Title
Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Public Highway and Pedestrian At-Grade Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for Improvements at the Halcyon Drive Rail Crossing of the Niles Subdivision
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company will allow improvements at the Halcyon Drive Railroad Crossing including the widening of a section of Halcyon Drive to extend the right turn lane onto northbound Washington Avenue, removal of an abandoned rail spur track, improved safety equipment to alert drivers and pedestrians to approaching trains, and procurement of increased rights into railroad right-of-way.
Staff recommends the following actions:
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Public Highway and Pedestrian At-Grade Crossing Agreement with UPRR which:
o Allows expansion of crossing improvements to accommodate the extended right turn lane;
o Sets forth responsibilities for construction of improvements;
o Authorizes a payment of $1,074,592 for improvements to be installed by UPRR;
o Authorizes a payment of $78,000 to UPRR for right-of-way access; and
o At completion of the project, this Agreement will supersede all previous Agreements at this UPRR grade crossing.
BACKGROUND
In 2017, 100 Halcyon Owner, LLC (Developer) acquired the property at 100 Halcyon Drive, formerly a Kraft Foods manufacturing plant, located at the northeast corner of Washington Avenue and Halcyon Drive. When the site was redeveloped into an industrial complex, one of the redevelopment conditions required completion of public improvements to Halcyon Drive.
Halcyon Drive is a four-lane road with two lanes in each direction of travel running east-west. At the westbound approach to Washington Avenue intersection the two travel lanes diverge into 2 left turn lanes, 2 through lanes and a right turn lane. The railway crosses Halcyon Drive through the westbound intersection approach and the right turn lane begins only after the rail crossing. Extending the right turn lane farther back will allow right turning vehicles to align earlier thereby vacating the through lane for through traffic and improving the efficiency of the intersection.
Analysis
Under this Agreement, UPRR will install railroad improvements including crossing gates, flashing light warning devices and concrete panels that provide a flat driving/walking surface between the rail tracks. The estimated $1,074,592 cost of these improvements will be paid in full to UPRR by the Developer. To construct its improvements, UPRR will require a full closure of Halcyon Drive for a 72-hour period.
The Developer, at its cost, will install all highway improvements including widening of Halcyon Drive, new sidewalk, widened median, relocated traffic control equipment, pavement markings, and new signs.
UPRR and the City agreed to $78,000 for right-of-way access. The fee is based upon a square foot cost provided by an appraiser and the increased footprint area within railroad property to accommodate the widening of Halcyon Drive. The cost of this fee will be paid in full by the Developer.
On completion of the project, previous existing Agreements for this grade crossing location will terminate and the terms and conditions of this Agreement will govern use, maintenance, and repair of this grade crossing.
Current Agency Policies
• Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure
• Advance projects and programs promoting sustainable economic development, including transforming San Leandro into a center for innovation
Previous Actions
• On February 7, 1964, by Resolution No. 64-25, the City Council approved an Agreement with Southern Pacific Transportation Company (UPRR since 1998) to construct, use, and maintain a highway upon and across railroad property at Halcyon Drive.
• On August 3, 2017, by motion, the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) approved the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review, subject to Conditions of Approval, for PLN17-0003.
• On December 18, 2017, by Resolution No. 2017-178, the City Council approved Parcel Map 10659 and a Standard Public Improvement Agreement for Public Improvements Associated with 100 Halcyon Drive.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Transportation PolicyT-1.2 Keeping Pace with Growth: Improve transportation infrastructure at a rate that keeps pace with growth.
• Transportation Goal T-7 Improve traffic safety and reduce the potential for collisions on San Leandro streets.
• Transportation PolicyT-8.6 Railroads. Work with UPRR and AMTRAK to minimize the impacts of their facilities on the City and to better educate the public about railroad crossing safety and the materials transported by rail through the City. Collaborate with CPUC to explore potential railroad improvement projects and funding sources in San Leandro.
Environmental Review
An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for this project. Mitigation measures were made a condition of approval for the project. The Notice of Determination was filed with the Alameda County Recorder on August 4, 2017.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney reviewed the Crossing Agreement and after much negotiation and advice to staff, it is approved as to form.
Fiscal Impacts
There is no adverse fiscal impact from this project. The Developer is responsible for costs associated with the UPRR right-of-way access fees, railroad improvements installed by UPRR, and all construction and inspection costs for the public highway improvements.
Attachments:
• Attachment A - Resolution
• Attachment B - Public Highway and Pedestrian At-Grade Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company
PREPARED BY: John O’Driscoll, Associate Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department