HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Andersen Dr At-Grade CrossingC
7 �
SAN RAFAEL Agenda Item No: 8.b
THE CITY WITH A MISSION Meeting Date: December 19, 2016
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Prepared by: Bill Guerin, City Manager Approval:
Public Works Director
File No.: 18.01.79
TOPIC: ANDERSEN DRIVE/SMART AT -GRADE CROSSING
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR A NEW AT -GRADE
CROSSING AT ANDERSEN DRIVE, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF SUCH AT -GRADE
CROSSING.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the plan,
specification, and estimate, and authorize the City Manager to submit an application to the
California Public Utility Commission for a new At -Grade rail crossing at Andersen Drive.
BACKGROUND:
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART)
In 2006, the voters of Marin and Sonoma County passed the Measure Q sales tax funding the
development of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) commuter rail service along the
former Northwestern Pacific Railroad Right -of -Way (NWP Mainline ROW, now SMART ROW).
Based on available funding, the construction of SMART has been planned in phases. Phase 1
(referred to as the "Initial Operating Segment"), which covers the rail service from Sonoma
County Airport to Downtown San Rafael, is currently under construction and is expected to be
completed and operating in the spring of 2017.
SMART staff informed the City of its intent to proceed with Phase 2, which includes the
extension of commuter rail service from downtown San Rafael to Larkspur Landing. There is
one segment of the SMART ROW where Andersen Drive, a public City street, crosses at -grade
with the rail line. As summarized below, the City of San Rafael is responsible for designing,
funding and securing the needed permits/approvals for this rail crossing with Andersen Drive. If
crossing improvements are not finalized before the initiation of train operations, Andersen Drive
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: 245 x 9-11-5 x 4-3-619
Council Meeting: 12/19/2016
Disposition: Resolution 14255
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
would be closed at this location to accommodate the train.
History of Andersen Drive
In the mid-1990s, the City identified a need to improve the connection between downtown San
Rafael and Bellam Blvd. which serves the Canal neighborhood, I-580, the Richmond -San Rafael
Bridge and US -101. This effort culminated in the construction of Andersen Drive in 1997. In
1995, the City of San Rafael filed an application to the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC) to allow Andersen Drive to cross the rail tracks. At that time, the Northwestern Pacific
Railroad line was not active. On July 16, 1997 the CPUC filed Decision 97-07-055 which
approved the crossing with five conditions. The second condition states as follows:
2. This authorization to blockade the tracks shall expire upon the scheduling of
regular train service over the tracks which intersect Andersen Drive. Upon such
expiration of authority, the City shall take all actions necessary to ensure the unimpeded
use of the intersection by the rail service, absent further order of the Commission.
SMART has identified funding for the Larkspur extension and completed their 30% design level
plans for the Larkspur Extension which will include crossing Andersen Drive. Based on the
proposed activation of the rail across Andersen, the City of San Rafael is legally obligated to
ensure unimpeded use of the intersection by SMART.
Andersen Drive Status
Andersen Drive is a heavily traveled, two lane arterial, oriented in a general
northbound/southbound direction. The roadway is skewed approximately eleven degrees in
relation to the adjacent SMART rail line and ROW. Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volumes on
Andersen Drive, which were collected in 2008, indicate over 15,000 vehicular trips north of
Francisco Boulevard West, and over 24,000 trips south of Francisco Boulevard West.
Andersen Drive is a major bicycle commute route featuring Class II bike lanes in both directions
and a wide sidewalk on the west side of the road. The Class II bike lanes provide non -
motorized access between Downtown San Rafael and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal via the
recently constructed bridge over Auburn Street and the Cal Park Hill Tunnel.
Status of SMART Rail Service to Larkspur Landing (Phase 2)
SMART plans to utilize a design -build approach to the construction of the Larkspur Extension
and has completed the development of 30% conceptual level plans which will be used by the
design/build contractor to construct the project. SMART anticipates awarding the Design/Build
contract for construction of the Larkspur Extension in the 2017 and anticipates completing the
construction by the end of 2018.
SMART's proposed Larkspur Extension would bring thirty trains through Andersen Drive on a
daily basis, with the majority of the trips made during San Rafael's peak commute hours
between 7:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Consequently, SMART put the City on
notice that Phase 2 will be proceeding and that approvals for a crossing at Andersen Drive
would need to be pursued and secured.
SMART/Andersen Drive Rail Crossing Alternatives
In preparation for extending the SMART rail service to Larkspur Landing, San Rafael identified
and studied seven alternatives to accommodate a rail service crossing at Andersen Drive. The
analysis of these alternatives was presented in the City of San Rafael -Andersen Drive -Report
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
on Analysis of Alternatives to Accommodate Rail Service, Final Report, prepared by the City of
San Rafael Department of Public Works (January 2015). This report is posted on the City's
SMART webpage and can be accessed via the following link:
http:Hdocs.citvofsanrafael.orq/CitvMariSMARTiAppendix%20A%20Alternatives%20Analvsis%2
Ofor%20Andersen%20 Drive%20Crossinq. pdf
The seven crossing alternatives are:
1. Grade Separated Crossing (Alternative 1)
2. At -Grade Crossing with Chicane (Alternative 2)
3. Closure of Andersen Drive (Alternative 3)
4. One -Way Southbound Bypass via Woodland Avenue (Alternative 4)
5. Two -Way Bypass via Woodland Avenue (Alternative 5)
6. At -Grade Crossing with Additional Storage Capacity (Alternative 6)
7. Two -Way Bypass via Woodland Avenue with Andersen Connecter (Alternative 7)
In 2015, a seventh alternative (Alternative 7) was prepared in response to a specific public
request. Alternative 7 involves re-routing Andersen Drive, just northward of the SMART rail
crossing. This alternative includes connecting Andersen Drive to Woodland Avenue and having
an at -grade crossing more perpendicular to the rail.
Project Description — Alternative 6 At -Grade Crossing
Each crossing alternative was evaluated A&
according to five criteria: traffic impacts;
cost; feasibility; safety; and timing (schedule u►NDAVE , "�
for readiness). The analysis concluded that
the City should pursue Alternative 6, At -
Grade Crossing with Additional Storage
Capacity. The assessment found that
Alternative 6 would provide a safe, relatively °"a"eDe`e``' -
low cost crossing while also providing _ �- r •: f
minimal impact to the surrounding roadway
network. Initial estimates indicate that this rF�,
alternative also fits within the City's existing
budget, is feasible, and can be constructed within the existing timeline for rail service
operations. Alternative 6 involves the construction of an at -grade crossing of Andersen Drive
and SMART's tracks in a configuration that retains the existing 11 degree roadway and track
geometry, as depicted in the figure above.
SMART has communicated with the City that their commuter rail service will be restricted to 15
MPH through the Andersen Drive crossing, which is enforced by the railroad's Positive Train
Control system.
On May 18, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution number 13930 authorizing the City
Manager to enter into an agreement with AECOM to prepare environmental documentation for
the Andersen Drive at Grade crossing.
On September 21, 2015 the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
execute an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Andersen Drive Rail
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
Crossing Improvements project. Since that time, our consultant has been working diligently on
the design and coordinating this effort with SMART.
On February 1, 2016, the City Council of the City of San Rafael adopted Resolution Nos. 14065
and 14066 for the Andersen Drive/SMART At -Grade Crossing Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration and approved the project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
On May 16, 2016, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute
a consultant agreement to assist with the development of the design as well as to initiate
preliminary review proceedings with CPUC regarding this project. CPUC staff, who reviewed
the preliminary plan and later reviewed the 100% plan set, did not have an objection to moving
the design to the next step which is to make an official submittal to the CPUC.
The plan for the At -Grade crossing includes active grade crossing warning devices, which are
quiet zone ready. The project also includes a separated pedestrian and bicycle path, which
channels pedestrians and cyclists to cross perpendicular to the rail. Grade crossing warning
devices connected to the rail system as well as the south bound 101 on ramps at Francisco
Blvd. are included to manage vehicular traffic. In addition, advance preemption in the form of a
pre -signal, will stop traffic from entering the crossing area and prevent further queuing in the
crossing. For the majority of the time, there will be no impacts to vehicles, bicycles or
pedestrians.
The development of the 100% design level plans, specifications, and estimates has been
completed. In addition, CPUC staff has performed an initial review of these documents. The
next step in the process includes submitting an application to the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) for final approval of this At -Grade Crossing.
Kimley-Horn and Associates has also performed an additional review of the crossing and
examined whether the installation of a grade separated structure is possible. Staff anticipates
submitting this study with our application to the CPUC.
I_1►111 W&I6--5
Relationship to the San Rafael General Plan 2020
The SMART rail line service is addressed in several elements of San Rafael General Plan 2020.
When that document was adopted by the City in 2004, SMART had been formed, prior to the
passage of Measure Q. As proposed, the project would be consistent with key General Plan
policies and programs specific to SMART and Andersen Drive.
A hard copy of the completed Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration has been posted on
the City's website and SMART webpage, which can be accessed for review via the following
link: htti)://www.citvofsanrafael.orq/i)ubworks-r)roi-smart/.
The CPUC process to approve this crossing will take a minimum of 6 months and could last
more than a year. The City's consultant has worked diligently with CPUC staff to review and
explain the project. Pending this evening's approval, our consultant team will continue to
pursue CPUC approval of this crossing.
PUBLIC OUTREACH AND NOTICING:
As noted above, the CEQA Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was
properly noticed and adopted on February 1, 2016.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Since that time, the Department of Public Works staff and our consultants have been working
closely with SMART staff to develop construction level plans for the project. In addition, the
Department of Public Works staff has presented this plan to the City of San Rafael Bicycle
Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and has recently made a presentation to the City of
San Rafael Planning Commission regarding the Larkspur Extension.
Additional outreach will be pursued as the project moves closer to construction. The
construction of this rail crossing will require closing Andersen Drive for a period of several
months. Closure notifications will be forwarded to the community, transit agencies, CalTrans
and the general public.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The following summarizes current project #11276 funding:
Funding Source I Amount
Successor Agency Bonds (2002 Bonds) $1,459,395
Successor Agency Bonds (2009 Bonds) $594,608
Successor Agency Bonds (1999 Bonds) $30,746
Additional Allocation — Traffic Mitigation Funds (Fund #246) $3,107,228
Total Funding $4,891,977
Public Works and the consultant team associated with this project are developing a 100%
construction ready plan, specification and estimate for the project. While actual construction
costs may vary depending upon a variety of factors, we estimate the cost of construction of the
At -Grade rail crossing to be $4,000,000. This estimate includes a 15% contingency for
construction.
Exaenses
Category -Eden Expense Code I Amount I Note(s)
Environmental Document
Design -01
Design -01
Construction
Construction Management
Total Expenditure
$109,289 AECOM - Actual
$507,688 Kimley-Horn Associates - Actual
$75,000 Nader Mansourian - Actual
$4,000,000 Estimated (*)
$500,000 Estimated (*)
$5,191,977 Estimated
(*) The numbers stated are estimates and no appropriation is requested at this time. Funding
appropriation will be requested when the construction contract is awarded or when a Memo of
Understanding with SMART to construct this crossing is executed.
We anticipate utilizing SMART's contractor to construct the improvements. This will allow for
more coordinated construction operations since SMART needs to install similar equipment and
perform similar track work and crossing improvements at other locations throughout the
Larkspur extension. An additional agreement will need to be developed with SMART for this
purpose.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options:
1. Adopt the resolution as proposed;
2. Modify the current resolution per the council recommendations;
3. Reject the At -Grade Crossing with Additional Storage Capacity (Alternative 6) and
instruct staff to pursue the closure of Andersen Drive rail crossing in compliance with
CPUC Decision 97-07-055. This option is not recommended.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the attached resolution approving the plans and specification and authorizing the City
Manager to submit an application to the California Public Utilities Commission for a new At -
Grade Rail Crossing at Andersen Drive.
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 14255
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR A NEW AT -GRADE
CROSSING AT ANDERSEN DRIVE, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES
COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF SUCH AT -GRADE CROSSING.
WHEREAS, on July 16, 1997, the California Public Utilities Commission filed
Decision 97-07-055 which allowed the construction of Andersen Drive across the North
West Pacific Rail Tracks with five conditions; and
WHEREAS, on May 18, 2015 the City Council of the City of San Rafael adopted
Resolution No. 13930 approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with AECOMM to prepare the environmental documentation for the
Andersen drive At -Grade Crossing; and
WHEREAS, on September 21, 2015 the City Council of the City of San Rafael
adopted Resolution No. 14015 approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute
an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the design of the Andersen
Drive At -Grade Crossing; and
WHEREAS, on February 1, 2016 the City Council of the City of San Rafael
adopted Resolution Nos. 14065 and 14066 for that Andersen drive/SMART AT -Grade
Crossing Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and approved that project's
mitigation monitoring and reporting program; and
WHEREAS, on December 9, 2016 the Plans, Specifications and Estimate for the
following project
"ANDERSEN DRIVE REHABILITATION"
PROJECT NO. 11256
for an At -Grade Crossing at Andersen Drive, Alternative No. 6, were reviewed and
approved by the City Engineer; and
WHEREAS, the next step in the process is to submit an application to the
California Public Utilities Commission for its approval of the aforementioned At -Grade
Crossing;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
RESOLVES as follows:
1. The Plans, Specifications, and Estimate are approved for the Andersen Drive
At -Grade Crossing, Alternative No. 6, on file with the City Clerk; and
2. The City Manager is authorized to submit an application to the CPUC for
the Andersen Drive At -Grade Crossing, for Alternative No. 6; and
3. The City Manager is hereby authorized to take any and all such actions
and make changes as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of this
Resolution.
I, ESTHER BEIRNE, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting
of the Council of said City held on the 19th day of December, 2016, by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Bushey, Gamblin & Mayor Phillips
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Colin and McCullough
�' &-_ . ,4
ESTHER BEIRNE, City Clerk
ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM
INSTRUCTIONS: Use this cover sheet with each submittal of a staff report before approval
by the City Council. Save staff report (including this cover sheet) along
with all related attachments in the Team Drive (T:) --> CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEMS 4 AGENDA ITEM APPROVAL PROCESS 4 [DEPT -
AGENDA TOPIC]
Agenda Item #
Date of Meeting: 12/19/2016
From: Bill Guerin
Department: Department of Public Works
Date: 12/5/2016
Topic: Andersen Drive/SMART At -Grade Crossing
Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Rafael approving the Plans and
Specification and Authorizing a new At -Grade Crossing at Andersen Drive, and Authorizing the City
Manager to submit an applicationm to the california public utilities commission for the approacl of such
At -Grade Crossing.
Type: ® Resolution ❑ Ordinance
❑ Professional Services Agreement ❑ Other: Staff Report
APPROVALS
® Finance Director
Remarks: Van Bach -Approved (with suggested changes to funding in Staff Rep)
® City Attorney
Remarks: Reviewed and commented on the Staff Report - LG; Approved Staff Report and
Resolution with minor changes. ETD 12/13/16;
❑ Author, review and accept City Attorney / Finance changes
Remarks:
® City Manager
