Agenda Item: 8
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: March 25, 2025
SUBJECT: DOCKWEILER DRIVE EXTENSION, PROJECT S3023 - DESIGN
CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Shannon Pickett
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Extend the current design contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for design services with MNS Engineers, Inc., in the amount of $1,668,812 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $166,881, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $4,882,236.
2. Extend the current design services agreement and authorize an increased expenditure authority for design services with Southern California Regional Rail Authority, in the amount of $301,400 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $30,140, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $572,935.
3. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $2,100,000 from the Via Princessa Bridge and Thoroughfare Fund (Fund 453) to expenditure account S3023453-516101, Dockweiler Drive Extension.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
Originally constructed in the early 1990s, Dockweiler Drive currently connects east to Sierra Highway and terminates 500 feet west to Valle del Oro. The extension of Dockweiler Drive, as shown on the attached location map, is a critical east-west link that would provide a through connection from Sierra Highway to Railroad Avenue, as indicated in the City of Santa Clarita's (City) General Plan. This project supports the Building and Creating Community theme of the
City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
On April 10, 2018, the City Council certified the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approved the alignment of Dockweiler Drive to connect to Railroad Avenue at 13th Street. This alignment would require improvements to both Arch Street and 13th Street along with a fully upgraded railroad crossing at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue. The proposed roadway improvements would consist of a striped two-lane roadway with a 12-foot raised landscaped median, a 13-foot-wide sidewalk/parkway, and a 5-foot-wide bike lane on each side. The typical right-of-way width is 92 feet. Additionally, staff was authorized to submit an application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which was approved, for the required improvements at the 13th Street at-grade rail crossing.
On July 9, 2019, the City Council awarded a design contract to MNS Engineers, Inc. to design the roadway, drainage, and grading from the current terminus of Dockweiler Drive to connect with Railroad Avenue at 13th Street.
On August 22, 2023, the City Council approved the development of Shadowbox Studios and its proposed railroad crossing and road configuration on 13th Street, Arch Street, and Placerita Canyon Road. The road configuration included a wider railroad crossing; a bike path crossing the railroad; a signalized intersection at Dockweiler Drive and 12th Street; a revised intersection at Dockweiler Drive and Placerita Canyon Road; and realignment of storm drain improvements.
Due to the Shadowbox Studios entitlement, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is requiring the City to update the Dockweiler Drive Extension project plans to accommodate the potential use of the lot; even if there is no indication that Shadowbox Studios will be constructed. The westerly section of the roadway extension must be completely re- designed, including modifications to several intersections and the railroad crossing.
MNS Engineers, Inc., Design Contract Extension
On July 9, 2019, the City Council awarded a design contract for civil engineering services for a total amount not to exceed $3,046,543 to MNS Engineers, Inc. MNS Engineers, Inc., was selected through a Request for Proposal process and is the Engineer of Record for the Dockweiler Drive Extension project.
In order to accommodate the revised design, it is recommended that the existing design contract with MNS Engineers, Inc., be increased by a total of $1,835,693, including contingency. This increase would allow MNS Engineers, Inc., to design and permit all required plans for the approved road configuration. The proposal is available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
SCRRA Design Contract Extension
On July 9, 2019, the City Council authorized the execution of a design services agreement for a total amount not to exceed $241,395 with SCRRA. The City was required to contract with SCRRA because the project is located within the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) right-of-way and will modify SCRRA’s facilities.
In order to accommodate the revised design, it is recommended that the existing design contract with SCRRA be increased by a total of $331,540, including contingency. This increase would allow SCRRA to provide design services, including the design of the Positive Train Control system, train signals, communication lines, and the required training and flagging for design operations such as utility investigation, geotechnical investigation, and survey work as the project is designed. The proposal is available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
The requested contingencies will cover design modifications requested by the City, SCRRA, Metro, CPUC, and other permitting agencies during the design of the project, as well as the cost of additional as-needed services as the project continues.
The requested budget appropriation, along with existing project budget, will provide for contract extensions that allow the City to update the construction plans and specifications to accommodate the newly approved roadway configuration.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon approval of the recommended actions, project budget will be increased in expenditure account S3023453-516101 (Via Princessa B&T Fund) by $2,100,000 to support the recommended contracts and associated project costs.
ATTACHMENTS
Location Map
Proposal for MNS Engineers, Inc. (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) Design Services Agreement with SCRRA Amendment No. 1 (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)