Context Sensitive Solutions Idaho Case Studies ITD Project Development Conference April 7, 2005 Dick Jacobson, P.E. Senior Project Manager CH2M HILL

CSS is all about making choices and weighing trade-offs MOBILITY SAFETY ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY VALUES AESTHETICS

Applying the right approach avoids the “jump to solutions” syndrome... where the solution to problem A becomes problem B

Context Sensitive Design before CSD was an Acronym:

Existing Federal Way Historic Oregon Trail US 30 Two-Lane Roadway Substandard

Ongoing Growth ITD Relocated US 30 to I-84 ACHD assumed responsibility Traffic increases Need improvements

Project Constraints Higher than state average accident rate Need 2-Lanes each direction One side developed Canal and bench along other side Widen Roadway in Constricted Space

Roadway Alternatives Meeting – January 1992 –5 lanes –One-way couplet –4 lanes –No-build Alternative Modes Meeting - May 1992 –Bike path alternatives –Vista turnouts –Landscaping Public Involvement

Public Support Public Hearing December 1992 Supported safer 5-lane section Landscape Vista turnouts Bike Path

Project Development Original 3 Mile Project split into 3 projects Additional 2 Miles Designed Total of 5.2 miles –5-lane section –Vista turnouts –Bike Path –Landscaping

Federal Way Constructed Project Pathway Street lighting Landscaping Scenic overlook

Lessons Learned Consider non-traditional design approaches Actively involve stakeholders during the design process Balance stakeholder input with prudent design Budget for additional time and expenses during design and construction Maintain constant communication with stakeholders

Project Objectives for Success Comprehensive collaboration Maintain flexibility Timely decisions Assure NEPA compliance Stakeholder support Deliver Phase I (Bellgrove to Mica) to construction in 2001

Context Sensitive Solutions Approach Formal Design Partnering Process Address Transportation Needs Collaborative communications Structured decision process Encourage creativity and innovation in design Assure NEPA compliance

Selection of Alternatives Initial range of alternatives Establish study corridor Identify constraints for entire corridor Evaluate and Screen alternatives by segment Select reasonable alternatives Identify preferred alternative

Study Corridor

Alternative Features Matrix

E.A. Alternatives

Contacts for More Information Scott Ellsworth, PE Senior Project Manager CH2MHILL Boise, ID (208) ext 302 Dick Jacobson, PE Senior Project Manager CH2MHILL Boise, ID (208) ext 247

This presentation was made to the ITD Project Development Conference in April It is provided for reference only. Use of all or any part of this presentation for commercial purposes is prohibited without the written permission of CH2M HILL. –Copyright 2005, CH2M HILL