Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation Canton Township, Wayne County, Michigan

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 3

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 5 Project Background ...... 5 Traffic and Environmental Study...... 7 Existing Conditions ...... 8 Selected Alternative ...... 10 Boulevard Design ...... 12 Trail Connections ...... 12 Project Phasing ‐ Part III & IV Boulevard Improvements ...... 14 Innovation ...... 15 Feasibility of the Project and Monitoring ...... 15 NEPA and Environmental Clearances ...... 15 Federal Wage Rate Requirement ...... 16 Benefits of Project ...... 16

2.0 PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS ...... 17

3.0 DETAILED COSTS ...... 18

4.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE ...... 20

5.0 BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS ...... 21 I State of Good Repair ...... 22 II Economic Competitiveness ...... 23 III Livability ...... 24 IV Environmental Sustainability ...... 24 V Safety ...... 27

6.0 REFERENCES ...... 29

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 1 M‐153 (FORD ROAD) EXISTING CONDITIONS – WESTBOUND

M‐153 (FORD ROAD) PROPOSED DESIGN ‐ WESTBOUND

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 2 Grey to Green: The Ford Road Multimodal Renovation Canton Township, Wayne County, Michigan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Grey to Green: The Ford Road Multimodal Renovation along State Highway M‐153 (Ford Road) consists of a series of multimodal transportation improvements to connect vehicles and pedestrians through the commercial core of Western Wayne County along either side of Interstate I‐275. As noted in the previous Tiger applications, this project has been developed over the past five years by an inter‐jurisdictional study team led by the MDOT and including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Wayne County, the City of Westland and Canton Township. This project and the final planning study is now completed, the first part of the construction (Interchange Operational Improvements) was completed in 2015, and the second part (Lotz Road Paving) was completed in 2016.

These improvements will collectively address a regional vehicular and pedestrian safety and accessibility problem while generating economic opportunities for the region, and demonstrating a unique green design. This application is respectfully submitted by the Charter Township of Canton on behalf of the Michigan Department of Transportation for Federal grant funding under Tiger 2017.

The Grey to Green project includes the following components:  Part I ‐ Interchange Improvements: Key pedestrian links and road operational improvements were made to the regional trail system and the interchange of I‐275 and M‐ 153, including a long‐anticipated east‐west connection to the recently refurbished I‐275 Metro Trail and the growing system of trails in Western Wayne County (completed by MDOT in 2015).  Part II ‐ Lotz Road Paving: The paving of Lotz Road between M‐153 and Cherry Hill Road. Paving of this key road in 2016 has provided an alternate route for north and south traffic that access the I‐275/Ford Road interchange (completed by Wayne County in 2016 using funds allocated from the State of Michigan).  Parts III & IV – Boulevard: Reconfiguration of approximately two miles of M‐153 (Part III ‐ Ford Road, a State Highway) and approximately one‐half mile of Haggerty Road (Part IV ‐ a Wayne County primary road north and south of Ford Road) as narrow boulevard sections; this will eliminate the left‐turn movements along this stretch of road that consistently ranks among the top ten most accident prone corridors in the State. Since 2004 there have been in excess of 1,000 documented vehicle accidents at the worst intersection in this corridor. The narrow boulevard improvements include a space‐saving, green design which will limit the right‐of‐way needs for the project. The boulevard design incorporates a proven and innovative turnaround geometric for large trucks known as a loon.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 3

Grey to Green accomplishes the following:  It will provide a long‐term solution to the existing system that currently exhibits severe traffic congestion along with a high number vehicular crashes and accidents.  It will improve vehicular accessibility to the interstate highway (I‐275) and the commercial core along Ford Road.  It will improve pedestrian and bike connectivity with key links to the developing regional trail network.  It will provide economic value for the region and State.

Grey to Green will  Complete a $30,050,000 improvement to the regional transportation system including vehicular and non‐motorized connections to the commercial core of Western Wayne County with the following funding sources:

TIGER 2017 Grant Request $ 12,050,000 (Part III, only) Other Funding Commitments $ 8,000,000 ROW Acquisition by MDOT and Local Agencies $ 10,000,000 Total Project Costs $ 30,050,000

 Project Readiness This project presented in this grant application has been developed and received approved by all agencies over the past four to five years by an inter‐jurisdictional study team led by the MDOT and including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Wayne County, the City of Westland and Canton Township.  The team developed alternatives, solicited public input on numerous occasions, and has included involvement of many regional stakeholders including the Canton Downtown Development Authority (DDA), property owners, and residents of the area and including the City of Westland.  Environmental clearances and NEPA requirements have been evaluated by the study team and a preliminary determination has been made that this project will likely result in a Categorical Exclusion  The schedule for this project is based on a design/build boulevard project that will commence in the winter of 2017/2018, which will be in advance of the required obligation date.

Is the project urban or rural? This project is located in an urban area of Wayne County, 11th Congressional District.

Applicant Contact Information: Canton Township, Patrick Williams, Supervisor 1150 South Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188 Phone (734) 394‐5185 Fax (734) 394‐5234 Email: patrick.williams@canton‐mi.org

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 4

1.0 Project Description

Project Background

Over the past thirty years, M‐153 (Ford Road) in Canton Township has transformed from a rural area of Western Wayne County into a bustling business district. In particular, the two mile stretch between I‐275 and Sheldon Road including the intersection of Haggerty & Ford Road has become the top location for vehicular accidents in Southeast Michigan (over 1,000 reported accidents since 2004).

The western portion of Wayne County has experienced significant residential and commercial growth over the past decade, including major projects such as IKEA, which have strained the area’s transportation infrastructure. This growth has resulted in a substantial increase in daily traffic volume and congestion along the I‐275 interstate, key commercial corridors such as Ford Road, and corridors of high residential growth, including Cherry Hill Road.

Traffic congestion, coupled with limited transit service to the area and improved, but still limited non‐motorized transportation options, have necessitated transportation improvements to sustain the current and future quality of life in Western Wayne County communities. Canton Township’s population grew by 45% over the twenty year period from 1990 to 2010 to approximately 90,000. By 2030, the Township population is anticipated to grow by another 16% to approximately 105,000. Employment in the area grew by 89% in the last ten years and is anticipated to grow another 91% by the year 2030, creating over 51,000 jobs. With the adjacent community of Westland, just east of the interchange, the interchange services a population of approximately 170,000.

The growth in the area has drawn IKEA to the corner of Ford & Haggerty, which has been followed by further development and re‐development in the area. Over the past decade, local officials have diligently pursued a solution to this problem including:

 In 2004 Canton and MDOT completed an Access Management & Traffic Operations Study on Ford Road. Since that time Canton has aggressively and successfully pursued many driveway closures and has forced interconnection of businesses along Ford Road.

 In 2005 MDOT added one mile of an exclusive right-turn lane for westbound Ford Road west of I- 275.

 In 2006 MDOT required IKEA (with assistance from Canton Township) to fund a widening of the southbound I-275 off-ramp at Ford Road as well as fund the installation of a traffic signal coordination system for the Ford Road corridor

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 5  In 2006 Canton, MDOT, FHWA, SEMCOG, Wayne County and adjacent communities completed a one‐year long $450,000 comprehensive Regional Transportation Improvement Study. This study identified several alternatives for addressing the Ford & I‐275 area.

THE FORD ROAD RENOVATION PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS OF THE DETROIT METROPOLITAN AREA WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Detroit Metropolitan Area, Western Wayne County

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation Project

However, even with the added right‐turn lane, and the over $2 million in road and interchange improvements made by IKEA and Canton Township, MDOT and the local road agencies have struggled to overcome the barriers to economic development, high crash rates and congestion.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 6 Traffic and Environmental Study

The most significant development over the past few years is the completion of a comprehensive and detailed Traffic and Environmental study of this regional problem. This study was completed in December 2013 by a team led by MDOT along with a stakeholders group including Canton, the City of Westland, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Wayne County. This study analyzed several alternatives and the team has selected a preferred series of improvements that will solve a regional vehicular and pedestrian safety and accessibility problem while furthering the economic opportunities for the region. The study area boundaries are shown below.

During the course of this study, the MDOT completed the detailed traffic analysis and environmental analysis for this project, and have determined that the project will fall within the NEPA classification of Categorical Exclusion. The Final Report from the study team is available at the Canton Township Website : www.canton‐mi.org/955/tiger4cantoncom

Extensive public input in 2012 and 2013 was used to develop the purpose and need for the project, determine multiple alternatives, and ultimately select a preferred design alternative, which is the project presented in this grant application.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 7

Existing Conditions

M‐153 (Ford Road) is an east‐west roadway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph throughout the study area and is classified as an urban principal arterial by the 2010 Sufficiency Report. This segment of M‐153 is on the National Highway System (NHS) and is classified as a “green route” on the Priority Commercial Network (PCN). M‐153 varies from five‐lanes to seven‐lanes (two to three lanes in each direction of travel with a center left‐turn lane). The roadway is primarily undivided, however, between the southbound I‐275 exit ramp and the northbound I‐275 exit ramp, travel directions on M‐153 are separated by a raised median. Land uses along the M‐153 project area are highly commercial with businesses ranging from small restaurants to an IKEA big box store. Residential properties border the commercial zone making M‐153 and the I‐275 interchange a significant commuter corridor.

Other major roadways in the study area include Cherry Hill Road, Warren Road and Haggerty Road. Each of these roadways is a major collector‐distributor road. These roadways mainly service local traffic with Haggerty Road also carrying a large volume of industrial and commercial traffic north of M‐153.

M‐153 consists primarily of a five‐lane cross section throughout the study area, with additional right turn bays provided at larger storefront entrances. Dedicated right turn lanes are provided at M‐153 and Sheldon Road, Lilley Road, and Haggerty Road with a continuous westbound dedicated right turn lane from Haggerty Road to Lilley Road. East of Haggerty Road, M‐153 consists of three eastbound lanes, and two westbound lanes plus a dedicated right turn lane from the I‐275 ramp to Haggerty Road. M‐153 has a 120 foot typical ROW and has commercial development and other amenities (parking lots, sidewalks, retaining walls) built immediately behind with very little clear space. Haggerty Road is a five lane cross section at M‐153, and then gradually tapers to a two lane section to the south. North of M‐153 Haggerty Road is a five‐lane section.

The existing pavement condition along Ford Road is in fair condition, however there is no record of pavement reconstruction in over 30 years. Based upon increased traffic volumes, the presence and extent of surface cracking, the ability of the subgrade soils to drain properly, and maintenance costs to upkeep the current condition of the pavement, it is anticipated a total pavement reconstruction will be required within the next 5 ‐ 10 years.

The existing traffic conditions within the study area were modeled using Synchro and HCS software to measure the performance of the existing traffic operations and provide a base condition for comparison of future alternatives. Three peak periods were analyzed, AM peak (7:00 to 8:00 am), PM peak (5:00 to 6:00 pm), and off‐peak (Saturday afternoon). Many of the key intersections within the M‐153 study area were found to be at or near capacity congestion with Levels of Service (LOS) of E or F, as illustrated in the table below. These over‐capacity conditions are amplified in the future conditions as traffic volumes gradually increase.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 8 Existing Intersections with Overall Intersection LOS E or F

Intersection Period of Overall Intersection LOS E or F M‐153 & Haggerty Road AM & PM Peak Hour M‐153 & Lilley Road PM & Off‐Peak Hour M‐153 & Sheldon Road Off‐Peak Hour Warren & Haggerty Road AM Peak Hour

Existing traffic volumes are exceeding the capacity of the current corridor which causes residual queues at each intersection with some vehicles not clearing each signal. This leads to vehicles blocking the intersection and preventing cross street green phases from proceeding efficiently. This condition is especially prevalent at the SB I‐275 ramp intersection with M‐153, Ford Road where WB traffic queues from Haggerty Road block the ramp movement which causes excessive queuing on the ramp, and at peak times onto I‐275. Traffic conditions are most congested EB during the AM peak hour and WB during the PM peak hour. Safety has become a primary concern and focus of the alternatives analysis as a number of crashes have been documented at each of the key intersections within the corridor, as shown below.

Crash History from 2006 to 2011

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 9 Land uses surrounding the M‐153 (Ford Road) project area are highly commercial with businesses ranging from small restaurants to an IKEA big box store. Residential properties border the commercial zone making M‐153 and the I‐275 interchange a significant commuter corridor between communities as far east as Detroit to Ann Arbor in the west.

Lighting is located throughout the M‐153 (Ford Road) corridor with the exception of a short segment on the south side of M‐153 (Ford Road) west of Haggerty Road and through the I‐275 interchange. Based upon field observation, the lighting has been found to be insufficient for street lighting and is exists primarily to light sidewalks. Sidewalks are also present throughout the corridor with the exception of within the I‐275 interchange creating a physical barrier for pedestrians to safely travel to either side of the Interstate.

Selected Alternative

A conceptual design of this project is presented below:

The solution presented in the Traffic & Environmental Study is a comprehensive project that includes:

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 10  Part I ‐ Trail Connections and Operational Improvements (Completed) This phase includes installation of east‐west and local connections to the regional multimodal path network including the key east‐west accessibility connection to the I‐275 Metro Trail through the M‐153 (Ford Road) corridor; it also includes operational improvements to M‐153 (Ford Road) and Haggerty intersection;  Part II Lotz Road Paving (Completed) The paving of Lotz Road along the eastern edge of the study provides additional north‐south access from Cherry Hill Road to the I‐275 interchange.  Part III – Boulevard on Ford Road conversion of approximately two miles of M‐153 (Ford Road) between I‐275 and Sheldon Road into a pedestrian and bike‐friendly, green boulevard;  Part IV – Boulevard on Haggerty at Ford conversion of a portion of Haggerty Road, immediately north and south of the M‐153 (Ford Road) intersection into a boulevard;

Completion of these improvements will provide a long‐term solution to the existing system congestion and accident problem. Elimination of the left‐turn movements and re‐configuration of these roads as boulevards will address an area that consistently ranks among the top ten most dangerous corridors in southeast Michigan. In addition, the unique design with a narrow boulevard is a space‐saving, green design which will limit the right‐of‐way needs for the project.

A summary of the performance measures used in selecting preferred alternative from the various practical alternative performance measures is provided below.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 11

Boulevard Design

The proposed boulevard corridor along M‐153 (Ford Road) will provide two thru lanes in each direction with left turn bays at passenger and commercial vehicle turnarounds. Three lanes are provided in each direction from Lilley Street to the I‐275 interchange where volumes of traffic warrant additional capacity. The green space provided in the median ranges from six feet at turnarounds to approximately 30 feet in width, which offers refuge zones for pedestrians crossing at intersecting roads. Furthermore, the green space provides opportunities for Canton Township’s Downtown Development Authority to enhance the area with aesthetic improvements such as low‐ growth vegetation to signing.

This project will utilize a unique boulevard feature known as a “loon”. The loons allow the narrow boulevard section to accommodate truck turning movements at key locations along the highway without the traditional wide boulevard. The loons will minimize the right‐of‐way required from the existing businesses.

All turnarounds have been designed to accommodate a broad range of vehicles. Furthermore, each loon location has been coordinated with businesses and local agencies to ensure impacts to driveways and properties are minimized to the greatest extent. Openings in the boulevard have also been located to provide the safest passage and ensure conflicting movements are avoided.

Trail Connections

In addition to upgrading the existing sidewalk network along Ford and Haggerty Roads, several key pedestrian connections have already been completed with Part I of this project including the east‐west connection under the I‐275 overpass, and connecting to the I‐275 Metro Trail. A second connection will be made from the Ford Road sidewalk south along Morton Taylor Road approximately ½ mile to Flodin Park, a local park. Flodin Park is a gateway to a bike path that was recently completed by Canton, extending south over two miles connecting to the Lower Rouge River Recreation Trail in Canton Township.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 12 The I‐275 Metro Trail began back in the 1970s as the Michigan Department of Transportation's response to the then‐fuel crisis. The original trail linked Wayne, Oakland and Monroe counties along a 40‐mile paved route that ran parallel to Interstate 275. As of summer 2012, the newly reconstructed and improved paved path runs between Novi to the north and New Boston to the south. Along Hines Drive in Plymouth Township, you can connect to the Rouge River Gateway Greenway, stretching 20 miles through several western suburbs of Detroit. Just north of Michigan Avenue, you can also connect to the 4‐mile Lower Rouge River Recreation Trail in Canton Township. For more information, view the I‐275 Metro Trail map. (Source: Rails to Trails Conservancy: http://www.traillink.com )

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 13

Project Phasing ‐ Part III & IV Boulevard Improvements

Although the boulevard project has been conceived as a single improvement, there is a possibility to construct these improvements in phases. A phasing plan is shown below for the primary boulevard improvements. The project costs are shown in Section 3.0 with a breakdown of costs by phase as depicted in the graphic below, noting that Part III has two phases and Part IV only one phase.

The Michigan Department of Transportation, Wayne County, and Canton Township are committed to promoting sustainable development opportunities and alternative transportation options for residents. The interchange redesign ensures accessibility for the sustainable development within the community. The project meets the key needs of sustainability; economic, social, and environment. It provides the needed transportation environment for safety, operation, and accessibility, as well as the economic benefit of supporting existing and future development, in an environmentally‐ conscious manner.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 14

Innovation

The MDOT has always been committed to long‐term operations, safety, and maintenance. MDOT is continuously seeking ways to improve our integrated transportation system statewide through innovative techniques such as rapid construction methods, green highways, traffic signal coordination and retiming, and safety enhancements.

Feasibility of the Project and Monitoring

Based on review of existing conditions and initial conceptual design studies, the project is technically feasible and will mitigate the safety, congestion, and operational concerns.

The MDOT has a history of collaboration with various agencies, such as Canton Township, Westland, Wayne County, and is very experienced in managing grants. MDOT collaborates continuously with the local communities to effectively plan, manage, and construct their projects.

The State of Michigan and its communities are vigilant in their administration of economic stimulus funding from the U.S. government. The MDOT will implement an extensive performance monitoring program for this project to track and report on factors such as:

. Project construction job creation . Participation by minorities and other disadvantaged groups . Efforts to include small and disadvantaged contractors in the project’s construction phases

Similarly, the MDOT will monitor changes in the regional economy resulting from the project, including but not limited to:

. Development of new businesses resulting from the project . Total private investment and private sector employment of those businesses . Percentage of minorities and other disadvantaged groups in new job creation . Efforts to use community development agencies to promote job opportunities and increase employment of disadvantaged individuals

NEPA and Environmental Clearances

Environmental clearances have been completed for the boulevard modifications and a determination has been made that this project will likely result in a Categorical Exclusion from NEPA requirements, however, this determination cannot be made until funding is obligated.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 15

Federal Wage Rate Requirement

The Michigan Department of Transportation complies with Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Title 40 of the United Stated Code, regarding the Federal Wage Rate.

Benefits of Project

These improvements include significant system safety improvements, elimination of many left‐turn conflicts, closure of certain driveways, and geometric changes by conversion to the boulevard which is forecasted to decrease crashes in this area by up to 35%.

The project will

 Provide a long‐term solution to the existing system capacity issues that have resulted in severe traffic congestion along with a high number vehicular crashes and accidents;  Improve vehicular accessibility to the interstate highway (I‐275) and the commercial core along Ford Road;  Improve pedestrian and bike connectivity with key links to the developing regional trail network, and  Provide economic value for the region.

The primary quantifiable benefits and savings generated from this project are:

 Safety improvements (measured as a reduction in crashes); and  Delay reductions (measured as a reduction in vehicle travel hours).

Other key benefits derived from this project include:

 Establishment of a key east‐west pedestrian and bike connection to the recently reconstructed I‐275 Metro Trail  Installation and improvement of additional pedestrian and bike connections to the growing regional trail network, and the adjoining commercial districts  Improved efficiency in the movement of goods and increased employee efficiency resulting from the reduction in delay from congestion. Canton is strategically located between the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the Willow Run Airport and it is a major distribution hub for a variety of national and international trucking and logistics companies;  Quicker response time for first‐responders to get to the scene of accidents along both I‐ 275 and along Ford Road.

In addition, property values are likely to improve as congestion and safety issues are mitigated with these improvements.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 16

Based solely on cost savings in vehicle hours traveled (VHT) and safety, we estimate that this $30,050,000 project will pay for itself within approximately seven (7) after completion of construction. This project will also result in a positive ratio of benefits achieved versus costs expended. It will also provide significant economic benefits to both the Southeast Michigan Region and Statewide, and will enhance sustainability in the region by providing safety, operational function, and economic viability. The details of the Benefit‐Cost Analysis (BCA) are provided below in Section 5.0.

2.0 Project Partnerships

Canton Township applies the applicant for this grant with support from MDOT and Wayne County. The MDOT has always shown a strong collaborative effort with Canton, and with the other supporting entities the City of Westland, Wayne County, SEMCOG, and FHWA. The MDOT actively engages all planning, design, and construction activities with the affected local communities. All the agencies collaborate and work to share costs on joint venture type projects.

Canton Township Canton is located on the far western edge of Wayne County, an economically depressed County. Canton is approximately 20 miles east of Ann Arbor, 35 miles west of Detroit and 50 miles north of Toledo, Ohio. The Township of Canton was established in 1834 and is one of the fastest growing communities today in the State of Michigan. It has a population of 90,173 (2010 Census). The Michigan Department of Transportation is supportive of this grant application. The MDOT is a constitutional government agency in the State of Michigan, whose primary purpose is to maintain the Michigan State Trunkline Highway System. MDOT employees are responsible for planning, designing, and operating streets, highways, bridges, transit systems, airports, railroads and ports to provide for the safe, rapid, comfortable, economical, convenient, and environmentally safe movement of people and goods.

The cooperating entities providing support are listed below.

Michigan Department of Transportation City of Westland Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) City of Livonia Wayne County Commission‐District 11 City of Wayne Canton Township Downtown Development Authority Van Buren Township IKEA (private business) Plymouth Township Plymouth‐Canton Community School District Northville Township Canton Township Public Safety

The Canton Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has pledged its support to fund up to $8.0 million as part of the local match towards the project. In addition, IKEA has provided Canton with $242,000 towards improvements along the M‐153 Corridor.

Letters of Support are available at: www.canton‐mi.org/955/tiger4cantoncom

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 17 3.0 Detailed Costs

The comprehensive traffic and environmental study is completed and received approval by MDOT, FHWA and the stakeholder’s team in December 2013. Project construction and engineering costs for the entire project have been estimated at $30,050,000. Right‐of‐way (ROW) costs are estimated between $8,000,000 and $30,000,000. As detailed above, due to the flexible zoning, and setback requirements within the Canton Township Business District Overlay zone it is likely that the ROW costs will be on the lower end of the range of estimates. Based on this information, we have assumed $10,000,000 in ROW costs.

As detailed below, the current construction cost estimate can be broken into three components detailed below with the assumption that the two boulevard components will be completed using a design/build process.

Ford Road Multimodal Renovation Total Project Cost

Type of Cost Cost Boulevard Design/Build Phase 1: Boulevard conversion of Ford Road from $ 11,050,000 I‐275 to Lilley Road and Haggerty Road Boulevard Design/Build Phase 2: Boulevard conversion of Ford Road from $ 9,000,000 Lilley to Canton Center Road Total for Design/Construction Costs $ 20,050,000 Right‐of‐Way acquisition $ 10,000,000 Total Project Cost: $ 30,050,000

This project includes existing funding commitments from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the State of Michigan general fund, and Canton Township. This Discretionary TIGER grant closes the funding gap in this project’s financial plan by enabling the Michigan Department of Transportation to construct this project in the short‐term.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 18

Tiger Grant funding would be used primarily for the two boulevard phases of the project. The funding commitments to the project are detailed below.

Ford Road Multimodal Renovation Funding Commitment by Agency

Agency Estimated Amount Canton Downtown Development Authority Commitment $ 6,000,000 MDOT/ Local Match – Boulevard Phase I $ 1,000,000 MDOT / Local Match – Boulevard Phase II $ 1,000,000 ROW Acquisition (Phases I & II) $ 10,000,000 Total Non‐Federal Funding Committed: $ 18,000,000

Total funding request – Part I Interchange improvements $ COMPLETE Total funding request – Part II Lotz Road Paving $ COMPLETE Total funding request – Part III Ford Boulevard Phase I $ 7,050,000 Total funding request – Part III Ford Boulevard Phase II $ 5,000,000 Total Funding Requested under Tiger 2017 $ 12,050,000

Total Project Costs $ 30,050,000

As noted above, the first two parts of this project have been completed, with the following funding commitments:

Part I MDOT Operational Improvements in 2015 $1,800,000 Completed Part II Lotz Road Paving in 2016 $5,000,000 Completed

In addition, Canton Township and the Canton Downtown Development Authority (an existing TIFFA) completed a project in 2009-2010 to bury the majority of the aboveground utility lines along M-153 from I-275 to Lilley Road. Most of the electric and telecommunications lines are now encased in subsurface conduits. This project was valued at $7,000,000 and will significantly improve the constructability of the proposed boulevard project and demonstrates Canton Township’s commitment to this corridor.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 19

4.0 Project Schedule

MDOT has completed the comprehensive planning, traffic and environmental study for this project, and has selected the boulevard alternative as presented in this grant application. This project has received the NEPA, design, traffic and FHWA approvals. Phase I of the project, the Interchange Improvements, was completed by MDOT in 2015. Phase II ‐ Lotz Road Paving, was completed by Wayne County with State funds in 2016.

The contracts for the boulevard design/build construction project will be prepared in the fourth quarter of 2017. The I‐275/Ford Road interchange enhancement project was completed in 2015. The boulevard project would be moved forward with design/build procurement. The key deadlines for this project are as follows:

ACTIVITY DATE Traffic & Environmental Study approvals/FHWA DONE December 2013 Interchange Improvements & Lotz Road DONE 2015/2016 Contract with Design/Build Team for Boulevard Winter 2017/2018 Complete NEPA & State Environmental Approvals DONE 2013 Obligation of Grant Funds December 31, 2018 Construction Start Boulevard Late 2018 Construction Completed Boulevard 2019

State and Local Planning—The project has been included in the 2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) planning document by MDOT.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 20

5.0 Benefit‐Cost Analysis

Construction of this improvement will remediate significant regional and local stresses on the roadway system along Ford Road, as described above. This project will solve multiple, severe traffic safety issues, and improve and enhance connectivity for vehicles, non‐motorized transportation and pedestrians. There are several specific quantitative and qualitative benefits associated with the enhancements along Ford Road:

 travel time savings and Vehicle‐Hours Traveled (VHT) reduction, which equates to the reduction of CO2;  significant safety and operational benefits with the enhancements; and  the level of service improves and the delay is greatly reduced by limiting left turn movements to vehicle and truck turnarounds.

The most significant benefit to this project is through the predicted 35 percent crash reduction that has been determined through the study that is currently underway. In addition to crash reduction, there are also the benefits of sustainability, providing safety, operational function, and economic viability. The major assumptions made in determining these benefits were calculated in 2008 for an improvement located on M‐153 (Ford Road) that encompassed only the area from the I‐275 Southbound ramp to Haggerty Road. This historical analysis of VHT and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) from 2008 is included with the caveat that the current MDOT study will update the VHT/VMT savings, which will be presented in the final report, due in July. For the historical analysis, the following information was used:

 SEMCOG Regional Travel Demand Model (Version E5) was used to project the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and the VHT.  VHT delay savings are computed based on a 261 working days per calendar year (i.e. no savings were computed for weekends and holidays).  Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Input‐Output Modeling System (RIMS II) was used to quantify the direct and indirect job creation impacts for the project.

Results from the 2008 VHT / VMT analysis: Although a successful roadway improvement project will slightly increase the Vehicle‐Miles Traveled (VMT), the projected VHT substantially decreases, indicating the trip duration and congestion are less, and further contributing to a safer operation overall as well. The overall savings due to the improvements regarding VMT and VHT equate to an annual savings of $593,801 (2015) to $75,318 (2035).

Total Cost Savings: The safety cost savings are shown to be approximately $3,900,000 per year. Thus, due to the safety cost savings alone the $30,050,000 project is estimated to pay for itself in under eight years. As presented in this section and summarized below, the quantifiable

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 21 benefits for this project result in a Net Present Value of $111,465,471 for the anticipated improvements over a 50‐year time frame.

Benefit – Cost Analysis Matrix

Net VHT Savings (NPV @ Savings (NPV @ LIFE CYCLE Crash Savings Total Savings Savings * 7%) 3%)

2015 – 2065 $12,763,285 $202,281,300 $215,044,585 $60,613,990 $111,465,471

* After additional costs of added VMT is deducted. Note: VHT savings based on previous analysis of M‐153 from Haggerty to I‐275 area only.

Based on an expenditure of $30,850,000, and a realized savings of $60,613,990, this project will result in a positive return ratio of 2.0 to 1.0 A conservative analysis of these savings using a Net Present Value calculation is provided as a supplement at www.canton‐ mi.org/955/tiger4cantoncom. A discount rate of 7 percent was applied to the stream of savings over the 50‐year life of the asset used in this calculation. A separate calculation using a 3 percent discount rate was also provided for comparison and sensitivity analysis. Canton did not analyze the costs associated with emissions on this project as the net increase in emissions was negligible compared with the significant benefits and savings associated with the accident and delay reductions.

The additional long‐term benefits of rebuilding M‐153 (Ford Road) are important to the region and state. Michigan is economically depressed with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. The I‐275 corridor is a key corridor for commuters and commerce in Michigan. Canton Township is one of the most desirable and growing communities in Southeast Michigan. The continued successful sustainable development in the community rests with the accessibility, the operation, and the safety of the access to this community. Current and future projections along M‐ 153 predict increased congestion, delays, safety and operational concerns if the boulevard is not constructed to safely accommodate the existing and projected traffic volumes.

The M‐153 improvements provide economic benefit to the communities of Canton and Westland and the Region. There is a significant regional and statewide benefit to having this roadway improved to support accessibility and safety and enhance the economic competitiveness of southeast Michigan.

I State of Good Repair

The MDOT is diligent in prioritizing transportation needs having used a pavement management system since the early 1980’s, and bridge monitoring systems. The MDOT is diligent in prioritizing the need to maintain their transportation facilities and keep it in good repair. MDOT is continuously

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 22 seeking ways to improve their integrated transportation system statewide through innovative techniques such as green highways, and safety enhancements. The boulevard enhancement will be designed to last 50‐plus years and be part of an on‐going asset management plan to monitor and maintain the overall transportation infrastructure along M‐153.

II Economic Competitiveness

Michigan is an economically distressed state with one of the highest unemployment rates, and all of Michigan, including Canton Township, has suffered from declining property values. Canton Township also has the potential to lead the recovery in Michigan. The community is a great mix of residential, commercial, business, and parkland. The I‐275 corridor, since its inception around 1975‐1977, has opened the door for industrial and commercial development around interchange areas and residential development further west of I‐275. Key corridors in the community for economic growth are the Lotz Road corridor, just east of I‐275 between Cherry Hill Road and Ford Road. This is planned for mixed use; residential and commercial. The interchange improvement provides a safer, less congested operation, and also a positive economic impact.

The broad range of residential and commercial development in Canton Township has generated economic success over the years. The IKEA store opened in 2006, which has annually brought hundreds of thousands of people to the community; all using the I‐275/Ford Road interchange. There are other large national companies that have their corporate headquarters (such as Lotus International) or corporate entities (like Advanced Communications, Inc.) with over 2,000 employees or Yazaki North America, Inc., which has over 1,600 employees. These businesses and commercial developments invested from $1 Million to $11 Million dollars individually each year. The remaining vacant land to be developed can add additional economic revenue to the region and state. The interchange improvements would serve to meet the needs of the existing community, as well as address the future needs for positive economic development for the region. The project will have short and long term performance benefits with respect to the economic recovery measures and long‐term outcomes.

The project is expected to create significant near‐term economic benefits for the Wayne County area, the State of Michigan, in addition to other regions of the United States. Michigan’s economic benefits from the project would be driven by an increase in construction spending in the region. These project expenditures would generate a short term increase in demand for engineering and technical services, as well as constriction‐related labor and materials. MDOT promotes job opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), minority‐owned enterprises (MBE), and women‐owned businesses (WBE). This also includes veteran‐owned small businesses. MDOT is an extremely progressive and fair agency and it works to connect disadvantaged workers with the appropriate business enterprises. MDOT has sound labor practices and compliance for workers safety, as well as firms that work for the State. The MDOT contracts with firms that provide equal opportunity to their employees. The enhancements to the I‐275/Ford Road interchange project will be an economic stimulus to the economically distressed Michigan

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 23 economy, plus it will provide the benefits of job creation with appropriate accessibility to Western Wayne County, and the communities of Canton Township and Westland.

III Livability

The enhancements proposed for M‐153 (Ford Road) improve the quality of life for the residents, commercial shoppers, employers and employees, truckers, commuters, and emergency services. The proposed roadway enhancements improve safety and operational efficiency for all users of the Ford Road corridor. It provides a safer operational and connected network to and from the surrounding community and the freeway network, which is not disruptive to residents or current businesses. It contributes to a safer operational environment by maintaining the bike path on the east side of I‐275 and improves safer operations for traffic progressing through the Haggerty Road/Ford Road intersection. The project also reduces congestion and as a result improves the ambient air quality.

This project will also include enhancement of the east‐west pedestrian connections along Ford Road to the existing MDOT non‐motorized path along I‐275. These connections will be fully ADA compliant and will provide a vital link between the area east of I‐275 with the major commercial and industrial areas west of I‐275.

IV Environmental Sustainability

The proposed boulevard renovation project will provide a more environmentally sustainable transportation system. The proposed boulevard enhancements provides an overall benefit to the community for the long‐term by improving safety, improving operations, reducing overall societal costs (potential from crashes and economic), reducing VHT, as well as reducing community and societal impacts.

In 2006, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) regional model was utilized to assess the regional impacts and local impacts of this project of vehicle‐miles traveled (VMT) and vehicle‐hours traveled (VHT) within the study limits shown in Figure 1 above. When the studies were conducted to assess the boulevard performance option, the total flows were compared with the No‐Build (Programmed Improvements Only) to the various designs of the M‐153 corridor. With the new boulevard concept the total flows accommodated increased, the VMT increased slightly, and the VHT decreased substantially. Rebuilding and enhancing the safety and operation of the M‐153 (Ford Road) corridor provides an overall benefit to the community for the long‐term by improving safety, improving operations, reducing overall societal costs (potential from crashes and economic), and likely reducing VHT.

Results from the 2008 VHT / VMT analysis: In 2006, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) regional model was utilized to assess the regional impacts and local impacts of this project of vehicle‐miles traveled (VMT) and vehicle‐hours traveled (VHT) within the limits of M‐153 (Ford Road) from Haggerty to the southbound ramp from I‐275. When the studies

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 24 were conducted to assess the interchange performance options the total flows were compared with the No‐Build (Programmed Improvements Only) to the various designs of the interchange. With the previous concept plan, including slip ramps to Haggerty the total flows accommodated increased, the VMT increased, and the VHT decreased substantially. The following are definitions used in these calculations:

 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) within the study area of Canton Township is a measure of all traffic volume served during an average 24‐hour period. ADT is an indicator of the capacity of the transportation system.  Vehicle‐Hours Traveled (VHT), derived from the SEMCOG model, is a measure of the total hours of travel undertaken by all vehicles making trips with the study area. VHT is an indicator of trip duration and congestion.  Vehicle‐Miles Traveled (VMT), derived from the SEMCOG model, is a measure of the total trips multiplied by the average trip length within the study area. VMT, when compared relative to total flow, is an indicator of trip length.

Using EPA’s Mobile6.2 emission factor program, an average fleet fuel economy was determined. As shown in the table below, the average fleet fuel economy was estimated to be 16.8 miles per gallon (mpg) in 2005 and is predicted to be 16.3 mpg and 16.2 mpg in 2015 and 2035, respectively. These values are very conservative as they do not take into account new national fuel economy standards. Based on the current estimated fleet fuel economy, the change in fuel consumption if the interchange is enhanced compared with the No Build Conditions (existing interchange configuration) is shown below. The change in VMT corresponds to the change in fuel consumption. With the interchange improvements the fuel consumption is estimated to increase by 575 gallons per day in 2005 (210,154 gallons annually), 582 gallons per day in 2015 (212,480 gallons annually), and 665 gallons per day in 2035 (242,992 gallons annually). However, the fuel efficiency of the fleet should improve over time rather than decrease, as is currently predicted in the MOBILE6.2 model. VMT Daily and Annual Estimated Fuel Consumption Daily (Annual) Increase in Fuel Daily Build the Daily Consumption Avg. Year Interchange No Build Change with the Fleet Enhancement in VMT* Interchange (MPG) Enhancements (gallons)** 2015 VMT* (average weekday) 1,629,123 1,619,450 9,673 16.8 575 (210,154) 2025 VMT* (average weekday) 1,585,409 1,575,920 9,489 16.3 582 (212,480) 2045 VMT * (average weekday) 1,636,082 1,625,297 10,785 16.2 665 (242,992)

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 25 * VMT is vehicle‐miles traveled within the 2.5 mile study radius for the air quality analysis ** Assumes 261 days a year (365 days minus weekends and holidays)

Though the VMT goes up, the VHT (vehicle‐hours‐traveled) is drastically reduced. The daily change in VMT, VHT, and fuel consumption were also calculated to a yearly amount and cost if the interchange was enhanced. The estimated yearly per‐person cost savings due to the reduced vehicle‐hours traveled and delay costs are shown in the table below. The annual savings due to the reduced vehicle‐hours traveled and reduced delay equates to approximately $2.15 Million in 2015, $2.36 Million in 2025, and $2.84 Million in 2045. This interchange causes significant delay and costs to the communities it serves.

The annual additional fuel cost of the additional vehicle‐miles traveled ranges in the near term to around $525,000 and the long term (2045) to approximately $1.611 Million. In addition to increased fuel costs and person costs due to delay, there are annual vehicle maintenance costs, which is approximately $0.41/mile. This adds an additional $1 Million to $1.1 Million annually. Calculating the estimated annual costs of VMT and VHT, the table below shows that there is an estimated annual savings of $480,000 to $594,000 in the next ten years to society with the conceptual I‐275/Ford Road interchange improvements.

Annual Person Cost Savings Due to Reduced Vehicle‐Hours Traveled and Delay with the Improvements

Decreased VHT With the Interchange Living Wage Improvements Rate for Daily/Annually Canton Daily Delay Annual VHT Delay Year (hours)* Township** Savings Savings*** 2015 632 / 164,952 $13.06 $ 8,254 $2,154,294 2025 568 / 148,248 $15.92 $ 9,043 $2,360,223 2045 561 / 146,421 $19.40 $10,883 $2,840,463

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 26 Estimated Annual Cost Due to Additional Vehicle‐Miles Traveled With the I‐275/Ford Road Interchange Improvements

Averag Annual Annual Total VMT Daily e Fuel Cost Maintenance Cost (Fuel VMT VMT/ Annual Gallon of VMT Cost and Year Change Year Gallons Cost* Change Maintenance) 2015 9,673 2,524,653 210,154 $2.50 $525,385 $1,035,108 $1,560,493 2025 9,489 2,476,629 212,480 $4.07 $864,793 $1,015,418 $1,880,211 2045 10,785 2,814,885 242,992 $6.63 $1,611,036 $1,154,109 $2,765,145 Notes: Living Wage Rate assumed a conservative 2‐percent annual increase Assumes 261 days a year (365 days minus weekends and holidays) Average Gallon Cost is estimate to increase 5‐percent per year

Annual Overall Savings from VMT and VHT for the I‐275/Ford Road Interchange Improvements

Total Annual Savings with the Total VMT Cost Annual VHT Interchange Year Delay Savings Improvements 2015 $1,560,493 $2,154,294 $593,801 2025 $1,880,211 $2,360,223 $480,012 2045 $2,765,145 $2,840,463 $75,318

As shown from the previous alternative (which included rebuilding and enhancing the safety and operation of the I‐275/Ford Road interchange), this type of improvement provides an overall benefit to the community for the long‐term by improving safety, improving operations, reducing overall societal costs (potential from crashes and economic), and reducing VHT.

We believe that a similar annual savings will be achieved through implementation of the Selected Alternative of conversion to a boulevard. Although the full analysis of the VMT/VHT savings for the boulevard option have not been completed, it is likely that any VMT/VHT savings from this alternative will likely be negligible when compared to the savings resulting from safety improvements.

V Safety

The proposed enhancements to the M‐153 (Ford Road) corridor improves the safety of the transportation facilities and systems by having safer operations and a more functional roadway linkage. From 2007 to 2011, the M‐153 (Ford Road) corridor from the I‐275 southbound ramp to Sheldon Road had an average of 332 crashes per year. The existing configuration of the corridor and adjacent intersections has an estimated $6,000,000 societal cost due to the property damage

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 27 and injury costs (based on a SEMCOG crash study of costs and severity). A detailed traffic analysis is included in the Corridor Study completed in 2013. The following information from the Corridor Study presents the anticipated crash reduction rates for the Boulevard option:

With the corridor improvement, the congestion and severity of some of the intersections may be reduced by 35% or more. The project has the potential to reduce the number, rate and consequences of surface transportation related crashes, injuries and fatalities.

Due to removing the left‐turn conflicts at intersections along Ford Road and allowing traffic to flow safely, it has been calculated that these improvements will result in a 35‐percent reduction in the type and severity of the crashes. The cost savings from the crash reductions alone provide an estimated annual savings of more than $3.9 Million with the corridor improvements. This societal cost savings provides a benefit within seven to eight years of the corridor improvements being built and provides a local, regional, and state benefit. These data and estimates of potential savings are presented in the Table below.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 28

Crash Costs and Potential Savings Based on a Five Year Crash History (2007‐2011) Location Average Type of Crash Cost of Crash Crashes Crashes Costs/Year Per Year M‐153 Corridor, SB‐I‐275 256 Property Damage $ 35,100 $8,985,600 Ramp to Sheldon Road Only M‐153 Corridor, SB‐I‐275 66 Injury $216,720 $14,303,520 Ramp to Sheldon Road Existing Total 322 $23,289,120 With Enhancements* 209 Potential Annual Crash 113 Property Damage $ 35,100 $3,966,300 Reduction Savings Only * Assumes 35% Reduction due to less congestion and Property Damage Only 6.0 References

Several key reference materials are available to support this grant application:

Traffic and Environmental Study and Interchange Access Request, (Completed December 2013) This report is completed and signed off by all of the agencies. The final report is available here: Weblinks: www.canton‐mi.org/955/tiger4cantoncom

Western Wayne County Transportation Improvement Study, 2006‐2030 The MDOT, Wayne County, Canton Township, Westland, Plymouth Township, SEMCOG, and Federal Highway (FHWA) formed a Western Wayne Transportation Task Force and hired a consultant that studied, planned and prioritized long‐range transportation improvements to provide policy guidance aimed at maintaining and improving the efficiency of the area’s transportation resources. Click on the link: www.canton‐mi.org/955/tiger4cantoncom

Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for Southeast Michigan The RTP has included improvements along I‐275 has been amended to include this project. Click on the link: http://www.semcog.org/LRP

Letters of Support: Click on the link: www.canton‐mi.org/955/tiger4cantoncom

Confidentiality Statement There is no confidential information associated with this application.

Grey to Green: A Ford Road Multimodal Renovation 29