Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Awarding a Construction Contract to Columbia Electric, Inc. for the Hesperian Boulevard/Springlake Drive Railroad Crossing Improvements, Project No. 12-150-38-325 and Appropriating $180,000 from the Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Fund for the Project
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This contract provides for the installation of pedestrian safety equipment including accessible sidewalks, ramps, walkways and APS push button devices adjacent to a high traffic intersection and railroad crossing.
Staff recommends award of the construction contract to the low bidder, Columbia Electric, Inc. in the amount of $236,936.50 for the subject work.
BACKGROUND
In 2012, a diagnostic traffic study was conducted by the California Public Utilities Commission, the City, and Union Pacific Railroad of the intersection at 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 (ADA) requirements and the installation of pedestrian swing gates across the sidewalks approaching the railroad crossing.
This is the second bid for this project; the first bid resulted in 3 bids ranging from $270,057 to $287,825. All three bids were rejected, new pavement adjacent to the concrete railroad panels was removed from the scope, and the project was put out to bid again.
Analysis
One bid was received on August 12, 2014 in the amount of $236,936.50. The engineer's estimate for construction was $175,950.00.
This project is exempt from the local business ordinance because it is a federally funded project.
The funding from Section 130 is $191,000.00, therefore an appropriation of $180,000 is required from the Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Fund for this Project.
Previous Actions
On July 7, 2014, by Council Resolution 2014-071, all bids from the first bidding of the subject project were rejected.
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 July 18, 2014. Staff contacted contractors and past bidders via email to request bids for the subject project.
Fiscal Impacts
The total project cost including design, construction, contingencies and construction management is estimated at $371,000.00.
Budget Authority
This project will be funded by Section 130 Grant funds of $191,000 in account 150-38-325 allocated as part of the FY 2011-2012 budget of which there is $113,000 remaining. Design and bid costs of $78,000 have been funded by this Section 130 grant. The project will also be funded by Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds in account 144-36-325 in the amount of $180,000, for which the appropriation is requested.
ATTACHMENT
ยท Bid Summary
PREPARED BY: Nicole Noronha Castelino, Associate Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department