CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Project; Approval of Roundabout Concept Plan and Related Actions MEETING DATE: May 14, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider:
Receiving and filing a presentation on the Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Project Concept Plan by KOA Corporation; and Adopting a Resolution approving the Roundabout Concept Plan for the Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Pilot Project; authorizing preparation of the Plans, Specification, and Estimate (PS&E); and allocating Measure AA funds to cover the Pilot Roundabout Project.
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City of Commerce received a resident request to review the traffic conditions at the intersection of Watcher Street and Greenwood Avenue due to concerns with vehicles not stopping at the intersection, specifically for southbound traffic traveling along Greenwood Avenue. In response to this request and on behalf of the City, staff completed a traffic review of this road segment and the following improvements were implemented: replacement of stop signs with oversized stop signs, installation of red reflective strips under each stop sign, repainting of existing red curb, installation of advance stop ahead warning signs, and improvement of street lighting within the vicinity of the intersection. It was requested subsequently however, that a roundabout at the intersection be evaluated.
DISCUSSION:
Recently, KOA Corporation (KOA) was retained to conduct a feasibility study for a roundabout at the intersection of Watcher Street and Greenwood Avenue. The study resulted in two options:
Pilot Roundabout Option
.
The Pilot Roundabout option will include signing, pavement marking and striping and transitions to existing striping, temporary curb ramps at the existing intersection corners for pedestrian access due to the relocation of crosswalks, a center circle of the roundabout consisting of manufactured rubber curbs, and flexible delineators defining the corner bulb-outs and splitter islands. The design cost for this option is $24,800 and the construction cost is estimated to be around $200,000. This option upon approval will be completed within the next 6 to 9 months.
Permanent Roundabout Option
The permanent roundabout option will involve reconstruction of existing curb, gutter, sidewalks and ADA ramps at the corners of the intersection and construction of a center island, including associated pavement removals and reconstruction and pavement marking, signing and striping, and landscaping. This option requires an extensive design effort through selection of a consultant through an RFP process and could cost around $130,000- $180,000. The construction cost could range from $400,000 to $600,000. This option would take 12 to18 months to complete.
KOA will provide a presentation of their Concept Plan at the this evening’s meeting followed by Council discussion.
Based on the evaluation of the two options presented to enhance traffic safety and in a timely manner, staff recommends the Pilot Roundabout Option for a one-year period. After the successful implementation of this option for the suggested time period, Council may choose to direct staff at a later meeting to proceed with the permanent option or keep the pilot option as a permanent solution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated total cost of the pilot roundabout project is $250,000 which includes $24,800 for design services and $200,000 for construction cost and $25,200 for project management, construction management and inspection services. Measure AA Funds in the amount of $250,000 are requested (via the upcoming CIP budget request process) to be allocated to cover the total project cost.
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.
Recommended by: Gina Nila, Department of Public Works
Reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Project Presentation