DATE: December 6, 2016
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: California Department of Transportation Cooperative Work Agreement Extension Requests for Various Projects
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Support Cooperative Work Agreement Extension Request submitted to California Department of Transportation for the Ashlan Avenue and Thorne Avenue Traffic Signal Installation Project, State Project No. SRS2L-5942(220).
2. Support Cooperative Work Agreement Extension Request submitted to California Department of Transportation for the Fowler Avenue Shoulder Improvements Project, Federal Project No. CML-5942(211).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will support the extension requests already submitted to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) by staff. Caltrans requires the Board’s approval in order to consider the requests.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the Board does not approve the recommended actions, Caltrans will not consider or approve the extension requests. Federal and State project funding for each project would be reduced. The reduction in project funding would be made up out of the Road Fund.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Sufficient appropriations for the projects are included in the Public Works and Planning - Roads Org 4510 FY 2016-17 Adopted Budget. In the unlikely event the extension request is denied for either project, the Department would provide a recommendation to the Board as to how best to proceed with that project.
DISCUSSION:
Recommended Action No. 1:
The Ashlan Avenue and Thorne Avenue Traffic Signal Installation Project near Powers-Ginsburg Elementary School and Wawona Middle School is a State funded Safe Routes to School Project with Caltrans oversight. Funds up to $450,000 for design and construction of the project were appropriated in FY 2011-12, and a balance of $379,900 of unexpended construction funds remains. The State budget authority for these funds is valid for six fiscal years (including the fiscal year of appropriation), with a two fiscal year extension allowed. State construction funds for this project will lapse on June 30, 2017 if an extension is not approved. Contract construction is estimated to range between $545,200 and $602,600.
The work to be done consists, in general, of constructing sidewalk and installing curb ramps, curb and gutter, and new traffic signal facilities at the intersection of Ashlan and Thorne Avenues. The work also includes clearing and grubbing, removing and salvaging existing signs, pavement widening, installing pavement markings, striping and roadside signs, installing manholes and storm drain pipe, and finishing the roadway.
The extension is needed due to a delay caused by the formation of Underground Utility District (UUD) No. 71 along Ashlan Avenue from 300 feet west of Thorne Avenue to Palm Avenue. UUD No. 71 was formed on August 19, 2014, and a Pacific Gas and Electric Tariff Scheduled Related Work Rule 20A Agreement was executed on January 13, 2015. PG&E is currently processing the UUD and it is anticipated they will begin to underground the utilities in June 2017. The work will be conducted concurrent with the traffic signal project during the summer to minimize impacts on school operations during the active school year. Coordination of the work is necessary to avoid utility conflicts.
Recommended Action No. 2:
The Fowler Avenue Shoulder Improvements Project from Elkhorn Avenue to South Avenue is a federally funded Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program project with Caltrans oversight. Funds up to $569,635 for preliminary engineering of the project were appropriated in FY 2011-12, and a balance of $252,785 of unexpended funds remains. In July, 2015, $132,603 of the $569,635 was shifted from preliminary engineering to the right of way phase to cover additional acquisition costs. The State budget authority for these funds is valid for six fiscal years, with a two fiscal year extension allowed. Federal funding for this project will lapse on June 30, 2017, if an extension is not approved.
The work to be done consists, in general, of paving eight-foot wide shoulders on both sides of Fowler Avenue from Elkhorn Avenue to South Avenue. The paved shoulders will improve air quality by decreasing particulate matter dispersion caused by vehicles travelling along the roadway.
The extension is needed due to a delay caused by the acquisition of easements from portions of 24 parcels along Fowler Avenue. The centerline of the existing road, as originally constructed, deviates significantly from the planned section line varying from 0 feet to as much as 49 feet. With the acquisition of these parcels, the road right of way will be clearly identified by obtaining Grants of Easement for 30 feet on each side of the existing roadway centerline. A Resolution of Necessity authorizing Eminent Domain proceedings was approved by the Board on July 12, 2016. At the time this agenda item was prepared, the Department has successfully purchased 19 of the 24 parcels.
Possession of the remaining five parcels is expected by January, 2017. It is anticipated that utility relocation will begin by March, 2017. The Department plans to request Board approval to advertise for bids in April, 2017, and award a construction contract in June, 2017. The CMAQ Program will provide up to $3,167,198 for contract construction. Unused preliminary engineering and right of way funds may also be applied to construction costs. Contract construction is estimated to range between $3,200,000 and $3,500,000.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
Caltrans provides oversight on local projects where State and Federal Transportation Funds are allocated.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Recommended Action No. 1:
BAI #61, May 10, 2016
BAI #27, January 13, 2015
BAI #11, August 19, 2014
BAI #52, July 15, 2014
BAI #41, April 22, 2014
BAI #50, December 4, 2012
Recommended Action No. 2:
BAI #15, March 1, 2016
BAI #29, January 12, 2016
BAI #52, October 27, 2015
BAI #54, September 22, 2015
BAI #64, July 14, 2015
BAI #49, May 5, 2015
BAI #36, April 7, 2015
BAI #41, February 24, 2015
BAI #39, February 10, 2015
BAI #66, May 22, 2012
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Location Maps
CAO ANALYST:
John Hays