Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve the 2022 San Leandro Local Roadway Safety Plan
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY
The City of San Leandro is committed to prioritizing safety, eliminating deaths and serious injuries related to traffic crashes. The 2022 San Leandro Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) proactively evaluates crash hot spots and identifies countermeasures that can be implemented through the future Capital Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the approval of the 2022 San Leandro Local Roadway Safety Plan.
BACKGROUND
Federal regulations require each State have a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). An SHSP is a statewide data-driven traffic safety plan that coordinates the efforts of a wide range of organizations to reduce traffic accident fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. While the SHSP is used as a statewide approach for improving roadway safety, a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) can be a means for providing local road owners with an opportunity to address unique highway safety needs in their jurisdictions while contributing to the success of the SHSP.
The 2022 LRSP is the City’s first comprehensive local roadway safety plan, which will serve as a guide to staff and stakeholders on creating a safer community. The data driven LRSP will help to prioritize projects and allocate funding where it is needed the most. An LRSP is required for agencies to be eligible to apply for safety related grant funds such as the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.
Analysis
The City contracted with on-call consultants, Fehr & Peers, to assist with preparing the LRSP. Fehr & Peers conducted a safety analysis of collision records from a statewide injury collision database to identify historic collision trends and high-risk locations. This information is the primary resource for the plan and was used to develop collision trends, a high injury network, collision profiles, a countermeasure toolbox, and priority project locations.
Stakeholders were identified to ensure the LRSP included the perspective of various departments and organizations. The stakeholder group included representatives from
the Public Works, Police, Engineering and Transportation Departments as well as regional transit partners and bike and environmental advocacy groups.
The draft LRSP includes nine collision profiles and seven priority corridors that were identified based on the number of total collisions, the number of fatal and severe injuries, and stakeholder input. Each priority corridor is presented in a summary with strategies to help the City achieve the identified safety goals and seek relevant grant opportunities.
On March 21, 2022, the City of San Leandro established Vision Zero as a transportation safety policy to work towards zero traffic deaths and severe injuries. Approval and implementation of the LRSP is a vital next step in the City’s implementation of Vision Zero. Successful implementation requires sustained and coordinated support from key stakeholders, elected officials, and City staff. Strategies outlined in the plan include oversight & accountability; coordination & partnership; and funding opportunities. The plan will be regularly updated while stakeholder engagement should continue.
Current Agency Policies
• Maintain and enhance San Leandro's infrastructure
• Support and implement programs, activities and strengthen communication that enhances the quality of life and wellness, celebrates the arts and diversity, and promotes civic pride
Previous Actions
• On July 20, 2020, by Resolution No. 2020-301, the City Council approved the acceptance and appropriation of grant funds to develop a Local Roadway Safety Plan.
• On March 21, 2022, by Resolution No. 2022-142, the City Council established a Vision Zero transportation safety policy.
Committee Review and Actions
• On October 5, 2022, the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee reviewed and recommended approval of the 2022 Local Roadway Safety Plan.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Policy T-2.1: Complete Streets Serving All Users and Modes. Create and maintain “complete” streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient travel through a comprehensive, integrated transportation network that serves all users
• Policy T-7.2: Capital Improvements. Identify capital improvements and other measures which improves the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles on San Leandro Streets
• Policy T-7.7: Funding. Pursue grants for the improvement of pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety, including a greater focus on traffic law and speed enforcement
Environmental Review
Approval to develop planning documents is statutorily exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Any future physical changes to the environment or roadway network that requires discretionary action by the City Council will be subject to future environmental review.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
Two engagement meetings were held on June 8, 2022 and August 25, 2022 with stakeholders from AC Transit, Bike East Bay, BART and San Leandro 2050.
Financial Impacts
This Council action does not have any financial impacts. A forthcoming recommended capital expenditures policy will be evaluated during the annual review of the City Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution for the 2022 San Leandro Local Roadway Safety Plan
Attachment B: Draft 2022 San Leandro Local Roadway Safety Plan
PREPARED BY: Sheila Marquises, Director, Engineering and Transportation Department