WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
SCOPE OF WORK
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
City of South San Francisco (City) is seeking to obtain project approval and environmental clearance for improvements at the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange and along Westborough Blvd and Junipero Serra Blvd in order to improve connectivity and safety for bicycles and pedestrians. Improvements within the limits of Caltrans right of way are subject to Caltrans project development procedures (which can take a number of forms). Improvements outside of Caltrans right of way are only subject to City approval requirements as well as CEQA and NEPA guidelines (as necessary).
Through this scope of work Mark Thomas will assist the City to gain approval of improvements within the I-280 Westborough Blvd interchange using the Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) process as well as project development and CEQA and NEPA approvals (as necessary) for improvements outside of Caltrans right of way. The CEQA lead agency is presumed to be the City.
Mark Thomas will assist the City to prepare preliminary engineering, engineering studies, engineering documentation, environmental technical studies, and environmental documentation to achieve project approval through the DEER process and environmental compliance through CEQA for the improvements within Caltrans jurisdiction.
For improvements outside of Caltrans jurisdiction, the Mark Thomas team will prepare preliminary engineering and environmental documentation required to approve the project designs to move into final design and ultimately construction. Since the improvements are not subject to full Caltrans oversight, project approval and environmental documentation are subject only to City review and approval. The east and west ends of the anticipated Westborough Blvd improvements will require Caltrans approval, but as they are minor (less than $1M within Caltrans right of way at each location), Caltrans approval will be through the Caltrans Encroachment Permit Process, which will be completed after City led preliminary engineering and environmental documentation are complete. For all local improvements outside of the I-280/Westborough Blvd Interchange area, the Mark Thomas team will prepare preliminary engineering, complete environmental studies and documentation, and conduct stakeholder and public outreach activities to meet City approval and CEQA requirements.
Because the project improvements do not contemplate federal action and because the project does not have programed federal funding, the project does not currently have a federal nexus, thus compliance with and approval through NEPA is not required. Mark Thomas recognizes that future federal funding may be desirable, at which time NEPA clearance will be necessary. As such, the environmental scope proposed herein meets only CEQA requirements; however, we have proposed supplemental services to complete NEPA documentation and compliance which can be completed efficiently and effectively without significant rework or additional study.
TASK 1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Mark Thomas will manage the project team, which includes: Mark Thomas, DKS Associates, Parikh Consultants, and other specialty subconsultants. Mark Thomas’s Project Manager will plan, organize, direct and monitor project work activities and resources in accordance with contracted scope, schedule and budget. This task will include managing the team, coordinating with Caltrans and the City, and includes preparing contract paperwork, memos, letters and e-mail, making phone calls and maintaining project files. This activity commences with receiving the Notice-To-Proceed, continues through submittal of the key final project deliverables, and concludes when the project’s DEER is signed and CEQA has been completed for all segments.
Attachment 5
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
Task 1.1. Project Administration
This task will include managing subconsultant contracts and planning ahead for milestones requiring joint project team effort. Our project manager will develop and maintain a Project Schedule, prepare monthly invoices and progress reports, and maintain project files. The monthly progress report will include the current schedule with a summary report of progress. It is assumed the project schedule will be updated on a monthly basis.
Task 1.2. Meetings and Coordination
This task will include coordinating and scheduling meetings, periodically checking in on subconsultant progress, assisting in communication between team members, City, and other entities, and planning ahead for milestones requiring joint project team effort. Mark Thomas will attend a project kickoff meeting with the City and hold up to 30 PDT meetings and 48 coordination meetings primarily via video conferencing (Microsoft Teams) or in person if necessary with City staff to keep the project on track.
Task 1.3. Quality Management Plan
Per the Caltrans PDPM, the implementing agency is required to develop and follow a Quality Management Plan that meets the standards of professional practice and satisfies requirements of the project scope and schedule for the DEER process. Mark Thomas will prepare a project specific Quality Management Plan to describe the quality procedures that will be implemented for work performed during the development, review and approval of the DEER. Two iterations of the Quality Management Plan are assumed.
Task 1.4. Risk Register
A Risk Register will be prepared for the project which identifies project delivery and construction risks for improvements under Caltrans jurisdiction. Mark Thomas will work with the PDT to jointly identify risks and define probability, severity, impacts, and ownership of each risk. Two iterations of the Risk Register are assumed.
TASK 1 DELIVERABLES:
• Project Schedule with monthly updates
• Monthly invoices and progress reports
• Meeting Agendas and Minutes for Kickoff Meeting, 30 PDT Meetings and 48 Coordination Meetings • Draft and Final Quality Management Plan
• Draft and Final Risk Register
TASK 2. Confirmation of Design Alternatives
This task will build upon the recently completed Feasibility Study and confirm the interchange design concept and features to be advanced into the Caltrans approval process. This scope assumes that the median running multi-use path interchange alternative is the preferred interchange improvement and will require a Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) process for project approval. Should the City wish to pursue a more complex and expensive concept which would require the full Caltrans Project Development Process (PID and PA&ED) a modified scope of service will be prepared.
The Mark Thomas team will work with the City to confirm that the minimal alternative is the preferred design concept.
Or, if it is not the preferred design, what range of concepts should be considered.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
Task 2.1. Confirm and Document Preferred Interchange Design Building upon the work completed during the Feasibility Study, Mark Thomas will refine and expand upon the median running multi-use path and develop additional design concepts for the pathway, including more detailed intersection layouts, place making, and landscape concepts (up to two (2) – one minimal and one more intricate) to improve active transportation access across the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange. The additional placemaking design alternatives will be developed such that up to 4 illustrative renders can be produced. Any new non-standard design features will be identified. Traffic Signal concepts will be developed at the ramp and Junipero Serra Blvd intersections. Mark Thomas will develop cost estimates for refined interchange median multiuse path, including landscape and placemaking features. DKS will perform operational evaluation, similar to the Feasibility Study.
Task 2.2. City Coordination to Determine Project Interchange Design The project team (Mark Thomas team and City staff) will evaluate the augmented layouts using a similar scoring criteria as the Feasibility Study. It is advised upon completion of the interchange refinement, to present the updated interchange design concept (and design options) to the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (included under Task 7) for input and guidance. Should a clear recommendation result from the project team evaluation and Stakeholder Advisory Committee input to advance the median multi-use path concept, that decision would then be taken to City Council for confirmation and the project would advance by submitting a DEER process request letter to Caltrans District 4 to use the DEER process (Task 3.1).
TASK 2 DELIVERABLES:
• 2 Refined Median Multi-use Pathway Concepts (one minimal, one more intricate) • Up to 4 visual simulation renders of landscaping and placemaking concepts • Updated Operational Evaluation
• Up to 2 Updated Cost Estimates
TASK 3. Caltrans Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) To achieve approval from Caltrans for improvements within the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange this scope assumes that the preferred alternative will be cleared under CEQA as a Categorical Exemption(CE) and that the preferred alternative at the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange will meet the criteria for use of the Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) approval process. Should the selected alternative not qualify for a DEER, Mark Thomas will work with the City to process an amendment to rescope the project for full project development.
Task 3.1. DEER Process Request Letter
Mark Thomas will prepare a signature ready letter for the City to request the use of the DEER process at the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange. The letter will include a description of the proposed interchange improvements and a narrative describing the eligibility of the improvements for the DEER process. Attached to the DEER request letter will be the DEER Process Checklist.
Task 3.2. Data Collection
Mark Thomas will gather and review available information and existing reports relevant to the project site, history, and planning context from the City and Caltrans. These may include as-built plans, planning documents, previous study reports, Caltrans route planning documents, or local and regional funding plans. This data will be reviewed and
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
incorporated in the DEER document. This task also includes a project site visit to evaluate any changes in existing conditions since the Feasibility Study.
Task 3.3. Surveying and Mapping
Mark Thomas will prepare a topographic base map and gather additional new information available data to augment previous mapping information to produce a project base map for the preliminary engineering and environmental studies.
Task 3.3.1. Topographic Survey and Mapping
The Mark Thomas will collect digital ortho rectified imagery and prepare aerial mapping of the project limits along Westborough Blvd from 200 feet west of Skyline Blvd to 200 feet east of Antoinette Lane and along Junipero Serra Blvd from 200 feet south of Avalon Drive to 200 feet north of Hickey Blvd.
Within the limits of the Interchange improvements, Mark Thomas will process aerial mapping compatible with the Caltrans A-B-C process; however, given that improvements are not anticipated to be constructed within Caltrans operating right of way, Mark Thomas will not follow the full Caltrans A-B-C proces. Mark Thomas will prepare an “A” letter or the file to document project control and datum, but will not submit to Caltrans for approval. The project will utilize the CCS 83, Epoch 2017.50 (California Coordinate System, North America Datum, 1983) Horizontal datum and the NAVD 88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988) vertical datum. Mark Thomas will perform field surveys for photo controls for mapping. Some photo control will fall within Caltrans right of way and it is assumed access to Caltrans right of way, traffic control and encroachment permits will be needed for some portion of the field survey efforts. Two (2) days of traffic control are assumed for this effort. The proposed photo control layout will be documented for the file but not submitted to Caltrans as part of the A-B-C mapping prior to actual commencement of field work. Once the GPS survey to establish horizontal and vertical controls has been performed, Mark Thomas will prepare but not submit a GPS report. This scope is limited to 11 days of fieldwork for a 2-person crew and four (4) days of fieldwork for a 3 person crew. All work will be done to Caltrans standards; however, given that a DEER process is anticipated, full A-B-C mapping approvals should not be necessary. All analysis and mapping work product will be available for Caltrans review if requested.
Task 3.3.2. Supplemental Field Topography
Mark Thomas will perform supplemental field surveys to identify and locate key features not visible in the aerial mapping. Cross sections will be performed at key locations along Junipero Serra Blvd, Westborough Blvd, and along the I-280 Westborough Blvd Interchange ramps as needed. This scope assumes one (1) day of supplemental topography. No mainline freeway survey is anticipated or scoped herein. Mark Thomas will conduct site reconnaissance to confirm data collected. It is assumed that field visits will require a two-person crew.
Task 3.3.3. Existing Utility Mapping
Mark Thomas will contact utility providers in the area to request updated information regarding their facilities. A request for Caltrans encroachment permit records for existing facilities would be made to verify the land rights through Caltrans Right-of-Way. Information received will be incorporated into the base mapping.
Task 3.3.4. Right of Way Resolution
Mark Thomas will perform a field search to locate existing monuments within the project area. Mark Thomas estimates the need to search for up to 20 monuments to delineate Caltrans right of way and local roadway right of way in the project area. Monuments will be searched for by Mark Thomas survey crews. Found monuments will be measured using a Total Station or GPS to Caltrans 3rd order standards and be included in the base map. Record information,
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
found monuments, physical evidence and any other publicly available information including written documentation will be examined and applied to resolve the location of the right-of-way line for roads within the project area. Mark Thomas will utilize the provided documents to verify existing easements and surveys, specify existing and proposed rights of way and land dedications. Right of way will be shown in AutoCAD format in a Land Net drawing. This scope is limited to one (1) day of fieldwork for a 2-person crew. We have estimated one (1) day of traffic control within other direct costs to support the effort to locate and tie monuments.
TASK 3.3 DELIVERABLES:
• Base Mapping
• Caltrans Encroachment Permit for field visits
• Right of Way Delineation in AutoCAD
• Supplemental Field Topography
• All deliverables to be submitted in .pdf format unless specifically stated otherwise Task 3.4. Preliminary Engineering
Task 3.4.1. Traffic Studies
The traffic studies for the project will include a methodology memorandum, existing conditions report, traffic forecast studies, and traffic operations analysis. The methodology memorandum, traffic study limits, traffic data review and existing conditions and calibration report are being prepared under a separate scope of work and will be used for the Traffic Operations Analysis Report (TOAR). DKS will prepare the traffic studies for the Mark Thomas team. The detailed scope of work is described in the following sub tasks.
Task 3.4.1.1. Traffic Operations Methodology Memorandum As part of the Mark Thomas team, DKS will prepare a traffic operations methodology memorandum describing the approach for the traffic study limits, existing traffic data, analysis hours and study periods, analysis scenarios for existing, opening year and design years conditions, analysis tools, measures of effectiveness (MOE’s) such as LOS, delay, queue lengths, travel time, and demand/served volumes.
The methodology memo will be circulated to the City, Caltrans and other local agencies for review and their comments, and one round of review is included in this task. After all comments have been received, DKS will finalize the memo addressing all comments.
Task 3.4.1.2. Existing Conditions Analysis
DKS will perform the following tasks under the existing conditions analysis task.
Traffic Study Limits
Traffic study limits will generally cover one upstream and downstream intersection or interchange beyond project limits to capture the upstream and downstream congestion and queuing that could have an influence on the traffic flows/circulation within the project area. Traffic study limits for the operational analysis will include roadway segments and major intersections along Westborough Boulevard and Junipero Serra Boulevard and along I-280 from Avalon Drive to Hickey Boulevard. The study intersections would include:
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
1. Junipero Serra Boulevard/Hickey Boulevard (Signal)
2. Junipero Serra Boulevard/King Drive (Signal)
3. Junipero Serra Boulevard/Arroyo Drive (Future Signal )
4. Junipero Serra Boulevard/Westborough Boulevard/NB
Ramp (Signal)
5. Junipero Serra Boulevard/Avalon Drive (Signal)
6. Westborough Boulevard/Skyline Boulevard [SR 35]
(Signal)
7. Westborough Boulevard/Callan Boulevard (Signal)
8. Westborough Boulevard/Galway Place (Signal)
9. Westborough Boulevard/Gellert Boulevard (Signal)
10. Westborough Boulevard/SB Ramps (Signal)
11. Westborough Boulevard/W. Orange
Avenue/Camaritas Avenue (Signal)
12. Westborough Boulevard/El Camino Real [SR 82]
(Signal)
13. Chestnut Avenue/Antoinette Lane (Signal)
14. Westborough Boulevard/Olympic Drive (Stop)
Traffic Data Review
Traffic turning movement data collected in July 2023 and August 2023 as part of the Feasibility Study will be used for the existing conditions analysis. No additional data collection is assumed. Traffic signal timing and phasing data for the signalized intersections will be obtained from Caltrans and/or the City.
Task 3.4.1.3. Traffic Forecast
DKS will use the most current City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County travel demand model to develop the future demand volumes for project opening year 2030 and design year 2050 for the study intersections and segments. As a first step DKS will review the base year (existing) model within the project study area and prepare model validation/verification memo for Caltrans and City approval. After getting approval of model validation from Caltrans, the approved model will be used for developing future opening year 2030 and design year 2050 demand volumes. Based on traffic volumes extracted from C/CAG model, DKS will develop the future demand volumes using the delta method by adding model growths from base year model to future year model to the existing adjusted demand volumes. Following this procedure, DKS will develop demand volumes for project opening year 2030 and design year 2050 for both No-Build and up to two Build Alternatives. A forecast memo will be prepared and submitted to City and Caltrans for their review and approval.
Task 3.4.1.4. Future Year Operations
DKS will develop existing conditions SimTraffic model to evaluate the future operations conditions. The following operational scenarios will be analyzed.
• Existing conditions analysis without improvements
• Opening year 2030 conditions without improvements (No-Build Alternative)
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
• Opening year 2030 conditions with improvements
• Design year 2050 conditions without improvements (No-Build Alternative) • Design year 2050 conditions with improvements
After completing the operations analysis, model results will be summarized for comparison and evaluation of the project benefits.
Task 3.4.1.5. Accident Data Summary (TASAS)
DKS will contact Caltrans and request collision data for the current three-year period for the project area. The collision data will be summarized and compared to statewide averages. The collision data will be summarized and shared with Caltrans and local agencies.
Task 3.4.1.6. Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT)
Per Senate Bill (SB) 743, all new projects must follow the Transportation Analysis Framework (TAF) and Transportation Analysis under CEQA (TAC) guidelines. Even though this project is not adding any new lane miles to the freeway or local roads, it is still subject to SB 743. DKS will prepare a VMT memo to get approval from Caltrans District 4 and Caltrans HQ. After getting comments from Caltrans, DKS will update and re-submit for final approval.
Task 3.4.1.7. Highway Safety Analysis
DKS will perform a safety review of the proposed improvements. The improvements will be evaluated against the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) predictive crash models to determine if a predictive analysis can be performed based on the proposed improvements. Should the HSM predictive method be able to analyze the proposed improvements then the HSM analysis tools will be used to predict crash totals for the proposed improvements and compared to the existing conditions. If the HSM predictive method is unable to capture the proposed improvements, then the safety review will encompass a qualitative analysis of the proposed improvement and their potential impact on safety. This qualitative analysis will determine if crash modification factors (CMFs) are also applicable. The safety review, along with justification for using or not using the HSM predictive method, will be summarized in a technical memorandum.
Task 3.4.1.8. Traffic Operations Analysis Report (TOAR) After completing all the analyses highlighted in previous tasks, DKS will prepare a draft TOAR summarizing the scenario results/ project benefits. The draft TOAR will be submitted to the City and Caltrans for review and comments. Once all the comments are received, a final TOAR will be prepared and submitted to the City and Caltrans for review and approval.
Task 3.4.2. Preliminary Design
Mark Thomas will develop design alternatives using the traffic forecast and demand projections and prepare geometric drawings for the preferred alternative. Various technical studies will be prepared for the preferred alternative, which are described in more detail below.
Task 3.4.2.1. Interchange Geometric Design
Based on the results of traffic forecast and demand projections, Mark Thomas will prepare a geometric layout for the median multiuse pathway within the interchange limits in the form of a Geometric Drawing (GeD). It is assumed that only intersection and pathway improvements will be proposed and that ramp modifications are not included. The geometrics will include traffic operations data and basic controlling geometric features prepared at a scale of 1” = 100’.
Roadway centerline, existing ramp alignments, lane and shoulder widths, stationing and ties, cut/fill lines, existing
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
record right of way lines, intersection details and profiles (as appropriate) will be shown. The GeD will be used to convey the project design intent, non-standard geometric features and will be attached to the DEER.
Task 3.4.2.2. Design Standard Decision Document
Mark Thomas will identify the proposed geometric features that do not meet the Caltrans design standards described in the latest Highway Design Manual (HDM). The Design Information Bulletin (DIB) 78 checklist will be completed and design features not meeting current HDM standards will be documented in the Design Standard Decision Document (DSDD). A total of three (3) submittals to Caltrans is assumed.
Task 3.4.3. Conceptual Landscape Design
Mark Thomas will prepare conceptual landscape and placemaking design plans for improvements within the median of Westborough Blvd within the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange. The plans will depict limits of and areas available for landscaping, public art, and placemaking. Areas for street furniture, bike maintenance stations, and other amenities will be identified. The concept designs will meet Caltrans design requirements but will not be comprehensive.
Conceptual interchange landscape plans will depict areas for landscape design. The actual design of art, placemaking elements, planting placement, and hardscape treatments are not included. The concept landscape plans will include an area identification plan, potential furnishing and amenity inspiration and ideation imagery and one (1) color rendered enlargement plan of a portion of the interchange median at an appropriate scale to depict locations and general concepts of the various related improvements. Draft and final exhibits will be prepared. Multiple alternatives are not anticipated.
Task 3.4.4. Right of Way/Utilities
The Right of Way/Utilities studies for the Westborough Blvd/ I-280 Interchange will include a Right of Way Data Sheet and utility impact analysis. This task includes conflict analysis and coordination with the utility companies.
Task 3.4.4.1. Right of Way Data Sheet
Based on the preferred alternative, Monument will prepare Right of Way Data Sheets in conformance with Chapter 4 of the Caltrans Manual, for inclusion within the DEER.
The Right of Way Data Sheet shall depict proposed right of way impacts, the approximate area calculations for the proposed acquisition and the property owner’s name(s).
Task 3.4.4.2. Utility Coordination & Conflict Analysis
During the project alternative screening process, Mark Thomas will complete a review of the potential utility conflicts for each alternative. This will consist of a review of the existing utility locations versus the proposed improvements.
Once the preferred alternative is determined and as required, preliminary utility conflicts will be discussed with potentially effected utility provider, and proposed solutions/relocations will be discussed and identified.
A Preliminary Utility Conflict Exhibit will be prepared showing the proposed improvements and potential utility conflicts.
This information will be used as the basis for the formal Utility Certification Process, which will take place during the PS&E phase of the project.
Task 3.4.5. Intersection Safety and Operational Assessment Process (Step 1) DKS will prepare a Step 1 Intersection Safety and Operational Assessment Process (ISOAP) memo for I-280 Westborough Blvd Interchange ramp terminal intersections. This evaluation will be based upon traffic information collected for the TEPA and will conduct safety evaluations in accordance with the Caltrans ISOAP process.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
DKS will prepare the memo per the Caltrans ISOAP Guidelines published September 2024. This includes a planninglevel screening assessment of control types, evaluation of pedestrian and bicycle access, general right-of-way and operational feasibility assessment, transit and freight assessment, and an initial safety assessment. The guidelines recommend using the FHWA Safety Performance for Intersection Control Evaluation (SPICE) tool. If this tool proves to be infeasible to use on this project, alternate Highway Safety Manual based assessments will be considered. The conclusions of this document will be primarily driven by existing data and engineering judgement to determine the feasibility of potential configurations and control methods. No new traffic data will be collected for this documentation and traffic analysis will be limited to already completed assessments and high-level screening analysis of previously untested control types to determine if they meet the future traffic control needs for the interchange.
This scope assumes that the Step 1 ISOAP will determine that roundabouts are not feasible intersection control options and that a Step 2 ISOAP is not needed.
Task 3.4.6. Preliminary Geotechnical Design Report (PGDR) PARIKH, as a part of the Mark Thomas team, will prepare a Preliminary Geotechnical Design Report (PGDR) to provide preliminary recommendations to the design team and the City as a supporting document for the DEER process. The PGDR will be prepared according to Caltrans Geotechnical Design Reports guidelines (February 2021). The proposed scope of the work consists of reviewing readily available data, including as-built Log of Test Borings from Caltrans Digital Archive of Geotechnical Data (GeoDOG) website and other readily available public agency records. The potential geotechnical/geologic impacts and mitigations will be discussed on a broad basis, including geotechnical conditions (geology, topsoil/soil survey, surface/subsurface conditions, groundwater, and seismic hazards), geotechnical design evaluations. The preliminary acceleration response spectrum and the peak ground acceleration (PGA) will be developed based on the Caltrans ARS Online website. The PGA will be used to determine if the horizontal seismic coefficient of the project site exceeds the standard design parameters. The PGDR will include discussion of Caltrans standard retaining walls if standard walls are planned. The report will also provide preliminary foundation design considerations, such as potential foundation/wall types, slope stability, and settlement. Also, pavement recommendations for the City maintained MUP will be included in the PGDR. Generally, the geotechnical evaluation relevant to the proposed project will be presented in a qualitative manner with no specific design recommendations.
Task 3.4.7. Transportation Management Plan (TMP)
Mark Thomas will prepare a Transportation Management Plan (TMP) Data Sheet for the preferred alternative. The TMP Data Sheet will identify potential traffic impacts, mitigation strategies, traffic control plan elements, construction durations, and traffic management costs associated with the construction of the project. TMP Data Sheet will utilize the TMP Data Sheet template for Consultant TMP Projects.
Request for TMP
Task 3.4.8. Risk Register
Mark Thomas will prepare a project Risk Register during the preparation of the DEER. The Risk Register will identify new risks, update previously identified risks and responses, and eliminate any risks that have been eliminated or resolved. If required, the risk register will be reviewed with Caltrans D4 staff in a workshop setting after the first submittal of the DEER.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
Task 3.4.9. Stormwater/Hydraulic/Water Quality Studies
A Storm Water Data Report long form, Water Quality Study, and Preliminary Drainage Report will be prepared for the project.
Task 3.4.9.1. Stormwater Data Report
Based on the proposed project features, it is assumed that a SWDR long form will be prepared for the DEER. The SWDR will focus on the storm water quality issues to construct the project and implementation of appropriate temporary and permanent Best Management Practices. A total of three (3) submittals to Caltrans are assumed.
Task 3.4.9.2. Preliminary Drainage Report
Mark Thomas will conduct a preliminary study of local drainage and overland flood flow conditions, obtain historic drainage information, and prepare a Preliminary Drainage Report to include existing conditions, unusual and special conditions, drainage mapping and preliminary hydraulic analysis and proposed modifications to existing drainage systems. A total of three (3) submittals to Caltrans are assumed.
Task 3.4.10. Constructability Review
Mark Thomas’ Construction Manager will perform a high-level constructability review of the preferred interchange alternative to confirm construction duration, temporary construction impacts, phasing, and other critical constructability issues so as to confirm all project impacts and costs are being properly accounted for. A constructability memo summarizing the constructability review findings will be prepared and attached to the PR. No Caltrans review is anticipated nor scope.
TASK 3.4 DELIVERABLES:
• DEER Request Letter and Checklist
• Traffic Methodology Memorandum
• Existing Traffic Conditions Analysis
• Traffic Forecast Report
• Traffic Operations Analysis Report
• ISOAP Step 1 Memo
• Exhibits for up to two (2) Alternatives
• Geometric Drawings (GeDs) for Preferred Alternative
• Design Standard Decision Document
• Ramp Metering Fact Sheet
• DIB 78 Checklist
• Right of Way Data Sheet
• GDMR
• TMP Checklist
• Storm Water Data Report
• Preliminary Drainage Report
• Constructability Memo
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
Task 3.5. Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER)
Task 3.5.1. Define Purpose and Need
Mark Thomas and the City will develop the project Purpose and Need statement. It is assumed that one brainstorming workshop will be held with Mark Thomas and the City. Mark Thomas will prepare a Purpose and Need Statement that will be reviewed and approved by City and Caltrans, assuming up to 2 iterations.
Task 3.5.2. Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) Mark Thomas will prepare a Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) based upon APPENDIX I – Preparation Guidelines for Design Engineering Evaluation Report of the Caltrans Project Development Procedures Manual and required attachments to submit to Caltrans for project design approval.
This task assumes improvements will be constructed within the existing public right-of-way.
Attachments included in the DEER include:
• Location Map
• Geometric Drawings
• 11-page Cost Estimate
• Right of Way Data Sheet
• GDMR
• TMP Checklist
• Storm Water Data Report
• Categorical Exemption/Categorical Exclusion Determination FormTOAR • ISOAP (STEP 1)
• Initial Site Assessment
TASK 4.3 DELIVERABLES:
• Administrative draft, draft DEER, and final DEER
TASK 4. Local Roadway Preliminary Design
Recognizing the improvements outside of Caltrans jurisdiction do not require approval through the Caltrans process, the improvements along Westborough Blvd and Junipero Serra Blvd will be developed and approved separately. The first tasks will be to identify the preferred configuration of bike and pedestrian improvements along Westborough Blvd.
The recently completed Feasibility Study identified multiple design concepts for Westborough Blvd west and east of I280. Once the preferred layouts of Westborough Blvd are confirmed, design refinement will be necessary. Only one design concept on Junipero Serra Blvd was identified, but design refinements (landscape buffers, accommodation of street lights, cross-walk layouts, etc), further study of intersection control (signals and roundabouts) and connectivity of the multiuse path to the selected improvements on Westborough Blvd need to be further developed.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
Task 4.1. Selection of Westborough Blvd Preferred Alternative and Junipero Serra Blvd Design Refinement
Using the concepts developed during the Feasibility Study, Mark Thomas will develop a screening and ranking criteria to be reviewed and confirmed by City staff to evaluate the various options and alternatives. The segments along Westborough Blvd will be broken into smaller segments with common characteristics that will allow the comparison of the various options. The screening and ranking criteria will be applied to each segment, considering such elements as cost, access, adjacent property impacts, bike safety, pedestrian safety, vehicular operations, and environmental impacts.
Mark Thomas will perform an initial screening and ranking of each alternative segment and will recommend a preferred corridor alternative. The ranking of the various options per segment will be available to justify the preferred layout.
Upon selecting a preferred Westborough Blvd alternative and once the multi-use pathway on Junipero Serra Blvd has been refined and updated, this scope anticipates engagement with the Stakeholder Advisory Committee and hosting a Public Workshop to build the broader support and gather input on the potential corridor designs. With the outreach in place and upon direction from City Staff, the Mark Thomas team will advance the corridor concept designs to preliminary design in order to facilitate processing of environmental documentation and ultimately Council approval of the project concepts.
Task 4.2. Westborough Blvd Preliminary Design
Mark Thomas will prepare preliminary design plans for the Westborough Blvd Corridor. Plans will include Title Sheet, Typical Sections, Layout drawings (to depict civil improvements), striping plans (with signs as needed), and conceptual signal layouts as needed. The design plans will be based upon the project traffic analysis to determine such things as turn pocket lengths and intersection lane configurations. The preliminary plans will include traffic operations data and basic controlling geometric features prepared at a scale of 1”=50’ or 1” = 100’ or as appropriate to depict improvements.
Task 4.3. Junipero Serra Blvd Preliminary Design
Mark Thomas will prepare preliminary design plans for the Junipero Serra Blvd Corridor. Plans will include Title Sheet, Typical Sections, Layout drawings (to depict civil improvements), striping plans (with signs as needed), and conceptual signal layouts as needed. The plans may also depict limits of soundwalls (plan view), utility pole relocation/accommodation, and bridge demolition limits at Clay Avenue. The design plans will be based upon the project traffic analysis to determine such things as turn pocket lengths and intersection lane configurations. The preliminary plans will include traffic operations data and basic controlling geometric features prepared at a scale of 1”=50’ or 1” = 100’ or as appropriate to depict improvements.
Task 4.4. Conceptual Landscape Design
Mark Thomas will prepare preliminary landscape and placemaking design plans for both the Junipero Serra Blvd and Westborough Blvd Corridors. The plans will depict limits of and areas available for landscape, public art, and placemaking. Locations of areas for street furniture, bike maintenance stations, and other amenities will be identified.
The concept designs will not be comprehensive but will depict areas for landscape design. The actual design of art, placemaking elements, planting placement, and hardscape treatments are not included. The concept landscape plans will include an area identification plan, potential furnishing and amenity inspiration and ideation imagery, and one (1) color rendered enlargement plan of a key or prototypical intersection or location of similar area at appropriate scales to depict locations and general concepts of the various related improvements. Draft and final exhibits will be prepared.
Multiple alternatives are not anticipated.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
TASK 4 DELIVERABLES:
• Local Roadway Design Alternatives Selection Memo
• Westborough Blvd Preliminary Plans
• Junipero Serra Blvd Preliminary Plans
• Conceptual Landscape Plans
TASK 5. ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
For expediency and efficiency in environmental review, we propose that the three project segments outside of Caltrans’ right-of-way will be environmentally cleared at the local level, with the City serving as the CEQA lead agency. No federal funding has been identified at this time, so it is assumed these three local roadway segments will be cleared under CEQA only. An approach for NEPA clearance is detailed below under an optional task, outlining a NEPA CE.
NEPA clearance may be desirable if the City intends to seek additional funding that requires NEPA clearance.
We anticipate preparing stand-alone CEQA clearance for the project segment within Caltrans right-of-way, with supporting technical studies. We assume that, based on the project funding and type, Caltrans will agree to the City taking the CEQA lead agency role on the project. Additionally, because the project does not have federal funding, there is no clear federal nexus triggering the need for NEPA clearance at this time. If Caltrans determines that the project does have a federal nexus, possibly related to the project receiving federal funding, a detailed scope for NEPA clearance will be provided. An initial scope for NEPA clearance of the project is detailed below in an optional task.
This scope assumes that the three project segments outside of Caltrans’ right-of-way will not require right-of-way acquisition and will qualify for CEQA Statutory Exemptions (SE). For the project segment within Caltrans’ right-of-way, it is assumed the selected design would be considered a multimodal project by Caltrans, not capacity-increasing, and a robust CEQA CE (Class 1, Existing Facilities) with supporting technical studies will be appropriate.
Task 5.1. Should environmental technical studies reveal that the project is not eligible for a CEQA exemption, Mark Thomas will provide a supplemental scope of service to prepare a higher level environmental document.
Environmental Studies
The following technical studies will be prepared to support preparation of a CEQA CE for the project segment including Caltrans’ right-of-way. Therefore, technical reports are scoped to meet the criteria outlined in the CEQA Guidelines Exceptions to Exemptions (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2). Other project segments are anticipated to be cleared under CEQA SEs, for which technical memorandum/studies would not be needed.
The technical reports below are, in general, designed to provide analysis that can be used to support both CEQA and NEPA environmental clearance. However, should the City or Caltrans identify the need for NEPA clearance, additional technical reporting unique to NEPA would be required (such as Section 106 compliance and Section 7). An additional scope would be provided to add these reports if and when needed.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
All technical reports would be delivered electronically, and assume one round of City review followed by two rounds of Caltrans review; one staff-level review followed by one senior-level review. • Community Impacts Assessment (CIA) Memorandum: Mark Thomas will prepare a CIA memorandum that analyses social, economic, public services, land use, and growth impacts in accordance with the current guidance from Caltrans. The memorandum will also consider whether the project might affect environmental justice communities, local land uses, businesses, neighborhoods/social cohesion, and the delivery of public services. The project is not expected to result in growth inducement. This topic will be addressed at a qualitative level in the CIA memorandum.
• Visual Impact Assessment: Mark Thomas will complete the VIA questionnaire to confirm the required level of documentation, which is anticipated to be a VIA Memorandum without visual simulations • Archeological Survey Report and Historic Property Survey Report: The Mark Thomas team will prepare an Area of Potential Effects (APE) map for review by Caltrans. Preliminary background research will include a record search of files maintained by the Northwest Information Center (NWIC) of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) at Sonoma State University, and a request for a search of the sacred lands files by the Native America Heritage Commission (NAHC). A qualified archaeologist will do a field reconnaissance of the project area, if appropriate, and prepare an ASR, followed by preparation of an HPSR. In addition, the Mark Thomas team will draft outreach letters to Native American tribes, based on a list received from the Native American Heritage Commission. The team will mail the approved letters and track responses from tribes. We assume the result of the above studies will confirm no impacts to historic, archeological, or Tribal resources. • Biological Resources No Effect Memorandum: The Mark Thomas team will conduct a field survey in support of this study. No protocol-level surveys will be completed. The memorandum will document existing conditions including any sensitive habitat areas; any known occurrences of protected species in the project vicinity; the potential for protected species to occur on the project site; and any anticipated project impacts. We anticipate this study will support the conclusion that no protected species would be affected by the project. • Initial Site Assessment: Phase I Initial Site Assessment (ISA) –Parikh will prepare a Phase I Initial Site Assessment (ISA) report for the proposed project. Generally, the ASTM recommends a one-mile radius/distance range for the data search. The objective of the ISA will be to determine the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products within the project limits. • The tasks consist of data collection and document research, including historical land use based on aerial photographs, topographic maps, and other relevant documents, and a site reconnaissance. Data will be ordered from Environmental Data Research, Inc. (EDR Inc.). No field exploration involving soil or material disturbance, or testing are included in this phase of the work. • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analysis: The project type is anticipated to be exempt from all air quality conformity analysis. An Air Quality Conformity Checklist will be prepared in support of this, and coordination with the interagency task force will be completed, if necessary, to confirm this determination. While the project type would not have the potential to increase operational greenhouse gas emissions, Caltrans requires quantification of construction-period greenhouse gas emissions for all projects.
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
TASK 5.1 DELIVERABLES:
• CIA Memorandum
• Visual Impact Assessment Memorandum
• ASR/HPSR (No Effects)
• Biological Resources No Effect Memorandum
• ISA
• Air Quality Conformity Checklist and Greenhouse Gas Analysis Task 5.2. Environmental Document
CEQA Statutory Exemptions:
For the three project segments that do not include Caltrans’ right-of-way, stand-alone CEQA Statutory Exemptions under SB 922 are anticipated to be the appropriate level of documentation. SB 922 exempts certain projects from CEQA review, including projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities as well as transit prioritization. This will provide substantial benefits in moving the project quickly into detailed design and construction because no CEQA analysis, documentation, or public review would be required.
SB 922 states that CEQA, until January 1, 2030, exempts from its requirements transportation-related projects including pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility, including new facilities, within the public right of way. There are procedural requirements before notifying the State Office of Planning and Research of the exemption.
These include holding at least three noticed public meetings in the project area to hear and respond to public comments. At least one of the three public meetings shall review the project business case and the racial equity analysis. The racial equity analysis must identify the racial equity impacts of the project, identify who will benefit from and be burdened by the project, and, where significant or disproportionate impacts exist, suggest strategies, designs, or actions to mitigate those impacts.
Mark Thomas will prepare a brief memorandum and NOE for each project segment and will provide draft and final versions to the City. Mark Thomas will then file each of the NOEs with the State Clearinghouse, should the City want support in filing. All submittals will be electronic.
If, based on the design selected for one or more of the project segments, a CEQA SE cannot be used, a separate scope and fee will be prepared for the appropriate type of CEQA documentation. This may also require additional technical reports.
CEQA Categorical Exclusion:
The project segment that includes Caltrans right-of-way is expected to qualify for a categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 - Existing Facilities which provides for the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alterations to existing structures, facilities, including interior or exterior alterations involving negligible or no expansion of use, and allows for the restoration or rehabilitation of structures to meet current standards for public health and safety. The project involves bicycle, pedestrian, and associated infrastructure improvements which amount to negligible or no expansion of use, therefore, we anticipate the project improvements within the Westborough Interchange will qualify for this exemption.
Mark Thomas will prepare a CE checklist using the most recent Caltrans CE checklist outline available on the SER. To fully describe the project and technical analysis, a CE memorandum is anticipated to be attached to the CE checklist in
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
addition to the technical studies listed above. Mark Thomas will prepare the NOE and summary sheet, in addition to the internal Caltrans routing form. We anticipate Caltrans will agree to the City serving as the CEQA lead agency. One draft CE will be provided for City review, followed by a second draft for Caltrans generalist and technical specialist review, and a third draft for Caltrans senior review. Caltrans senior comments will be addressed in the final version. Should the City desire, Mark Thomas will assist in filing the NOE with the State Clearinghouse. Additionally, Mark Thomas will assist in filing with the County Clerk’s office. All submittals will be electronic.
TASK 5.2 DELIVERABLES:
• Three (3) CEQA Statutory Exemptions and associated NOEs • One (1) CEQA Categorical Exclusion and associated NOE TASK 6. PUBLIC OUTREACH
Task 6.1. Public Participation Plan
DKS will prepare a Public Participation Plan (PPP) to outline and guide the implementation of a comprehensive program for effective community engagement. Outreach will involve a broad range of stakeholders in the public, private, and non-profit sector across many interests to ensure that diverse community needs are represented in the planning process. The PPP will include the Mark Thoms team’s approach to outreach including but not limited to:
• Public outreach purpose and objectives
• Key messages to convey to the public
• Targeted audiences and project partners
• Outreach strategies and activities
• Methods for notifying the public of engagement opportunities • Timeline of outreach activities
Task 6.2. Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) Meetings DKS will work with the City and project team to organize a Stakeholder Advisory Committee near the beginning of the project that may include representatives from partner agencies (Caltrans, San Mateo County Transportation Authority, etc.), local homeowners associations and neighborhood associations, community-based organizations, business organizations (chambers, tourist agencies, etc.), and environmental groups.
The purpose of the SAC meetings is to present the draft alternatives and subsequent iterations prior to each public workshop to ensure that the community’s diverse needs and interests are properly addressed through the design. SAC meetings may include a presentation on the project, small group discussions, feedback forms, and other activities to gather direct feedback from stakeholder representatives that will help refine the technical elements of the plan.
DKS will develop invitations that will be sent no later than three weeks prior to each SAC meeting, and will develop the meeting agenda, presentations, printed materials, and other materials as needed.
Task 6.3. Project Website
DKS will work with the City and project team to update the current project website (BikeLanesfortheBoulevards.com) with information about the next phase of the project. This will include a project description, schedule of outreach
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
events, and updated project map, made available in both English and Spanish. Regular updates will be made during the process to inform the public of project updates, key milestones, draft and final versions of project documents, and upcoming opportunities for providing input.
Task 6.4. Public Meetings/ Workshops
DKS will plan, promote, and facilitate up to five (5) in-person public meetings/workshops during the project and one virtual meeting. The DKS team will work with the City and project team to define the workshop/ meetings format and agendas in accordance with the current objectives of the planning process. Each event will include activities to engage participants’ interest, maximize opportunities for gathering input, and incorporate attendee’s feedback into the project.
The first workshop will take place early on in the planning process to notify the public of the next phase in the plan development, educate them on the purpose and objectives, and gather early feedback on the proposed alternatives The next public workshop will take place later in the process after the alternatives have been refined or narrowed down to share an update and gather additional input to help refine the preferred project alternative.
For improvements to be exempt from CEQA review, at least three noticed public meetings in the project area must be held to hear and respond to public comments on the proposed improvements. At least one of the three public meetings shall review the project business case and the racial equity analysis. This scope assumes that three of these scoped meeting will meet the requirements for the CEQA exemption.
DKS will prepare and print all items for the workshop including welcome signs, interactive and informational boards, sign-in sheets, comment cards, and fact sheets. DKS will also work with the City and project team to develop any workshop presentations, live polls, or group activities, if applicable.
Workshop Promotion
DKS will develop collateral for each public workshop, including but not limited to an event flyer, social media graphic, fact sheet, media release, and email blasts. Below is an overview of the promotional strategies that will be used for the workshops and deployed to the public no later than three weeks prior to each workshop:
• Social media posts for the City and partner channels
• Project website update
• Media release
• Flyer delivery to local businesses and organizations along the project area • Emails to stakeholders and project partners
• Email blast to the public
The actual scope of the various public outreach activities may vary depending on the needs of the project and the desire of the City. The budget established for the Public Outreach activities is an allowance and activities can be modified, expanded or reduced based on project needs within the budget allotted.
Task 6.5. Public Outreach Summary
At the conclusion of the project, DKS will develop a comprehensive public outreach summary that includes key themes that the team heard from community members and partners during the planning process. The summary will also include an overview of all outreach activities completed, strategies used to promote the various outreach activities, the number of participants, photos taken at the events, and all input collected.
TASK 6 DELIVERABLES
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
• Draft and Final Public Participation Plan (PPP)
• SAC contact list, invitations, meeting agendas, presentations, and summary memos • Project website updated content
• Meeting materials (board displays, sign-in sheets, comment cards, fact sheets, signage), promotional materials (flyers, social media graphics, media releases, email blasts), and summary memos with all feedback • Pop-up materials (board displays, banners, business cards, fact sheets, boards, signage), and summary memos with all feedback
• Comprehensive summary report with all feedback received throughout the project
ASSUMPTIONS/EXCLUSIONS
• The Caltrans improvements at the Westborough Blvd Interchange will be approved through the DEER process. • No PSR-PDS nor PR will be prepared
• Preparation of the cooperative agreement between the City and Caltrans is not included • Improvements at El Camino Real (SR82) and Skyline Blvd (SR35) will be approved with an encroachment permit during PS&E, and are not included in this scope of work • Detailed support cost estimates for future phases are not included • Scope assumes no structure design or modification
• Scope assumes a Step 2 Intersection Safety and Operational Assessment Process is not required • Pavement Life Cycle Cost Analysis is not included
• No pavement memorandum will be required – no roadway widening, only city maintained MUP • Ramp Metering Fact Sheet is not included
• Utility Potholing or remote utility locating is not included • Geotechnical testing is not included
• TOAR and all traffic analysis for project approval will be based on one build and one no-build alternative • Traffic control will be limited as detailed in the scope above • Hazardous materials testing is not included
• Preparation of permits for jurisdictional agencies is not included • Conceptual Staging Plans are not included
• No NEPA documentation
• Scope excludes FHWA coordination or preparation of a Modification of Access Request • Scope excludes mainline freeway operations analysis
• Assumes ISOAP Step 1 will eliminate roundabout intersection control • No pedestrian or bicycle counts or forecasts are included • Aerial mapping will meet Caltrans A-B-C standard within Westborough Blvd/ I-280 interchange limits, but mapping will not follow the A-B-C process
WESTBOROUGH AND JUNIPERO SERRA BLVDS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT City of South San Francisco
TASK S1. SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL TASKS:
• NEPA CE for Local Roadway Project Segments. Should the City identify Federal funding for the project, we anticipate the three local project segments would be addressed under one NEPA Categorical Exclusion with Caltrans as the NEPA lead agency. Mark Thomas would prepare a NEPA-only CE checklist for City and Caltrans review, with up to two drafts and one final version. All submittals would be electronic. • Technical Reports Supporting NEPA CE for Local Roadway Project Segments. If the need for NEPA clearance of the three local roadway segments is identified, a full scope and fee for technical reports will be provided separately. Preliminarily, the technical reporting requirements are anticipated to be similar to those scoped for CEQA clearance of the Caltrans project segment, with the addition of NEPA-only technical reports such as Section 106, Section 4(f), and Section 7.
• NEPA CE for Caltrans Project Segment. If Caltrans determines there is a federal nexus for the project, and/or the City identifies Federal funding for the project, NEPA clearance will be required. We anticipate the project would qualify for use of a NEPA CE. Mark Thomas would prepare a combined CE/CE, using the same CE Checklist noted above for project CEQA clearance. Caltrans would serve as the NEPA lead agency, and up to two additional rounds of review would be added to the scope of work. • Technical Reports Supporting NEPA CE for Caltrans Project Segment. If NEPA clearance is needed for the Caltrans project segment, the technical reports listed above in the base scope would be minorly modified and/or addenda would be added to ensure all NEPA requirements are met. Additionally, Section 106 requirements would need to be met. We anticipate this would be limited to submittal of a Finding of No Effect to the State Historic Preservation Office and receipt of their concurrence. Section 4(f) requirements are anticipated to be met with a brief memorandum with a finding of No Use. Section 7 requirements, if triggered, would be anticipated to be met with a Finding of No Effect or No Adverse Effect. Detailed technical scopes would be provided separately.