Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 23-7165 Meeting Date: 11/14/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DESIGN ALTERNATIVES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOARDWALK SURFACE REPAIR PROJECT, JOB NO. 70810
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes approximately $870,000 in available funds for the design and construction of the International Boardwalk Surface Repair Project, Job No. 70810 (Project). The Project will replace existing asphalt concrete pavement with an ADA compliant pedestrian surface. The surface will also be traffic rated to allow for the daily need of service access vehicles. Additionally, the Project will include design for drainage to tie in with the existing quay wall. The City’s design consultant has evaluated several pavement material alternatives and prepared cost estimates for each. Staff is seeking a decision from the City Council regarding the preferred materials for the Project. Once decided, final design (including color selection) will proceed and culminate in construction documents that will be used to solicit contractor bids.
BACKGROUND
The International Boardwalk is located in the waterfront area surrounding Basin 3 of King Harbor. The boardwalk itself (walking surface) is bordered by a quay wall on the water side and storefronts to the opposing side. The boardwalk is approximately 1200 feet long (from the Skate Park to R10) and 15 feet wide. The City desires to make improvements to the existing asphalt pavement surface by replacing it with more attractive, ADA compliant, easily maintained, and vehicle rated surfacing. The boardwalk also serves the route for food and merchandise deliveries to the businesses along the quay and for trash pickup in dumpsters sized up to 40-yard bins. The walkway design must support loads associated with these activities, to the extent practical.
On July 6, 2023, a task order for the Project was assigned to Elie Farah, Inc. (EFI), one of the City’s on-call civil design firms. EFI has been working with City staff to evaluate the structural integrity of the walkway’s subsurface, identify onsite utilities, perform geotechnical and drainage analysis, and determine the appropriate pavement surfacing alternatives that will be suitable for the Project needs in the marine environment. Currently four pavement surfacing alternatives are proposed (examples of each are attached for illustration purposes only - they do not reflect preferred colors):
Alternative - 1 Stamped Colored Concrete - This type of concrete is stamped with pattern or design to create unique and decorative finish. It is durable and aesthetically pleasing, with a variety of colors and stamp patterns to choose from, making it a good choice for areas like the boardwalk. However, it is costly to construct, and harder to match color and clean stains during repair and maintenance.
Alternative - 2 Pavers - The City has used pavers on other portions of the pier. This type of pavement is durable, aesthetically pleasing and can be installed in variety of colors and patterns. However, the pavers are more expensive and require more time to construct. Pavers also can settle unevenly, and can have drainage problems and lead to water pooling and cracking if not properly installed. Pavers can get slippery when wet and need frequent spot cleaning to remove oil and grease stains.
Alternative - 3 Concrete Banding Combined with Pavers - This type of pavement uses paver framed in concrete borders and is durable. It is used elsewhere on the pier where it offers unique decorative texture by utilizing local sea shells.
N.3., File # 23-7165 Meeting Date: 11/14/2023
and is durable. It is used elsewhere on the pier where it offers unique decorative texture by utilizing local sea shells.
However, it is harder to match color and clean stains during repair and maintenance Alternative - 4 Asphalt Pavement - This is the current surface treatment and is the most common type of pavement used for pedestrian pathways. It is the least expensive and is easy to install and maintain. However, it lacks aesthetic appeal and is susceptible to cracking and weathering in marine environments.
A summary of the alternatives is presented in the table below, with relative comparisons for aesthetic options, durability and maintenance, repair challenges, and costs anticipated to complete the Project:
Alternative Estimated
Cost
Design
Variety
Durability Maintenance /
Repair
1. Stamped Colored
Concrete
$1,100,000 Middle Best Hard
2. Pavers $1,200,000 Best Best Hard
3. Concrete Banding with
Pavers
$1,150,000 Best Best Middle
4. Asphalt Concrete $600,000 Worst Worst Easy
Actual costs estimated for these alternatives, with the exception of replacing asphalt pavement with a new asphalt section, exceed the current project budget. To lower the cost, reductions in the area to be repaved could be made. For instance, the Project could exclude the existing asphalt pavement in front of the arcade from the resurfacing operation. The asphalt in front of the former arcade is in fair condition and comprises 12% of the total area. While a 12% savings could be anticipated, this solution will not be as aesthetically pleasing as other alternatives. A future project would need to be funded to complete the desired appearance around the entire basin.
Staff has also considered installing a curb or barrier to replace the existing flash boards that are used to keep the highest tides off the boardwalk. However, these additions would essentially double the estimated cost of the project and were considered to be beyond the project scope and budget intended. The compounding factors that lead to the extra expense include the compromised condition of the existing seawall cap, potential replacement of the existing railing, installation of drainage accommodations, and relocation of the existing lighting. Staff recommends these improvements be deferred to another project that addresses the condition of the seawall and cap around Basin 3.
EFI has completed its field survey and topographic design, and Twining Inc. has completed Geotechnical exploration for the Project. Staff is requesting Council’s guidance on the preferred pavement surfacing alternative. Once the type of pavement is determined, detailed design for drainage and grading can be completed. EFI anticipates the design will take 6 - 8 weeks to complete, meaning staff could be expected to return with an item seeking Council approval of plans and specifications in January/February 2024.
COORDINATION
Public Works Department Engineering Services personnel have coordinated with EFI to determine alternatives for the project.
N.3., File # 23-7165 Meeting Date: 11/14/2023
FISCAL IMPACT
The Project is currently funded in the amount of $871,410, which represents approximately 72% of the most expensive materials option. Only the asphalt pavement alternative can be completed with existing funding. Depending on the option selected, staff estimates an additional $230,000 to $330,000 is needed to fully fund the Project.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Photos - International Boardwalk Surfacing Material Alternatives