From: 	Helen Donaldson
To:	Barry Sheff;  Greg Shinberg;  Tom Errico (TY Lin)
Date: 	12/5/2012 12:17 PM
Subject: 	Re: Condition 7-Signal Improvements

Greg, 
 
Below is DPS's response to Barry Sheff's email dated 11/6 regarding the requested signal improvements at the Fore/Union intersection.  We may be at a place where we need to have a discussion in person on this? 
 
Let me know your thoughts. 
 
Nell
____________________________________
Nell Donaldson
Planner, City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
874-8723
hcd@portlandmaine.gov
 
______________________________________________________________________________________

Nell – In conjunction with the condition of approval for the above project, I met with DPS staff and the following outlines the requirements for modifying the traffic signal at the Fore Street/Union Street intersection.

· The City prefers to minimize the amount of equipment obstacles in the sidewalk and thus continues to recommend that the existing mast arm located on the northeast corner of the intersection be relocated to the corner between the proposed sidewalk ramps. A new mast arm foundation shall be installed and the existing arm shall be moved (a new arm and pole support is not being required). In conjunction with this effort new count-down pedestrian signal heads and push buttons shall be provided on this pole support. 
· The traffic signal controller cabinet shall be installed in the location noted on the plan provided by Woodard & Curran on November 6, 2012, only slightly adjusted northerly such that it is not located in the sidewalk ramp.
· During prior review comments the following was specified:  All pedestrian heads and push buttons at the intersection shall be upgraded (10/2/12). The existing pedestrian signal heads and push buttons do not meet current standards. Given both existing pedestrian volumes and the added activity that the proposed project will have on the intersection, replacing existing non-conforming signal equipment is necessary (10/25/12). Accordingly, all other pedestrian signal heads at the intersection shall be upgraded to count-down type heads. Push button changes are not being required.
· The applicant shall submit a plan illustrating the above noted requirements for review and approval.
· All construction work shall be conducted by the applicant, in coordination with City staff.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Best regards, 

Thomas A. Errico, PE
Senior Associate 
Traffic Engineering Director 
T.Y. Lin International
12 Northbrook Drive
Falmouth, ME 04105
207.347.4354 direct 
207.400.0719 mobile 
207.781.4753 fax 
thomas.errico@tylin.com
Visit us online at www.tylin.com

"One Vision, One Company"
Please consider the environment before printing.

>>> "Barry Sheff" <bsheff@woodardcurran.com> 11/6/2012 9:16 PM >>>

Tom,
Just wanted to follow up on the Public Hearing last night and our discussion about a potential solution that we’ve identified to resolve the concerns you’ve shared regarding signal modifications at the Fore/Union Intersection. Attached is the graphic depicting the existing conditions at the intersection, and our approach to resolve those concerns. Specific to the comments that need to be addressed in Condition 7, what follows are response to those comments (in italics) and the comments themselves for reference purpose.
 
CONDITION 7 COMMENTS:
The City continues to request that the following signal modifications be implemented in conjunction with the project:
 
The City no longer requests that the controller cabinet be located to the opposite corner of the intersection. The applicant shall coordinate with DPS Traffic staff in coordinating the relocation of the existing cabinet on the same corner.
 
Project Site Plans have been updated to reflect the Applicant relocating the Controller Cabinet. We have depicted on the attached Plan a proposed location for the Controller Cabinet, and would appreciate feedback on that location. All of this said, given installation expertise and need for coordination with DPS Traffic staff, the Applicant would like to discuss a financial contribution that would allow the City to relocate its Controller Cabinet, in lieu of the Applicant relocating the Cabinet. 
 
The existing mast arm location must be relocated for the following reasons.
1.       The current mast arm is located near the middle of the sidewalk and while it does meet minimum ADA clearance requirements, it will present difficulties for sidewalk snow plows. 
 
As depicted on the attached Plan, the improvements/reconstruction of the sidewalk that will be made by the Applicant, will increase the sidewalk clearance (albeit by a small amount) over the existing condition without the need to relocate the mast arm. The need for the relocation of the mast arm is not a result of the Applicant’s proposed development as sidewalk clearances will be improved as a result of the project.
 
2.       The mast arm pole is used to mount both pedestrian signal heads and push buttons for crossing two crosswalks, the northerly Union Street crosswalk and the easterly Fore Street. Placement of the push buttons on the existing mast arm will not meet accessibility requirements of the MUTCD, FHWA. While installation of pedestal post (in addition to having the mast arm) is an option, we believe given that the existing mast arm should be relocated, minimizing sidewalk clutter is preferred.
 
We have completed an analysis of the intersection using the MUTCD standards and depicted those standards on the attached Plan. We propose to maintain the location of the Union Street push button and pedestrian signal head on the existing mast arm, and relocate the pedestrian signal head and push button for the Fore Street crossing on to the proposed light pole on Fore Street. By placing the Fore Street equipment on the new light pole, we also avoid placement of additional sidewalk impediments/clutter. As you will see on the attached Plan, these locations are compliant with MUTCD standards for recommended push buttons.
 
3.       While not related to location of the mast arm, the mast arm structure is old. It is not practical to remove, install a new foundation, and re-install an aging structural support.
 
We understand the concern relative to aging infrastructure however we have identified a solution that does not require relocation of the mast arm, and the Applicant does not propose to upgrade aging infrastructure that is not impacted by the project. As stated in response to item 1 above, the need for the relocation of the mast arm is not a result of the Applicant’s proposed development as the condition (sidewalk clearance) will be improved as a result of the project and the reconstruction of the sidewalk is being completed by the Applicant at the request of DPS.
 
The existing pedestrian signal heads and push buttons do not meet current standards. Given both existing pedestrian volumes and the added activity that the proposed project will have on the intersection, replacing existing non-conforming signal equipment is necessary. 
 
Per the costs provided by your office and included in Addendum to the Planning Board Report dated November 1, 2012, the Applicant is prepared to make a financial contribution of $5000 to the City to complete the upgrades of the non-compliant pedestrian signal heads to current standards, and per the proposed Plan attached here.

Thank you so much for considering this and discussing with the team at DPS; looking forward to furthering this discussion with you. Your feedback on this is greatly appreciated.
Best
Barry
 
Barry Sheff, P.E.
Senior Project Manager
Woodard & Curran
(207) 774-2112 ext. 3266 (office)
(207) 749-4171 (cell)

 ( http://www.twitter.com/iron_sheff )