CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approve the project application for the federal Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund for the North Aurora Road Underpass at the CN Railroad (CIP - BR005)
body
DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Andrew Hynes, Deputy City Engineer
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The City Council established a policy to review and approve funding applications prior to submittal. The City has been successful in obtaining federal funding for various transportation projects.
Over the past year, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) has developed the Surface Transportation Program (STP) Shared Project Fund. This new funding program is targeted to transportation improvements costing more than $5 million. All transportation agencies within the seven county CMAP area can apply for these funds. Projects will be scored on project readiness, transportation impact, and planning factors. Applications for these funds are due on March 1, 2019.
DISCUSSION:
Staff is seeking City Council concurrence to submit an STP Shared Project Fund application for the North Aurora Road underpass improvements at the Canadian National (CN) Railroad, CIP project BR005. A copy of the CY19 CIP page for this project is attached.
The North Aurora Road Underpass improvement is a joint project with the City of Aurora and Naperville Township. The scope of the improvement includes widening the railroad bridge and roadway pavement to accommodate five traffic lanes, providing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and installing a pump station. Land acquisition for the project is complete and design engineering is in progress. When construction is finished, the project will reduce congestion on North Aurora Road, improve trail and sidewalk connectivity, and eliminate periodic road closures during large rain events.
Due to the approximately $30 million construction cost, the City has been seeking external funding sources to reduce the local agencies’ financial share. The Illinois Commerce Commission has programmed $12 million for the project in the Railroad Crossing Improvement Fund. The STP Shared Fund is well suited to provide the balance of the external funding needed to proceed with construction. Staff recommends submitting a STP Shared Fund application for the North Aurora Road Underpass project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Federal Surface Transportation Program funding will reduce the City’s share of the cost for the proposed improvements to the North Aurora Road Underpass at the CN Railroad.