APPENDIX A BUS ON SHOULDER APPENDIX A I-93 Corridor Multi-Modal Transit Investment Study Bus on Shoulder Date June 04, 2008 To Kenneth Kinney, HNTB From NH I-93 Transit Investment Study: Bus on Shoulder Alternative - Outline of Potential Implementation Strategy Subject John Weston The Bus on Shoulder (BOS) Alternative appears to have significant levels of travel time and cost advantages that should warrant further consideration for implementation. The estimated average daily ridership for the alternative is approximately 5,000 to 5,500 inbound boardings in 2030. This ridership estimate is based on the full-build of the required infrastructure, the anticipated growth in population and employment in 2030, and the implementation of the operating plan that includes about 90 daily bus trips in each direction. In addition to the planned services, existing bus services may also be able to use the shoulder facilities, which would result in additional transportation system benefits. A benefit of implementation of the BOS Alternative is that the entire project does not need to be implemented at one time. The capital improvements and service improvements could be phased so that improvements could be implemented as funds are available or as conditions permit/warrant. The following provides a potential strategy for the phasing and implementation of the BOS Alternative. One of the primary considerations in the development of the phasing plan is the coordination with the schedules of other improvements planned in the corridor. Many of the BOS improvements are conceptualized as additions to these previously planned projects. The phasing of the BOS required improvements so that they can be implemented in conjunction with other projects will minimize costs and construction disruptions. The planned projects in the corridor that were taken into consideration are listed below. Anticipated Projects Along I-93 Corridor The following is the list of projects that are anticipated to be completed prior to 2030, the planning year for this study: • Interstate 93 Improvements – Salem to Manchester, NH • Route 110/113 Methuen Rotary Improvements (Methuen, MA) • I-93 Widening (Andover to Methuen, MA) • I-93 Lowell Junction Interchange (Andover/Tewksbury/Wilmington) • I-93/I-95 Interchange Improvements (Reading/Woburn) 1 APPENDIX A I-93 Corridor Multi-Modal Transit Investment Study Bus on Shoulder Another primary consideration in the phasing plan was the implementation of segments where improvements will be most beneficial. The benefits of the BOS Alternative improvements will occur in locations where general traffic speeds are the slowest. In general traffic speeds are slower in the southern segments of the corridor and are projected to be generally faster further north in the corridor. The following is a proposed phasing strategy for the BOS Alternative. Phase 1 – Corridor Interchange Project Design Incorporation/Modification Scope: Incorporate the necessary shoulder improvements into the design of the following projects. Route 110/113 Methuen Rotary Improvements (Methuen, MA) – The next phase of design is anticipated to begin during 2008. Construction is currently projected to take place between 2014 and 2017. Although the cost for the design and construction modifications to the project is not known at this time it is not anticipated to be substantial. I-93 Lowell Junction Interchange (Andover/Tewksbury/Wilmington) – The next phase of this project will include additional environmental studies and design. Construction is currently projected to take place between 2013 and 2018. Although the cost for the design and construction modifications to the project is not known at this time it is not anticipated to be substantial. I-93/I-95 Interchange Transportation Improvements Project (Reading/Woburn/Stoneham) - The next phase of this project will include additional environmental studies and design. Construction is currently projected be completed by 2025. Although the cost for the design and construction modifications to the project is not known at this time it is not anticipated to substantially increase the cost of the project. Time Frame: The environmental / design efforts are projected to occur during the next five years. 2008 – 2013. Cost: The cost of incorporating the necessary shoulder improvements are not anticipated to substantially increase the overall cost of any of the projects. Phase 2 – I-95 to Medford Improvements Scope: Design and construction of BOS required improvements to I-93 in the segment between I-95 (Woburn, MA) and the Mystic River in Medford, MA. Making improvements to this segment will allow both existing and planned bus services to realize travel time savings. It is anticipated that at a minimum bus services operated by the following agencies could utilize the shoulders: • MBTA (Routes 352 and 354/355) • Massport (Logan Express) • MVRTA • NH DOT 2 APPENDIX A I-93 Corridor Multi-Modal Transit Investment Study Bus on Shoulder It is not anticipated that the full operating plan envisioned in the BOS alternative (90 trips in each direction) would be implemented at this time. Time Frame: The environmental, design, funding and construction efforts necessary to complete the project would likely take a minimum of 3 to 5 years. This would result in the earliest potential completion of the improvements in this section by approximately 2013. Cost: The anticipated capital cost of incorporating the necessary shoulder improvements are estimated to be approximately $25 million (in 2008$). Assuming construction in 2012-2013 the anticipated cost in “Year of Expenditure” dollars is $29 million1. Phase 3 – Corridor Interchange Project Construction Scope: Incorporate the necessary shoulder improvements into the construction of the following projects. The design of the bus improvements to be incorporated during Phase 1. This will allow implementation of bus shoulder operation between Medford north of the I-95 interchange. • Route 110/113 Methuen Rotary Improvements (Methuen, MA) • I-93 Lowell Junction Interchange (Andover/Tewksbury/Wilmington) • I-93/I-95 Interchange Transportation Improvements Project (Reading/Woburn/Stoneham) Time Frame: The construction of the above listed projects are anticipated to occur between 2013 and 2025. Cost: The cost of incorporating the necessary shoulder improvements are not anticipated to substantially increase the overall cost of any of the projects. Phase 4 – Corridor Interchange Project Construction Scope: Incorporate the necessary shoulder improvements into the construction of the following projects. The design of the bus improvements to be incorporated during Phase 1. This will allow implementation of bus shoulder operation between Medford, MA to the northern limit of the I-95 interchange project in Woburn, MA. • Route 110/113 Methuen Rotary Improvements (Metheun, MA) • I-93 Lowell Junction Interchange (Andover/Tewksbury/Wilmington) • I-93/I-95 Interchange Transportation Improvements Project (Reading/Woburn/Stoneham) Time Frame: The construction of the above listed projects are anticipated to occur between 2013 and 2025. Cost: The cost of incorporating the necessary shoulder improvements are not anticipated to substantially increase the overall cost of any of the projects. 1 Year of Expenditure (YOE$) costs escalated assuming 3.25% annual inflation 3 APPENDIX A I-93 Corridor Multi-Modal Transit Investment Study Bus on Shoulder Phase 5 – I-95 to State Line/Bus Services/Bus Stations Scope: The completion of the I-95/I-93 interchange will allow for the extension of bus shoulder use in the segments between I-95 and the NH/MA border. This phase will incorporate modifications to the planned improvements of I-93 in the Merrimack Valley (Segment 2) as well as the necessary improvements to the corridor in the segment in Wilmington and Woburn (Segment 3). With the bulk of the capital improvements necessary for the project made during this phase, it is anticipated that implementation of the operating plan envisioned in the BOS alternative (90 trips in each direction) would be implemented with the completion of this phase. Implementation of this additional service would necessitate the need to make improvements at the planned stations, purchase buses and provide a bus maintenance facility. Time Frame: The construction of the I-93 widening project (Segment 2) is projected to be completed in 2025. The associated BOS improvements in that segment would be made as part of that project. The improvements to Segment 3, bus stop improvements, bus maintenance facility and new vehicles are anticipated to be made during the same time frame. Cost: The anticipated construction cost of incorporating the necessary shoulder improvements are estimated to be approximately $39 to $49 million (in 2008$). Assuming the construction would occur in the 2020-2025 timeframe, the anticipated cost in YOE dollars is approximately $61 to $77 million. In addition to the construction cost, new buses may be required to operate the planned service. Utilizing FTA’s standard cost of $433,000 per bus and the need for approximately 55 new buses, this would cost about $24 million (in 2008$), or about $38 million(YOE$) when adjusted for inflation. Phase 6 – New Hampshire Improvements Scope: Upon completion of the BOS improvements in Massachusetts it could then be advantageous to make the improvements to the New Hampshire segment. The identified improvements would include the widening of the shoulder and installation of emergency pull-out areas. Time Frame: The improvements