CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Traffic Improvements at the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue Meeting Date: January 11, 2022
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the updated traffic improvements at the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue and authorizing transfer of approved related Measure AA Funds to FY 2018-19 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program account for installation of the proposed traffic improvements.
BACKGROUND
On November 16, 2021, City Council approved the traffic improvements at the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue. The recommended traffic improvements included repainting the existing crosswalk, installing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps, installing additional pedestrian warning signs, improving lighting at the intersection, and adding additional red curb to keep a clear view of the crosswalk. An additional field survey was conducted as part of the construction planning process. During this time, it was determined to relocate the crosswalk from the north leg to the south leg of the intersection and reconstruct the curb ramp on the northwest (NW) corner for ADA compliance which provides improved pedestrian safety and better constructability.
On July 6, 2021, funds in the amount of $50,000 for the proposed traffic improvements were approved by City Council. Staff received a cost estimate of $62,664.00 for the proposed traffic improvements which leaves a negative balance of $12,664.
On August 20, 2019, the City Council approved a construction contract with SHAWNAN in the amount of $3,545,666 with $390,023 in contingency for the FY 2018-19 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program. The current balance of SHAWNAN’s contract in contingency is $33,946.28 which would cover the shortfall of $12,664 for the proposed traffic improvements at the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue by transferring the approved $50,000 Measure AA funds to the FY 2018-19 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program account. The proposed improvements will be done by SHAWNAN as a Change Order to the contract.
ANALYSIS:
The relocation of the crosswalk was included as an option of the traffic recommendations and was reviewed as part of the traffic analysis. The traffic review included an analysis of traffic counts, volumes, turning movements, pedestrian counts, accident history, and speed analysis.
After careful review of the existing field conditions based on the final field survey conducted, the following traffic devices are recommended to improve the overall safety of the intersection at Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue.
Improvements along Gerhart Avenue:
Install thermoplastic crosswalk over the existing crosswalk on the west leg with white ladder striped patterns and outline with Raised Pavement Markers (RPM’s), for added visibility. (CAMUTCD 3B.13/3B.18) Currently, the east end of the crosswalk on the north leg leads to a driveway. Remove existing crosswalk on north leg, pavement markings and conflicting striping by wet sand blasting and install thermoplastic crosswalk as white ladder striped and delineate with RPM's on the south leg of the intersection so that it is does not end at the existing driveway. A 30-day advanced notice shall be posted at the location of the existing north leg crosswalk prior to removing the crosswalk per CVC Code Section 21950.5.
Install an ADA Compliant (Curb Ramp) with truncated domes (TCD) on the east side of the new marked crosswalk on the south leg of the intersection. Per the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) crosswalk markings should be located so that the curb ramps are within the extension of the crosswalk markings. (CAMUTCD Section 3B.18) Replace the lighting at the street light (on the east side of Gerhart Avenue) over the intersection to a higher wattage or LED. The City is to check the current conditions of this light post on the east side of Gerhart Avenue at Union Pacific Avenue. (CAMUTCD Section 3B.18) Paint 50-feet of additional red curb on the east side of Gerhart Avenue south of new marked crosswalk for clear line of sight of waiting pedestrians.
Install double sided 36” W11-2 pedestrian warning signs with W16-7P (36” wide downward facing arrow) plaque at the crosswalk on the north leg. Installing pedestrian warning signs with downward facing arrows at the north leg of the crosswalk will alert motorists of the existing crosswalk. (CAMUTCD Section 2C.50) Install a 36” W11-2 advance pedestrian warning sign with W16-9P (“AHEAD”) plaque for northbound and southbound traffic. The W11-2 with W16-9P warning signs should be placed approximately 100-feet from the existing crosswalk in the north leg and 150-200’ (feet) to the south of the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue. (CAMUTCD Section 2C.50) Repaint the existing center line on Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue for clear indication of the travel way. (CAMUTCD Section 3B.01) Improvements along Union Pacific Avenue:
Install a “STOP” pavement legend adjacent to the existing stop sign on the west leg. Pavement markings should be 2.44 m or more in height. (CAMUTCD Section 3B.20) Install a stop bar line 4-feet from the crosswalk so that approaching vehicles know where to stop. (CAMUTCD Section 2B.11) Replace the existing stop sign on the west leg with an oversized 36x36 sign. (CAMUTCD Section 2B.03) Install a “CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP” plaque below the existing stop sign to remind drivers of ongoing traffic on Gerhart Avenue. (CAMUTCD Section 2C.59) Install an ADA Compliant (Curb Ramp) with truncated domes (TCD) on the NW corner.
Figure 1. Recommended Improvements.
Per CVC Code Section 21950.5, a notification to the public shall be given at least 30 days prior to the scheduled removal of an existing marked crosswalk. California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21950.5 States:
21950.5. (a) An existing marked crosswalk may not be removed unless notice and opportunity to be heard is provided to the public not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of removal. In addition to any other public notice requirements, the notice of proposed removal shall be posted at the crosswalk identified for removal. (b) The notice required by subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, notification to the public of both of the following:
(1) That the public may provide input relating to the scheduled removal. (2) The form and method of providing the input authorized by paragraph (1).
Staff will post the required 30-day Crosswalk Removal Notice per CVC Code Section 21950.5 and will hold the required public hearing during the next Traffic Commission meeting.
Staff recommends adoption of the attached Resolution approving the updated traffic improvements at the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue and approving the transfer of $50,000 Measure AA funds to FY 2018-19 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program account to cover the proposed traffic improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated traffic improvements project cost is $62,664. Staff has received funds in the amount of $50,000 from Measure AA Funds (41-5170-57010.10446) to cover a portion of the cost of the traffic improvements at the intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue with the remaining balance of $12,664 to be covered by the remaining contingency balance in the FY 2018-19 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program account number (41-5170-57010.14614).
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve recommendation
Reject recommendation
Provide staff with further direction
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan:
Community Quality of Life
Guiding Principle 4, Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted by: Edgar P. Cisneros, City Manager Approved and recommended by: Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works Fiscal impact reviewed by: Josh Brooks, Director of Finance Fiscal impact reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution