Taggart Associates - Case Studies
Project: Route 441 Relocation Project (updated as of January 11, 2010)
The Challenge:
As part of its visioning process, the Borough of Columbia, PA, decided to actively revitalize its downtown. The elimination of through-truck traffic on S.R. 441 was identified as a very important element in the revitalization. Despite having federal and state dollars set aside in the Transportation Improvement Program, no progress had been made in over seven years. Taggart Associates was hired by Columbia Borough in 2005 to advance the Route 441 relocation. Traffic conditions impact the Route and the borough, including a high volume of trucks and other traffic. Vibration from the traffic also was causing structural damage to historic buildings, and poor turning-radii were presenting safety concerns. The inclusion of several Norfolk Southern rail crossings along the route added to the traffic hazards.
Taggart Approach:
- Perform an assessment of the project needs
- Lead the consultant selection process
- Provide project management services to the Borough during the preliminary design phase
- Act as a liaison between professional consultants designing the project, FHWA, PennDOT, and the Borough
- Help negotiate and acquire a contract for necessary funds that previously had delayed the project
- Manage and oversee all field work, roadway design
- Negotiate with neighboring landowners for necessary easements
- Consult, recommend, and resolve environmental and design challenges
- Review all schedules, invoices, and status reports
- Serve as the point person for all public agency questions
- Develop public meeting format and oversee implementation
Result:
Ending the previous four years of delay, Taggart Associates successfully negotiated positive outcomes, gained funding, and resolved economic and transportation issues. Final design is slated to begin in 2010.