CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: September 6, 2022
Subject
Consider accepting $5,000,000 in grant funding from the State of California for renovation of the McClellan Road Bridge over Stevens Creek.
Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution No. 22-XXX accepting $5,000,000 in grant funding from the State of California for renovation of the McClellan Road Bridge over Stevens Creek and authorize the City Manager to execute all documentation necessary to accept the grant funding.
Background
The McClellan Road Bridge over Stevens Creek was constructed in 1920 (over 100 years ago) and has a low sufficiency rating (46.5) with numerous deficiencies identified in the latest Caltrans bridge inspection report.
The Bridge is along one of the City of Cupertino’s main collector streets and is one of only three east-west connections over Stevens Creek within the City’s jurisdiction. The nearest east-west connection is the Stevens Creek Boulevard bridge approximately one mile to the north. The Stevens Creek Boulevard bridge was also constructed in the 1920’s and needs repairs along its foundation. The City is currently attempting to acquire funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to address the needed repairs of Stevens Creek Boulevard bridge.
Although not in a critical state, due to the age of the McClellan Road Bridge, its importance for connectivity within the City, concerns over recent bridge collapses (notably the bridge collapse in Pittsburgh, PA,) being situated at an elevation that obstructs flood waters, and the environmental sensitivity of Stevens Creek due to it hosting a population of the federally threatened steelhead trout, this bridge warrants reconstruction. The bridge has not conveyed traffic volumes significant enough to qualify for Federal grant applications and therefore has been low on the opportunity list for grant funding. However, with windfall revenues in the last budget cycle, the State, through Assemblymember Low’s office, asked for projects that needed funding. Knowing the imminent need for this bridge reconstruction, staff proactively provided the project for consideration.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) currently predicts a more than 50% chance of a magnitude 7 earthquake within the next 30 years. For comparison, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake was measured at magnitude 6.9, and caused widespread damage throughout the Bay Area. Since the bridge was constructed in 1920, many years prior to the current building codes that govern structures and seismic design, the City is concerned the bridge would not withstand a major event. The loss of the bridge during a catastrophe would restrict and limit emergency access within the City, eliminate one potential evacuation route for residents in the area, and could cause significant environmental damage to the sensitive Stevens Creek habitat.
The McClellan Road Bridge also is built at an elevation that obstructs flood waters from a 100-year event, meaning that flood waters could potentially impact the integrity of the bridge, or could result in flows that inundate McClellan Road and result in the inability of the public and emergency responders use during an emergency event. The City intends to address this issue, if feasible, with the reconstruction project.
While the bridge is not currently considered unsound or structurally deficient by Caltrans, the reconstruction of the bridge would help to enhance public safety, emergency access, environmental conservation, and community resiliency in the face of a catastrophic event.
Discussion
The City submitted a request to the office of Assemblymember Evan Low requesting his support for a one-time State budget allocation of $7.5 million to facilitate reconstruction of the McClellan Road Bridge over Stevens Creek and enhance public safety and resiliency in the event of an emergency. Assemblymember Low was able to secure for the City an allocation of $5 million for the project. This money will be utilized to begin the design and environmental clearance process, as well as to help secure any additional grant funding necessary to complete the project since many grant opportunities require matching funds.
The collection of these grant funds is the initial step in initiating the reconstruction process of the bridge. Beginning reconstruction of the bridge at this time will help to ensure City infrastructure is rejuvenated in a timely manner.
Sustainability Impact
The draft update to the Cupertino Climate Action Plan 2.0 identifies a goal of increasing resilience of the community infrastructure for the expected increase in climate-related hazards such as flooding. Reconstruction of the McClellan Road Bridge would help to ensure resiliency of City infrastructure and continued use of public facilities in the face of natural disaster, thus helping achieve the City’s sustainability goals.
Fiscal Impact
The recommended action would provide the City with $5,000,000 for reconstruction of the McClellan Road Bridge. The City’s preliminary estimate for this project is approximately $7,500,000. The City intends to seek other funding opportunities to cover the remaining project costs, and as these funds are provided to the City without restrictions, it could serve as a significant match for other funding opportunities. _____________________________________
Prepared by: Chad Mosley, Assistant Director of Public Works, City Engineer Reviewed by: Matt Morley, Director of Public Works
Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager
Attachments:
A – Draft Resolution