DATE: JUNE 16, 2026
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PE, LS, DIRECTOR
BY: JOSIE LANTACA, ASSISTANT ENGINEER
ADRIANA ROBLES, PE, CFM, CITY ENGINEER
TITLE: AWARD DESIGN OF BORONDA ROAD CONGESTION RELIEF PROJECT PHASE 2 (CIP 9510) TO WALLACE GROUP RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution:
Awarding a contract to Wallace Group for the design and related services for the Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2 (CIP 9510) in an amount not to exceed $4,285,958; and Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement and/or modifications to the Agreement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project (Project) proposes to widen East Boronda Road into a four-lane roadway (two-lanes in each direction) between Dartmouth Way and Independence Boulevard, and to construct roundabouts at McKinnon Street, El Dorado Drive, Natividad Road, and Independence Boulevard. The Project will be built in phases to accommodate funding availability.
Phase 1 of the Project is constructing the McKinnon roundabout with the associated improvements. Construction began in November 2024 and is currently scheduled to be completed in fall 2026.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) to provide professional engineering design services for the design of the Phase 2 Project was advertised, and a submittal from Wallace Group was received in response to the RFQ. Staff recommend approving a Professional Services Agreement with Wallace Group to provide professional engineering design services for the Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2 for a total amount not to exceed $4,285,958.
BACKGROUND:
The Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project proposes to widen East Boronda Road into a four-lane roadway (two-lanes in each direction) between Dartmouth Way and Independence Boulevard, and to construct roundabouts at McKinnon Street, El Dorado Drive, Natividad Road, and Independence Boulevard. In May 2017, City Council approved the roundabout concept at the intersections identified above along with Hemingway Drive (Resolution No. 21169). The project includes the construction of bioretention facilities, buffered bike lanes, bus pullouts, sidewalks, ADA-compliant access ramps, storm drain lines, sanitary sewer lines, street lighting, landscaping, and other improvements. Project limits are from just east of Dartmouth Way to a point east of Independence Boulevard. The Project will be built in phases to accommodate funding availability and environmental clearances.
Phase 1 of the Project is constructing the McKinnon roundabout with the associated improvements and was awarded to Granite Construction Company on August 6, 2024 (Resolution No. 23053). Construction started on November 12, 2024, and is currently scheduled to be completed in fall 2026 A request for qualifications (RFQ) to provide professional engineering design services for the Phase 2 project was advertised in December 2025 to January 2026, and a submittal from Wallace Group was received in response to the RFQ. No other submittals were received.
Wallace Group shall provide all services to complete the detailed design including plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) phase for the Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2. The Phase 2 Project will be designed and constructed as two stand-alone projects (Phase 2A – El Dorado Roundabout, and Phase 2B – Natividad Roundabout) to accommodate funding availability. Wallace Group shall also provide support during construction to respond to design related requests for information and material submittals. Wallace Group is partnering with Kimley–Horn, Earth Systems Pacific, and EMC Planning to provide the required services.
Wallace Group provided professional engineering design services for the Phase 1 Project and has provided services for other City projects. Wallace Group is well qualified and has the expertise required to provide the services contemplated for the project.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Yes.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The project addresses the City Council’s Strategic Goals of Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Economic Development by providing an improved corridor for Salinas residents and travelers.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Public Works Department is collaborating with Legal, Administration and Finance Departments for the execution of the Agreement, purchase order, and amendments, if any.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
This action has no anticipated impact on the General Fund. Additional funding of $2,789,077.56 will be included in the upcoming budget development process and consists of recommended reallocation of CIP projects funded by development impact fees (Fund 2306).
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
2306
50.9510-63.5400
Outside Services Engineering Services
$2,288,927.90
$4,285,958
Remaining Budget Appropriate based on March 2026 CIP Balance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Wallace Group Agreement
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