CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No. Item No.
Item No.
Item No.
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Project Meeting Date: May 13, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adoption of the Resolution approving two Reimbursement Agreements with Union Pacific Railroad Company for Preliminary Engineering Services associated with the Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Project.
BACKGROUND
The City of Commerce, in partnership with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG), the Cities of Bell and Huntington Park, and the County of Los Angeles, is participating in the Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Project. This regional project was identified as the top-priority corridor in Metro’s 2016 Active Transportation Strategic Plan for potential Measure M funding under the Corridor category.
In April 2020, the City submitted a grant application to Metro’s Cycle 1 MAT Program and was subsequently awarded $6.7 million in January 2021. Of the 6.8-mile corridor, approximately 2.34 miles fall within the City of Commerce, representing a proportional project budget allocation of approximately $1.9 million. The project includes planning, environmental, design, and construction phases, with anticipated completion in FY 25/26.
On January 24, 2023, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing City of Commerce to be the lead agency for this multi-agency project. The Randolph Corridor runs east west, with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) corridor running in parallel and adjacent to the Randolph Street. The operation of the railroad at grade crossing facilities are likely to be affected by this project. To ensure that this project has no adverse impact on the railroad crossing facilities the plans require UPRR review and concurrence.
ANALYSIS:
The project’s proposed bicycle and pedestrian improvements will intersect UPRR right-of-way at three separate at-grade crossings located at Eastern Avenue, Garfield Avenue in the City, and Holmes Avenue in LA County. These improvements are critical to ensuring safe and continuous pedestrians and bicyclists’ access along the Randolph Corridor.
To proceed with design or construction activity within UPRR right-of-way, UPRR must first evaluate potential impacts to its railroad operation. The UPRR, therefore requires the City to enter into reimbursement agreements with UPRR to authorize Preliminary Engineering (PE) Services such as field inspections, plans and specifications review, and engineering oversight during construction phase.
The City has coordinated with UPRR and received two reimbursement agreements totaling $150,000: one for the Eastern and Garfield crossings ($100,000), and one for the Holmes Avenue crossing ($50,000). These agreements will allow UPRR and its consultants to begin reviewing the project’s proposed improvements and provide necessary input during the design phase. Entering into these agreements is critical to maintaining the project timeline and ensuring future approvals by railroad.
Staff recommend adoption of the resolution approving the reimbursement agreements to ensure timely coordination with UPRR and avoid delays in the planning and design phases of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Project is funded by Metro’s MAT (Metro Active Transport) grant of $6.7 million. The cost of the two agreements with Union Pacific totaling a not-to-exceed amount of $150,000 will be covered by the MAT grant.
No additional appropriations are required as funds are available in the Measure AA Fund (Account 41-5170-57010.50010) to cover project management, planning, environmental, design, and portion of the construction phases in the current fiscal year.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This item relates to Council’s 2016 Strategic Action Plan’s:
Community Quality of Life
Guiding Principle 4 to “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: Shahid Abbas, Director of Public Works
Fiscal Impact reviewed: Alvaro Castellon, Director of Finance Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution and Agreements