Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Program Supplement Agreement No. 023-N to Administer the Agency-State Agreement for Federal-Aid Projects No. 04-5041R, for the design phase of the Bancroft Avenue and Sybil Avenue Intersection Improvements
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Program Supplement Agreement that accepts federal funding and obligates the City to provide matching funds and complete the Bancroft Avenue and Sybil Avenue Intersection Improvements.
BACKGROUND
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which was signed into law on August 10, 2005, established the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) as a core Federal-aid program. The overall purpose of this Program is to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads through the implementation of infrastructure-related highway safety improvements.
The Engineering & Transportation Department has been awarded $448,800 from the 2011-12 cycle of HSIP to upgrade the traffic signal and improve the traffic safety at the Bancroft Avenue and Sybil Avenue Intersection.
The intersection ranks high on the City's High Collision Intersections list, which is regularly monitored and updated by City staff. City staff has tried several low cost alternatives to improve the intersection's safety, but the combined results have shown that additional work was necessary. City staff believes that signal modifications is the most effective and efficient way of improving safety at the intersection.
To reduce left turn-related collisions from Bancroft Avenue and make it easier for residents to enter the neighborhood, this project improves the traffic signals by including a left turn arrow and updates the equipment to current standards. The improved signal will include new video detection system to better regulate traffic flows, and an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) to help visually impaired individuals safely cross the street.
Analysis
The State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), through the HSIP, approved $448,800 in federal funding for the design and construction for the Bancroft Avenue and Sybil Avenue Intersection Improvements. The City must commit to a matching fund amount of $50,000 and assure project completion.
The HSIP funding was approved by Caltrans for design and construction of improvements at the intersection to provide safer conditions for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic following the HSIP guidelines. New signal equipment will be installed at the Bancroft Avenue and Sybil Avenue intersection and the traffic signal will be interconnected with the City's Traffic Operation Center.
Upon the City Council authorizing the City Manager to execute Program Supplement Agreement No. 023-N to the Master Agreement with Caltrans Local Assistance staff will proceed to make funds available for the design phase of the project. This phase is estimated to cost $77,000. The HSIP grant will provide $69,300, and the City must provide $7,700 as our match for this phase. After completion of the design work, the City must execute a second Program Supplement Agreement for the construction portion of the work.
Previous Actions
· On February 5, 2007, by Resolution No. 2007-005, the City Council approved the Administering Agency-State Master Agreement for Federal-Aid Projects.
Applicable General Plan Policies
· This action is consistent with Streets and Highway Goal No. 16 of the General Plan and Action Item 16.03-A: Funding for Maintenance
· This action is consistent with Traffic Safety Goal No. 18 of the General Plan and Action Item 18-02
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
City staff discussed the project concept at the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting on June 14, 2011.
Fiscal Impacts
· The total project cost is $498,800
· Federal funds amount to $448,800 with the City providing DFSI matching funds in the amount of $50,000
Budget Authority
· Grant funds in the amount of $448,800 were allocated to this project in account 150-38-348. DFSI funds in the amount of $50,000 were allocated to this project for the match in account 120-38-348.
PREPARED BY: Reh-Lin N. Chen, Senior Transportation Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department