Title
Staff Report for Resolution for Appropriation of Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Funds for the Bancroft Avenue and 136th Avenue Traffic Signal Project, Project No. 11-150-38-330, State Project No. SR2SL-5041(038) (provides for the appropriation of $55,000 from Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Funds)
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends appropriation of funds from Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds in the amount of $55,000 for the subject project.
BACKGROUND
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.
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 9th Grade campus. During school hours, congested conditions are created at the intersection when a high number of pedestrians and vehicles converge at the same time. Based on complaints received and staff observations, excessive delays and vehicle-pedestrian conflicts at the intersection during commute hours, the intersection requires attention. Since Bancroft Avenue is classified as a residential arterial, the tools adopted by the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program are not applicable, staff determined that converting this intersection from a four-way stop-controlled intersection to a signalized intersection would be the appropriate method to control vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic and increase overall safety.
The project will construct a new traffic signal system with bicycle detection and pedestrian signal phasing including: 1) installing signing and striping; 2) installing accessible curb ramps; and 3) connecting the signal system to the Traffic Operation Center at City Hall by extending the fiber optic network. A traffic safety education program and additional police enforcement will be included as part of this project.
Analysis
The approved budget for this project did not provide sufficient funds based on bid results to allow for items related to City-furnished traffic signal accessories and traffic safety education program, which is a requirement of the grant. Therefore, an additional appropriation of $55,000 is required to cover the costs of these items.
Current Agency 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 14.07-Pedestrian Environment: Strive to achieve a more comfortable environment for pedestrians in all areas of San Leandro, with particular emphasis on the BART station areas, downtown, and major commercial thoroughfares such as East 14th Street
• Action 14.07B-Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Improvements: Improve crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections in the city through the use of brick pavers, small curb radii, bulb outs, street trees and landscaping near corners, and other measures that shorten pedestrian crossings or increase driver awareness of non-vehicle traffic. Continue to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and remove mobility barriers for persons with disabilities
• Policy 16.03-Maintenance: Regularly maintain city streets and traffic control devices to ensure that streets operate safely and efficiently
• Policy 16.04-Traffic Flow Improvements: Use a variety of measures to improve traffic flow at congested intersections, including technologically advanced tools such as signal timing and video monitoring
• Action 16.04A-Traffic Monitoring and Signal Timing: Conduct traffic monitoring at key intersections in San Leandro. Based on the monitoring data, undertake signal timing and phasing projects that improve traffic flow and safety
• Policy 18.01-Law Enforcement: Aggressively enforce traffic safety laws on San Leandro streets, including speed limits, red light violations, and pedestrian and bicycle lane right-of-way violations
• 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 18.02A-Accident Data Collection and Remediation: Collect and evaluate collision data on the top 25 accident locations in San Leandro. Develop measures to reduce the number of collisions at these locations
• 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
• Policy 18.05-Funding: Pursue grants for the improvement of pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety
• Policy 18.06-Staff Education: Ensure that City Staff is up-to-date and educated on the latest technology and/or methods of improving safety for all modes of transportation
• Action 18.06A-Staff Education: Facilitate the continuing education of City Staff in state of the art transportation techniques, including traffic flow improvements, traffic calming, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and safety and public education
Previous Actions
• On March 18, 2002, by Resolution No. 2002-035, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a Master Program Funding Agreement with the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) for Measure B 2000 Programmatic Pass-Through Funds
• On April 18, 2011, by Resolution No. 2011-078, the City Council approved Program Supplement Agreement No. OH92 Rev. 000 for the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program and the Appropriation of Grant and Developer Fees for Street Improvement [DFSI] Funds
• On November 7, 2011, by Resolution No. 2011-186, the City Council approved Plans and Specifications and Called for Bids for the subject project
• On February 6, 2012, by Resolution No. 2012-015, the City Council awarded the construction contract to AMLAND Corp. for the subject project
Applicable General Plan Policies
Policy 18.02 - Capital Improvements: Identify capital improvements and other measures, which improve the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles on San Leandro streets.
Environmental Review
The project has been determined to be Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and filed with County on June 1, 2011.
Fiscal Impacts
The total estimated project cost for the Bancroft Avenue and 136th Avenue Traffic Signal Project, including design, construction, and administration is $517,115. The grant will reimburse up to $421,250 of the total cost. Matching funds will be provided by Developer Fees for Street Improvements (DFSI) funds.
Additional funding in the amount of $55,000 is to be allocated by this action.
Budget Authority
The project is funded and approved in the FY 2010-11 budget in account numbers 120-38-330 and 150-38-330.
ATTACHMENTS
None
PREPARED BY: Nelson Lam, P.E., Assistant Engineer, Engineering and Transportation