Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Rejecting All Bids for the Hesperian Boulevard/Springlake Drive Railroad Crossing Improvements Project, Project No. 12-150-38-325
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This contract provides for the improvement of railroad crossing facilities near the Hesperian Boulevard and Springlake Drive railroad crossing.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution rejecting all bids on the subject project.
BACKGROUND
In 2012, a diagnostic traffic study was conducted by the California Public Utilities Commission, Union Pacific Railroad, and the City of the intersection of Hesperian Boulevard and Springlake Drive. The survey included an assessment of the skewed railroad crossing with the vehicular and pedestrian crossing. The study's recommendations included extending the sidewalk in the vicinity of the railroad tracks, relocating the crosswalk away from the railroad tracks, and upgrading pedestrian ramps and pedestrian crossing equipment at the intersection. The project improvements include sidewalk construction along Hesperian Boulevard near the railroad crossing, and relocation of the pedestrian crosswalk to south of Springlake Drive. Other associated work consists of traffic signal modifications, curb ramps and other various improvements in conformance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and the installation of pedestrian swing gates across the sidewalks approaching the railroad crossing.
Analysis
A total of three bids were received on June 11, 2014 ranging from $270,057.00 to $287,825.00. The engineer's estimate for construction was $126,615.00. In addition to the high cost of these bids, none of the bidders met the bid requirement that the prime contractor must perform 50% or more of the work with its own forces.
This project is not subject to the local business ordinance which provides for a local business preference of 10% when comparing bids since it is a federally funded project.
Staff plans to modify the project to reduce the cost by changing the traffic lane closure requirements and work phasing requirements and also omitting new asphalt pavement transitions to the railroad tracks that was planned for the traffic lanes. Staff will call for a new bid and bring the results to the City Council in Fall 2014.
Applicable General Plan Policies
Policy 18.02-B: Pedestrian Safety Improvements: Develop programs to improve pedestrian safety at both controlled and uncontrolled intersections throughout the
City. Programs that use innovative technology, such as lighted crosswalks and warning countdowns, should be explored.
Environmental Review
This project is categorically exempt from CEQA per section 15301, Existing Facilities. Repair and maintenance of existing structures are covered by this section.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
This project was advertised in the Daily Review on May 16, 2014. Staff contacted contractors and past bidders via email to request bids for the subject project. Bids were opened on June 11, 2014. Staff contacted two of the bidders to further evaluate the bids in order to understand the discrepancy between the Engineer's Estimate and the bids received.
Fiscal Impacts
The total project cost including design, construction, contingencies and construction management is estimated at $245,000.
Budget Authority
This project will be funded by Section 130 Grant funds in account 150-38-325 allocated as part of the FY 2011-2012 budget and Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds in account 144-36-325.
ATTACHMENT
ยท Bid Summary
PREPARED BY: Nicole Noronha Castelino, Associate Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department