I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

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i - Table of Contents I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

Table of Contents

Chapter I Overview 1

Chapter II Bridge and Roadway Improvements 8

Chapter III Landscape Enhancements 14

Chapter IV Riparian Corridors 16

Chapter V Showcase Missouri Plan 21

Chapter VI Community Partnership Opportunities 25

Chapter VII Review and Implementation Process 28

i I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan I - Overview

Overview What is the Study Management Group Often, enhancement measures include what could be considered to be non-traditional transportation related compensation. This I- The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the and Corridor Enhancement 70 Corridor offers an opportunity for joint development and a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are proposing to con- range of enhancement measures. struct improvements to Interstate 70 between the metropolitan Subcommittee Plan? The First Tier EIS provided guidance on the nature of the areas of Kansas City and St. Louis to meet the current and future A Study Management Group, assembled for the First Tier EIS improvements and the potential significance of environmental transportation needs of this corridor. In compliance with the study, met nine times during that nearly two year time period. resources and social impact issues potentially impacted by the National Environmental Policy Act, a First Tier Environmental The team was comprised of the project team and representatives Preferred Strategy. This guidance provided support for the deter- Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared to aid in determining the of federal, state, and local resource agencies. Through this team mination of the appropriate type of second tier study for each most appropriate type of improvement concept for I-70. effort, it was recognized that rebuilding the existing I-70 Corridor SIU. The First Tier EIS further documented the commitments of infrastructure provided an opportunity to incorporate an overall MoDOT and the FHWA to provide corridor-wide impact coordina- The I-70 Study Corridor was approximately ten (10) miles (16.1 corridor enhancement plan to increase the benefits of the trans- tion, impact mitigation and considerations of corridor enhance- km) wide, five (5) miles (8.0 km) either side of existing I-70, and portation investments to the natural environment and the I-70 ments. The document provided agencies and communities is 199 miles (320.3 km) in length. The First Tier EIS evaluated travelers. The joint development of the corridor through a collab- assurances, through the development of an enhancement master an initial seven strategies and this lead to the development of oration and partnership of a number of federal, state, and local plan, that corridor-based considerations will be fulfilled and three reasonable strategies carried forward in the study. These agencies would further enhance the investments of the parties appropriate special considerations will be provided for each of the were: widen and reconstruct the existing I-70; build a new parallel through an aggregation of the investments' individual benefits. second tier studies. four-lane freeway; and, build a new four-lane parallel toll road. Combined and joint development of the corridor could promote The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the selec- the corridor as more than just a transportation link, but a vital part It is important to understand that "mitigation" is part of the NEPA tion of the Widen the Existing I-70 Strategy for the I-70 Corridor. of the state’s tourism and recreation resources. (i.e., Preferred Strategy). In the Columbia area and the area of process and should be thought of as an essential component of the alternatives and impact analysis. Mitigation is required Warrenton, Wright City, and Wentzville, bypass options are a part The Study Management Group (SMG) has continued for the sec- because of a project’s impacts. Mitigation consists of avoidance, of the selected strategy. ond tier studies and is again comprised of the project team and minimization, and then compensation, once avoidance and mini- local, state, and federal agency management staff. Its role is one mization have been exhausted. "Enhancement" measures go MoDOT is carrying forward a series of second tier studies that of policy-level coordination of the overall corridor improvement beyond what is customarily provided as environmental mitigation. were identified as part of the First Tier EIS evaluation process. program. The Corridor Enhancement Subcommittee, one of These second tier studies are necessary to further study and define the improvements to I-70 such that more detailed analysis of the environmental impacts can be performed to more precisely evaluate the impacts of the project. The 199 mile long corridor has been divided into seven sections of independent utility (SIUs) with environmental documentation for each section. The environmental documents include: two environmental impact statements; four environmental assessments, and one categorical exclusion. The seven sections and the type of document being prepared are shown on Figure I-1.

Figure I-1 - SIU Diagram 1 I - Overview I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

three subcommittees, is a consortium of the project team and KATY Trail at the Overton Bottoms area via a new Missouri River specifically the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the local, state, and federal agency technical staff. This committee’s Bridge was discussed in the DEIS. The DEIS also contains nar- FEIS further directed the Second Tier efforts to address the role is to develop appropriate mitigation and an enhancement ratives relating to recreational trail improvements or linear parks cross-corridor needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. plan for the overall I-70 Corridor. The SMG and the three sub- as joint development opportunities. Chapter III of the DEIS fur- committees for the second tier studies are shown on Figure I-2. ther explores parkland adjacent to the study corridor, while During the initial stages of the I-70 Second Tier Studies, stake- Chapter IV reiterates the need for a Missouri River crossing for holders have continued to include non-motorized needs in the The enhancement plan will be provided to and will be a reference the KATY Trail and this time also discusses connectivity issues project discussions. The Study Management Group and the document to be used by the second tier studies being developed between trails and visitor/tourist areas. With respect to the Corridor Enhancement and Mineola Hill Subcommittees have for the seven SIUs. Appropriate enhancement opportunities will Columbia area, the DEIS calls for connectivity with the City's included such needs in their discussions of the project. be taken from the overall corridor enhancement plan and incorpo- "Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan," enacted in rated into the environmental decision documents for the SIUs. 1994. A desire has been expressed by some to have a corridor-wide recreational pathway. A good portion of this system currently Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The First Tier Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) fur- exists in the form of the KATY Trail. Other issues include the During the I-70 First Tier Draft Environmental Impact Statement thered the pedestrian and bicycle discussion by noting once connectivity to the local bicycle/greenway networks in the urban (DEIS), pedestrian and bicycle concerns were considered as part again the Overton Bottoms/KATY Trail connectivity issue as well areas and the extension of existing trails to the Kansas City and of the documentation process. The desire for connectivity to the as recognizing that I-70 sometimes presents barriers to pedestri- St. Louis urban cores. A suggestion which was presented during an and bicycle access. As a direct result of agency comments, a Mineola Hill Subcommittee meeting was to provide bicycle access via Route 19, which could provide a connection between the KATY Trail and Hermann, which is a Missouri tourist destina- tion, and the Graham Cave State Park.

The recommendation of this plan is not to create a new 200-mile trail that runs within in the I-70 Corridor. The focus, instead, will be on providing connectivity to the KATY Trail and other local facilities where possible. There is also a desire to provide for a friendly localized environment for pedestrians and bicyclists by addressing issues related to I-70 as a physical barrier to north- south movements.

Currently the Katy Trail crosses I-70 under the Missouri River bridge near Rocheport and over the interstate near Boonville. This issue of north-south movements may also be addressed at some of the interchanges where new bridges would be built. There are also other areas where connectivity may be appropriate such as trail crossings, local parks, and special areas such as tourist spots and rest areas.

Once those issues have been addressed it may be easier to fill the gaps which would provide added connectivity across the corridor. This does not mean providing a new bike lane within the I- 70 right of way. But, it could mean that opportunities are exam- Figure I-2 - Study Management Group Diagram 2 I - Overview I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

ined for shared-use facilities on outer roads or other non-limited to Kansas City, as well as numerous other non-motorized trans- Rest Areas access facilities (See Figure I-3). portation needs, in the January 2002 MetroGreen initiative and An I-70 Rest Area Study was prepared as part of the Second Tier the Transportation Outlook 2030 plan, TrailNet, and its sister studies, and provides details of the components and general Coordination with other efforts going on around the state will also group Confluence Greenway, are heavily involved with non- design of proposed rest areas along Interstate 70. The visual be important and will continue. The extension of the KATY Trail motorized transportation concerns in the eastern portion of the appearance of these rest areas should reflect the same character to Kansas City and St. Louis is an important objective in the state. The East-West Gateway Coordinating Council identified a of the corridor enhancement theme and design elements to Missouri Department of Natural Resources' 1998 KATY Trail number of non-motorized transportation improvements in a 1994 ensure the architecture, shelters and overall design approach will State Park Conceptual Development Plan. The Mid-America Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. complement the other I-70 corridor enhancements. Regional Council has also investigated the connection of the trail What are the goals of the I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan? The goals of the Enhancement Subcommittee Corridor Enhancement Plan are to create an enhancement concept for the corridor that: - Complements the existing natural environment. - Maintains a sensitivity to the existing context of the corridor. - Provides a sense of consistency along the entire corridor. - Showcases Missouri through enhancements which highlight Missouri history, cultural resources and economy. - Establishes baseline enhancements for the entire corridor and identifies opportunities for additional enhancements by local communities and other partnering agencies. Corridor-Wide Theme Corridor enhancements are based on establishing a common thread throughout the New I-70 Corridor, creating a visual theme and sense of consistency that is rooted in the context of today's 199-mile I-70. Aesthetic consistency is important to strengthen the corridor’s sense of place and identity, while also promoting a high-quality image and impression of Missouri to visitors and resi- dents using the corridor.

Each overpass and interchange along the corridor will receive integrated enhancements that will visually connect them to each other while supporting the goals identified above.

The design efforts associated with creating a corridor-wide theme should include a significant public involvement component to ensure local community issues and opportunities are identified, Figure I-3 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Exhibit incorporated, and addressed. 3 I - Overview I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

Shaping the Vision for the New I-70 Through review, observation, and analysis of the existing corridor conditions, several existing features were identified as foundation elements on which to build a program for aesthetic enhancements (See Figures I-4 to I-10). Several photos are included in this report for visual reference. These features include: - Recurring natural rock outcrops. - Pastoral landscapes and native vegetation. - Views to extensive farm lands adjacent to the corridor. - Naturalistic river and water crossings. Corridor aesthetic treatments and integrated enhancements should compliment the visual importance of these identified fea- Figure I-4 - View of Existing Median Native Plantings Figure I-5 - View of Missouri River Bridge from Bluffs tures. The program for enhancements should create a unique and recognizable visual theme that incorporates references to these and other key features found along the existing corridor. Program for Aesthetic Enhancements The wider cross-section of the New I-70 Corridor will provide a more open feeling, creating a rural visual character due to the large median and sense of separation between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The enhancements seek to visually blend the I-70 improvements into the existing landscape while introduc- ing design treatments to built elements that reduce their sense of scale. The aesthetic program for the corridor will include integrated Figure I-6 - View of Typical River Crossing and Rock Outcrops Figure I-7 - View of Existing Rock Outcrops treatments as baseline enhancements to the following roadway features: - Bridge abutments and piers. - Roadway and bridge barriers. - Retaining walls. - Railings and fencing. - Pedestrian walkways and trail connections. - Highway signage and lighting. - Landscape plantings. The program also anticipates local community interest in pursuing opportunities for additional corridor enhancements beyond those included in the baseline. These are provided and discussed in the “Community Partnership Opportunities” section of this report. Figure I-8 - View of Existing Bluffs and I-70 Figure I-9 - View of Existing Billboards 4 I - Overview I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

Figure I-10 - Existing Aesthetic Conditions

5 I - Overview I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

Enhancement Design Process Contextual Design Influences Preliminary Aesthetic Enhancement Concept The corridor enhancements identified provide initial indications of The I-70 Corridor provides views to many aspects of Missouri’s Enhancements are proposed to be systematically applied the types of enhancements that are being considered for use history as well as it’s future - from pristine natural settings and throughout the entire corridor to create a strong sense of identity throughout the corridor. These enhancement ideas are prelimi- rolling rural farmlands to vibrant urban settings. In reviewing and visual consistency. Consistent application of the proposed nary in nature, and are intended to identify a general design existing aesthetic conditions along the corridor, the aesthetic enhancement elements provides aesthetic benefits to the travel- direction as well as to establish a set of aesthetic goals for design team took note of significant features and re-occurring ling public through creation of an attractive and recognizable improving the New I-70 Corridor. images along the corridor that could influence the aesthetic image for the New I-70 Corridor. This approach will also provide enhancement design. economic benefits through consistent treatments and features A comprehensive set of corridor enhancement design guidelines that can be replicated cost-effectively throughout the corridor. will be necessary to further explore and refine the ideas and Several images representing the visual characteristics of the cor- design concepts identified in this study. These future guidelines ridor are provided below. Agricultural elements such as fields of I-70 is to be widened using two different design cross-sections - a will explore in more detail the issues and opportunities throughout corn and other crops, grain silos, farming equipment, and hay wider rural section and a narrower urban section. The differ- the corridor. Specific and unique conditions for areas along the bales are prevalent. Geological elements such as rock outcrop- ences between these design sections are based on existing con- corridor will be identified and addressed in these guidelines. pings and stratifications, as well as topographical elements such ditions in urban areas that create practical difficulties in applying as rolling hills, are also evident within the corridor. the wider section consistently throughout the corridor. The design efforts associated with creating these guidelines should include a significant public involvement component to The proposed overall design theme for enhancements should Highway bypass relocation alternatives are still being considered ensure issues and opportunities are identified, incorporated, and compliment the visual context of the corridor. Subtle visual for use in some urban areas. In these instances, the existing addressed. These design guidelines should be prepared in con- references to this imagery should guide the design of the overall I-70 corridor will be enhanced utilizing the urban design elements junction with and incorporated into the design development for enhancement theme. Specific design guidelines will further refine while the bypass relocation highway improvements will be the roadway and bridge improvements. this theme and the application of these initial concepts to compli- enhanced utilizing rural design elements as outlined in this plan. ment each area throughout the I-70 corridor. Existing conditions in most of these urban areas typically include additional bridge features and roadway elements that address public safety needs such as street lighting, pedestrian sidewalks or trails, and protective pedestrian/bicycle railings. Due to the width of the corridor in urban areas, retaining walls are also antic- ipated. Due to these conditions, the sense of scale and appearance of these areas will be slightly different (refer to Figure I-11).

6 I - Overview I-70 Corridor Enhancement Plan

Figure I-11 - Corridor Aesthetic Enhancement Diagram