BACKGROUND:
On April 28, 2017, Governor Brown signed SB-1 known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, to address basic road maintenance, rehabilitation, and critical needs for both state highways and local streets/roads. This became known as the Local Streets and Roads (LSR) program. SB-1 generates funds through increases on a per gallon fuel excise tax, a per gallon diesel fuel excise tax, diesel fuel sales tax, and new vehicle registration fees (transportation improvement fee and road improvement fee); and provides for inflationary adjustments on future tax rates.
Various portions of the funds generated are deposited into the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA). A percentage of the RMRA funding is apportioned to Cathedral City by formula for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and critical safety projects (traffic signals are included).
RMRA requires all projects be included in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). On May 12, 2021, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2021-07 affirming three RMRA projects within the five-year CIP Plan.
The Landau Boulevard and McCallum Way Intersection Traffic Signal Construction Project is referred to as Proposed Project 2 in Resolution No. 2021-07. Located adjacent to Mount San Jacinto High School, this intersection has had incidents of vehicle, pedestrian, and bicyclist collisions. In addition to past collision history, the intersection is located a half mile from the nearest adjacent signalized intersections, which further verifies that this location warrants a traffic signal.
DISCUSSION:
Albert A. Webb Associates (Webb) provides the City’s Engineering Department with on- call traffic engineering services as provided for in our biennial Traffic Engineering Services contract. City Staff requested Webb provide a task order for the design of the Landau Blvd and McCallum Way Traffic Signal and Related Intersection Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements.
City Staff is proposing to utilize RMRA funding to begin the engineering design work for the improvements to this intersection. The scope of work includes the design of the traffic signal equipment, existing ADA improvements and intersection pavement improvements extending 100 feet north and south of McCallum Way, and signage needed to signalize this intersection. The scope also includes a construction cost estimate, a Traffic Warrant Analysis and Memorandum, plans and specifications.
The above cited improvements will enhance travel for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and students attending Mt. San Jacinto High School. The construction of this intersection will be scheduled after the completion of the Century Park Neighborhood Street Pavement Rehabilitation project; which is Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funded.
Webb has reviewed Staff’s request and has provided a $81,856 proposal for the Task Order to complete the Project design work, plans and specifications, bidding assistance and evaluation. Staff has reviewed the proposal and determined the proposal is reasonable for this service as compared to the anticipated construction cost for the Project.
Staff is requesting City Council approve the Task Order for the design of the Landau Blvd. and McCallum Way Traffic Signal and Related Intersection ADA Improvements with City On-Call Traffic Engineering Consultants Webb and Associates in the amount not to exceed $81,856; and authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to execute the Task Order.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The SB-1 RMRA funded Landau Blvd and McCallum Way Traffic Signal and Related Intersection ADA Improvements (Project) is a FY 2021-22 and 2022-23 CIP Project No. 248-8800-8802 in the amount of $400,000. The design costs are included in this amount.
Due to the recent trend in increased construction costs and the potential for labor and material increases, this overall Project cost may increase. The completion of the above design and estimates will provide needed information to determine if budget adjustments within the City’s SB-1 reporting and program will be necessary.