Duluth area.  Of that amount, approximately $6 million is allocated for MnDOT projects, and $2 million goes to county and city projects.

Each year several new transportation improvement projects are proposed by these jurisdictions, for four years in advance.  This allows the time needed to do the planning and engineering work before they can be implemented.

This year, five projects are being proposed to utilize the $8 million in federal funding estimated to be available in year 2019.  These projects and their estimated costs are listed below.

Because federal funding is public money, the public has the right for their comments to be recorded and reported on these projects.  Look the projects over – do you have anything to say about them?    

E9th225pxE 8th Street/E 9th Street – Pavement Preservation
A mill and overlay of the existing pavement on the 1.6 miles of E 8th Street/E 9th Street between 6th Avenue E and Woodland Avenue.  Repairs to storm water, curb and gutter, and sidewalk will also be part of this project.
Jurisdiction: City of Duluth
Project Cost:  $1,300,000 ($860,000 federal funds; $440,000 local funds)

MapleGrove225pxMaple Grove Road – Pavement Preservation
A mill and overlay of 3.5 miles of Maple Grove Road from Midway Road to Westberg Road.  The project will include intersection improvements at Midway Road and at LaVaque Road.
Jurisdiction: St. Louis County
Project Cost:  $2,000,000 ($1,600,000 federal funds; $400,000 local funds)

McCuen150pxMcCuen Street (State Highway 39) – Pavement Preservation
Resurfacing of 1 mile of highway from State Highway 23 to the Oliver Bridge.
Jurisdiction: MnDOT District 1
Project Cost:  $900,000 ($720,000 federal funds; $180,000 state funds)

 

MesabiBridge150pxMesaba Ave, Bridge # 6544 – Bridge Repainting (Preservation)
Repainting of the understructure of the bridge over Superior Street in Downtown Duluth.
Jurisdiction: MnDOT District 1
Project Cost:  $1,500,000 ($1,200,000 federal funds; $300,000 state funds)  

 

Blatnik150pxBlatnik Bridge – Bridge Repainting (Preservation)
Repainting the superstructure of the I-535 bridge over St. Louis Bay.  This project includes a cost-share with WisDOT.
Jurisdiction: MnDOT District 1
Project Cost:  $8,260,000 ($3,717,000 federal funds; $413,000 MnDOT funds; $4,130,000 WisDOT funds)

 

You may have noticed that what these projects have in common is preservation of existing roads and bridges.  This is a trend that will continue as transportation funding becomes more scarce. In our area (and throughout the state) we will be seeing very little new construction in the coming years.

More information about the Duluth Area TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) and the projects being proposed for 2019 can be found on the MIC’s website at www.dsmic.org.

Meanwhile, if you have any opinions about these proposed projects, we welcome your comments.

New Federally Funded Projects for 2018

Posted on by Rondi Watson

An average of $86 million in federal transportation dollars is spent on transportation projects throughout the northeast region of Minnesota. RoadConstruction

How that money is allocated

These funds are allocated according to a federal formula and managed by the state.  Most of this money (about $78 million) goes to MnDOT and is used to maintain the freeways, state highways and bridges in the region.  Approximately $5 million goes towards county highways, local streets, and transit in the,the MIC area.  A small allocation is also made for non-roadway projects, such as paved trails, through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

Separate processes are conducted for the Duluth metro and the rest of the Arrowhead region.  The MIC administers the urban-area share of the funds and the Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (NE MN ATP) is responsible for administering the rest.

Both the MIC and the NE MN ATP solicit, evaluate and select the specific roadway, transit and trail projects that will utilize the funds in those areas.  These processes have been underway since the start of the year.

Programming those funds in the TIP

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for this area, we are now finalizing the roster of all transportation projects slated to receive federal funding in the MIC area for the next four years.

This list is called the “TIP” (Transportation Improvement Program) and it must include all federally-funded transportation projects in the Duluth metro for the coming four years.  As projects in the current year get built, we add new ones to the outer year.  This time around, the outer year is 2018.

MIC Projects

It is our job to work with local communities to determine how our (increasingly scarce share of) federal transportation dollars are spent.

In a selection process that began in January, we solicited applications from local jurisdictions.  These potential projects were then published for public comment, evaluated and prioritized by the MIC’s Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and recommended by the MIC Policy Board, submitted for consideration to the NE MN ATP, and, in June, approved for inclusion in the draft version of the Duluth Area TIP 2015-2018.

The following Duluth-area projects are being proposed for 2018 funding by the MIC:

 Decker Road Preservation

Resurfacing of Decker Road from Piedmont Avenue to Mall Drive.  Repairs to storm water, curb and gutter and sidewalk systems. ADA improvements and bike lanes/shoulders.

Jurisdiction: City of Duluth

Project Cost:             $1,412,500

Federal funds:          $   900,000

Local funds:              $   512,500

Highway Ramp Reconstruction

Reconstruct US Hwy 2 / I-35 southbound freeway ramps

Jurisdiction: MnDOT

Project Cost:             $495,670

Federal funds:          $383,720

State funds:              $ 95,930

Regular Route Bus Purchase

Purchase of three regular route vehicles to maintain existing fleet to safety, comfort, and efficiency standards.

Jurisdiction: Duluth Transit Authority

Bus Purchase Cost: $ 435,000

Federal funds:          $ 250,000

Local funds               $ 185,000

TAP Projects

In addition, the following Transportation Alternatives Program projects within the MIC have been forwarded for inclusion in the 2017 TIP projects list by the NE MN ATP:

 Construct 2 miles of sidewalk along Rice Lake Road

From Central Entrance to Arrowhead Road

Jurisdiction: St. Louis County

Project Cost:             $400,000

Federal funds:          $320,000

Local funds:              $ 80,000

Construct paved Lakewalk connection

Construct shared use path (Lakewalk) along Water St between 20th Ave East and 23rd Ave East

Jurisdiction: City of Duluth

Project Cost:             $231,809

Federal funds:          $185,447

Local funds:              $ 46,362

 

We want to know what you think!

Transportation projects are public facilities and services funded with taxpayer dollars.  Do you have any opinions about the importance of these proposed projects to our area?

Since they have been chosen for funding in 2018, is there anything you have to say about these specific projects?

 

Read the draft document

You can learn more details about these projects, as well as those lined up for years 2015, 2016 and 2017 from the draft TIP document, which is open for public comment from now until July 31.

 

Talk to us in person

Contact Senior Planner Robert Herling by phone at (218) 529-7573 or by email (INSERT EMAIL LINK), or…

 

Attend an Open House

You are invited to stop by in person to talk with us:

Wed, July 2, 7:00am – 1:00pm

Holiday Center (2nd floor skywalk level), 207 West Superior Street in downtown Duluth

Thurs, July 10, 8:00am – 5:00pm

MIC Office, 2nd floor skywalk level of the ARDC building, 221 W. First Street, Duluth.

 

Leave a comment at the end of this post

As we let you know on OpenMIC every year…there are three ways to have your say.

Public comments are being taken through Thursday, July 31, 2014.

 

What do YOU Think about These Projects?

Posted on by Rondi Watson

We say it on OpenMIC every year…View of Mesaba Ave TIP project -location of 2017 roadway improvement

“As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for this area, it is our job to work with local communities to determine how the federal transportation dollars that come to our area get spent.”

We are now finalizing the roster of local transportation projects that are slated to receive federal funding.  This list is called the “TIP” (Transportation Improvement Program) and it lines up projects for the coming four years.  As projects in the current year get built, we add new ones to the outer year.

This time around, the outer year is 2017, and these projects are the projects we’re adding:

  •  Resurfacing of Mesaba Avenue (I-35 to Central Entrance) – $2.1 million.
  •  Resurfacing of E 4th Street (from 6th Ave. E to Wallace Ave.) – $3.4 million.
  •  3 STRIDE Buses for the DTA – $200 thousand

Location of 2017 Rodway Improvement ProjectAs you can see –due in large part to a decrease in the federal funds now available–only two roadway improvement projects and a few new buses to the DTA’s special-needs STRIDE fleet can be programmed for 2017.

 Your Priorities?

These projects were evaluated and prioritized by the MIC’s Transportation Advisory Committee and recommended by the MIC Policy Board.

These decisions, however, also need to consider the public’s input, so we are asking you: are these the three projects you would have funded?  Since they have been chosen for inclusion in the TIP, is there anything you might have to say about these specific projects?

 View the Draft DocumentThree more STRIDE buses to be funded in the 2017 Duluth TIP

You can learn more details about these projects, as well as those lined up for years 2014, 2015, and 2016 from the draft TIP document, which is available for public review from now until August 21st .

 Talk to Us in Person

Or, you can ask us questions directly by calling (218-529-7573).  You are also invited to stop by our office during one of the TIP open houses scheduled for 7am-5pm on Thursday, July 18th and Friday, July 19th.  The place: 221 W First St., downtown Duluth, second floor.

Or, you can leave a comment at the end of this post.  As we let you know on OpenMIC every year…

There are three ways to have your say.

 

The New Normal?

Posted on by Rondi Watson

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for this area, it’s our job to work with local jurisdictions to identify, plan for and program how federal transportation funds get used in the region.  We’re already working to line up funding for construction projects that won’t begin until 2017.

Those funds, not surprisingly, have become a lot more scarce.

Last year, as part of developing the TIP, (Transportation Improvement Program), a document that allows Duluth Area communities to use federal transportation dollars, we were talking about divvying up about $7.5 million in federal highway transportation funds for local roadway projects throughout Northeast Minnesota.

This year, the funding allocation for the same area is about $5 million.  Of that amount, $2.1 will go for projects to improve roads and transit services throughout Duluth, Hermantown and Proctor.

Spending to Meet Performance Goals

So, working within the “new normal” of funding restraints, it’s more important than ever to decide on projects that will fix critical maintenance needs.  (Not to mention, new construction is pretty much off the table). These federal dollars do have strings attached: they need to be spent on projects that will meet performance goals, i.e., to improve safety and traffic flow, in measurable ways.

Every year, jurisdictions in the Duluth metro (the Cities of Duluth and Hermantown as well as St. Louis County) tell us which projects they’d like to use federal funds for and we work with our Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Policy Board to decide which ones are the most important.

We Want to Hear from You

Transportation projects are public facilities and services funded with taxpayer dollars, and therefore local citizens have a right to weigh in on such decisions, along with the planners, engineers and elected officials.

This year, the following transportation projects are being proposed by the City of Duluth, St. Louis County and the Duluth Transit Authority for our area:

  • Mesaba Ave Repairs – Concrete and joint repairs from Central Entrance to I-35 and repairs to bridges over Superior Street and 2nd Ave West
  • East 4th Street Repairs – Mill & overlay, safety improvements and ADA improvements (pedestrian ramps) from 6th Avenue East to Wallace Avenue
  • DTA STRIDE Buses – Purchase of three STRIDE replacement buses to maintain existing fleet to safety, comfort, and efficiency standards

Do you have any opinions

…about the importance of these proposed projects to our area?

Talk to Us – Online, In Person or by Phone:

  1. Make a comment, below,  or
  2. Stop by our office at 221 West First Street, ARDC entrance on the Skywalk level, or
  3. Call me with questions or comments–Robert Herling at (218) 529-7573.

Although it’s only March 2013, NOW is the time to give us your input on these proposed projects before funding decisions are made for 2017.

You have three ways to let us know.

Three Ways to Have Your Say

Posted on by Rondi Watson

MIC Planner James Gittemeier discussing TIP projects with a resident of Duluth, MNAs the MPO for Duluth-Superior metro area, it’s our role to work with local jurisdictions to identify, plan for and program how federal transportation funds get used in the region.

Since transportation projects can be big, expensive, and time-sensitive (i.e. they need to be coordinated with adjacent infrastructure projects), they need to be planned for in advance – we’re already working to line up funding for construction projects that won’t begin until four years from now.

We are part of a process that is now underway to divvy up about $40 million in federal highway transportation funds for projects throughout the Arrowhead and Northeast Minnesota for 2016.

$40 Million Might Seem Like a Lot, But…

A mile of roadway can cost almost a million bucks to repair.  Now consider that the Duluth-Superior area alone has more than 350 miles of roads eligible for federal funds and, well, you get the picture. There are a lot more maintenance and construction needs than money to go around.

So, not every project can receive federal funding.  That’s where the MIC’s prioritization process comes in.

Every year, jurisdictions in the Duluth metro tell us which projects they’d like to use federal funds for and we work with our Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Policy Board to decide which ones are the most important for meeting the current and future needs of our transportation system.

We Want to Hear from You

Road projects are a public good paid for with taxpayer money, and therefore the local citizens have a right to weigh in on such decisions, along with planners, engineers and elected officials.

This year, the following transportation projects will be prioritized for our area.  All of them are intended to use your gas tax dollars to improve the region’s transportation system.

Do you have any opinions about which are more important to our area?  How would you rank these proposed projects if only 2 or 3 could be chosen?

  • Joshua Ave Construction – City of Duluth
  • Stebner Rd Reconstruction – City of Hermantown
  • Arlington Rd Resurfacing – St. Louis County
  • Trunk Highway 23 Rehabilitation & Replacement of Kingsbury Creek Bridge – MnDOT
  • US Highway 53 Resurfacing– MnDOT

Talk to Us – Online, In Person or by Phone

 

1)      Make a comment, below,  or

2)      Stop by and visit our informational display on

  • Wednesday, January 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Skywalk level of the Holiday Center in downtown Duluth, or

3)      Call me with questions or comments–Robert Herling at (218) 529-7573.

Although it’s only January 2012, NOW is the time to give us your input on these proposed projects before funding decisions are made for 2016.  You have three ways to let us know.

Roads, Trails, or Both?

Posted on by James Gittemeier, BPAC Vice-Chair

Priorities for Duluth’s Transportation System

As discussed in our previous blog, approximately $45 million in federal funds are being programmed for Duluth area transportation projects for 2012-2015.

The draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) spells out costs and timeframes for a total of 36 high-priority projects over four years and is now open for public comment.

Balancing the needs of all users

It seems we easily divide ourselves into those who drive versus those who ride the bus versus those who bike and so forth….an “us versus them” scenario.

Well, in reality the transportation system—and the public spaces they are a part of—are used by people in a much more complex way. You might drive to your job or to shop, but there will always be some amount of walking involved, from car to final destination and back again. You might use the sidewalks for walking from place to place, but also for stopping to talk to your neighbor in a common space. You might ride your bike down the big hill but put it on a DTA bus for the trip back up.

Looking through this lens, from the perspective of the users of the transportation system, you can see how this TIP has a major focus on how to really connect people in the safest and most efficient way possible. 

Continuing to fix the highways

Preservation work on the two major bridges is needed to refurbish the Blatnik (I-535) in 2012 and the Bong (US Highway 2) in 2014. These TIP projects not only have the highest price tags and but also will receive the most attention—yes, just when the I-35 reconstruction “megaproject” is finished, there will be several more years of high-profile road construction projects, on the bridges this time!

Improvements for those who walk, bike, or take the bus

While the highway projects are devoted solely to cars and trucks, funding is also included to provide a safe alternative to driving.  A paved pedestrian and bicycle pathway, running parallel to I-35, will connect the whole city from west  to east. The Munger Trail will eventually extend all the way to the Lakewalk by constructing short segments of a new Cross-City Trail each year. The popular Duluth Lakewalk will in turn be extended from 60th Avenue East to Highway 61, and then out to Brighton Beach up the north shore.

Funding for the Duluth Transit Authority will purchase new buses and provide operating support for both its regular route and STRIDE bus service.

And thanks to recent Complete Streets efforts in Duluth, local street projects will take into account how the roads are being used by people every day and will be designed accordingly.

The projects funded in the draft 2012-2015 Duluth area TIP balance the need to move vehicles efficiently with the needs of all people who use these public spaces, including those who utilize public transportation, those who traverse the roads by bicycle and those who are on foot.

Which makes sense to us – what do you think?

Now Accepting Comments on…What?

Posted on by Rondi Watson

From now until Friday, June 24, the MIC is accepting public comment on the draft Duluth 2012-2015 TIP.  No, this TIP is not a hot piece of insider advice.  It’s a bureaucratic document, and admittedly it can be quite dry.  But it’s much more important than it sounds, and we think it will be of interest to you as something that impacts your day-to-day life.  Want to get a road repaved?  A trail built? A new traffic signal on a route you take everyday?  There’s a good chance that project has to make it through the TIP process first.

Transportation Improvement Program

TIP stands for “Transportation Improvement Program” and it’s an annual document that lists what local transportation projects will be receiving federal funding in the coming years.

The current TIP (2012-2015) for the Duluth area contains a total of 36 projects planned to receive approximately $45 million in federal funds.

In actuality, $45 million is just a portion of what’s being spent on transportation improvements in the region, with federal funds typically accounting for less than 25% of what’s spent on road improvements in Duluth in any given year.  And yet this federal money can have a very catalyzing effect.

80% Federal Funding = Incentive for Innovative Local Projects

It’s often this federal TIP money that incentivizes more comprehensive, and often more innovative projects.  That’s because local governments are only required to match those funds 20 cents to the dollar. Or another way to say it: the federal government funds 80% of the project.  This can make an improvement like the upcoming Cross City Trail (an exciting new link between the Munger Trail and the Lakewalk) a more feasible project for the City of Duluth to pursue. 

The other projects in this year’s TIP are aimed at preserving existing roads and bridges, as well as strengthening connections among alternative modes of transportation.

Virtual Public Meeting – Seeking Your Questions and Comments

You can take a look at the list of Duluth area projects for 2012-2015 and consider using Open MIC like a ‘virtual’ public meeting by leaving us any questions or comments you might have about the projects.

Public comment period runs until Friday, June 24, 2011.