TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Authorization to Release RFP for the Beautification of BNSF/UPRR Bridges MEETING DATE: May 26, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council will consider authorizing staff to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Beautification of BNSF/UPRR Bridges.
BACKGROUND
The City of Commerce is exploring an opportunity to beautify railroad bridges located within the City. The bridges are owned by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and BNSF Railway, the proposed locations include the BNSF Bridge on Atlantic Blvd north of Bandini Blvd, known as “Bridge to the Future”, and the UPRR Bridge on Garfield Ave south of Ferguson Dr.
The City is currently in the preliminary stages of obtaining approval from UPRR and BNSF to proceed with the improvements. The City has executed a Reimbursement Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services with UPRR, and has received conditional approval from BNSF, with a formal Underpass Agreement currently in progress. Based on initial coordination with the railroads, the use of painted color schemes and inclusion of the City seal/logo is acceptable; however, the use of orange and red colors is not permitted. The City’s preference is to maintain a consistent design approach across the bridges, incorporating color elements and the City’s logo, with a clean and straightforward aesthetic.
ANALYSIS
To successfully implement the Beautification Project, the City is structuring the scope of work into three independent phases to provide maximum flexibility in project delivery, and budgeting. The three-phase approach allows the City to proceed with each phase independently for each bridge, award phases to the same or different proposers, and manage risk associated with railroad agency approvals and operational constraints.
Phase 1 involves painting the entirety of each bridge structure, including columns, underside, and all bridge faces; Phase 2 involves the development of artwork concepts for the façade of the bridges; and Phase 3 involves the installation of the approved artwork on the façade of the bridges.
It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff to advertise and release the RFP for the Beautification of BNSF/UPRR Bridges in the City of Commerce.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the project is proposed through the Art in Public Places Fund and has been included in the proposed FY 2026-28 CIP Budget in the amount of $1,000,000. The proposed action authorizes the release of the RFP only and does not constitute the award of a construction contract at this time.
Staff will return to the City Council at a future date with the results of the RFP process, proposed contract award (s), and any necessary budget adjustments for Council consideration. No additional appropriation is being requested as part of this action.
ALTERNATIVES
Approve the recommendation.
Reject the 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.
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:
Draft RFP for the Bridge Beautification Project
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No.