Introduction

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 19, 2023, during the Capital Improvement Program presentation, Trustee Bieschke inquired about the feasibility of a roundabout at Weathersfield Way as a part of the Braintree Drive Reconstruction project from Wise Road to Weathersfield Way. The intersection at Braintree Drive and Weathersfield Way was not originally in the scope of the reconstruction project. The intersection was recently resurfaced in 2022 as a part of the Weathersfield Way Resurfacing Project from Salem Drive to Braintree Drive. In response to Trustee Bieschke's request, staff requested Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., to complete a feasibility study that includes traffic analysis, preparation of a compact circular roundabout layout, evaluation of design vehicle turning movements, and review of concept geometry. Staff is presenting the results of the feasibility study to the Transportation Committee to request direction on how to proceed.

Discussion

The roundabout feasibility study outlines analyses of collision data, traffic volumes, and level of service, comparing the existing all-way stop-controlled intersection with the proposed compact roundabout design. With angle collisions being the predominant crash type within the last five years, the proposed compact roundabout design will improve intersection safety and reduce the potential for future accidents. The proposed roundabout design will also increase the intersection’s level of service, decreasing motorist delay by 5.5 seconds on average for all approaches. The feasibility study confirms that the compact roundabout can be constructed within existing right-of-way and can accommodate larger vehicles and trucks as the design includes mountable medians and islands. Coordination with the Fire Department revealed no concerns about moving forward with a compact roundabout design, though signage and above-ground utilities must not obstruct the tire path of the front end of the truck nor the basket that extends beyond the wheelbase. During the final design phase, staff will ensure fire engine access is not impeded.

On November 8, 2022, Village Board approved the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for Phase I Preliminary Engineering Services for Braintree Drive Improvements in the amount of $241,821.  The preliminary engineering phase is substantially completed for the reconstruction project, and the project development report is nearly finalized. Kimley-Horn has provided an initial estimate of $65,000 to complete Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the roundabout design; however, Staff will be obtaining a more detailed estimate with work hours not to exceed an amount of $65,000.  The contract will need to be amended to proceed with the incorporation of the compact roundabout design as a part of Phase I Preliminary Engineering. The total contract amount will be $314,321, which exceeds the FY24 budget by $64,745.56.

A summary of the consultant fees is below:

If the Village Board concurs with the recommendation, staff will need to hold an additional public engagement meeting to obtain feedback from adjacent residents.  The project development report will also need to be amended with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to include the compact roundabout design.  Staff will present the proposed alignment and feedback from the public engagement meeting at a future Transportation Committee meeting.