Item No. 11
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2024
SUBJECT: APPROVE PROJECT PLANS, AND AUTHORIZE BID
SOLICITATION FOR THE PROJECT FOR THE FAIR OAKS
LANE/LLOYDEN DRIVE/DINKELSPIEL STATION
LANE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, PROJECT
NUMBER 56093
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve the project plans and authorize bid solicitation for the Fair Oaks Lane/Lloyden Drive/Dinkelspiel Station Lane Intersection Improvements Project, Project Number 56093.
BACKGROUND
With the completion of the Town Center, there has been the desire to improve pedestrian access to the Town Center from the Lloyden Park neighborhood. The City Council approval of the FY2022-23 Capital Improvement Program included the Fair Oaks Lane at Lloyden Drive Pedestrian Improvements project. The Town issues a task order to Willdan Engineering for professional design services and to Interwest Consulting Group for bidding support and construction management services for the project. The project design is now complete and ready for approval and solicitation of construction bids.
ANALYSIS
The project proposes to improve pedestrian access to the Town Center by extending the sidewalk along Lloden Drive from the entry to Lloyden Park and providing a raised crosswalk with a pedestrian activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to slow vehicular traffic and alert drivers to pedestrian activity in the area. Also included in the project are the installation of a solar powered streetlight, stormwater treatment facilities, landscaping and irrigation, localized slurry seal, as well as related signing and striping improvements. An additive alternate for a sidewalk extension on the east side of Lloyden drive between the Caltrain crossing and the entry pillar is Fair Oaks Lane / Lloyden Drive Intersection Improvements FEBRUARY 21, 2024
also included in the project. The project need was discussed at the Transportation Committee and conceptual design presented to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee at their March 2023 meeting.
During project design, staff had desired to include the installation of a stop sign on the westbound approach to the intersection (east of the Caltrain tracks). Staff outreached to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding the possibility of installing the stop sign. CPUC staff advised that the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) and California Vehicle Code (CVC) restrict the installation of stop signs at rail crossing with active warning devices and would require CPUC approval. They advised that a traffic analysis would be necessary as well as a diagnostic meeting with the CPUC and rail operators. Upon consulting with the Town’s on-call traffic consultants, they advised that the intersection would not meet the requisite warrants for installation of the stop sign at the crossing.
Staff is seeking Council approval of the plans and authorization to release the project for construction bids.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time. The engineer’s construction cost estimate for the project is approximately $270,000 including approximately $111,000 associated with the green infrastructure components of the project, and $14,500 for the sidewalk extension on the east side of Lloyden Drive. Costs for project design and construction management and inspection services are approximately $127,000.
The FY 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program budget included $175,000 for the project and additional funds are available in the Green Infrastructure budget for the associated improvements.
Actual costs will be determined after receipt of construction bids.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area A – Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area C – Create and Expand the Town Center/Library • Goal Area D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
POLICY FOCUS
The Policy focus should be on the desire to improve pedestrian access and safety to the Civic Center from Fair Oaks Lane and Lloyden Drive as outlined in the approved FY 2023-24 Capital improvement program.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fair Oaks Lane / Lloyden Drive Intersection Improvements FEBRUARY 21, 2024
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee (meets as needed)
Transportation Committee (meets every other month)
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fair Oaks Lane / Lloyden Drive / Dinkelspiel Station Lane Intersection Improvements Project Plans