instead of the standard white. This is due to the greater labor and material requirements for green paint. Staff believes that these additional costs are minimal when the green paint is applied during a concurrent street project, considering the desired visual impact and potential safety benefits. As an example, for the Aliso Creek Road project currently under construction, the cost of green paint is about 3% of the total project cost.
There is a slight cost difference between striping during a standalone project versus as part of a concurrent street project. To apply the new striping standards, any existing conflicting bike lane markings need to be removed. When the striping is done during a street project, there is essentially no additional cost for removal because the new surface course "erases" the old markings. However, removal costs can vary significantly depending on the street, with some areas needing no removal and others requiring extensive work. This cost is estimated to be between 2-5% of the total citywide project cost.
Standalone striping projects also involve the aesthetic of scarred pavement where the old striping was removed, since the full surface won’t be improved. While these areas are not expected to be extensive, they will still be present. Additionally, new striping on older, faded pavement will not have the same visual impact as on a freshly repaved surface. A citywide standalone project might also affect long-term maintenance planning and budgeting. Since all the striping would be done at once, it would all reach the end of its useful life at the same time, requiring a larger project for replacement. When striping is applied during paving projects, maintenance costs are more spread out, but the downside is that the entire city wouldn’t be completed for several years. One initial benefit of completing a standalone citywide project is avoiding the cost escalation that continues to occur annually across construction projects.
As a reminder, staff estimates the cost of a standalone citywide project to be approximately $1.3 million. This includes all arterial streets except for segments already under construction or planned for rehabilitation within the next year. The City currently has about $1.4 million available from AB 2766 (AQMD) funding that could be applied to this project if directed. Additionally, staff is exploring a new grant opportunity that could help fund both pavement rehabilitation and the new bike lane improvements.
Long-term maintenance costs are not expected to be excessive. Thermoplastic pavement markings generally last between 5-10 years, and the city’s current street maintenance budget includes annual upkeep for striping. High-traffic areas, particularly around intersections, will need maintenance more frequently, potentially within five years. This will be an important consideration if transitional green markings are applied across all driveways, as they will experience continuous vehicle traffic. Staff recommends applying these markings only in very high-traffic areas, such as around Town Center, where lane configurations allow for it. Each year, the annual budget will be evaluated to ensure sufficient funding for the efficient maintenance of all city striping. 267
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Staff respectfully seeks City Council direction on whether to continue integrating bike lane improvements, including buffer zones and green paint, during roadway improvement projects or to implement these enhancements beforehand as a standalone project.
Environmental:
Any potential projects proposed as a result this recommend action would be considered for environmental CEQA review as needed.
Attachment:
1. Presentation
268
Bike Lane Discussion
269
2 • Class II - Bike Lanes or Buffered Bike Lanes
• A separated path designed exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians, located off-street and away from vehicle traffic.
Aliso Creek Road
(Pacific Park Drive to
Wolverine Way),
Aliso Viejo, CA
Aliso Creek Road,
(Wolverine Way to
Alicia Parkway),
Aliso Viejo, CA
270
3 • Class II Bike Lane Enhancements
• Green Paint at Bicycle Legends
• Green Conflict Striping at Intersections
• Adopted by the CA-MUTCD in January 2024
271
4 • Class III – Bike Route
• A lower speed roadway where bicycles and motor vehicles share the same lane, indicated by signs or shared lane markings (sharrows)
Glenneyre Street,
Laguna Beach, CA
272
5 • Standards
273
6 • Standards
274
7 Funding
AQMD Grant Funds Currently in Reserve: $1.4 Million
Cost Estimate to upgrade all Class II with green paint and buffers ~$1.3M
Excludes street projects scheduled for completion in 2025-26 Reviewing new grant opportunity for rehab/striping projects 275
8 Questions
276