To:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Jacki Scott, Public Works Director/City Engineer
March 3, 2026
Approval of Plans and Specifications for Heather Ridge Bike Lanes Project, Cash Contract No. 23-10, and Authorization to Advertise the Project for Bids
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Heather Ridge Bike Lanes Project, Cash Contract No. 23-1 0; and,
2. Authorize staff to advertise the project for bids.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the City completed a corridor traffic study on Heather Ridge that included an analysis of traffic volumes, collision data, and circulation at the Costco driveways during peak shopping periods. The study's recommendations included the addition of Class II on-street bike lanes on Heather Ridge from Pacific Park Drive to Avila Road as well as signing and striping improvements at the Costco driveways to manage right-of-way and enhance traffic flow. In 2023, the City received $130,000 in grant funding from Caltrans' Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to implement the project.
In September 2025, the City Council adopted the Laguna Niguel Active Transportation Plan (ATP), which is a planning study that analyzed active transportation data and considered input from the community to identify potential improvements to the City's active transportation network. Heather Ridge between Pacific Park Drive and Avila Road was identified in the ATP as a priority Class II bikeway corridor (Attachment "A").
In November 2025, the City Council adopted the Laguna Niguel General Plan Update, which added Heather Ridge to the City's Bikeways Plan, closing a gap in the bikeway network between Avila Road and Pacific Park Drive.
This project supports City Council Goal 1 (Public Safety) and Goal 4 (Infrastructure and Technology) of the City's adopted Strategic Plan.
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ANALYSIS
The design plans for the Heather Ridge Bike Lanes Project have been completed, and the project is now ready to be advertised for construction bids. Copies of the plans and specifications are available at the City Clerk's Office for examination and review.
Construction is anticipated to start in spring 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026.
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines - California Code of Regulations, Chapter 3 (Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA), Article 19 (Categorical Exemptions), Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Subsection (c).
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The City Council could direct staff to defer the project to a future date. This alternative is not recommended because the proposed improvements are intended to enhance safety along Heather Ridge. Additionally , the City will lose the HSIP grant funding if the project is not completed by 2028. The roadway will remain in its current condition until the project is completed.
FISCAL REVIEW
The engineer's estimate for the Heather Ridge Bike Lanes Project is $350,000, which also includes the application of slurry seal and fresh lane striping on Heather Ridge. There are adequate funds available in Fiscal Years 2025-27 Capital Improvement Program budget to complete this project.
LEGAL REVIEW
No legal review is required for this report.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Heather Ridge Bike Lanes Project, Cash Contract No. 23-10; and,
2. Authorize staff to advertise the project for bids.
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City Manager orks Director/City Engineer
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Assis ant Engineer
Attachment:
A. Vicinity Map
ATTACHMENT A
Vicinity Map
LEGEND
- Project Area
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Heather Ridge Bike Lanes Project
Vicinity Map
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