For City Council Meeting June 25, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
FROM: Tim Sullivan, Director of Maintenance and Facilities
Title
Request City Council to Authorize the Release of Construction Bids for the Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue Left Turn Phasing Project, City Project No. 230811.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In 2017, as part of Caltrans’ Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program (SSARP), the City of Rialto conducted a Citywide collision assessment to identify potential traffic control modifications and safety improvements to address collisions throughout the City. The goal of the SSARP is to help local agencies identify safety projects to submit for HSIP funding consideration.
The SSARP included data analysis, field review, countermeasure selection, and recommendations. Of the reported collisions documented for the analysis years, the top three (3) collision types observed were broadside, rear end, and object collisions. The preliminary analysis centered on the top 50 intersections with the highest average yearly collision rates. This list was ultimately narrowed down to the top 12 intersections with the highest average yearly collision rates. The 12 intersections were further analyzed relative to the reported collision patterns and injury severity. Potential safety improvements and their associated costs were identified. The Rialto SSARP Final Report was adopted by the City Council on July 12, 2022.
On July 12, 2022, the City Council authorized the submission of Cycle 11 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Applications for Various Roadway Safety Improvement Projects.
On September 9, 2022, staff submitted a grant application for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 from the Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (FSTIP) for traffic signal upgrades and safety enhancements for motorists and pedestrians traveling at three (3) intersections including the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue. This intersection has one of the highest crash rates in the City.
On April 25, 2023, the City Council accepted the HSIP grant, in the amount of $371,880 and a local match from Measure I funds in the amount of $41,320 for a total project budget of $413,200.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
In a letter dated March 9, 2023, Caltrans’ Office of Local Assistance notified the City that the Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue grant application was selected for HSIP Cycle 11 Grant funding for $371,880 with a local match of $41,320, for a total project amount of $413,200. A copy of the letter is included as Attachment 1.
The design portion of the project has been completed and is ready for public bid advertisement. The proposed improvements at this intersection will provide left-turn phasing, install a video detection system, install pedestrian countdown heads, and implement Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI). The S. Cedar Avenue and W. Merrill Avenue intersection currently has dedicated left turn lanes and left turn signal heads to head westbound and eastbound on Merrill Avenue from Cedar Avenue, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
The proposed improvements will revise the signal heads and add dedicated left turns for vehicular traffic to turn left from Merrill Avenue to head northbound and southbound on Cedar Avenue. The modifications would eliminate the need for commuters to yield to oncoming traffic before making a left turn to go north and southbound on Cedar Avenue from Merrill Avenue. Figure 2 illustrates the current traffic signals at the intersection that will be modified.
Figure 2
The tentative timeline for the construction is as follows:
Anticipate Release of Bids to be Issued July 2024
Anticipate Award by City Council August 2024
Anticipate the Start of Construction October 2024
Anticipate Construction Completion October 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires that the guidelines for implementation of the California Environmental Quality (CEQA) include a list of classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of CEQA. In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes of projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment and are declared categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents. In accordance with 14 CCR Section 15301 “Existing Facilities,” Class 1 projects consist of the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures and facilities; therefore, the Sycamore Avenue Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Project is considered categorically exempt from CEQA. Staff will prepare and file a Notice of Exemption for the project with the San Bernardino County Clerk.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
The City of Rialto has also outlined key Goals and Objectives through which the City looks to minimize congestion on the local road network, create opportunities and incentives for people to avoid the use of their cars for short trips, and maintain a circulation system that supports local businesses’ needs. These efforts will contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to State mandates.
Goal 4-1: Provide transportation improvements to reduce traffic congestion associated with regional and local trip increases.
Policy 4-1.1: Establish and maintain standards for a variety of street classifications to serve both local and regional traffic, including Major Arterial Highways, Major Arterials, Secondary Arterials, Collector Streets, and Local Streets.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Operating Budget Impact:
The proposed action will not affect the Operating Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact:
On April 25, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 8068, accepting the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 award of $371,880 from the Grants Project Fund Account No. 2234420-53001-230811 and a local match of $41,320 from the Measure I Fund, Account No. 22014310-53001-230811.
Licensing
A business license or payment of applicable fees is not required for this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Authorize the release of bids for the Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue Left Turn Phasing Project, City Project No. 230811.