HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW NTPP Preferred Design AlternativesCITY
Agenda Item No: 11
Meeting Date: October 19, 2009
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Public Works
Prepared by: O "/a��s ity Manager Approval•
., Director of Public Works (JD,LM)
File No.: 16.01.241.01
SUBJECT
Request City Council to accept City staff and Consultants' "preferred design alternatives" and
authorize staff to proceed with the design of bicycle and pedestrian facilities for the Francisco
Boulevard East Non -Motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) Project (Project No.
11114).
RECOMMENDATION
Accept "preferred design alternatives" and direct staff to proceed with preparation of the design
plans and specifications.
BACKGROUND
Context
The Non -motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) is a component of the federal
transportation bill SAFETEA-LU (Section 1807) that allocated $25 million each to Marin
County, California; Sheboygan County, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Columbia,
Missouri. The purpose of (NTPP) is to demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking
can carry a significant part of the transportation load, and represent a major portion of the
transportation solution, within the four selected communities by 2010.
The Marin County NTPP overall is administered by the County, and the local agencies are
responsible for completion of their specific projects, including complying with federal -aid
processes. In June, 2007, the City of San Rafael entered an agreement with the County of Marin
to receive $500,000 to design bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Francisco Boulevard East.
Funding for the project includes the study of alternatives and preparation of final design
documents of the preferred alternative.
Under the provisions of the grant and the terms of the City's agreement with the County, all the
projects must be completed by December 2009.
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Consultant Selection
Following the federal procedures, the consultant team was selected and in March 3, 2008, and
the City Council approved Resolution No. 12437 selecting Jacobs Carter Burgess (now Jacobs
Engineering) as the consultant.
Process and Outreach
The City received the Authorization to Proceed (E-76) with the design from Caltrans in May of
2008, a few months behind schedule. At that point, staff and the consultants performed studies
to develop alternatives which included design requirements, right-of-way, traffic operations,
safety constraints, parking surveys as well as coordination with Caltrans.
The project was divided into two Phases. Phase 1 is the section between Bellam and Vivian;
Phase 2 is from Vivian to the Grand Avenue bridge. Phase 1 was expedited because construction
of this phase is funded as a part of the Caltrans Highway 101/580 connector project.
Prior to any of the community outreach meetings, staff and the consultant team worked with
Caltrans to determine the final alignment of Highway 101 and the width of the Francisco
Boulevard East right-of-way to remain for this project. A BPAC meeting was held on July 21,
2008, to discuss the project options and constraints, and it was agreed to base the ultimate design
on a sidewalk widening project where bikes and pedestrians could share. This concept of a wide
sidewalk was discussed at other meetings with the following organizations:
Date
Organization
9/10/08
San Rafael ADA Committee
9/11/08
Canal Front Advisory team
10/6/08
Study Session with City Council
10/16/08
Parks and Recreation Commission
10/17/08
Concilio
1/7/09
Pickleweed Advisory Board
1/8/09
Redevelopment Citizen Advisory Committee
This project was included in the January 26, 2009 public meeting held for all NTPP projects,
where the City invited all stakeholders and mailed out letters to all occupants/businesses that
may be affected within a 500 foot radius from the center fine of the street within the entire
project area. More than 5,000 meeting invitations were mailed out.
The project was also included on the February 17th, 2009 City Council Meeting calendar where
City Council accepted the preferred alternative Phase 1 of the project but asked that staff come
back to Council when the outreach and final alternative for Phase 2 of the project was complete.
Since the last city council meeting the following summarizes additional public outreach that was
conducted for the Francisco Bouelvard East NTPP Project:
• June 26th, 2009 - letters were mailed to each of the property owners and tenants along
Phase 2 of the project informing them of the improvements that are being designed
immediately adjacent to their property.
• September 18th, 2009 - letters were mailed to each of the property owners and tenants
along Phase 2 of the project informing them of the preferred alternative improvements
and inviting them to a public meeting.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
• September 25`h through October 2❑d, 2009 - City staff marked the approximate proposed
back of sidewalk location on Francisco Boulevard East.
• October 5`h, 2009 - a public meeting was held at City Hall with the property owners and
tenants along Phase 2 of the improvements to discuss the proposed sidewalk location and
how it would affect their property. Of all the property owners and occupants invited to
the meeting, two property owners attended (Steven Uonardi, owner of APNs 014-204-01
and 014-204-02; Jeri DiPietro, owner of APN 008-091-21). A copy of the attendance
sheet is included as Exhibit B to this report.
• October 13`h, 2009 - a meeting was held at the Department of Public Works with various
bicycle and pedestrian advocates, including the City of San Rafael BPAC and MCBC, to
discuss the preferred alternative. A copy of the attendance sheet is included as Exhibit C
to this report.
• On October 14`h, 2009 letters were again mailed to each of the property owners and
tenants along Phase 2 of the project informing them that the project will be on the City
Council calendar for October 19`h. 2009.
NTPP Website
In September of 2008, the City created an NTPP website to advertise, update, and inform the
people of San Rafael about the NTPP projects. The site contains agendas and minutes for the
past meetings, upcoming meeting announcements in the form of flyers, and press release letters
in both English and Spanish.
ANALYSIS
Staff and the consultant team studied design requirements, right-of-way, traffic operations,
safety, constraints analyses, and parking surveys to generate design alternatives. These
alternatives were presented at the stakeholder meetings where the needs of the heavy pedestrian,
bicyclist and vehicle usage and the impacts on residents and businesses along the route were
considered. Alternatives were generated, discussed and further refined, and comments and
suggestions of the public and stakeholders were incorporated. The various alternatives were
compared with the Project Objectives, and then staff and the consultant team identified the
Preferred Alternative.
Project Objectives
At the first working group meeting in July 10, 2008, the following project objectives were
developed:
1. Avoid negative impacts to traffic levels of service, private property, and the environment
2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety
3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities
4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel
patterns
5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and
maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible
6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians
7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Paee: 4
8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project
budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical
Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right-of-way.
Preferred Design Alternatives
The preferred alternative for Francisco Boulevard East from Vivian Street to the Grand Avenue
bridge proposes to replace the existing 4 feet wide sidewalk with one up to up to 8 feet wide
where possible. Under this alternative, the sidewalk will have tree wells at selected locations
with tree well grates that maximize the effective width of the sidewalk to approximately 6 feet.
The traveled way would consist of one lane in each direction, 12 to 13 feet wide (e.g., to provide
minimum buffer with the wall separating Francisco Boulevard East from US 101) in each
direction and a 10 -foot wide left turn lane. In addition, under the preferred alternative, new
street lighting, signs and signals will be placed within the 2 to 3 foot area from the face of curb to
maximize sidewalk width where possible along Francisco Boulevard East. A copy of the
executive summary for the project in included as Exhibit A to this report.
CONCLUSION
The Project Team has completed the conceptual design of improvements for Phase 2 of the
Francisco Boulevard East NTPP project and is ready to begin working with the consultant team
on preparing the final design plans and specifications. The next steps for the City is to complete
project design plans and specifications and submit to Caltrans for approval.
The public meeting and outreach portion of the design project is complete and no additional
Public Meetings are scheduled. The Phase 2 portion of Francisco Boulevard East final design
must be completed by December 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Francisco Boulevard East Project design is funded through the federal Non -Motorized
Transportation Pilot Program funding for an amount up to $500,000. All NTPP federal grant
funds are on a reimbursement basis. The City of San Rafael, as the implementing agency, is
required to provide the monies up front for all expenses. NTPP funds do not require a local
match. Funding for construction of this project has yet to be obtained.
OPTIONS
Option 1: City Council accept the "preferred design alternatives" and authorize staff to proceed
with the design plans and specifications for submission to Caltrans for approval.
Option 2: City Council reject the preferred design alternatives and direct the Project Team to
stop the work on the projects and return all unspent funds to the County.
ACTION REQUIRED
Accept the "preferred design alternatives" and authorize staff to proceed with final design.
Enclosures
1. Exhibit A — Francisco Boulevard East Improvements Executive Summary
2. Exhibit B —Property Owner Meeting Attendance Sheet dated 10/5/09
3. Exhibit C —Stakeholder Meeting Attendance Sheet dated 10/13/09
Francisco Boulevard East Improvements
NTPP Project No. 2000
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
February 2009
Attachment "A"
Executive Summary
Francisco Boulevard East is a critical arterial street that connects Grand Avenue to the north and
provides access to the downtown San Rafael for residences south of the San Rafael Creek and
east of the Highway 101 and Route 580 freeways. It is used by motorists traveling north/south
through the city, accessing businesses along East Francisco, accessing portions of the Canal
neighborhood, and often to bypass congestion at the Highway 101/Route 580 interchange. In
addition, pedestrians and bicyclists use Francisco Boulevard East to access key destinations
throughout the city, and to travel to Bellam Boulevard. Bellam Boulevard is one of the few
freeway undercrossings in the area and it serves as a major east west arterial
The objective of the Francisco Boulevard East Project is to provide safer access for pedestrians
and bicyclists. The improvement will widen sidewalks and modify the traveled way striping as
described below.
Phase 1 — Bellam Boulevard to Vivian Street. The sidewalk will be widened from
approximately 4 feet to 9 feet or 10 feet were possible. The sidewalk will have tree wells at
selected locations and a 4 feet wide strip that separates the traveled way from the sidewalk. The
traveled way will consist of one through traffic lane, a minimum 12 feet wide, in each direction,
plus a center 10.5 -foot wide left turn lane.
The design of Phase 1 is completed and is included in the Rte 580/101 Connector Project
construction contract plans. Caltrans is currently reviewing and preparing the project for
advertisement. Construction is scheduled for the Summer of 2009.
Phase 2 — Vivian Street to Grand Avenue. This segment is currently under study. One
concept being explored is to widen the sidewalk from 4 feet to up to 8 feet where possible.
Under this scheme, the sidewalk would have tree wells at selected locations with tree well grates
that maximize the effective width of the sidewalk to approximately 6 feet. The traveled way
would consist of one lane in each direction, 12 to 13 feet wide (e.g., to provide minimum buffer
with the wall separating Francisco Boulevard East from US 101), in each direction and a 10 -foot
wide left turn lane. In addition, under this concept, new street lighting, sign and signals would
be placed within the 2 to 3 feet area from the face of curb to maximize sidewalk width were
possible along Francisco Boulevard East.
The public outreach for Phase 2 is commencing. The ultimate configuration to improve
pedestrian and bicycle mobility will be determined as additional outreach is provided and
additional study is conducted.
Project Objectives
Project objectives were developed to help guide the project planners and designers, and include:
Avoid negative impacts to: traffic levels of service, private properties, and the
environment.
2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety
3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities
4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel
patterns
5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections,
and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent
possible
6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians
7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements
were possible
8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project
budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical
Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right-of-way.
Project Methodology
The project methodology was carried out using the following steps:
• Identify opportunities and constraints within the project corridor.
• Identify right of way line along Francisco East Boulevard and constraints
• Met with Caltrans to explore options
• Document existing patterns of use for bicycles, pedestrians, vehicle volumes,
collisions and on street parking.
• Place the project in the planning context of other agencies' adopted plans.
• Develop potential alternatives based on physical and right of way limitations
• Identify top potential alternatives.
• Public outreach, which included a survey by City staff of residents and business
occupants to determine their level of support for potential removal of on -street
parking.
• Choose preferred alternative.
Public Outreach
Phase 1 was developed under a fast track schedule in order for the improvements to be included
in the CMIA funded 580/101 Connector Project that is sponsored by TAM. Public Outreach
included open house map display for the Rte 580/101 project and the recommended sidewalk
improvements along Bellam and Francisco Boulevard East. In addition, several outreach
meetings where conducted with Caltrans in 2007 to explore various alternatives for Francisco
Boulevard East.
In addition, a stakeholder meeting was held on July 21, 2008. Participants included
representatives from the San Rafael Department of Public Works, Transportation Authority of
Marin (TAM), Transportation Alternatives of Marin, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, San
Rafael Community Development Department, San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory
Committee, and Marin Center for Independent Living. At this meeting, all of the above
representatives concurred with the proposed Phase 1 sidewalk widening.
As discussed above, Phase 2 will include more discussions with business and property owners
along Francisco Boulevard East and more stakeholders participating regarding sidewalk widths,
frontage requirements, landscaping, driveway access, and construction staging.
Alternative Analysis
An analysis of the cross-section of Francisco Boulevard East confirmed that there are limited
options because of the very constrained right-of-way and developed businesses along this street
corridor. The portion of Francisco Boulevard East north of Harbor Street is in Caltrans right-of-
way. On the west side of Francisco Boulevard East is the freeway, and on the east side is private
and commercial businesses and developments. There is also a pump facility and utilities along
the sea wall cross the San Rafael Creek. The Caltrans freeway concrete barrier that was under
construction is now completed and was built along the right-of-way line along most of the street.
At some spot location the concrete barrier encourages into the street.
Because of right-of-way limitations, the standard outer separation space requirement between the
freeway and the city street is already nonstandard. Any widening of Francisco Boulevard East
must occur on the east side and will require costly rights of way acquisition. Many other design
considerations include lane widths, turning lanes to accommodate the business, bicyclist,
pedestrians, underground utilities, surface and underground drainage, street lighting, street
signing, fire hydrants, landscaping, grade difference between the street and the business, and
most importantly working with the stakeholders that are impacted during construction and by the
project.
A Class 2 bicycle facility could not be accommodated unless the left turn lane is removed and
this would impact travel flow, congestion, access and safety along Francisco Boulevard East.
Recommendations
Widening the sidewalk to the west (toward the freeway) appears to be the most prudent approach
for addressing the pedestrian and bicyclists needs along Francisco Boulevard East. Further
stakeholder outreach will be conducted in Phase 2 to determine and refine the ultimate design.
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- Attachment «B»
CITY OF
Mayor
Albert J. Bore
Council Members
Greg Brockbank
Damon Connolly
Barbara Heller
Cyr N. Miller
Department of Public Works, 415 -485 -3355 -Fax (415) 485-3334
NTPP Francisco Boulevard East Meeting
October 13, 2009
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS CONFERENCE ROOM
111 MORPHEW STREET
SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901
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Note: Completion of this sheet is voluntary. All persons may attend the meeting regardless of whether or
not they choose to fill out this sheet.
i42-0
111 Morphew St., P.O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 Attachment "C"
