Title
Staff Report for a Resolution of the City of San Leandro City Council to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Service Contract with the State of California Department of Transportation, and to Appropriate Additional Reimbursable Funds in the Amount of $343,738 for the Section 130 Grade Crossing Improvement Program for the Washington/Chapman Railroad Crossing Improvement Project, Project No. 2016.0320
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
The project will provide for safety enhancements to the railroad crossing at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Chapman Road.
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
• Approve a resolution to approve Amendment No.1 to the Service Contract that accepts federal funds and obligates the City to perform the project work; and
• Appropriation of additional reimbursable funds in the amount of $343,738, for the Washington/Chapman Railroad Crossing Improvement Project, Project No. 2016.0320.
BACKGROUND
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), on behalf of both the City and Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) secured a federal Section 130 grant for safety enhancements to the at-grade railroad crossing at Washington Avenue/Chapman Road. As is typical with such grants, the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) acts as a conduit for the disbursement of Federal Surface Transportation Program grant funds. Hence, in May 2016, the City entered into a Service Contract with Caltrans to construct the programmed improvements at the crossing location.
During the design phase, a site visit with all concerned parties identified a need for additional improvements to the crossing. In order to include these improvements, increased funding and an extension of time is required to complete the design, obtain CPUC approval, acquire right of way, and to construct and complete the project.
Under their own separate Agreement, UPRR will be responsible for railroad work improvements, such as installing concrete panels and installing new warning beacons with pedestrian facing side lights. Under this Agreement, the City of San Leandro will be responsible for highway (including pedestrian) improvements.
Washington Avenue is a four lane road with two lanes in each direction of travel running from north-west to south-east. The railroad crossing consists of one track with a heavy skew across Washington Avenue. In addition to the awkward skew, Chapman Road intersects Washington Avenue in the middle of the crossing. Drivers turning left onto Washington Avenue from Chapman Road immediately encounter the track crossing. The crossing has had three incidents in recent years; a fatal vehicular accident, a gate drive-around, and a fatal pedestrian accident.
The programmed highway improvements consist of:
• Reconstructing and extending the median islands to more effectively channelize the left turn traffic movements
• Realigning and constructing sidewalk to provide perpendicular pedestrian crossings at the railroad tracks and a crossing approach with direct sight-lines to the railroad’s new flashing warning lights
• Installing pedestrian fencing and detectable warning tiles
• Refreshing existing, and adding new striping and signage
• Upgrading curb ramps at the Washington/Chapman intersection
Analysis
The original grant amount was $340,875. This amendment will add an additional $343,738 for a total grant amount of $684,613 and will extend the contract term to December 19, 2020.
Subsequent to the City Council’s approval of Amendment No.1 to the Service Contract, the CPUC will release the total grant amount of $684,613 and extend the contract terms, allowing staff time to complete the project. The CPUC will reimburse the City the costs of the project up to the total grant fund.
Current Agency Policies
• Maintain and enhance the City’s infrastructure
Previous Actions
• On April 4, 2016, by Resolution No. 2016-039, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Service Contract and appropriate funds for the construction of highway improvements at the Washington/Chapman railroad Crossing for $340,875 in account 150-38-387
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Transportation Goal T-7 Improve traffic safety and reduce the potential for accidents on San Leandro streets.
• Transportation PolicyT-8.6 Railroads. Work with the Union Pacific Railroad 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 California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to explore potential railroad improvement projects and funding sources in San Leandro
Permits
An Encroachment Permit from Union Pacific Railroad will be required for work within twenty-five feet of the railroad centerline.
Environmental Review
Caltrans determined the project categorically excluded, under section 23 CFR 771.117(c), of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Fiscal Impacts
The total project cost is $684,613 and will be fully reimbursed with federal grant monies.
Budget Authority
The funding for this project is as follows:
Account No. Resolution; Appropriation Date Amount
150-38-387 2016-039 04/04/2016 $340,875
Appropriation requested by this action Account No. 150-38-387 $343,728
Total Proposed Project Funding $684,613
Attachment
Attachment to the Resolution
• Service Contract Amendment Number 1 for the Section 130 Grade Crossing Improvement Program- Washington Avenue
PREPARED BY: John O’Driscoll, Associate Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department