Camarillo City Council
AGENDA REPORT
Date: July 9, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Greg Ramirez, City Manager
Submitted by: Dave Klotzle, Public Works Director
Subject: Camarillo Train Station Undercrossing (Project No. ST-14-05) – Design Consideration
BACKGROUND
The Camarillo Train Station Undercrossing – Project No. ST-14-05 (Project) is included in the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program to construct a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant pedestrian undercrossing at the Camarillo Train Station owned by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) as shown on the location map (Attachment 1). The Project will improve accessibility by creating a shorter and more direct route for rail passengers between the west and east rail platforms. The undercrossing will also improve accessibility for the general public, making it easier for pedestrians to cross the tracks that separate the Pleasant Valley Fields and Village at the Park/Mission Oaks neighborhoods from Old Town Camarillo.
On May 26, 2020, the City was awarded a grant for Proposition 1B and Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds in the amount of $6.89 million through Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN) for the construction phase of the Project. At that time, the City agreed to commit $910,000 in matching City funds in order to receive the grant.
On August 21, 2020, staff advertised a Request for Qualifications for professional engineering design services for the Project. Statements of Qualifications were received from eight firms. Based on their qualifications, staff selected RailPros Inc. (RailPros) as the most qualified to provide the necessary design services. On March 10, 2021, the City Council approved Professional Service Agreement No. 2021-24 with RailPros for preliminary engineering design services.
On May 17, 2023, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved an additional $1.3 million of LOSSAN grant funding for a total of $8.19 million of LOSSAN grant funding for the Project.
Project No. ST-14-05 – Design Consideration
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On June 14, 2023, City Council approved Professional Service Agreement No. 2023-30 with RailPros for conceptual design and environmental review services.
On June 28, 2023, CTC awarded Senate Bill 1 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SB1 SCCP) grant in the amount of $7.92 million which will fund the construction of the Project and the remainder of the estimated total Project cost. The deadline to obligate these funds and advertise for construction bids was June 30, 2025.
On November 8, 2023, the City Council found that the Project qualified for a Statutory Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15275(a) and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(10) since the project constitutes a modernization of an existing station and parking facility and authorized the City Manager to file a Notice of Exemption with the County.
On January 24, 2024, the City Council authorized the City Manager to finalize and execute the Baseline Agreement and all associated documents required for the SB1 SCCP grant between the following parties: VCTC, California Department of Transportation, CTC, LOSSAN, and City of Ventura.
On May 6, 2024, the City Council authorized the City Manager to finalize and execute a Cooperative Funding Agreement with LOSSAN.
On December 6, 2024, at the CTC meeting, LOSSAN received approval to transfer $1,622,000 from preliminary engineering to the final design phase.
On December 11, 2024, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute Professional Service Agreement No. 2024-176 with RailPros for final design.
On May 15, 2025, at the CTC meeting, the City received approval for a 12-month extension on the deadline to obligate $7.92 million in construction funding through the SB1 SCCP grant. The new deadline which includes completion of final design and ready to advertise for construction bids, is June 30, 2026.
DISCUSSION
The preliminary engineering design efforts evaluated several initial alternatives such as a new pedestrian overcrossing, elevators, and an at-grade crossing. The new overcrossing was not further pursued due to higher costs, design constraints, increased crossing distance, and ADA compliance concerns. Adding elevators to the existing overcrossing was also considered, however, it was ultimately determined to be infeasible due to concerns about funding for long-term maintenance, reliability, and potential security issues. The at-grade option was not pursued since UPRR no longer permits new at-grade crossings.
On May 24 and June 14, 2023, conceptual design of the Project was presented to City Council where questions were raised regarding long-term maintenance, ownership, and Project No. ST-14-05 – Design Consideration
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the total cost of the Project. These considerations have been incorporated into the ongoing design process and funding strategy.
On December 11, 2024, the City Council approved an agreement with RailPros to initiate the Final Design phase. The pedestrian undercrossing project design has progressed through collaboration between UPRR, LOSSAN, RailPros, City staff, VCTC and the Sheriff’s Department. As part of this effort, the proposed design is being presented to City Council for consideration and input.
The proposed undercrossing features ADA-compliant ramps and access points, stairs, lighting, and security enhancements, which are being coordinated with the Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, aesthetic improvements will ensure consistency with the existing train station. VCTC has developed a draft maintenance agreement, which is currently being reviewed by staff. The maintenance agreement will be presented to City Council at a future date for consideration and approval.
Staff is seeking input and direction from City Council on the proposed undercrossing design to continue proceeding with final design in order to meet the funding deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact as a result of this action. The City’s total cost contribution to the project is $910,000 in matching City funds in order to receive the LOSSAN grant funding.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide input and direction on the proposed undercrossing design.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
REFERENCE MATERIALS – AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT CITY HALL None