I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study and ... · I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification...

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification

Study and Environmental Assessment

Public Involvement #1

August 9, 2016

Holiday Inn Express Convention Center

Brandon, SD

Public Comments Summary

Public Meeting

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. -Sign-in Sheets -Meeting Handout -Boards -Presentation -Meeting Comment Forms -Email/Website Comments -Meeting Notes

Stakeholder Meetings

1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. -Sign-in Sheets -Agenda -HRG Notes/Discussion Summary

Report Date: August 30, 2016

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study and Environmental Assessment Public Involvement #1 Summary Meeting Date: August 9, 2016

SDDOT – Brandon, SD

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study & Environmental Assessment Public Comments Summary

Issue Comment (# of comments)

Interchange

Traffic Operations and Speed

Several general comments related to interchange congestion and operations

Long queues during peak periods that backup through ramp terminal intersections, local intersections (to Redwood Blvd), or onto I-90 (5)

Intersection control (signalization); long-term and/or interim solution (8)

Speed limit (45 mph) and related sight distance concerns (9)

Westbound off-ramp, right-turn and U-turn to head back south (3)

Eastbound to southbound ramp terminal lane add conflict (3)

Geometrics and Design Trucks/Large Vehicles

General concern for truck turning movements

Jebro concerned with turning radius on/off the interstate; asphalt doubles (one semi with two trailers)

CHS: Over 7,000 trucks/year in/out between two facilities

Marmen Energy: 800-1000/year; navigating turns and traffic impacts; head west from SD 11 (3)

Sight Angles from Off-Ramp Approaches

Traffic and bridge railing; WB to SB LT, EB to SB RT (9) Other Comments

Adequately sign interchange

Stakeholder discussion on whether the 5-lane will go through.

Stakeholder discussion regarding ramp improvements and existing grades

Stakeholder discussion about the steep grades coming up to SD 11.

Short on ramps (2)

Eastbound off-ramp 1 or 2 lanes at approach?

Bicycles & Pedestrians Lack of sidewalk/bike lane through interchange (3)

Provide concrete wall between vehicles and pedestrians on bridge

Connection between residential and industrial/places of employment south/north of interchange

Construction Since traffic will be detouring to Valley Springs Exit 410, could 'No Dynamic Braking' signs be posted on highway 262 into Brandon?

Discussion/question on whether/how access would be maintained at all times during construction (2).

Other Marmen trucks use both lanes when crossing WB I-90 bridge, at slow speeds

SW quadrant drainage

Safety (Anecdotal Examples)

Cars from Brandon waiting to turn left to get on I-90, cars backed up from east waiting to turn left to go into Brandon, trucks hauling turbine blades stopping traffic as it tries to turn onto the ramp to I-90. Have almost got broadsided many times as cars race over the bridge into Brandon, and I'm sitting at the exit to turn right into Brandon trying to


SDDOT – Brandon, SD I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study & Environmental Assessment



see if anyone is coming over the bridge, but my view is blocked by SUVs and trucks. Plus cars coming over the bridge into Brandon don't realize there's another lane there for the ramp exiters.

many “near misses” on bridge, especially involving left-hand turns

Have had cars speed past me in the east land and dive in front of me to cross the bridge.

Sideswiped from cars when turning left going north onto SD 11.

Once had a semi tractor trailer combo pull in front of me from the east off ramp and turn north almost causing an accident.

Once a month, I am forced to stop on the shoulder of I-90 because the east bound off ramp traffic is backed up onto the Interstate.

Have had several close calls at night, so as I proceed north across the bridge, I watch for cars coming off I-90 west.

Leaving work in SF at night headed to Corson, I carefully watch for low vehicles that are hard to see when making the left-turn.

I-90 EB off ramp, trying to make a north bound left is difficult due to the sight distance to the north. To improve sight distance vehicles creep to the right and then a second vehicle turning left will come along side of them to turn left. Bridge and rail add to the sight distance issue. (2)

Close encounters with vehicles traveling south on Hwy 11 as they come over the bridge. Immediately after the bridge Hwy 11 has 2 lanes and about half of the vehicles want to switch to the outside lane and enter one of the first few businesses on the west side of Hwy 11. This means people are speeding up to 45 mph and someone is slowing down in front of them to immediately turn.

SD Hwy 11

Access Ash Street Intersection

Accommodation of/issues with EB to NB trucks; will pull into traffic (3)

Alternate route to NB SD 11 via Redwood Blvd instead of trying to turn left from Ash Street (2)

Truck queues create congestion/blocking of access to gas station and The Warehouse

Birch Street Intersections

East Birch Street has only one entrance/exit which is onto Hwy 11. SD 11 queue extends through intersection and blocks exit/entrance. (2)

Offset intersection conflict Other Comments

Important to keep access to the east of Ash Street into commercial field that is currently on market.

Stakeholder discussion regarding access control and U-turns

Lack of NB LT lane into Tailgators and hotels (3)

Traffic Operations and Speed

Reduce SD 11 speed (outside of interchange area)

Hemlock Blvd/SD 11 intersection improvements for Marmen trucks

Traffic growth (including trucks) on SD 11 north of I-90 (3)

Planned/future industrial development north of I-90 (5)

Safety (Anecdotal Examples)

Crash at Ash Street and SD 11 – While going NB a truck was turning right onto Ash, but couldn’t make the turn due to an EB vehicle turning


SDDOT – Brandon, SD I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study & Environmental Assessment



left off of Ash. The vehicle on Ash made the left turn and collided with the NB vehicle on SD11 in the second lane.

Bicycles & Pedestrians Lack of sidewalks/bicycle facilities along SD 11 (3)

Recommendations

Make bridge & exits similar to E. 10th Street exit off I-229

Utilize a frontage road for traffic coming out of BP

Would like to see DOT step up Action Plan

Consider limiting amount of business entrances

Consider noise control and adding more evergreens along the Interstate to lessen the noise

Additional thru lanes and/or northbound left-turn lane (5)

Traffic signals at ramp terminals (long-term and interim) (8)

Direct I-90 access for Marmen trucks (2)

Possibly widen rail bridge to west and river bridge to the east

Do not install center medians

Keep access east of Ash Street open (related to developable land) (2)

Free right-turn from off-ramp approaches

New interchange 2 miles east

Quieter road surfaces for the housing developments close to the highway

Marmen should have time restrictions on transport releases to avoid rush hour.

Reconstruct sooner than 2022-2025 (2)

Single point interchange

Adequately sign (out of town drivers)

Construct concrete wall between pedestrians/traffic

All-way stop at ramp terminals

Expand Holly Blvd to 4 lanes to Sioux Falls

Concern expressed regarding roundabouts from businesses with trucks

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study and Environmental AssessmentPublic Involvement #1 SummaryMeeting Date: August 9, 2016

Public Meeting August 9, 2016,

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Sign-in Sheets-Meeting Handout-Boards-Presentation-Meeting Comment Forms-Email/Website Comments-Meeting Notes

Jon Wiegand, PE, PTOE Consultant Project Manager HR Green, Inc. 605-221-2656 [email protected]

Steve Gramm, PE SDDOT Project Manager South Dakota Department of Transportation 605-773-6641 [email protected]

I-90 Exit 406 (SD 11/Splitrock Blvd) Interchange Modification Study and Environmental Assessment

Brandon, SD

Interchange Modification Study Schedule

Gather information and perform existing conditions

analyses May - August 2016

Public involvement to assist in identifying issues and needs.

Develop interchange and cross-road concepts; initial

concept screening August - September 2016

Develop and refine Build Options for analysis from

screened concepts & conduct initial environmental impact

analysis October—December 2016

Public involvement to help evaluate interchange and cross-

road Build Options.

Develop IMJR and EA documents; identify proposed

Preferred Alternative October 2016- May 2017

Public involvement to comment on Preferred Alternative.

Study Completion June 2017

Project Website: www.sehinc.com/online/406

The Project and Today’s Meeting Objectives

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has determined that a study of the I-90 Exit 406 Interchange and the SD 11/Splitrock Boulevard corridor is needed in order to plan for long-term growth and transportation needs in this project area. We are looking for your input on transportation issues in this one-mile corridor between Hemlock Boulevard and Redwood Boulevard. This information will help us establish project needs to be addressed through the conceptual design process and environmental assessment. These needs will also help to identify a Preferred Alternative for detailed design. SDDOT currently has this project programmed for letting between 2022 and 2025.

Please leave your comment form by the entryway before leaving or email/mail comments to Jon Wiegand or Steve Gramm by August 23, 2016.

Study Team

South Dakota Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization

City of Brandon

Study Contacts: Additional Information:

Study Area

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange

SD 11 / Splitrock Boulevard from Hemlock Boulevard to Redwood Boulevard

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sehinc.com/online/406

I-90 Exit 406 (SD 11/Splitrock Blvd)

Interchange Modification Study and Environmental

Assessment

Public Information Meeting & Open House

Welcome

Presentation at 6:15 pm

Please Sign-in at the Registration Table

Study Components Study Team

South Dakota Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization

City of Brandon

Consultant Team: HR Green, Inc. (HR Green)

Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) 106 Group

Interchange Modification Justification Report (IMJR)

Environmental Assessment (EA)

Public Involvement

2016 2017

MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

IMJR

ENVI

RON

MEN

TAL

ASSE

SSM

ENT

PUBL

IC O

UTRE

ACH

PUBLIC MEETING #1

Stakeholder and Property Owner Meeting #1Issues and NeedsExisting Conditions Purpose and Need

PUBLIC MEETING #2

Stakeholder and Property Owner Meeting #2Interchange ConceptsRecommend Build Options

PUBLIC MEETING #3Present EA Recommendations and Obtain Public Comments

Data CollectionTraffic Counts

Crash History

Existing Conditions Analysis Analyze Existing Conditions Develop and Analyze Future Traffic Volumes Develop Conceptual

Interchange and SD 11 ScenariosReview Traffic Operations and Constructability

Build Determine and Refine Interchange and SD 11 OptionsAnalyze Traffic Operations and Safety of Build Options Review Constructability

Draft IMJR Study AdvisoryReview of DRAFTIMJR

Refine IMJRFHWA Review of IMJR

Prepare Final IMJR

Approved

IMJR

Identify Study AreaAgency Scoping and Coordination Draft Purpose

and NeedConduct Field Studies Refine

Purpose and NeedInitial Impact Analysis Draft EA

Study Advisory Review ofDRAFT EA Refine EA

FHWA Review of EAPrepare and Release EA for Public Availability

Address Comments & Prepare Final EA

FONSI

PROJECT WEBSITE: www.sehinc.com/online/406

MPO Meeting

MPO Meeting

MPO Meeting

We AreHere

Study Area Issues, Needs, and Design Considerations

Segmented Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Ramp Terminal Intersections - Traffic Operations - Safety - Traffic Growth - Sight Issues - Commuter Traffic Route

Lane Change/Turn Conflicts

Left-turn from Thru Lane

Large Vehicle Mobility

Bridge Width and Type; Maintenance of Traffic during Construction

Study Area Issues, Needs, and Design Considerations

Transmission Towers

Interchange Modification Justification Study (Analysis) Area and Alternatives Development Process

IMJR Alternatives Development Process Gather information and establish issues and needs Includes public involvement opportunity

Develop Conceptual Alternatives Evaluation

Refine Screened Alternatives Evaluation Includes public involvement opportunity

Select Build Option Includes public involvement opportunity

Environmental Assessment Study Area and

Process Summary

The EA Process can be defined by three distinct steps:

1) Assess project needs and research the existing

environment;

2) Identify potential project alternatives and evaluate

their impacts on the environment;

3) Prepare EA document with recommended

alternative.

At the end of this process, the EA is made available to

the public for comment.

Purpose of the Project The I-90 Exit 406 Interchange was constructed in 1960. The bridge is not considered structurally deficient at this time. However, the bridge has been determined by the SDDOT Office of Bridge Design to be at the end of its service life and replacement of the bridge is being pursued before any major rehabilitation work is necessary. The purpose of the Project is to reconstruct the I-90 Exit 406 Interchange to meet current design standards, improve safety, and increase the efficiency of the transportation system along the I-90 interstate corridor and Splitrock Boulevard.

Environmental Assessment DRAFT Purpose and Need

Crash History

SD 11 / Splitrock Boulevard Intersections (2010-2014)

SD 11 / Splitrock Boulevard Segments (2010-2014)

I-90 Freeway Segments (2010-2014)

I-90 WB Ramp Terminal Intersection

9 Total Crashes

6 Rear-end 3 Angle

I-90 EB Ramp Terminal Intersection

21 Total Crashes

10 Angle 9 Rear-end 2 Single Vehicle

Ash Street

8 Total Crashes

4 Angle 3 Rear-end 1 Single Vehicle

Hemlock, Birch, and Redwood Intersections

7 Total Crashes

5 Angle 2 Rear-end

I-90 Eastbound Ramp Terminal Intersection to Ash Street

14 Total Crashes

6 Angle 5 Rear-end 3 Sideswipe

Ash Street to Redwood Boulevard

4 Total Crashes

3 Angle 1 Rear-end

I-90 Freeway Segment West of Exit 406

11 Total Crashes

8 Single Vehicle 2 Other 1 Angle

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange

19 Total Crashes

13 Single Vehicle 2 Rear-end 2 Sideswipe Same Direction 2 Other

I-90 Freeway Segment East of Exit 406

16 Total Crashes

11 Single Vehicle 3 Other 1 Rear-end 1 Sideswipe Same Direction

Hemlock Boulevard to I-90 Eastbound Ramp Terminal Intersection

2 Total Crashes

2 Single Vehicle

Level of Service (LOS) Definitions Highway Capacity Manual 2010

LOS Description Intersection Control Delay

(seconds/vehicle)

A Very minimal queuing; excellent corridor progression

≤ 10

B Some queuing; good corridor progression

> 10 - 20

C Regular queuing; not all demand may be serviced on some cycles (cycle failure)

> 20 - 35

D Queue lengths increased; routine cycle failures

> 35 - 55

E Majority of cycles fail > 55 - 80

F Volume to capacity ratio near 1.0; very long queues, almost all cycles fail

> 80

Signalized Intersections

LOS Description Control Delay

(seconds/vehicle)

A Queuing is rare ≤ 10

B Occasional queueing > 10 - 15

C Regular queueing > 15 - 25

D Queue lengths increased > 25 - 35

E Significant queuing > 35 - 50

F Volume to capacity ratio near 1.0; very long queues

> 50

All-Way Stop-Controlled and Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections

LOS Description Density

(passenger cars/mile/lane)

A Free-flow operation ≤ 11

B Reasonably free-flow operation; Minimal restriction on lane changes & maneuvers

> 11 - 18

C Near free-flow operation; noticeable restriction on lane changes & other maneuvers

> 18 - 26

D Speed decline with increasing flows; Significant restriction on lane changes & other maneuvers

> 26 - 35

E

Facility operates at capacity; Very few gaps for lane changes & other maneuvers; Frequent disruptions & queues

> 35 - 45

F Unstable flow; operational breakdown > 45

Basic Freeway Segment

All-way stop-controlled intersections reports intersection control delay. Two-way stop-controlled intersections reports worst-case stop-controlled approach. No intersection control delay is calculated.

LOS Description Density

(passenger cars/mile/lane)

A Unrestricted operations ≤ 10

B Merging and diverging maneuvers no-ticeable to drivers

> 10 - 20

C Influence area speeds begin to decline > 20 - 28

D Influence area turbulence becomes in-trusive

> 28 - 35

E Turbulence felt by virtually all drivers > 35

F Ramp and freeway queues form Demand Exceeds Capacity

Freeway Merge and Diverge Segments

Thank You!

Contact Us

Jon Wiegand, PE, PTOE Consultant Project Manager

HR Green, Inc. 605-221-2656

[email protected]

Steve Gramm, PE SDDOT Project Manager

South Dakota Department of Transportation 605-773-6641

[email protected]

www.sehinc.com/online/406

Stay Connected Throughout the study, materials will be posted on the project website to keep the public informed on the progress of the study.

Mark Your Calendar Next Public Information Meeting: November/December 2016

You will have the opportunity to review various interchange and corridor concepts developed for further evaluation, provide feed-back on each concept, and be a part of the screening process.

Final Public Information Meeting: Spring 2017

This will be an opportunity for you to review and comment on a proposed interchange and crossroad Preferred Alternative.

Leave a Comment Today, please provide feedback on issues you experience at the I-90 Exit 406 interchange and along the SD 11 / Splitrock Boulevard corridor.

Comment forms are available at the registration table. Completed forms may be placed by the entryway or mailed/emailed to Jon Wiegand or Steve Gramm by August 23, 2016.

MARKET

Public

Meeting &

Open House

I-90 EXIT 406 INTERCHANGE

MODIFICATION STUDY AND

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

AUGUST 9, 2016

I-90 Exit 406 IMJR and EA

STUDY TEAM

• Study Advisory Team • South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT)

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

• City of Brandon

• Study Consultant • HR Green

• Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH)

• 106 Group


INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS TIMELINE

• Study – 2016-2017

• Design

• Construction – programmed for letting in FY 2022-

2025


I-90 EXIT 406 HISTORY

2010 Decennial Study

• Alt. 1: SD 11 and

Bridge Improvements

• Alt. 2: Single Point

Urban Interchange


STUDY AREA

• I-90 Exit 406 Interchange

• SD 11 / Splitrock Blvd


STUDY COMPONENTS

A. Interchange Modification Justification Report (IMJR)

A. Development of alternatives

B. Traffic operations

C. Safety

D. Multi-modal mobility

E. Access

F. Constructability


STUDY COMPONENTS

B. Environmental Assessment (EA)

Environmental considerations, such as

Wetlands and waterways Archeological resources

Historical structures Parkland Noise Threatened and Endangered Species Regulated materials Air water quality


A. Establish issues and needs

B. Concept development and initial

screening

C. Refine Build Options and analysis

D. IMJR and EA development;

identify Recommended Alternative

May – August 2016

August – September 2016

October – December 2016

October 2016 – May 2017

STUDY OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE


Average Daily Traffic

ISSUES AND NEEDS: TRAFFIC DEMAND

Segment 2016 ADT 2045 ADT % Increase

I-90, West of Exit 406 25,000 47,000 88%

SD 11, South of I-90 13,000 23,000 77%


Level of Service (AM/PM)

ISSUES AND NEEDS: TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

Intersection Existing Future-Year

WB Ramp Intersection F/F F/F

EB Ramp Intersection C*/F F/F


ISSUES AND NEEDS:

CRASH HISTORY

• SD 11 Intersections

• SD 11 Roadway

Segments

• Freeway Segments


ISSUES AND NEEDS:

4-LANE SECTION

• Speed, interchange

congestion

• Southbound lane

addition

• Northbound left-turn


ISSUES AND NEEDS:

SD 11 BRIDGE OVER I-90

‘Functionally obsolete’

• Width

• Vehicular

• Multi-modal

• Bridge type


DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

• Maintaining Traffic

• Transmission Towers

• Vehicle Size

• Access

• Multi-modal

Connectivity


TODAY’S INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Identify Study Area Issues

and Needs

• Concept development and

evaluation

• Purpose and Need

Comments

• Leave comment form at entryway

• Mail/email comment form to project contact

• Discuss with project representatives

• Submit comment via project website

• Due by August 23


THANK YOU!

Project Website

www.sehinc.com/online/406

Next Public Meeting:

November/December 2016

Project Contacts

Jon Wiegand, PE, PTOE

Consultant Project Manager

HR Green, Inc. 605-221-2656 [email protected] Steve Gramm, PE

SDDOT Project Manager South Dakota Department of

Transportation 605-773-6641 [email protected]


Email/Website Comments

Email 8/19/16 1) Hwy 11 is our only outlet. East Birch Street in Brandon has only one entrance/exit which is onto Hwy 11. We have a newly developed area and have an estimated 80+ families which use that exit. This includes 40+ houses and several apartment buildings. The project study mentioned that traffic gets backed up past McDonald's on Hwy 11. I mentioned that this was incorrect and that traffic can get backed up to the Redwood stoplight, one intersection south of Birch. When traffic is backed up this far we are blocked from exiting Birch. This is especially an issue when kids and school buses are trying to take a left turn and get to school in the winter. 2) Many close calls entering Hwy 11 South from I-90 E I have had some close encounters with vehicles traveling south on Hwy 11 as they come over the bridge. Immediately after the bridge Hwy 11 has 2 lanes and about half of the vehicles want to switch to the outside lane and enter one of the first few businesses on the west side of Hwy 11. This means people are speeding up to 45 mph and someone is slowing down in front of them to immediately turn. 3) Additional traffic on Hwy 11 is causing larger backups. There seems to me an increased number of vehicles traveling south from the Corson side on Hwy 11. This includes several large wind turbine pieces being piloted onto I-90. This is causing more vehicles traveling north to backup traffic on Hwy 11 north and all traffic on the bridge as most are waiting to enter I-90 West. 4) 2 vehicles on Birch Street both taking left Because of the way that Birch Street crosses Hwy 11, if two vehicles are on opposite sides and both taking a left they will be in each other's way. This has caused several near wrecks as neither side is unaware that the other will be in their path. 5) Hwy 11 is not bike friendly We live in a area that has to take Hwy 11 to get anywhere else in Brandon. This makes it unsafe to allow kids to bike outside our area. Hwy 11 is 45 mph, 5 lanes across, and busy. This doesn't make it easy to use the roads on bikes and limits bikes to usually ride on the sidewalks.


Email 8/19/16 Thank you for the public information meeting. You touched on all of my concerns about the present interchange. I wanted to give my input though. I come from work in Sioux Falls around 10:15 pm, and I live in Corson. I have a Mercury Grand Marquis in which I sit kind of low. While making the left turn, I watch for the glow of headlights that I don't directly see if the oncoming vehicle is a lower car. Then, I still proceed cautiously. As I proceed north across the bridge, I am very watchful of cars coming off of I-90 west. I have had three close calls in the past couple years where a car would pull out right in front of me. I don't know if they didn't see me or what. For a while, the street lamp at the north end of the bridge was burned out, so that didn't help. If I see a car waiting to come onto Highway 11, I turn on the dome light in my car, hoping it will help them see me better. I like the idea of some sort of turning lane, and a pedestrian / bicycle area. I prefer a single curve ramp going on and off, like what is there now. I don't like the double curve ? ramp like the one going onto I-90 west at Luverne, MN, because I can't use the full length of the ramp to get my speed up. Also, stop lights may help presently at the bridge. Thank you again for your presentation, and for allowing us to give our input.

Email 8/9/16 I commute through the I-90 and Hwy 11 interchange a minimum of twice daily, typically at 7:30 to 8:00 AM (north and west bound) and 5:00 to 5:30 PM (east and south bound). I have experienced many long wait times in backed up traffic. I have also been lucky enough not to have had an accident in my travels but have had numerous close calls. These begin with north bound cars stopped in traffic trying to enter the BP station or the hotels in the absence of a turning lane. I have had north bound cars speed past me in the east lane and dive in front of me to cross the bridge. A semi tractor trailer combo once pulled out in front of me from the east off ramp and turned north. I left 30 feet of skid marks to avoid a collision. At least once a month I am forced to stop on the shoulder of I-90 because the east bound off ramp traffic is backed up on to the interstate. Once at Hwy 11 the danger continues when trying to turn south. I always stay in the west lane but have had many near misses with south bound cars wanting to access the hotels or Tailgaters. The bridge railing blocks sight of most vehicles turn signals if and when they are used. Other unsafe observations are a number of cars on the west bound off ramp turning north and then making an immediate U turn on Hwy 11 to go south. I really love it when the Marmen lead and chase vehicles block traffic at 7:45 AM to allow a tower section on to the west bound on ramp. That is one problem that could be avoided by placing time restrictions on Marmen’s transport releases. If I could make other suggestions, a short term solution would be traffic signals installed as soon as possible on both ends of the bridge. Long term would be a new bridge a minimum of five lanes (if the interchange is to remain in the current configuration) with the turning lane to extend south far enough to allow access to the BP station, Tailgaters and the hotels. I know this is a very complicated issue and there will be more than enough opinions to go around. I just want to thank you for allowing us this opportunity to supply some input. Good luck and please keep me informed of future meetings.


Email 8/3/16 a) First off, THANK YOU for initiating this. It is long needed and it seems we do not get very farwith our state representatives.

b) My daughter almost lost her life in car crash south of the bridge in December 2013. Weattribute this, as did the deputy sheriff and our insurance agent, to the bridge and conditionsaround it. In fact, the insurance agent, when notified by deputy sheriff, said let me guess whereit was.

c) there seems to be a growing problem, even if limited to 1 small portion of day, to cars exitinginto Brandon around 5pm. Traffic can back up onto the interstate.

d) Finally, there is heavy truck traffic in 2 areas- 1) CHS trucks coming from the factory byCorson, 2) Coming from the South on Splitrock.According to daughter's accident report, this truck traffic was directly responsible for heraccident.

I have thought long about this. To me, my suggestion is change speed limits. As one leaves Brandon, the limit goes from 30 to 45 as you approach the bridge. This is way too fast for such a narrow bridge with such heavy traffic. Many commuters in the am, turning west onto I 90, are backed up past the gas stations.

Additionally, traffic is thus slowed down quickly to make that left turn. More dangerous in winter too.

I would also suggest such a speed limit change coming south from Corson.

In terms of lights, that may not be a bad idea.

In terms of bridge itself, I am not an expert, but widening seems good or at least adding a left hand- turning lane going northbound.

In terms of the exit, maybe 2 lanes, or widening. Maybe a left turn lane as you take exit ramps and go north.

In sum, thanks for a long needed discussion. It is a very busy interchange, especially during commuting times. My take is for sure change the speed limits!!!


Website Comment: 8/23/16 Perhaps there are some short term things that can be done to help the situation. Maybe all way stops on both side of the bridge to force traffic to be metered hopefully reducing the long waits at the off-ramps a peak traffic times in the morning and evening. Making Holly Blvd 4 lane with a turn lane all the way to Sioux Falls would also help. Ask Marman Energy to avoid intersection between 7-8AM and 5-6PM might also help. Also, please add my name to the list of people notified for future meetings and notifications about the project. Thank you Website Comment: 8/19/16 Add lights at the North and South intersection off & on ramps on Split Rock, for peak time (7:15 to 8:15am/ 4:15 to 5:45pm) use. During off peak, the oncoming traffic to SR, would have flashing red, those getting off SR onto I-90 would have flashing yellow. Keep it simple. If this doesn't work, then do major lane redesign down the road. Website Comment: 8/11/16 Since traffic will be detouring to Valley Springs Exit 410, could 'No Dynamic Braking' signs be posted on highway 262 into Brandon? It is a problem now and I can't imagine what it would be like with the increased flow. Website Comment: 8/10/16 WE NEED STOPLIGHTS TO HELP CONTROL TRAFFIC AT THIS EXIT!!!! There have been times we have side swiped from cars when turnining left going north onto hwy 11. Part 2: I want to add to my previous statement, that I am not the only person that turns right on

the north exit ramp in order to turn around to go south. I would say that I have observed more than half the people exiting on that exit doing the exact same thing.


Website Comment: 8/8/16 To be perfectly honest, this study should have been done years ago. The interchange at exit 406 is a disaster. In the morning, I come to Brandon from the east on the interstate. I get off the interstate, turn RIGHT/NORTH when I should be turning left/south and then do a turn-around in the co-op driveway. If I did not do this, I would never get anywhere on time, as the stream of traffic is constant from the south and frequent from the north. The rare person that can actually turn left from the ramp is likely waved through by some nice driver. And even at times when it is not heavy traffic, the visibility over the concrete barrier to see cars coming is extremely poor. In the evening, when I'm coming to the same intersection from the west, it's again a disaster. People start slowing down for the exit at least three-quarters of a mile before the exit, causing a traffic hazard. Often the traffic is so backed up on the southbound exit, that the line extends out onto the interstate itself. This is unacceptable and extremely dangerous. Something needs to be done NOW. Even if we could hang a temporary stoplight above the north ramp entrance/exit, it would help a lot. Website Comment: 8/7/16 This seems like a good interchange for a single point interchange. I know you'll look at everything and decide what is feasible. My only gripe is that SDDOT under-signs SPUIs. To assume that local motorists know how to navigate those interchanges is fine, but people from out of town, often times, do not. The worst offender of this under-signage is the 12th Street/I-29 interchange. You have over 6 lanes of traffic on 12th at the interchange and no overhead signage directing traffic. Funny, since that interchange has a relatively high accident rate since it was reconstructed. And that is a popular exit for out of town traffic. My advice is if this is not going to be reconstructed to a standard diamond, to make sure it's adequately signed. Brandon has plenty of out of town traffic as well. Website Comment: 8/2/16 My only concern and I wouldn't expect it to be a big challenge is getting our asphalt trucks on/off the interstate. We have doubles (one semi with two trailers) coming in and out of the terminal. Just want to making sure there is enough turning radius at the intersections or ramps to access the interstate from our asphalt terminal. Thanks for the opportunity to send comments.


Website Comment: 7/26/16 I have seen and experienced long wait times and many "near misses" with accidents on the bridge, especially involving left hand turns. As the growth of the industrial area continues to develop north of the interstate, it would be ideal to have a pedestrian area with a cement buffer to allow safe passage of pedestrians walking to and from work from the south side of I-90.

Website Comment: 7/26/16 The interchange is backed up pretty bad in the morning with cars from Brandon waiting to turn left to get on I90, cars backed up from East waiting to turn left to go into Brandon, trucks hauling turbine blades stopping traffic as it tries to turn onto the ramp to I90. It's a complete mess. So many times I've almost got broadsided as cars race over the bridge into Brandon and I'm sitting at the exit to turn right into Brandon trying to see if anyone is coming over the bridge. I have a car and my view is blocked by SUVs and trucks. Plus cars coming over the bridge into Brandon don't realize there's another lane there for the ramp exiters. So many near misses. Plus the entrances to the hotel/Tailgators is also a nightmare. They stop in the one lane going north, right before the bridge, and wait for southbound traffic coming off the bridge to clear so they can turn into the hotel/Tailgators. Again, many wrecks there or near misses. That whole section is just a nightmare.

Website Comment: 7/26/16 How will you maintain traffic across I-90 while the construction is going?


Project Team Meeting Notes

Craig Smith, SDDOT

Improvements are needed for Marmon trucks to turn onto SD11, they block SD11 to make the movement.

A company that manufactures steel plates is developing near Marmon, this will add traffic to the already congested area.

Waiting until 2022-2025 is too long, need to look at interim improvements to deal with the interchange ramp congestion.

Consider traffic signals at interchange as an interim improvement.

I90 EB off ramp, trying to make a north bound left is difficult due to the sight distance to the north. To improve sight distance vehicles creep to the right and then a second vehicle turning left will come along side of them to turn left. Bridge and rail add to the sight distance issue.

Ash Street – They were in a crash along SD11 at the Ash Street intersection. While going NB a truck was turning right onto Ash, but couldn’t make the turn due to a EB vehicle turning left off of Ash. The vehicle on Ash made the left turn and collided with the NB vehicle on SD11 in the second lane.

Trucks don’t use Ash to get onto SD11, many are avoiding this intersection and going to the signalized Redwood Blvd intersection

With the sight distance issues at the interchange and congestion, is 45 mph too fast? Need to consider lowering the speed limit through this area.

Steve Gramm, SDDOT

In the SW quadrant, land owner claims the ditch is higher than his lot. Water pools and then drains through his property during the spring melt and when there is a heavy (3-4 inch) rain.

The interchange should be rebuilt sooner.

Birch is the only access to an entire subdivision. Some mornings the queue from the interchange backs up beyond McDonalds and goes into the Birch intersection.

Locals treat the EB off ramp as a two lane ramp, but it’s not striped so when a non-local uses it as a single lane ramp it hoses everything up.

Some of those folks that take a right turn from the WB off-ramp to then do a U-turn flip the U-turn within 10 feet of the intersection.

Marmen always has a truck leaving during the AM rush on Thursdays. Is there a way to make them not haul during the rush?

There are a lot of trucks that make left turns from Ash.

Rice Street / Holly Boulevard should be 5 lanes from SD11 to I-229. If that were done, the interchange would return to normal.


Jon Wiegand, HR Green

Continued development of industrial area west of SD 11, north of Hemlock, in nearfuture. Location provides BNSF rail access.

Evaluate possibility of traffic signals as interim measure at ramp terminal intersections.

Trucks: delay and congestion on Ash Street trying to turn left onto SD 11. Alternateroute is 9th Avenue to Redwood Boulevard to SD 11.

Trucks on Ash Street can make it difficult to access gas station and The Warehouse.

Difficulty seeing cars over bridge rail from ramp approach.

2 people noted high speeds over the bridge, one of which noted the high speeds alongSD 11 to the south as well.

One attendee wanted to clarify that we will indeed be looking at a variety of interchangetypes. Indicated that the study would look at a variety and not just those presented inthe 2010 Decennial Study.

Discussed the Ole Christopherson homestead history with an attendee.


Stakeholder Meetings August 9, 2016,

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Sign-in Sheets-Agenda-HRG Notes/Discussion Summary

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study and Environmental Assessment

Stakeholder Meeting Agenda August 9, 2016

Introductory Information

A. Introductions

B. Study Overview & History

C. Study Area

a. I-90 from BNSF railroad tracks to Split Rock Creek bridges

b. SD 11 from Hemlock Boulevard to Redwood Boulevard

D. Improvements Timeline

a. Interchange Improvements programmed for letting in FY 2022-2025

E. Study Timeline

a. May 2016 – June 2017

F. Purpose of today’s meeting

a. Identify issues and needs within study area to assist in:

i. Development and evaluation of interchange improvements

ii. Development of Purpose and Need for Environmental Assessment

Group Discussion

G. Issues and Needs within Study Area (Examples)

a. Traffic Growth and Operations

b. Safety

c. SD 11 bridge crossing of I-90

d. Access and connectivity

e. Multi-modal facilities

f. Design Considerations

i. Vehicle size

ii. Transmission towers

iii. Maintenance of traffic during construction

iv. Multi-modal facilities

Meeting Notes

\\hrgsfdc\data\50160012\Design\Meeting\Public_Meeting_1\Public_Meeting_Summary_Info\Comments_MeetingNotes\min-080916-StakeholderNotes-CL.doc

Project:

I-90 Exit 406 Interchange Modification Study & Environmental Assessment

Project #:

50160012

Date:

August 9, 2016

Representatives Present: FHWA – Mark Hoines DOT City – Paul Sanow, Bryan, Larry HR Green SEH Coffee Cup Nick Fosheim City Council – Barb Fish

CHS Jebro - Noel Alliance Communication Antique Mall David Billion Midwest Railcar School Marmon Energy

Questions

1. How do you alleviate the traffic that is backed up through the intersections? Left turn lane, signals, phased timing, creates issues; bridge is an umbrella bridge and cannot be widened

a. Alliance – has DOT looked at Hwy 100 and those affects? i. Steve Gramm – Hwy 100 won’t alleviate anything; roundabouts at ramp

terminals may be a temporary option

2. Will sidewalks be put along Hwy 11? a. Barb Fish – yes, this will be looked at and planned for. Sidewalks will be planned

in all options

3. Do we anticipate ROW restrictions? a. Noel Schultz – concept will look at those potential needs b. Steve Gramm – would a new bridge be built off alignment – transmission towers

will be a constraint – access through and across interchange during project

4. What are the different types of interchanges that we are looking at? a. Paul Sanow – not to that point yet; diamond, diverging diamond, modified single

point

5. Any discussions on changing the on and off ramps? a. Midwest Rail – yes, ramps do not meet current standards --- bridges over Split

Rock Creek scheduled for next year

6. How much would ROW, transmission lines and ramps affect option types? a. Paul Sanow – definitely they will all play into the selection

Meeting Notes


b. Steve Gramm – will come down to cost/benefit ratio 7. Do we look at the business type?

a. Barb Fish – yes, design vehicles and traffic for businesses looked at

8. What are traffic counts and what was design traffic numbers? a. Nick Fosheim –

i. I-90 – 25K W. – 47K Hwy 11 S. 13K-22 ii. I-90 – 18K E.

b. SEH did numbers while school was in (May) c. AM peak; 515 vehicles & 130 left d. PM; 700 N. & 500 left

9. Can I-90 be run over the road

a. Coffee Cup – Steve Gramm - it would be very expensive, would need ½ mile in each direction to adjust grade

10. Will I-90 handle traffic through 2045 a. Midwest Railcar – yes, volumes support this

11. How long will bridge construction take

a. Dave Billion – Steve Gramm – it depends; 1.5 years in halves; 1 year if off lane

12. Will bridge be planned for 3 lanes or more? a. Dave Billion – Steve Gramm – yes, would be built for increased volumes and

also to be able to be widened

13. Jon – prompt for safety a. Crash history at intersections of interchange

i. Hemlock to Redwood

14. Industrial Park will continue to grow – need to plan for (Neal Schultz)

15. Marmon – 800-1000 towers each year (200 ft long) a. MNDOT requires a Hypo – will always go west

16. Big tandems don’t go to MN (Noel)

17. CHS

a. 4000 trucks/year inbound/out grain b. 3000 trucks/year inbound/out feed

18. Jennica/Jon – truck info will help determine what is needed

a. CHS – roundabout will not work with their trucks

19. Midwest Railcar – has speed limit reduction been looked at a. Steve Gramm – type of interchange will help dictate speed

20. Marmon – can they get a WB on ramp at their facility

a. Mark Hoines - No

Meeting Notes


21. Pau Sanow – there are some steep grades coming up to Hwy 11

a. Jon – yes, grades will be looked at (interchange will dictate but is not the only factor)

22. Dave Billion – 5 lane section – will this go through? a. Will look at that but also access control with median

23. Jon prompt – Redwood Blvd Intersection

a. Paul Sanow – with access control would you look at U-turn etc. or traffic pattern at signal

b. N. of interchange c. Steve Gramm – do they have pilot to block NB & SB traffic?

i. Marmon – sometimes will have a highway patrol block in front; rear steer trucks help – only do towers, no blades

24. I think we definitely need truck info from Marmon a. Marmon – instructs drivers to avoid rush hour

25. Marmon – will we look at changing the ramp configurations?

a. Yes b. Sgt Bluff interchange – gate etc. to accommodate large trucks

26. Marmon – railroad improvements

a. Steve Gramm – talk to county

Meeting Notes


3:30 Stakeholder Meeting Notes Representatives Present: FHWA DOT City – Paul Sanow, Bryan HR Green SEH

Stockwell – Jon B. Concrete Materials – Billy Bollema Celebrate Church Harr Lemme – Brad & Joel

Questions

1. Billy Pollema – so study will be complete by this time next year? a. Yes, June 2017

2. Church – build out 2022-2025 (no school etc. at this point) – YES

3. Brad – are numbers reflected of new model?

a. Yes – updated traffic demand model

4. Church – I-90 volume? Current – 25K W. and 17K E.

5. Joel – at what point during study do you determine the access needs/limitations a. During concept development

6. Billy – future plans for growth at sand plant/quarry will need to be discussed in next

month or so – discuss rail vs. truck access

7. Billy – Sand plant – 700 acres; quarry 185 acres; finalizing quarry design. Designing 1000 tph crusher (current 700 tph crusher) – will rail to old site at Madison retail site

8. Crash info a. Jon B. – would access be maintained at all times during construction – YES

9. Church locations – both Pastors are 6 months in – very new

10. Multi-model – pedestrian and bicycle usage/access

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