HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-25 City Council (7)THE ,e- "3JECT OF
THIS ,4EPORT
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COUNCIL PRIORITY
BV- GET 1996-98
City of Pale Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: VARIOUS
AGENDA DATE: MARCH 25, 1996 CMR:180:96
SUBJECT:BUDGET ISSUE: TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM
This is an information report and no Council action is required. The City Council has
identified traffic safety as its priority for both 1996-97 and 1997-98. The purpose of this
report is to provide information on current City programs and projects which attempt to
address this priority, and to provide Council with information on the magnitude of potential
costs for future traffic safety projects and associated funding challenges.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Responsibility for the City’s traffic safety programs is jointly shared by the Police and Public
Works Departments and the Transportation Division of the Planning Department. Funding
for the traffic programs has come, in large part, from the General Fund, supplemented by the
Street Improvement Fund (gas tax). In the past, the City has also been able to fund a modest
number of transportation improvement projects, in part with federal and state monies,
matched by some amount of local monies.
Recently, the interest/need for traffic safety projects has increased substantially, and
previously committed funding sources are no longer sufficient to meet all of the identified
needs. Compounding this is the fact that some of the traffic projects now being proposed are
the first steps leading toward future decisions that will likely involve multi-million dollar
investment decisions, for which there is, again, no identifiable funding. Therefore, staff
believes there is a need to review the current status of traffic safety projects and develop an
overall strategy that reflects financial capabilities. This is especially important, given the
significant unfunded infrastructure needs the City currently faces, as well as the challenge
to maintain, and in some cases even augment, current levels of services with limited financial
resources.
CMR:180:96 Page 1 of 13
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Staff recommends the Council set a policy direction for prioritizing current and future traffic
safety programs and projects, given limited funding and competing priorities.
BACKGROUND
Responsibility for the City’s traffic safety programs is shared between the Police (traffic
enforcement and education), Public Works (streets and sidewalks; and maintenance of traffic
projects) and Planning (Transportation Division -- traffic engineering and education)
Departments.
Police Traffic Programs
The total costs associated with the entire Police Traffic Services functional area for the
current fiscal year are $1.3 million. The City Council authorized additional General Fund
expenditures for Police Department Traffic programs. These include the addition of a traffic
safety officer position, to be added to the Traffic Team ($72,500), and a police motorcycle
program. Currently, two motor officers are using newly purchased motorcycles for traffic
enforcement purposes. Three other motor officers will have completed their training and
begin traffic enforcement through the use of their motorcycles by the end of the fiscal year.
Due to the additional training requirements and substantial equipment price increases, the
total cost of the program has been higher than originally projected. At the present time, the
costs associated with the initial training and equipping of five motor officers totals $62,000,
compared to an original estimate of $17,000. Several other programs, such as the
neighborhood speed watch and safety checkpoints, have also been initiated. Total costs for
these programs do not exceed $1,000.
In addition, Police staff is pursuing the use of automated intersection enforcement through
red light cameras. The red light system produces photographic evidence of vehicles
committing red light violations. Use of this type of system for actual enforcement purposes
was just authorized by the Legislature, effective January 1, 1996. The system consists of two
components: an integrated portable enforcement unit that can be moved from one
intersection to another; and fixed wiring and detection loops, which are installed in the
roadway, and a cabinet which is mounted on a pole. The fixed portion is installed at each
intersection at which the portable unit will be used. The unit consists of a computer, high-
speed camera, flash, digital loop signal processor and memory card system. New technology
allows an optional component to record green light speeding violations.
No funding has been requested or approved, as staff is still in the process of gathering
information. Initial capital costs are estimated to be $280,000 per intersection, assuming four
cameras per intersection (one in each direction). These costs do not include maintenance,
which would probably require staffing. Because of the prohibitive cost, staff has explored
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contracting out for this service. Staffhas learned that there are vendors who offer a turnkey
program. Under this program, the vendor pays for purchase and installation of the cameras,
as well as maintenance and the processing of the violations. In return, the vendor receives
90 percent of the citation revenue.
Streets and Sidewalks
The status of Palo Alto streets and sidewalks is discussed in a separate report on
infrastructure, titled Budget Issue: Conceptual Framework for Consideration of 1996-98
Capital Improvement Program (CMR:165:96). In summary, funding for the City’s street
resurfacing and sidewalk repair programs comes from two sources, the General Fund and
Street Improvement Fund. In the General Fund, $1 million is annually allocated from utility
user tax (UUT) revenues, along with $400,000 in non-UUT funding. The Street
Improvement Fund provides another $0.9 million to $1 million for street resurfacing.
Inadequate UUT revenue is discussed in another Budget Issues Report.
Although the Street Improvement Fund, which relies on state gas tax monies and interest
earnings, has traditionally been used primarily to fired the City’s street resurfacing program,
some monies have also been allocated each year for minor traffic or bicycle safety
improvements, or as local match for projects involving federal and state funding. In recent
years, however, the number and cost of such projects has escalated sharply, to the point that
projections now show that the Fund’s reserve balance will be totally exhausted within the "
next two years. Exhibit 1 provides a summary overview of the status of the Street
Improvement Fund. This means that, unless Council determines the prior commitment of
funding for street resurfacing should be scaled back, the General Fund will have to take on
such traffic and bicycle safety improvements, or increase its share of funding the total street
resurfacing program budget.
Traffic Engineering Capital Improvement Projects and Programs
As mentioned above, the source of fimding for some of the major traffic safety projects has
been federal and state funds received through competitive application procedures. These
totaled about $5 million over a ten-year period, for a mix of project types including
intersection improvements, railroad crossing improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities,
and mobility assistance transport services. Local fimds were used to match federal and state
funds, as well as fully fund such projects as neighborhood traffic control measures (road
bumps, street closures, islands, etc.).
At the present time, there are a number of outstanding traffic-related assignments and
proposals that, in the aggregate, would require a substantial amount of funding, well beyond
the current resources of the City. Many, but not all, of these projects involve an initial study
phase (planning and feasibility), which may be relatively modest in terms of funding
CMR:180:96 Page 3 of 13
requirements, but would lead toward capital improvement projects and services requiring
very large financial investments during the next ten years.
Projects which have either had some (though not all required) funding allocated, or which
are in the conceptual stage, are discussed below. Identified costs are those for consultants,
contractors and!or service delivery. They do not include City staff costs to administer and
manage the various phases of. the work (study, design, construction). Public Works
maintenance cost estimates are shown, however, where applicable.
Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project: This is a feasibility study to assess the various
options for providing pedestrian/bike grade separations at the CalTrain railroad tracks and
Alma Street at four different cross street locations: Meadow Drive, Charleston Road,
Churchill Avenue and Palo Alto Avenue. A draft scope of work for the feasibility study has
been prepared. A consultant to do the work has not yet been hired. The purpose of the study
is to address existing concerns about safety related to CalTrain. These concerns are likely
to intensify, as plans to operate more trains and provide increased service come to fruition.
Discussions to date have concluded that the prospects for elevating CalTrain or placing it
underground are highly unlikely. The prospect for providing full vehicle grade separations
is also unlikely. The potential for providing pedestrian and bicycle-only grade separations,
however, appears to be somewhat more realistic.
An amount of $150,000 from the Street Improvement Fund is already budgeted for the
feasibility study. The cost for design and construction of an under-crossing at any one of the
cross street locations is likely to reach $4 to $5 million or more per location ($16 to $20
million at four locations).
California Avenue Underpass Improvements: This a feasibility study for improvements to
an existing Califomia Avenue pedestrian/bike under-crossing of the CalTrain railroad tracks
and Alma Street, at the California Avenue CalTrain station. Since this study includes similar
issues and requires the same type of expertise as the Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation
Project, the two projects have been combined for this study phase. A draft scope of work for
the feasibility, planning and conceptual design phase has been prepared. A consultant to do
the work has not yet been hired. The purpose of the study is to assess various options for
improving/replacing the existing California Avenue under-crossing. The existing under-
crossing is a well utilized facility that serves as an important linkage in the City’s bikeway
network and is used as a major pedestrian connection between the residential neighborhood
east of Alma Street and the CalTrain station and California Avenue business district. The
existing under-crossing is old and has some unattractive, as well as limiting, features. The
width of the facility is quite narrow, pedestrian and bicycle conflicts occur, lighting is poor
and the general appearance is unattractive. In addition, the current facility does not meet the
CMR:180:96 Page 4 of 13
current state and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for handicapped
accessibility.
An amount of $30,000 from the General Fund is already budgeted for the feasibility study.
The order of magnitude cost for design and construction of a new under-crossing at this
location is likely to reach $2 to $3 million or more. Once completed, Public Works
Operations support is anticipated to cost $10,000 to $20,000 per year for scheduled weekly
sweeping; two to three service calls per week for broken glass, etc.; graffiti removal; sign
maintenance; energy costs, etc.
Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan: This is atrial implementation of a traffic
management plan for the Lytton Avenue neighborhood. The plans and specifications for the
trial installation are complete. The project is now in the bidding phase and installation is
scheduled to start in April 1996. The purpose of the traffic management plan is to address
concerns expressed by residents regarding the amount and speed of traffic, and a feeling that
safety, noise, comfort, and quality of life in the neighborhood are being compromised. The
trial implementation plan is the result of an extensive and collaborative study process that
assessed actual conditions, considered various alternatives, and developed a recommended
plan. Based upon past experience, it is likely that the trial implementation plan will
eventually lead to the installation of a permanent plan.
An amount of $74,000 from the Street Improvement Fund is already budgeted for the trial
installation and evaluation. If, atter the trial period is completed, a decision is made to
implement the plan on a permanent basis, the amount of additional funds could be in the
range of $150,000 or more. Public Works estimates it will require $7,500 per year to
maintain the project.
Traffic Signal System Evaluation Study: This is a study to evaluate the City’s existing
traffic signal control system, with respect to its remaining useful life and capabilities, to
address current needs and establish a recommended program for enhancement/replacement.
The scope of work for the project has been prepared. The current system and equipment are
reaching the end of their useful lives, and lack the capability to perform additional functions
important to efficient and effective traffic control and management. The study will develop
the understanding required to establish a systematic annual investment plan that will provide
the system capabilities required for Palo Alto. A consultant to do the work has not been
hired.
An amount of $100,000 from Utilities Funds is already budgeted for this evaluation study,
as part of an existing Capital Improvement Program (CIP). It is likely that the results of the
study will be a recommended improvement program costing $1 to $2 million over a period
CMR:180:96 Page 5 of 13
of several years. A sum of $300,000 is available from an already-approved federal/state
(RSTOP) application. Remaining funds are anticipated to come from the Electric Fund.
El Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project: This is a currently approved
project for which a supplemental component is proposed. The approved project involves
traffic signal modifications and related intersection improvements, to improve pedestrian and
bike safety at three locations along E1 Camino Real, which were identified in the
Meadow/Charleston School Corridor Safety Study. When the modifications that will occur
at the E1 Camino/Maybell intersection are completed, the curb and sidewalk modifications
will result in the creation of a large area behind the curb in the southeast comer of the E1
Camino Way/El Camino Real intersection. The design and implementation of a proper
treatment for this area is substantially beyond the scope and funding of the intersection
operational improvement project. Since the area is relatively large and could provide an
opportunity to implement Comprehensive Plan urban design objectives for the E1 Camino
corridor, it is proposed that this additional component be phased, to allow for full resident
and board reviews and participation.
Funding for the traffic signal improvements, in the amount of $160,000 from the Street
Improvement Fund for cost sharing with Caltrans, has been previously approved. No
funding has been approved for the large area landscaping component, the proposed budget
for which is $25,000 for design and $40,000 for construction. Public Works estimates it will
require $5,000 per year once the project is complete, for signs, striping and paving for the
already approved project.
Majorlntersection Improvements Projects : This is an ongoing capital improvement project
to design and implement traffic operational improvements and bike-related improvements
at selected intersections, per adopted Council policy resulting from the Citywide Land Use
and Transportation Study. A current project for improvements at the Page Mill~oothill/
Junipero Serra intersection is already funded. The current proposal is to pursue the Page
Mill/Hanover intersection improvement project.
The purpose of the proposed Page MillfHanover project is to provide operational
improvements for vehicles and bicyclists using this intersection. The scope of the project
includes widening Hanover Street to provide a second right-tum lane in the northbound
direction and bicycle lanes in both directions, re-striping Page Mill Road to accommodate
a second left-tum lane in both directions, replacing the old traffic signal hardware, and
optimizing the signal timing.
No funding is currently approved for the Page Mill Road/Hanover project. An amount of
$150,000 is needed for the design work which is proposed for FY 1997/98, and $500,000 for
construction which is proposed for FY 1999/00. The source of funds is the Traffic Impact
CMR:180:96 Page 6 of 13
Fee for the Stanford Research Park, subject to sufficient funds being generated in a timely
manner. This project has been submitted for federal and state funding consideration, but has
not been selected and, realistically, is unlikely to qualify (i.e. rate high enough in the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s regional evaluation).
In addition, there are several more major intersection improvement projects, yet to be
designed and constructed. These include: Oregon Expressway/Middlefield Road, Page Mill
Road/El Camino Real, and Foothill/Arastradero/Hillview/Miranda. These projects are
currently estimated to cost $5 to $7 million or more.
Citywide School Commute Safety Study: Phase 1 is the current study to evaluate existing
school commute safety issues in the north part of the City. The study will be completed in
mid-1996. It is likely that this Phase 1 study will result in a series of recommendations, some
of which would require new funding for implementation of physical changes and/or services.
The purpose of the Phase 1 study is to identify traffic issues and concerns related to school
commute corridors and commute safety for Palo Alto students traveling to and from school;
and to develop recommendations to improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety; and
reduce conflicts, accident potential, and traffic congestion along school commute routes. The
Phase 1 study portion is already fully funded ($45,000) from the General Fund as part of the
City’s 1995-96 operating budget.
The purpose of Phase 2 would be to address the same issues as Phase 1, but for the south part
of the City. The Phase 2 study will be included in the City Manager’s Proposed 1996-98
Budget ($50,000). The study is planned to start in the fall of 1996 and be completed in mid-
1997. It is likely that this Phase 2 study will result in a series of recommendations, some of
which would require new funding for implementation of physical changes and/or services.
At this time, it is premature to estimate the costs associated with any recommendations that
will be forthcoming from the study - Phases 1 and 2 - except to suggest that it may likely be
some hundreds of thousands of dollars (i.e., plus or minus $300,000), rather than tens of
thousands. Public Works maintenance support is estimated to total $9,000 to $12,000 per
year.
Truck Route and Weight Limit Project: This is a proposed study to investigate the
feasibility of changes to the City’s truck regulations, including reduction in the existing truck
weight limit, and/or changes to the existing designated truck route system. A draft scope of
work has been prepared for the study. A consultant to do the work has not been hired. The
purpose of-this study is to address concerns expressed by residents living along University
Avenue and Embarcadero Road regarding the number, size, speed and related impacts of
trucks. The study is to provide the information regarding: (1) the impacts of reducing truck
weight limits on streets that are proposed to be classified as a residential arterial, (2) the
CMR:180:96 Page 7 of 13
possibility of Oregon Expressway being designated as a truck route, with or without a change
in the weight limits, and (3) whether and how the City can work with neighboring cities to
develop a broad area, multi-jurisdictional approach to track traffic on this portion of the
Peninsula. The study is intended to provide a technical information base and a public process
that will enable an informed and constructive discussion and analysis of truck-related issues
and options, and provide the basis for consideration of possible changes to the City’s truck
regulations.
No funding is currently approved for this project. An amount of $125,000 will be required
for the study. The results of the study are likely to concern regulatory changes, signing
changes and increased enforcement requirements, rather than major infrastructure costs. If
implemented, the cost for signing changes would probably be over $30,000. A reduction in
the track weight limit will affect many more tracks and, therefore, will require a higher level
of enforcement activity if it is to be effective. The Police Department is not able to predict
at this time how it will accommodate that additional workload.
Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project: This proposed program would develop,
design and construct physical changes to five arterial roadways (Embarcadero Road,
University Avenue, Charleston Road, Arastradero Road, and Middle field Road) that are
proposed to be designated as "residential arterial" in the new Comprehensive Plan. A draft
scope of work for the feasibility, planning and conceptual design phase has been prepared.
A consultant to do the work has not been hired. The purpose of this project is to address
concerns expressed by residents liv~ing along arterial streets that are bordered by residential
neighborhoods, by developing, designing and constructing physical changes and street
improvements, to reduce the impact of traffic and improve the quality of life along the
residential arterial streets. The intent of the project is to reduce traffic speed, calm traffic,
improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, and enhance the aesthetic character of these streets,
but not to appreciably reduce traffic volumes or to alter current traffic patterns. The types
of improvements to be considered include improvements such as landscaped medians,
gateways, intersection treatments, traffic signal changes and visual variations.
No funding is currently approved for this project. An amount of $250,000 is estimated to be
required for the feasibility and planning work for five residential arterials and schematic
design work for one. Subsequent schematic design work for the other four residential
arterials will require in the range of an additional $200,000. The order Of magnitude cost for
final design and construction of physical changes to each of the five residential arterials (12
miles of roadways) is likely to reach $800,000 to $1,000,000 million per mile, or $10 to $12
million for all five residential arterials. For Embarcadero Road alone, the design and
construction costs would probably reach $2 to $3 million. Public Works support is estimated
to cost $30,000 per year.
CMR:180:96 Page 8 of 13
Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team"): This is a long-range project
to bring about a major land use and circulation plan for the area centered around the Palo
Alto Caltrain Station and the University Avenue/Alma Street/railroad underpassA~l Camino
Real facilities. Funding requirements for this proposed project include: $400,000 to bring
the project through the schematic design and environmental review stage; $6 million for the
preliminary and final design work; and $28 million for construction. An amotmt of $200,000
in Petroleum Violation Escrow Account (PVEA) funds has been made available though state
legislation, but is still subject to successful grant application and approval steps. This money
is on a reimbursable basis and, therefore, would require up-front financing from other City
funds, with reimbursement to follow as funds are expended and billed. There are also some
preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of increasing the funds for this project up
to $400,000, by solicitation of funds from other entities (Joint Powers Board, Stanford
University, County Transit), as well as possibly $50,000 in additional funding from the City
of Palo Alto.
CMA Annual City Membership Dues: These are dues paid by the City of Palo Alto to the
Santa Clara Transportation Agency for the City’s share of the countywide Congestion
Management Program. Several years ago, the City approved the Joint Powers Agreement
which precipitated the formation of the Congestion Management Agency (CMA), and has
since remained an active member at both the policy and technical level. The primary goal
of the CMA is to ensure that traffic in Santa Clara County improves, or at least does not
worsen, as population increases. Annual membership dues for the City of Palo Alto are
approximately $73,000. The source of funding to date has been the Street Improvement
Fund.
Neighborhood (Local & Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program: This proposed
program would establish and formalize City policies and programs relating to the protection
of neighborhood streets from impacts of vehicular traffic. The purpose of this proposed
traffic calming program is to be more responsive to resident concerns about traffic problems
on local and collector streets. The proposed program, as currently drafted, would establish
defmed formal procedures, criteria, and funding, in order to respond efficiently and fairly to
residents’ concerns regarding speeding, inappropriate through-traffic volumes, and accidents
on local and collector streets. City Council involvement would be focused on the more
complex traffic calming projects.
Currently, funding for traffic calming measures has occurred on an ad hoc basis at the
conclusion of Council-assigned neighborhood traffic studies, through the Budget
Amendment Ordinance process rather than the annual BudgetiCIP process. The proposed
program recommends establishing an annual ongoing budget of $100,000 per year, as part
of the CIP, for design and installation of such devices. Funding has not been identified,
however. Public Works support is estimated at $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
CMR:180:96 Page 9 of 13
Local Bus Shuttle System: This proposed program would establish a community based,
local bus system serving Palo Alto residential neighborhoods and local area destinations
(commercial areas, transit stations, schools, cultural and social centers, etc.). The purpose
of this program is to provide Palo Alto residents with a convenient, user friendly bus system
that will serve as an attractive alternative to the automobile, as well as provide improved
mobility to persons without access to an automobile. The intent is to work with Stanford
University staff to develop and implement an expansion and/or extension of its Marguerite
bus service, through appropriate service delivery and cost sharing arrangements. The
Marguerite system provides user-friendly, convenient service and does it at a lower cost than
other bus systems.
No funding is currently approved for this project, other than a City payment to Stanford
University of $14,000 each year for the past several years, as a share of the cost for the
Marguerite noon-time shuttle service between the Stanford University campus and downtown
Palo Alto. In order to establish an effective "Marguerite style" service for Palo Alto,
planning and design work of $50,000 to $100,000 is required, and service start-up costs in
the range of $100,000 to $300,000 per year are required. A local bus system that provides
a reasonable level of service frequency and geographic coverage throughout Palo Alto is
likely to cost $1 to $2 million.per year, or more. There is no identifiable source of funds for
this service, other than the General Fund, parking-related charges, or some new source. No
appreciable portion, if any, would be offset by passenger fares.
Traffic Education Program: This proposed trial program would develop and implement a
two-year, multi-faceted education program aimed at informing and influencing drivers’
perspectives, decisions and behavior regarding traffic management, operations and safety
issues in Palo Alto. The purpose of this project is to complement enforcement and
engineering efforts with education, as part of a comprehensive strategy to address traffic
concerns. The scope of the project will be to identify primary issues, gather existing
information, formulate a strategic plan for education and develop materials and action plans
for implementation. Examples might include: a transportation plan brochure that consoli-
dates and effectively communicates Palo Alto’s comprehensive multi-faceted approach to
traffic management and safety and provides guides to how the public can help reduce traffic
impacts; or a campaign to challenge people to "respect the law" -- speed limits, red lights,
stop signs, basic courtesies -- through the schools, newspapers, and focused public
awareness.
No funding is currently approved for this project. An amount of $50,000 will be required for
the first year and $25,000 for the second year. If this approach is shown to be effective, an
expanded ongoing program could require $100,000 per year.
CMR:180:96 Page 10 of 13
Bicycle Plan and Route Map Project: This is a proposed project that would develop a
bicycle plan and bike route map for Palo Alto, to promote and encourage greater use of
bicycles and to maintain eligibility for state Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding.
The purpose of this project is to prepare a complete bicycle plan, including an update of the
bikeway master plan, and produce improved, more detailed, multiple-color bicycle routes
map, which would be more useful to current bicyclists, promote and encourage greater use
of bicycles, and more appropriately reflect the community’s commitment to bicycle
transportation, as well as meet eligibility requirements for state TDA funds established by
the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
No funding is currently approved for this project. An application for 1996/97 state TDA
funds was submitted in January 1996. The proposed budget for this project is $40,000. The
project is eligible for reimbursement from state TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval
and TDA funding limitations.
Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project: This is a proposed project to
renovate an existing pedestrian/bike bridge crossing on Adobe Creek at the end of Wilkie
Way. The pedestrian/bike bridge was constructed in 1974 and has deteriorated over the past
twenty years. The deck has warped and weathered unevenly, and the riding surface has
deteriorated, as have the railings and beams of the bridge. In order to improve the safety of
the bicyclists and pedestrians who use the bridge, and preserve the bridge’s long-term
viability, substantial renovation is required. The recommended project includes repair of the
existing wood plank deck and an overlay of a plywood non-skid surface, installation of a new
ADA-standard railing, and other related improvements.
Design costs of $30,000 are included in the 1996-97 CIP. An application for 1996/97 state
TDA funds was also submitted in January 1996, requesting reimbursement of $30,000 for
the design portion of the project and indicating intent to request 1997/98 state TDA funds in
the amount of $110,000 for construction. This project is eligible for reimbursement from
state TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval and TDA funding limitations. Public Works
support is estimated to cost $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
Arastradero Road Bike Lane Project: This proposed project is to widen Arastradero Road
by five feet, for a distance of approximately 300 feet, in order to install on-street bike lanes
along a segment of Arastradero Road adjacent to Gunn High School. The purpose of this
proposed project is to provide a missing link in the on-street bike lane network along
Arastradero Road, adjacent to the Gunn High School site, thereby removing the existing
disincentive to bicycle commuting along this main access corridor and providing for
improved and safer bicycle access to Gunn High School, the Stanford Research Park, and
other destinations. The project involves the replacement of existing sidewalk bike paths with
on-street bike lanes in both directions. This would require widening of the roadway by 5 feet
CMR:180:96 Page 11 of 13
for a distance of approximately 300 feet in advance of Miranda Avenue, to accommodate the
installation of the westbound bike lanes, relocation of a right-turn lane, and landscaped
planting area and sidewalk.
No funding is currently approved for this project. An application for 1996/97 state TDA was
submitted in January 1996, indicating intent to request 1997/98 state TDA funds in the
amount of $35,000 for the design portion of the project and intent to request 1998/99 state
TDA funds in the amount of $150,000 for construction. This project is eligible for
reimbursement from state TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval and TDA funding
limitations.
Public Works maintenance is estimated to cost $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
Other Projects: Finally, there are several major ongoing similar transportation related
projects that are in progress (design and construction), which are already fully funded or
would be through an assessment district. These include:
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Alma Street Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Project
Embarcadero Pedestrian/Bike Bridge and Path Project
Page Mill/Foothill Intersection Improvement Project
Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study
FISCAL IMPACT
Exhibit 2 shows all of the projects discussed in this report, along with related costs.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1 Street Improvement Fund Summary
Exhibit 2 Traffic Safety Programs Project Descriptions
CMR:180:96 Page 12 of 13
PREPARED BY: Marvin Overway, Chief Transportation Official
Emily Harrison, Deputy City Manager, Administrative ServicesLynne Johnson, Assistant Police Chief~
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL:~__~~ ,
Chris Durkin,
Chief of Police
Ken Schreiber, Director,
Planning and Community
Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: ¯
Harrison
Deputy City Manager,
,dministrat~ervices
try Manager ~
CC: rda
CMR:180:96 Page 13 of 13
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