City Council Agenda and Packet 2019 01 22

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2019 Page 4 of 8 Director Kowar reviewed the options at Hecca and Hwy 42. The underpass here is on track to be bid out. The signal at Hecla has not met CDOT's signal warrants so it can't currently be built. ADA accessibility is being studied at the intersection. He stated a flashing beacon is not generally considered with multiple lanes in each direction on high speed/volume roads. There are some options for other intersection work and pedestrian refuges that can be considered. He stated people have asked for a reduction in speed there. CDOT will not change the speed without a speed study. It is likely if a speed study is performed the overall speed limit would remain at 45 mph. Director Kowar reviewed the corridor character and the adjacent uses. He added Lafayette has plans to use the area to the east for a sports complex which will also affect the area. Councilmember Stolzmann asked if deciding on the signal at Short Street precludes the City from installing other signals in the future. Director Kowar stated possibly as it will affect traffic warrants for other intersections. Councilmember Stolzmann asked if Short is the right place to put in a traffic signal. She noted perhaps Griffith Street would be the place for the signal as it is a street that crosses the railroad tracks. Public Comments John Leary, 1116 LaFarge Street, stated the decision to divert traffic to side streets in neighborhoods was a policy adopted at the time of the 42 redevelopment plan. That is now not happening so it seems common sense that a three -lane option will not work in this area. It is a reality that it has to be five lanes. Randy Caranci, 441 Elk Trail Lafayette, stated he supports an underpass on Hwy 42 near Pine Street. An underpass here could utilize the ballfields for parking for downtown, if Lafayette builds its sports complex it would be great to have direct pedestrian access to downtown. Now is the time to do it. Councilmember Keany stated he supports the five -lane option given the increase in traffic. He is encouraged by this discussion. He supports building the Short Street signal with five lanes in mind. He supports an underpass in the corridor as well. Citizens would appreciate improved traffic flow here. Mayor Muckle stated he too supports the five -lane configuration. He supports moving pedestrians and bikes into the open space on multi -use paths. He stated the rural character does matter, but that is a design question that can be addressed. 35