Title
Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications and Calling for Bids for the Bancroft Avenue and 136th Avenue Traffic Signal Project, Project No. 11-150-38-330; State Project No. SR2SL-5041(038).
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends approval of plans and specifications and call for bids for the subject project.
Background
The intersection of Bancroft Avenue and 136th Avenue is currently a four-way stop-controlled intersection on a route connecting the San Leandro High School Main Campus and the Korematsu 9th Grade Campus. Before and after school hours, the intersection is highly congested due to the large number of pedestrians and vehicles converging on this location.
Analysis
To increase safety at the intersection, staff determined that converting this intersection from four-way stop-controlled to signal-controlled would be the appropriate method to control vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic.
The project will construct a new traffic signal system with bicycle detection and a separate pedestrian signal phase that will permit simultaneous pedestrian crossings in all directions. The project will also include: installing signing and striping; installing accessible curb ramps; and connecting the signal to the Traffic Operations Center at City Hall by extending the fiber optic network from Sybil Avenue.
In May 2011, the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), through the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program, approved $421,250 in state funding for the subject project. This funding will also allow for a traffic safety education program and additional police enforcement.
Current Agency Policies
To rehabilitate and improve existing City infrastructure and improve vehicular and pedestrian safety.
Previous Actions
On April 18, 2011, by Resolution No. 2011-078, Council approved a Resolution Approving Program Supplement Agreement No. OH92 Rev. 000 for the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program and Appropriation of Grant and Developer Fees for Street Improvement (DFSI) Funds.
Applicable General Plan Policies
· Policy 14.03-Funding: Aggressively pursue state and federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, while also including funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the City's Capital Improvement Program
· Policy 18.02-Capital Improvements: Identify capital improvements and other measures that improve the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles on San Leandro streets
· Action 18.02B-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
· Policy 18.03-Public Education: Increase public education on laws relating to parking, circulation, speed limits, right-of-way, pedestrian crossings, and other aspects of transportation safety in the City
· Action 18.03A-Safe Routes to School Program: Continue the Safe Routes to School program and other bicycle, pedestrian, and non-motorized transportation safety programs for children and seniors
Environmental Review
The project has been determined to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and filed with Alameda County on June 1, 2011.
Code Compliance Review
An electrical permit will be obtained from the Building Regulation Section of the Community Development Department prior to construction.
Fiscal Impacts
· The total cost of the project is $515,436; the grant will reimburse $421,250 of the total cost
· Matching funds will be provided by Developer Fees for Street Improvement (DFSI) funds
Budget Authority
This project was funded in the FY 2010-11 budget in Account Numbers 120-38-330 and 150-38-330.
PREPARED BY: Nelson Lam, Assistant Engineer, Engineering and Transportation