Item No. 2
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: MARCH 6, 2024
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A TASK ORDER
AGREEMENT WITH INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP FOR A
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF ROUNDABOUTS ON ALAMEDA DE
LAS PULGAS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council consider approval of a task order agreement with Interwest Consulting Group in an amount up to $34,830 for feasibility analysis of the installation of roundabouts on Alameda de las Pulgas at Atherton Avenue and at Stockbridge Avenue.
BACKGROUND
The Alameda de las Pulgas corridor which connects Redwood City to Menlo Park and Palo Alto, through the Town of Atherton, and unincorporated San Mateo County is a high traffic corridor that serves as a north-south alternate to El Camino Real. Pass-through traffic has been measured to be between 60% to 89% of the overall traffic volume. Residential streets are impacted as commuters attempt to find alternative routes around congested roadways during peak hours, particularly around the Atherton Avenue intersection which is four-way stop controlled.
The Alameda de las Pulgas corridor was evaluated in two separate studies in 2019. The Alameda de las Pulgas Corridor Traffic Study reviewed existing conditions along Alameda de las Pulgas and recommended several improvements, both within and outside of Town limits. The Local Traffic Flow/Long Range Planning Solutions Study evaluated existing traffic operations and origin-designation patterns and recommended short- and long-term measures for efficient circulation. Additionally, it has been determined through these studies that the all-way stop intersection of Atherton Ave and ADLP currently operates at a level of service (LOS) F with delays up to 92 seconds during the peak hours and that signalizing this intersection will improve operations to LOS B with projected delays less than 18 seconds. The corridor study also advised that a roundabout at the Atherton Avenue intersection would also significantly reduce vehicle delays. Though a full analysis was not completed, in consideration of the limited right-of-way at Alameda de las Pulgas Roundabout Feasibility Study
MARCH 6, 2024
the intersection, the study recommended the installation of a traffic signal rather than a roundabout at the intersection.
In one-on-one discussions related to the Alameda de las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project, the City Council expressed an interest in further evaluating the feasibility of a traffic circle or mini-roundabout at both Atherton Avenue and Stockbridge Avenue.
ANALYSIS
Staff solicited a cost proposal from Interwest Consulting Group to evaluate the feasibility of installing full size and mini roundabouts at the Alameda de la Pulgas / Atherton Avenue intersection and the Alameda de la Pulgas / Stockbridge Avenue intersection. The analysis would account for the existing bikeway on Alameda de las Pulgas, the proposed bikeway on Atherton Avenue as outlined in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, as well as pedestrian facilities at both intersections.
The cost to analyze both intersections with both options was proposed at $34,830. Should the Council desire to analyze only one intersection, the cost would be $22,640. If the desire is to only evaluate one option at each intersection, the estimated cost would be $38,260, and approximately $18,370, if only one option were evaluated at one intersection.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of the feasibility study for both intersections is $34,830.
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 D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
POLICY FOCUS
The Council policy focus should be on the desire to improve public, pedestrian, and bicycle safety, and traffic flow along the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor.
PUBLIC NOTICE
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 Alameda de las Pulgas Roundabout Feasibility Study
MARCH 6, 2024
Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Interwest Consulting Group Cost Proposal