Major Improvements and Interchanges

Major Improvements and Interchanges Access-Controlled Interchange The project would feature one major interchange with Santa Fe Drive (identified as Interchange 1 in the 2009 Final EIR) that would be designed as a highway style interchange for Modified Alternative 1B and Alternative 1D would utilize a jug handle type roadway to connect AME with Santa Fe Drive. Santa Fe Drive Interchange The interchange would include a combined bridge overpass of Santa Fe Drive and the BNSF railroad tracks that will be designed in accordance with BNSF Railway guidelines. Construction of the grade separation crossing would allow for the removal of one at-grade crossing at Avenue Two and BNSF Railway tracks would be possible with the grade separation crossing. A short segment of Santa Fe Drive would be reconfigured as part of this interchange to maintain the existing median two-way left turn lane and provide channelized protected turn lanes at the signalized intersection to facilitate safe ingress and egress for vehicles entering from or exiting onto the AME from Santa Fe Drive. This interchange has a different location and different configuration depending on whether Modified Alternative 1B or Alternative 1D is selected. Under Modified Alternative 1B, a partial cloverleaf interchange with Santa Fe Drive would be constructed. Under Alternative 1D, a jug handle type connecting roadway would be utilized for making the connection to Santa Fe Drive and would include two at-grade T-intersections one at AME and Santa Fe Drive. Signal or Stop-Sign Controlled Intersections Because it is being built as an expressway, there would be no driveway connections directly to the AME. Access to all local residences, businesses, farms, and other parcels would be taken from local roads that connect to the AME. The project would incorporate signal-controlled intersections with local roadways. Three of these intersections already exist, but would be improved as part of the project. The following intersections within the AME would be constructed or substantially changed: Bellevue Road/Franklin Road Intersection (Intersection 4 in the 2009 Final EIR) The intersection of Bellevue Road and Franklin Road would be reconfigured as a signalized intersection of the AME and Franklin Road. This intersection would feature dedicated left turn lanes for all four intersection approaches as well as two through lanes for vehicles traveling in either direction of the AME. This intersection would have a slightly different configuration depending on whether Modified Alternative 1B or Alternative 1D is selected. Under Modified Alternative 1B, a new frontage road connection between Franklin Road and Fox Road would be constructed. This frontage road would connect Fox Road to Franklin Road. Under Alternative 1D, neither a new connection between Franklin Road and Bellevue Road (west of Franklin) just north of the intersection nor a new connection between Franklin Road and Bellevue Road (east of Franklin) just south of the intersection would be constructed. AME/Avenue Two Intersection (Intersection 5 in the 2009 Final EIR) This new intersection would connect the AME to a new extension of Avenue Two. A section of existing Avenue Two would be realigned to connect with the AME at a new signal-controlled intersection. This intersection has a slightly different location and configuration depending on whether Modified Alternative 1B or Alternative 1D is selected. For Modified Alternative 1B, a new four-way intersection would include: 1) a dedicated right and left turn lanes from southbound AME onto Avenue Two; 2) two dedicated left turn lanes and one right turn lane from the northbound AME onto Avenue Two; and 3) two dedicated through lanes for thru traffic traveling in both directions on AME. The realigned section of Avenue Two would include: 1) two dedicated left turn lanes and one dedicated right turn lane from eastbound Avenue Two onto AME; 2) one dedicated left turn lane and one dedicated right turn lane from westbound Avenue Two onto AME; and 3) one through lane in each direction on Avenue Two. The current plan would eliminate the existing at-grade crossing at Avenue Two and BNSF. For Alternative 1D, a new three-way intersection would be constructed and include: 1) one dedicated right turn lane from the southbound AME onto Avenue Two; 2) one dedicated left turn from northbound AME onto Avenue Two; and 3) two dedicated through lanes for thru traffic traveling in both directions on AME. The realigned section of Avenue Two terminates at AME with one dedicated left turn lane and one dedicated right turn lanes. The existing Avenue Two intersection at Santa Fe Drive and the at-grade BNSF railroad crossing would be removed and local traffic would be directed to AME. AME/Avenue One Intersection (New Intersection not addressed in the 2009 Final EIR) Under Modified Alternative 1B, this new intersection would connect the AME to the existing Avenue One. A section of existing Avenue One would be widened to connect with the AME at a new four-way, signal-controlled intersection. The intersection would include: 1) a dedicated right turn lane and left turn lanes from the southbound AME onto Avenue One; 2) one dedicated left turn and one right turn lanes from the northbound AME onto Avenue One; and 3) two dedicated through lanes for thru traffic traveling in both directions on the AME. The realigned section of Avenue One would include: 1) one dedicated left turn lane and one dedicated right turn lane from eastbound Avenue One onto the AME; 2) one dedicated left turn lane and one dedicated right turn lane from westbound Avenue One onto the AME; and 3) one thru lane for thru traffic traveling in both directions on Avenue One. Under Alternative 1D, there would not be a new intersection constructed at the AME/Avenue One intersection. Rather Avenue One would be bisected by the AME and Avenue One would terminate in cul-de-sacs east and west of the AME. AME/Green Sands Intersection (Intersection 6 in the 2009 Final EIR) The AME currently terminates at the intersection of Green Sands in a three-way intersection. The intersection of the AME and Green Sands Avenue would be reconfigured as a four-way signalized intersection. This intersection would feature dedicated left turn lanes for all four intersection approaches as well as two through lane for vehicles traveling in either direction of the AME. This intersection would have the same configuration depending on whether Modified Alternative 1B or Alternative 1D is selected. Under both alternatives, a new four-way intersection would include: 1) a dedicated right turn lane and left turn lanes from the southbound AME onto Green Sands Avenue; 2) two dedicated left turn and one right turn lanes from the northbound AME onto Green Sands Avenue; and 3) two dedicated through lanes for thru traffic traveling in both directions on the AME. Green Sands would include: 1) two dedicated left turn lanes and one dedicated right turn lane from eastbound Green Sands onto the AME; 2) two dedicated left turn lanes and one dedicated right turn lane from westbound Green Sands onto the AME; and 3) one thru lane for thru traffic traveling in both directions on Green Sands Avenue.