HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal ReportFinal Report
BROOKINGS TRANSPORTATION STEERING COMMITTEE
April 20, 2015
Pursuant to the Charter established by the Brookings City Council, the Transportation Steering
Committee is an ad hoc committee created and charged with the purpose of investigating four, specific
transportation improvement projects and suggesting a comprehensive strategy for city-wide vehicular
transportation improvements.
The following are the four improvement projects, the Committee’s recommendation to the City Council,
and the City Council’s response.
1) Highway 14-bypass improvements
Committee recommendation: Concur with DOT proposal for lane improvements and create
‘round-abouts’ at the ramp intersections on both sides of I-29; but explore increased widths of
the lanes; (9-8-14).
DOT: SDDOT reversed their position on the plans and eliminated the ‘round-abouts’.
Committee re-consideration of recommendation: The committee reversed its action on
September 8 and concurred with the reversed decision of the DOT to support the elimination of
the ‘round-abouts;’ (10-20 -2014).
Council action: Concur with revised recommendation to eliminate ‘round-abouts;’ (10-21-14).
2) Highway 14; 22nd Avenue to 34th Avenue improvements
Committee recommendation: Concur with DOT proposal for improvements, bridge replacement
and landscape amenities; (9-22-14.)
Council action: Action is pending and scheduled for April 28, 2015.
3) Highway 14; Main Avenue to Medary Avenue improvements
Committee recommendation: Concur with the DOT proposal for a 5-lane design with 11’ width
outside lane, with adjustments to move sidewalks closer to ROW line, incorporate historic street
lighting, alternative sidewalk design, preserving as much boulevard width and as many trees as
possible, incorporate reforestation plan, moving storm sewer system off the curb/gutter, and
consider 25 MPH speed limit; (12-1-14).
Council action: Rejection of the recommendation; (12-9-14).
4) 20th Street South overpass/interchange improvement
Committee recommendation: Proceed with an Interstate Justification Report (IJR) for an
interchange by initiating the “needs assessment” of the IJR; (2-23-15).
Council action: Direct staff to proceed with plans for an overpass and a subsequent interchange
by initiating the “needs assessment” of the Interstate Justification Report (IJR); (3-24-15).
5) Turn-back of Highway 14
Committee action: Took no action to support the turn-back of Highway 14 and concurred with
the Council’s previous action of November 22, 2011 to take no action supporting the turn-back;
(2-23-15).
Council action: Took no action supporting the turn-back; (11-22-11). Council’s re-consideration
of the 11-22-11 action is pending as of April 1, 2015.
By taking no action to support a turn-back, the policy defaults to a position of State Highway 14
being retained by the SDDOT under state transportation jurisdiction.
With regard to the charge of developing an overall financially sustainable transportation strategy, the
Committee recommends the following:
A) Adopt the five recommendations associated with each of the five specific objectives as outlined
in the Charter.
B) Work to secure a member of the Brookings community to be appointed to the State
Transportation Commission.
C) Prioritize the improvement of West 20th Street South from Main Avenue to Rio Grande Avenue.
D) Install pavement surfacing on Western Avenue from 20th Street South to 26th Street South.
E) Participate in “project upgrades” on DOT contracts for landscaping end entryway features with
first priority being Highway 14 from 22nd Avenue to 34th Avenue and second priority pending
funding for Highway 14 from Main Avenue to Medary Avenue.
F) Secure a cost-share funding commitment for the 20th Street South/I-29 interchange IJR for (i)
“Needs Assessment” phase, and (ii) final phase from:
a. City of Brookings
b. Brookings County
c. East Brookings Business and Industry Association
d. Adjacent property owners to East 20th Street South
e. Federal Highway Administration/SD Dept. of Transportation for (ii).
____________________ ________________________
Keith Corbett, Chair Daryl Englund, Vice Chair