January 20, 2026
Public Works
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Robert Armijo PE, Deputy Director of Public Works / City Engineer
Hillal Hamdan, Senior Civil Engineer
Subject:
Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad
for the Barrett Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian
Improvements Project
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City was a awarded grant for $15,095,528 in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
(AHSC) funding on August 27, 2025. Of this amount,
$2,000,000 is allocated for the design and construction of the Barrett Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
Project. The proposed Reimbursement Agreement for
Preliminary Engineering Services with Union Pacific
Railroad Company (UPRR), in an amount not to exceed
$25,000, will be fully funded by the AHSC grant and will result in no General Fund impact (Account String:
10636031-400708-23042).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City must execute a Reimbursement Agreement for
Preliminary Engineering Services with Union Pacific
Railroad Company (UPRR) because the Barrett Avenue
Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project affects
UPRR’s track, right-of-way, and operations. UPRR
requires execution of this agreement as a prerequisite to reviewing project plans, inspecting existing railroad
facilities, and evaluating potential safety and operational impacts associated with the proposed improvements that
affect railroad property or operations.
AGENDA
REPORT
January 20, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a Reimbursement
Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services with
Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for minor
amendments to the Barrett Avenue Bicycle and
Pedestrian Improvements Project for a total cost does not exceed $25,000, and AUTHORIZE the Public Works
Director to execute the agreement - Public Works
Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-620-1612/Robert Armijo
510-620-5477).
DISCUSSION:
The Barrett Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project will consist of a roadway reconfiguration that includes protected bicycle lanes, sidewalk widening, high- visibility crosswalk enhancements, protected left-turn phasing, advanced stop bars, median refuge islands, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). Portions of the proposed improvements are located at or near Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) facilities and right-of-way.
Because the project affects UPRR’s track, right-of-way, and operations, UPRR requires execution of a Reimbursement Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services (“Agreement”) before it will review project plans, inspect existing railroad facilities, or evaluate potential safety and operational impacts associated with the proposed improvements.
The proposed Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $25,000, enables UPRR to perform limited preliminary engineering services necessary for its internal review and coordination. These services are focused exclusively on potential impacts to railroad facilities and operations and include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform field diagnostics and inspections.
Review construction documents (plans, specifications). Evaluate project design specifically for impacts to UPRR facilities and operations. Prepare necessary force account cost estimates for any future UPRR-performed work.
Execution of the Agreement does not constitute approval of final design or authorization to construct improvements within railroad property. If UPRR determines that the project may proceed, the City will be required to obtain railroad encroachment permits and execute a separate Construction and Maintenance Agreement prior to the commencement of any construction activities affecting railroad property or operations.
The design phase of the project commenced in March 2025 and is anticipated to conclude in July 2026. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, subject to UPRR approval, issuance of required railroad encroachment permits, execution of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement, and availability of grant funding.
January 20, 2026
The costs associated with the Agreement are fully eligible and funded through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant program, and no General Fund impact is anticipated. Accordingly, staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Public Works Director to execute the Reimbursement Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services with Union Pacific Railroad Company for the Barrett Avenue Road Diet Project, and to approve minor amendments to the Agreement, provided the total cost does not exceed $25,000.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution Authorizing UPRR PE Services Agreement – Barrett Ave Attachment 2 – UPRR Railway Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement