Title
Staff Update on the Interstate 880/Davis Street Interchange Landscaping Project
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff will update the Committee on the Interstate 880/Davis Street (State Route 112) Interchange Landscaping Project, a project to be implemented by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) on behalf of the City.
BACKGROUND
In November 2006, the citizens of the State of California passed SB 1266 - Proposition 1B "The Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006." This bond funded the $108 million extension of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane for southbound I-880 from Hegenberger Road to just south of Marina Boulevard through San Leandro. The HOV lane project also required the reconstruction of both the Davis Street and Marina Boulevard overcrossings. The City contributed an additional $1.1 million for improvements to the Davis Street interchange, which funded lane configuration changes, traffic signals, bridge lighting and aesthetic enhancements.
During construction of improvements at the I-880 at Davis Street interchange in 2013, the existing landscaping surrounding the on- and off-ramps was removed. California’s severe drought during the three following years prompted the postponement of replacement landscaping at the interchange. Now that drought restrictions have been lifted, the City has asked Alameda CTC to initiate a project to install landscaping and irrigation. The goal of the project is to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this important gateway to the community.
Analysis
On September 18, 2017, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City and Alameda CTC that describes the funding, planning, design, and construction of the project, as well as the obligations of each agency. According to the MOA, the City will contribute $135,000 in Davis Street/Doolittle Drive Traffic Impact Fees towards the project. Alameda CTC will provide $539,940 in Measure BB funds for a total project budget of $674,940.
A concept plan has been developed by Alameda CTC’s consulting landscape architect. The plan includes landscaping (trees, shrubs, and groundcover) as well as a native seed mix for five areas within and surrounding the interchange. The areas were selected to embellish the east-west approaches to the interchange as viewed from the community, with less emphasis placed on the north-south views from the freeway.
The landscape architect selected a variety of plant species that are well suited to San Leandro’s climate. These species are also drought resistant and satisfy Caltrans’ requirements for infrequent maintenance. The placement of each plant was chosen based on line-of-sight set-back standards defined by Caltrans, as well as set-backs that allow for errant vehicles to correct course without injury. The mature height, width, color, and arrangement of the plants was considered for visual interest, and to preserve views of the aesthetic enhancements previously funded by the City.
Once the landscape improvements are constructed, the contractor will be obligated to maintain the improvements for a period of three years. Upon completion of this three-year period, Caltrans will assume maintenance of the improvements.
Current Agency Policies
Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure.
Previous Actions
• On September 18, 2017 by Resolution No. 2017-126 the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of San Leandro and the Alameda County Transportation Commission for the Interstate 880/Davis Street Interchange Landscaping Project.
• On May 16, 2011 by Resolution No. 2011-097 the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of San Leandro and the Alameda County Transportation Commission relating to the I-880/Davis Street-Westgate Parkway Interchange Project.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Policy OSC-6.6 Intergovernmental Coordination Coordinate with the appropriate regional, state and federal agencies and other organizations in their efforts to conserve and enhance ecological resources in San Leandro. Refer local projects to these agencies as required for their review and comment.
• Policy OSC-7.3 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Encourage the use of native vegetation and Bay-friendly landscaping and enforce the State Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO).
• Policy OSC-7.10 Open Space and Carbon Emissions Enhance the quality of the urban environment, including streets, parks, and yards, in order to absorb carbon emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Fiscal Impacts
This I-880/Davis Street Interchange Landscaping Project will cost the City $135,000, which was previously appropriated from the Davis/Doolittle traffic impact fee program according to the MOA.
ATTACHMENT(S)
• I-880 Davis Street Landscape Project presentation slides
• Memorandum of Agreement between Alameda County Transportation Commission and the City of San Leandro for the I-880/Davis Street Interchange Landscape Improvements
PREPARED BY: Michael Stella, P.E., Principal Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department