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AGENDA BILL Agenda Item No. 5(D) Date: November 18, 2014 To: El Cerrito City Council From: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer Subject: I-80/Central Avenue Operational Improvements Project – Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, the City of El Cerrito, and the City of Richmond ACTION REQUESTED Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), the City of El Cerrito, and the City of Richmond to complete Plans, Specifications and Estimate (final design), perform a before and after traffic study, and perform design services during construction for the I-80/Central Avenue Operational Improvements Project (Phase BACKGROUND The City of El Cerrito has continually supported the evaluation and implementation of transportation improvements that would reduce congestion along Central Avenue – a major route of access from I-80 and I-580 to key commercial areas and residential neighborhoods in both the cities of El Cerrito and Richmond. Central Avenue also serves as a primary commuter connection between these freeways and the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and is therefore an important regional route. Central Avenue, between San Pablo Avenue and Rydin Road, experiences heavy congestion and poor traffic operations, especially during weekend peak hours. Closely spaced signalized intersections in the vicinity of the I-80/Central Avenue interchange, as well as, heavy left-turn volumes and insufficient turn lanes are key contributors to the problem. The I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Improvements Project is meant to address these problems and is eligible to receive significant funding from a federal earmark, Measure J – County sales tax, and the West County Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP). El Cerrito and Richmond staff have been jointly developing this project since the first of these funds. The federal earmark, was awarded in 2003. The availability of funding for this project and inclusion of the project in the WCCTAC West County Action Plan, illustrate the regional support that exists for this project. As authorized by the City of El Cerrito City Council under Resolution No. 2006-48 in June 2006, the City of El Cerrito entered into Cooperative Agreement 07W.02 with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the City of Richmond to identify improvements that could be implemented at the I-80/Central Avenue interchange. The ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 5(D) Page 2 agreement identified the CCTA as the agency responsible for developing the Project Study Report (PSR) and the Environmental Document (ED). At that time, the CCTA initiated work to analyze improvements. Sixteen alternatives were examined as part of the PSR effort; however, these were removed from consideration due to public input, limited benefits, significant community impacts, and high cost. As such, it became apparent that developing a Feasibility Study was more appropriate than a PSR, which is a Caltrans-required document for larger projects. The Feasibility Study found that less capital demanding alternatives would provide adequate near-term congestion relief. Based on the recommendations in the Feasibility Report, the interchange improvements will be attained in two different phases: Phase 1 will provide operational improvements by using multiple electronic message signs while Phase 2 will improve signalized intersection spacing on Central Avenue as indicated below. Phase 1: Operational Improvements – aimed at reducing congestion along Central Avenue by prohibiting left turns onto the I-80 westbound on-ramp (toward San Francisco) during the weekend peak period (11 AM to 3 PM), which was found to be the most congested period throughout the week. Using mostly electronic signs, the project will redirect westbound Central Avenue traffic bound for I-80 westbound to use the I- 580 eastbound on-ramp at Rydin Road. The project will also replace the all-way STOP signs at the I-580 ramps with coordinated traffic signals. Funding for Phase 1 includes $2.7 million in a federal earmark, and $1.6 million in Measure J funds. Project benefits include: • Reduces westbound travel time on Central Avenue from San Pablo Avenue to Rydin Rd. by 28% (approximately 2 minutes) • Reduces eastbound travel time on Central Avenue from Rydin Road to San Pablo Avenue by 13% (approximately 30 seconds) • Reduces vehicle hours of delay during weekend peak hours by 34% • Improved operations will lessen vehicle idling resulting in improved air quality • Low cost improvement that can be completed in a relatively short timeframe • Improves safety and speed along westbound I-80 by reducing back up of traffic exiting at Central Avenue • Improves traffic operations at westbound I-80 ramps/Central Avenue/Jacuzzi Street intersection from Level of Service (LOS) F to acceptable LOS D Phase 2: Local Roadway Realignment – aimed at improving traffic flow along Central Avenue by increasing the spacing between the signalized intersections and eliminating the blockage of through traffic along Central Avenue by left-turning traffic onto Pierce Street. The traffic signal at Central Avenue/Pierce Street will be removed and access at this intersection will be restricted to “right-in/right-out” where no left turns will be allowed. Left turns into Pierce Street will be accommodated at the intersection of Central Avenue and San Mateo Street, which will be signalized and widened to provide storage for left turns. San Mateo Street will also be realigned to connect with Pierce Street. Funding for Phase 2 includes $9.9 million in Measure J funds and $7.1 million in future STMP funds. Some of the initial project benefits that have been identified include: ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 5(D) Page 3 • Increases traffic signal spacing between eastbound I-80 ramps and Pierce Street from approximately 100 feet to 450 feet between eastbound I-80 ramps and San Mateo Street • Increases vehicle queuing capacity on Central Avenue at San Mateo Street by providing additional turn lanes including a westbound left-turn lane • Improved operations will lessen vehicle idling resulting in improved air quality The Phase 1 improvements are located within the City of Richmond. As such, in March 2014, the City of Richmond City Council approved a resolution in support of the Phase 1 concept plan and directed Richmond staff to proceed with project implementation in coordination with the CCTA. El Cerrito staff will continue to work with CCTA, Caltrans, and Richmond staff to seek timely implementation of Phase 1 improvements as well as initiate the environmental document for Phase 2 improvements. ANALYSIS CCTA has completed the Feasibility Study and the Environmental Document for the Phase 1 Project and is requesting to amend Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 assigning the CCTA the responsibility of delivering the Plans, Specifications and Estimate (final design), before and after study to measure project effectiveness, and provide design services during construction for the Phase 1 Project. CCTA is estimating a cost of $700,000 for these services and has secured the needed funds through an eligible Measure J Program in the 2013 Measure J Strategic Plan. The CCTA is not requesting the Cities provide additional funding at this time. If additional funding is required, the CCTA will notify and seek approval of the Cities to expend additional funds. STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS Approval of the proposed agreement is consistent with El Cerrito Strategic Plan Goal A – Deliver exemplary government services, and Goal F – Foster environmental sustainability citywide. Specifically, approval of the proposed amendment will support the “develop and strengthen relationships with public partners” strategy listed in Goal A, and the “be a leader in setting policies and providing innovative programs that promote environmental sustainability” in Goal F. The multi-agency project to develop and implement the I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Improvements, Phase 1 Project demonstrates the City’s aim to work collaboratively with neighboring and regional agencies to reduce congestion along a key transportation route. In addition, the I- 80/Central Avenue Interchange Improvements Phase 1 Project is an important regional transportation project that will improve air quality by reducing congestion. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS After comprehensive environmental studies, Caltrans has determined that the Phase 1 Operational Improvements Project is Categorically Exempt (Class I) as outlined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Categorically Excluded in the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), and has filed a Categorical Exemption/Categorical Exclusion Environmental Clearance (CE/CE) for the project. ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 5(0) FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Execution of the proposed amendment will result in no fiscal impact to the City. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed action and agreement amendment, and found that legal considerations have been addressed. Reviewed by: Scott Hanin, City Manager Attachments: 1. Resolution 2. Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 Page 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 5(D) Attachment 1 RESOLUTION 2014–XX RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. 07W.02 BETWEEN THE CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (CCTA), THE CITY OF EL CERRITO, AND THE CITY OF RICHMOND TO COMPLETE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATE (FINAL DESIGN), PERFORM A BEFORE AND AFTER TRAFFIC STUDY, AND PERFORM DESIGN SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION FOR THE I-80/CENTRAL AVENUE OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PHASE 1) WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito has continually supported the evaluation and implementation of transportation improvements that would reduce congestion along Central Avenue – a major route of access from I-80 and I-580 to key commercial areas and residential neighborhoods in both the cities of El Cerrito and Richmond; and WHEREAS, Central Avenue also serves as a primary commuter connection between these freeways and the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and is therefore an important regional route; and WHEREAS, Central Avenue between San Pablo Avenue and Rydin Road experiences heavy congestion and poor traffic operations, especially during weekend peak hours and closely spaced signalized intersections in the vicinity of the I-80/Central Avenue interchange, as well as, heavy left-turn volumes and insufficient turn lanes are key contributors to the problem; and WHEREAS, the I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Improvements Project is meant to address these problems and is eligible to receive significant funding from a federal earmark, Measure J – County sales tax, and the West County Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP); and WHEREAS, as authorized by the City of El Cerrito City Council under Resolution No. 2006-48 in June 2006, the City of El Cerrito entered into Cooperative Agreement 07W.02 with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the City of Richmond that identified the CCTA as the lead agency responsible for developing the Project Study Report (PSR) and the Environmental Document (ED) to evaluate what could be implemented at the I-80/Central Avenue interchange; and WHEREAS, sixteen alternatives were examined as part of the PSR effort; however, these were removed from consideration due to public input, limited benefits, significant community impacts and high cost and instead a Feasibility Study was prepared that found less capital demanding alternatives that would provide adequate near- term congestion relief; and WHEREAS, based on the recommendations in the Feasibility Report, the interchange improvements will be attained in two different phases: Phase 1 will provide operational improvements through the use of multiple electronic message signs while ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 Phase 2 will improve signalized intersection spacing on Central Avenue as indicated below; and WHEREAS, the Phase 1 Operational Improvements Project would prohibit left turns from westbound Central Avenue onto the I-80 westbound on-ramp on the weekend during the peak traffic hours 11 AM to 3 PM only, redirect I-80 westbound traffic to the nearby I-580 eastbound on-ramp at Rydin Road, and add two new interconnected traffic signals at the Central Avenue and I-580 on/off ramps; and WHEREAS, funding for Phase 1 includes $2.7 million in a federal earmark, and $1.6 million in Measure J funds; and WHEREAS, after comprehensive environmental studies, Caltrans has determined that the Phase 1 Operational Improvements Project is Categorically Exempt (Class I) as outlined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Categorically Excluded in the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), and has filed a Categorical Exemption/Categorical Exclusion Environmental Clearance (CE/CE) for the project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito, that it hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), the City of El Cerrito, and the City of Richmond to complete Plans, Specifications and Estimate (final design), perform a before and after traffic study, and perform design services during construction for the I-80/Central Avenue Operational Improvements Project (Phase BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption. I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on November 18, 2014 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on November X, 2014. Cheryl Morse, City Clerk APPROVED: Janet Abelson, Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT No. 07W.02 with the CITY OF RICHMOND AND the CITY OF EL CERRITO for I-80/Central Avenue Interchange Improvements Project Amendment No. 1 This Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 is entered into this day of 2014, by and among the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (“AUTHORITY”) and the City of Richmond and the City of El Cerrito (collectively the “CITIES”). AUTHORITY and CITIES may be collectively referred to as the “Parties.” WHEREAS, the AUTHORITY and CITIES entered into Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 on July 25, 2006 (“Agreement”); and WHEREAS, the Project Study Report found that major modifications to the I-80 Central Avenue are cost-prohibitive and geometrically unattainable without significant impacts to the residences and businesses in the area; and WHEREAS, the Project Study Report found that better traffic flow can be achieved by making operational improvements and local street realignments; and WHEREAS, operational improvements will be made through the use of electronic variable message signs directing I-80 westbound on-ramp traffic during peak hours to I-580 (“Phase and by connecting Pierce Street and San Mateo Street, converting Pierce Street access at Central Avenue to “right-in, right-out” and relocating the traffic signal at Pierce Street/Central Avenue to the San Mateo/Central Avenue intersection (“Phase and WHEREAS, the Parties wish to amend the scope of services to include Final Plans, Estimate and Specifications (“Final Design Services”) for Phase 1, a Before and After Traffic Study to determine Phase 1 effectiveness (“Traffic Study”) and provide Phase 1 Design Services During Construction (“DSDC”); WHEREAS, the Phase 1Budget is detailed and Funding Sources are identified in Exhibit B; WHEREAS, the City of Richmond will seek MEASURE J appropriation from Authority for Construction and Construction Management Services; NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, agree as follows: Article 1 of Section II of the Agreement is amended to read in full as follows: To retain a consultant to develop/perform the Project Study Report, Environmental Document for the PROJECT , and to develop/perform Final Design Services, Traffic Study and DSDC for Phase 1. 2.A.7-3 Attachment A Agenda Item No. 5(D) Attachment 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- Funding for Final Design Services, Traffic Study and DSDC shall be from Measure J funds available to the project. Article 5 of Section II of the Agreement is amended to read in full as follows: To notify the CITIES of final costs incurred to complete the Project Study Report, the Environmental Document for the PROJECT, and the Final Design Services, Traffic Study and DSDC for Phase 1. Article 1(b) of Section III of the Agreement is amended to read in full as follows: That the cost to complete the Environmental Documentation for the PROJECT shall not exceed $1,500,000 and that the cost to complete Final Design Services, Traffic Study and DSDC for Phase 1 shall not exceed $700,000. If AUTHORITY determines that these amounts will be exceeded, it will notify and seek approval of the CITIES to expend additional funds. Paragraph 3 of Exhibit A of the Agreement is amended to read in full as follows: This Agreement covers the preparation of the PSR and the Environmental Documentation for the PROJECT and performance of the Final Design Services for Phase 1 consistent with Caltrans guidelines. Except as amended by this Amendment No. 1, all provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall govern the actions of the Parties as if fully set forth herein. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 07W.02 effective as of the 15th day of October, 2014. CITY OF RICHMOND CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY William Lindsay Kevin Romick, Chair City Manager Randell H. Iwasaki Executive Director CITY OF EL CERRITO Malathy Subramanian Authority Council Scott Hanin City Manager 2.A.7-4 ---PAGE BREAK--- Baseline Estimate Measure J DEMO $230,235 $230,235 ‐ $0 ‐ ‐ $1,224,250 $282,285 $941,965 $653,845 $653,845 ‐ $0 ‐ ‐ $0 ‐ ‐ $0 ‐ ‐ $1,860,709 $372,142 $1,488,567 $324,100 $64,820 $259,280 $4,293,139 $1,603,327 $2,689,812 Design and DSDC Right of Way (Capital) Right of Way (Services) Utilities Total ‐ All Phases Construction (advertise ‐ CCA) Construction Services Source of Funds I‐80 Central Avenue Budget (Phase 1) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO. 07W.02 Studies Prior to Environmental Environmental Clearance Project Management Description between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and Cities of Richmond and El Cerrito EXHIBIT B 2.A.7-5