ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 13, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent – Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Zachary Meyer, Public Works Director
DATE: March 18, 2026
SUBJECT: Project Specific Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Transportation
Approval to enter Agreement PSMA-5-06-Ker-204-DL01 with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to identify maintenance responsibilities for the features and improvements constructed or installed in Caltrans’ right-of-way as part of the State Route 204 Enhancement Project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of agreement.
BACKGROUND:
Caltrans completed the State Route 204 Enhancement Project, which included a range of transportation and aesthetic improvements within State right-of-way. These improvements include, but are not limited to, complete streets elements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, landscaping, drainage infrastructure, and structural components associated with overcrossing and undercrossing.
As required by Caltrans, a Project Specific Maintenance Agreement is necessary to clearly delineate maintenance responsibilities between the State and the City following project completion. This Agreement ensures that all project features are properly maintained in accordance with State standards and applicable laws.
Under the Agreement:
Caltrans responsibilities include:
1. Maintenance of structural elements of bridges, overcrossings, and undercrossings (including deck, superstructure, and substructure).
2. Maintenance of certain drainage and structural components within State right-of-way.
3. Removal of encampments that pose a risk to structural integrity.
City of Bakersfield responsibilities include:
1. Maintenance of surface improvements such as roadway surfaces, sidewalks, bikeways, pedestrian paths, and complete streets elements.
2. Maintenance of landscaping and irrigation systems within City’s Steets crossing SR204.
3. Graffiti removal, debris removal, and ongoing cleaning within City-maintained areas.
4. Maintenance of drainage inlets and non-structural drainage features.
5. Removal of unsheltered encampments in designated areas, consistent with State policy and applicable law.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will be responsible for ongoing maintenance costs associated with the facilities assigned under this Agreement. These costs are expected to be accommodated within existing departmental operating budgets. No additional General Fund appropriation is requested at this time.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement