Agenda Item #13.7
For Council Meeting of: June 2, 2026
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DAN HENNESSEY, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION AND FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH SONOMA-MARIN AREA RAIL TRANSIT DISTRICT FOR WEST THIRD STREET SIGNALIZED GRADE CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, approve a Construction and Funding Agreement with Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) for construction of a traffic signal at West Third Street and the SMART Multiuse Path in the amount of $1,181,887.50, authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, and authorize the City Manager to make non-substantive changes subject to approval by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This proposed action will approve an agreement under which SMART’s contractor will construct a traffic signal at West Third Street and the SMART Multiuse Path, allowing the signal and pathway projects to be delivered concurrently.
GOAL
This item relates to Council Goal #2 - Invest in the Development and Maintenance of the City's Infrastructure and Council Goal #4 - Foster a Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Community by supporting construction of a traffic signal crossing at West Third Street and SMART Multiuse Path.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
On March 14, 2023, Council approved by resolution RES-2023-045 a design funding agreement with SMART for the design of the West Third Street/SMART Multiuse Path Signal Crossing.
On January 5, 2021, Council approved by resolution RES-2021-008, an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant to construct the signal at West Third Street and the SMART Multiuse Path. On September 26, 2023, Council approved by resolution RES-2023-165 $980,000 in funds to JL 17647.
ANALYSIS
The City of Santa Rosa and SMART will work together to develop plans and specifications to deliver a project to construct a new traffic signal at the intersection of West Third Street and SMART Multiuse Path, as well as the SMART pathway connection to Joe Rodota Trail. The City is responsible for the new traffic signal and associated improvements and SMART is responsible for the pathway connection.
Coordinating efforts between SMART and City in one contract ensures that pedestrians have access to the pathway at a signalized location. Additionally, putting the projects together allows the improvements made to the existing SMART train signal and preemption equipment to work seamlessly with the new traffic signal.
The signal project will incorporate a pedestrian crossing, a railroad crossing exit gate for the westbound direction, as well as a pre-signal ahead of the rail crossing in the westbound direction to prohibit vehicles stopping on the track. The design will include modified pavement markings and signs on West Third Street. Additionally, the exit gate will enhance safety and improve the intersection’s Quiet Zone safety rating.
The construction and funding agreement will have SMART prepare and bid the construction package that incorporates the City’s construction documents. The package will be competitively bid to hire a construction contractor. The estimated cost of the City’s share of the project is $1,181,887.50, including a 15% contingency. This cost does not represent a not-to-exceed amount, and City will be responsible for all the costs associated with City’s share of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
This item does not require additional appropriations in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 budget. An additional $100,000 is proposed as part of the FY 2026-2027 CIP budget to support construction activities. In addition, $160,000 was approved to support design in the FY 2021-2022 and FY 2022-2023 CIP budgets and $980,000 in grant funding is available for construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The recommended action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301(c), which exempts minor alterations to existing highways and streets involving negligible or no expansion of use. The project consists of pedestrian crossing improvements, traffic signal modifications, and associated bicycle and pedestrian safety enhancements within an existing roadway corridor and does not create additional automobile travel lanes. None of the exceptions identified in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This project was supported by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board as part of the annual work plan.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution/Exhibit A (Construction and Funding Agreement)
PRESENTER(S)
Mike VanMidde, Acting Deputy Director – Traffic Engineering
APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION AND FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH SONOMA-MARIN AREA RAIL TRANSIT DISTRICT FOR WEST THIRD STREET SIGNALIZED GRADE CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS PAGE 3 OF 3