City of Sunnyvale
Agenda Item
17-1209 Agenda Date: 2/16/2018
2018 COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
NUMBER
DPW 18-07
TITLE Feasibility of Acquiring Control of Caltrans Traffic Signals on El Camino Real
BACKGROUND
Lead Department: Public Works
Support Departments: Office of the City Manager
Office of the City Attorney
Sponsor(s): City Manager
History: 1 year ago: N/A
2 years ago: N/A
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
What precipitated this study?
The recent National Citizen Survey (NCS) ranked traffic congestion as one of the top concerns for the residents of Sunnyvale. One of the areas of concern is El Camino Real, a major arterial that carries the second highest traffic volume in Sunnyvale, after Mathilda Avenue. The thirteen traffic signals along El Camino Real within the jurisdiction of Sunnyvale, except at Mathilda Avenue, are maintained and operated by Caltrans. There have been some delayed responses by Caltrans to the operational and maintenance needs of these traffic signals. By acquiring control for the operation and maintenance of these signals, the City could improve traffic flow at signalized intersections on El Camino Real by integrating the signals into the City’s recently deployed Advanced Adapted Traffic Management System (AATMS). Since deployment of the City’s AATMS, the traffic flow on Mathilda Avenue, Sunnyvale-Saratoga Avenue and Wolfe Road have improved. With a fully integrated system, the traffic flow on El Camino Real and the City arterial streets would improve.
In addition, the City would be able to deploy other advanced intelligent transportation technologies like travel time and delay monitoring systems, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), and respond expeditiously to the community’s traffic concerns on El Camino Real.
What are the key elements of the study?
The study will review the relinquishment requirements and assess the feasibility of taking over the maintenance and operations of all the traffic signals on El Camino Real within Sunnyvale that are currently under Caltrans jurisdiction. However, many of these signals will require upgrades before integration into the City’s AATMS. Cost estimates will be part of the analysis and must include required equipment upgrades, interconnect communication system, annual traffic signal equipment maintenance and operation costs. The study would evaluate whether additional staff resources were needed, and consider the capabilities of the City’s Traffic Management Center. The study will
Attachment 1
17-1209 Agenda Date: 2/16/2018
determine existing deficiencies in the traffic signals, and will identify possible upgrades along with potential funding sources of all the project costs including additional traffic fees, operating budget and grants. The study will also evaluate similar projects by other jurisdictions and report any foreseeable issues that may arise from this effort. Close coordination with Caltrans will also be required as part of the study.
Estimated years to complete study: 2 years
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost to Conduct Study
Level of staff effort required (opportunity cost): Major Funding Required for Non-Budgeted Costs: $250,000
Funding Source: Will seek budget supplement
The cost associated with this study will be for consultant services, which include Caltrans policies review and coordination, a review of similar projects in other jurisdictions, needed traffic signal improvements and upgrades, maintenance and operating costs, and traffic signals interconnect and integration with the City’s AATMS. City staff will work with the consultant to determine the feasibility of the project.
Cost to Implement Study Results
Unknown. Study would include assessment of potential costs, including capital and operating, as well as revenue/savings.
EXPECTED CITY COUNCIL, BOARD OR COMMISSION PARTICIPATION Council-Approved Work Plan: No
Council Study Session: No
Reviewed by Boards/Commissions: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Support. This policy issue merits discussion at the 2018 Study Issues Workshop.
Acquiring control of the operation and maintenance of the traffic signals on El Camino Real within Sunnyvale from Caltrans would allow the City to better manage traffic on El Camino Real, respond quickly to the traffic signal issues and ultimately improve traffic flow through this major corridor.
Prepared by: Wayne Tanda, Interim Director, Public Works Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Interim Assistant City Manager Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
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