DATE: September 12, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: I-880/Whipple Road Industrial Parkway Interchange Improvement Project Work Session: Review and Discuss Aesthetic Features
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council reviews and provides feedback on aesthetic features for the I-880/Whipple Road – Industrial Parkway Interchange Improvement Project.
SUMMARY
The City is in partnership with the Alameda CTC, the implementing agency, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to provide interchange improvements at the Whipple Road and Industrial Parkway interchanges along the I-880 corridor. The project proposes improvements at the I-880/Whipple Road / Industrial Parkway Southwest Interchange (Whipple Road Interchange) and the I-880 /Industrial Parkway West (Industrial Parkway Interchange). The project utilizes Measure BB funding through Alameda CTC’s Transportation Expenditure Plan. The preliminary project cost estimates range from $200 million to $240 million.
Staff is requesting that Council receive a presentation prepared by the project’s architect and provide comments and feedback on the aesthetic of certain elements of the project design.
BACKGROUND
Previously the Council recommended approval of the preferred alternatives for the project during the Project Approval / Environmental Document (PA&ED) Phase in 2021. PA&ED was completed in summer of 2022. Design work has been moving forward, with construction planned to start in Spring 2025 and substantial project construction completion by Spring 2028.
DISCUSSION
During the design phase, Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandate that a qualitative/aesthetic approach be taken to provide aesthetic enhancement of project features in order to address the loss of visual quality in the project area. The aesthetic enhancement of project features, including the bridge railing, retaining wall, lighting, and landscape design, amongst other design features fulfills the letter and the spirit of FHWA requirements because it addresses the actual cumulative loss of visual quality due to a project. The inclusion of aesthetic features in the project was a consistent comment received from both the public during the environmental document public comment period and from the input received from the Council. The workshop presentation is intended to allow the design team to present a range of aesthetic themes and features for the project to the Council and public. The project team seeks feedback from the Council and public on the presented aesthetic design elements to be constructed as part of the project. This feedback along with the input and concurrence of the Caltrans District Landscape Architect will enable the project to be designed in a manner that is reflective of both community and Caltrans desires.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Project would improve access and reduce congestion-related delays both on I-880 and local streets as well as address on-going concerns related to access to the local network. By improving access and reducing delay, the Project is expected to have positive impacts on local businesses and retail areas.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is currently not expected to have a fiscal impact on the City. The project utilizes Measure BB funding through ACTC’s Transportation Expenditure Plan. Preliminary cost estimates range from $200 million to $240 million.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item supports the Strategic Priority of Improve Infrastructure. Specifically, this item relates to the implementation of the following projects(s):
Project N1: Continue to implement major corridor traffic calming initiatives Project N6: Continue to add approximate 10 miles of bike lanes annually, with focus on protected bike lanes and intersections that have high traffic/incidents
PUBLIC CONTACT
Given Council’s desire to fully engage with the community on such key projects, Alameda CTC and the City collaborated in a series of public outreach/community engagement activities. Those meetings included the following endeavors:
Sep 26, 2018: Bike/Ped; Eden Bicycles, 3318 Village Drive, Castro Valley, CA 94546 Sep 27, 2018: Local Agencies; City of Hayward Economic Development, Large Conference Room, 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541 October 11, 2018: Local, Businesses, Auto Auction and Trucking Industry; Manheim San Francisco Bay, 29900 Auction Way, Hayward, CA 94544 October 17, 2018: TRANSIT AND PARATRANSIT; Union City Transit, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587 September 20, 2018: POP-UP EVENT #1; Treeview Elementary School Back to School Night, Hayward, CA 94544 September 27, 2018: POP-UP EVENT #2; Union City Farmers’ Market, Union City 94587 February 18, 2021; EIR virtual public meeting
May 25, 2021: Hayward City Council - Select Preferred Alternative to Present to Alameda County Transportation Commission
NEXT STEPS
The Project Development Team will incorporate the preferred aesthetic features in the design of the project. Construction is scheduled to start in Spring 2025 and substantial project construction completion is expected by Spring 2028.
Prepared by: Kathy Garcia, Deputy Director of Public Works Recommended by: Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works Approved by:
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Kelly McAdoo, City Manager