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Home My WebLink AboutPW SMART North SR UpdateClrr 01� Agenda Item No: 6. d Meeting Date: December 15, 2014 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: Public Works Prepared by: �'y ' �' `� ~pity Manager Approva�� Director of Public Works File No.: 18.06.52 SUBJECT: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART): North San Rafael Update RECOMMENDATION: Accept the report BACKGROUND: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has started construction in San Rafael. To keep the City Council informed of current, proposed and future improvements associated with SMART construction. the Department of Public Works has prepared two updates. This first update addresses constriction north of the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the City limits near Smith Ranch Road. The second report, which we plan to bring to the City Council in January 2015, will address SMART construction from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the downtown San Rafael station. Current Construction (2014 & early 2015) SMART currently has two active construction contracts in North San Rafael: Initial Operating Sa-ment #1 (IOS-1): Stacey Whitback/Herzog Construction is SMART's contractor, hired to install 37 miles of the main rail track system from Santa Rosa to the Civic Center Station. This design - build contract is valued at over $100,000,000. Track Reconstruction Existing rail infrastructure, including material below the rail which supports the heavy loads from the train, must be replaced to develop a state of the art rail system. This work includes installation of long sections of steel rail with minimal welds to decrease rail noise. The I0S-1 contract with SMART crosses 2 north San Rafael roadways: Smith Ranch Road and Civic Center Drive. Rail replacement will require the closure of these roadways for several days. The work at Civic Center Drive is scheduled for December 22"d and 23`d and the work at Smith Ranch Road is scheduled for December 15'h to December 19`' of this year. The Department of Public Works is in communication with the County of Marin regarding the closure of Civic Center Drive. The Marin Center, which has many events scheduled during this FOR CITY CLERK ONLY File No.: a 4S Council Meeting: IA11-'0Xz>1Lr Disposition: (3 cCej6 FJ- �at SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 time of the year, has indicated that closing Civic Center Drive on Monday and Tuesday would cause less disruption than closing the road on any other day of the week. The actual construction work at these crossings will occur from 7 am to 9 pm. Unfortunately, the road must remain closed until the work is completed since the project requires removal and replacement of existing track. A bypass road will be installed at the Smith Ranch site to provide access to the golf course and restaurant. Bridge Replacement Crews are reconstructing the Gallinas Creek rail bridge, located approximately 150 feet south of Smith Ranch Road. To comply with environmental constraints, this work has a tight construction window. The majority of the construction has been completed with new piles and a superstructure to support the rail. Station Platform Construction The IOS-1 contract includes construction of the basic platforms for the Civic Center Station. The work is limited to concrete placement and does not include final platform design elements such as finishes, benches and lighting. Rail Signal Operations SMART is installing fiber optic cable to provide the rail communication backbone system that will assure the safety and functionality of rail crossing signal systems. This system will be installed simultaneously with rail reconstruction and at roadway crossings. Contract Packame #4 (CP -4): SMART has hired Schimmick Constriction to install the main rail system from just south of the Civic Center Station to the downtown San Rafael Station. There are two crossings in the section from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the limits of their construction. North San Pedro Road and Walter Place, which is a pedestrian crossing, will be constructed in January 2015. Track Reconstruction Similar to work performed by IOS-1 contractor, the work performed by Schimmick Construction includes the installation of new rail and ballast. All existing rails will be removed and significant excavation is needed to install new rail ties and ballast to support the train. Shorter 80 foot track segments are utilized in this section of SMART's line due to the curves and construction methods near the tunnel. Tunnel Reconstruction The Puerto Suello Tunnel, which runs under a portion of Lincoln Avenue, has deteriorated over time and requires significant improvements. This work involves reinforcing existing structural systems within the tunnel as well as track improvements associated with emergency vehicle access. Pathway Construction As part of the CP -4 design build construction package, SMART will install a Class 1 bicycle path from Civic Center Station to North San Pedro Road. Plans call for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, asphalt pathway with fencing. This pathway will connect the Civic Center Station to the existing Class 2 bike path on Ranchitos Rd. Proposed Construction (To be completed prior to rail operations) Civic Center Drive (County of Marin) The County of Marin has developed a preliminary design to widen Civic Center Drive from Peter Behr Drive to the rail crossing. This project includes widening the roadway in specific areas to install bus stops, a separated bike path, a new roundabout at Peter Behr Drive, landscaping, SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3 lighting and various improvements to provide a new entrance area to the Marin County Civic Center complex. The Department of Public Works is working collaboratively with the County of Marin and SMART in order coordinate the construction in and around the Civic Center Station. Merrydale Road Connection to North San Rafael Promenade (City of San Rafael) Currently, Merrydale Road, north of the rail tracks is a dead end street with little need for parking modifications. In addition, this road connects the SMART station to the north San Rafael Promenade at Las Gallinas Avenue. Public Works Department will evaluate and develop a design concept to address parking, bicycle and pedestrian access in the next few month to improve this area in coordination with Marin County's Project and SMART's work in this area. Kiss & Ride — Accessible Parking (SMART-City of San Rafael) The area just north of the Civic Center Rail crossing is an undeveloped area that could be utilized to provide accessible parking and a "Kiss and Ride" drop off area. The City's Department of Public Works has developed a preliminary design for this area which has been utilized as a basis for tying into the County's Civic Center Drive project as well as SMART's design of the Civic Center Station. Both the County's and SMART's preliminary designs are in line with the proposed improvements. Rail Signal Installation (SMART) Rail signal equipment at the rail crossings will be installed in 2015. Quad gates are planned for 3 roadway crossings north of Puerto Suello Tunnel. A pedestrian signal crossing system will be installed at Walter Place connecting to Los Ranchitos Road. Station Finish Construction (SMART) Station finishes will be finalized prior to rail operation. SMART and the County of Marin are discussing station finishes in an effort to match the architecture of the Frank Lloyd Wright theme. Train Testing (SMART) The new train will be tested throughout the rail corridor in 2015. While most of the testing will occur north of San Rafael, we expect some testing prior to Day-One operations. Per SMART, testing should occur in late 2015 and early 2016. Pathway Construction (SMART) SMART is obligated to install a pedestrian/bicycle pathway along the length of the rail line. These paths do not necessarily parallel the rail tracks but utilize existing pathways close to the rail line. The pathway design north of Civic Center Drive has not been submitted to the City at this time. Specifics on how it will cross Gallinas Creek must be finalized. SMART has suggested that the final plans for the pathway will not be submitted until after 2016 and possibly after Day- One operations. Re ulg atory approvals (SMART) SMART is working with regulatory agencies to secure all necessary safety approvals prior to the initiation of rail service. The amount of time required to secure regulatory approval is not known at this time. However, SMART is communicating with the Federal Rail Authority, California Public Utilities Commission and many others to secure approvals. Quiet Zone (City of San Rafael) City Council approved staff to proceed with the Quiet Zone process at its December 1, 2014 Council meeting. Future Construction (To be Constructed alter Rail Operation) Merrydale Road Pathway to Civic Center Station SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4 At this time, residents at the south end of Merrydale Road must utilize Walter Place to get to the Civic Center Station. A more direct route may be possible by installing an asphalt path from the end of south Merrydale Road to Civic Center Drive. This concept is within multi jurisdictional areas such as SMART, Caltrans and the City of San Rafael and near sensitive habitat areas. This is a complex project and we will add it to our capital improvement program under unfunded projects. ANALYSIS: N/A FISCAL IMPACT: N/A OPTIONS: 1. Accept the staff report 2. Accept the staff report and direct staff to address additional items discussed at the City Council meeting and report back at the next Council meeting when the Downtown SMART update is presented. CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM INSTRUCTIONS: USE THIS FORM WITH EACH SUBMITTAL OF A CONTRACT, AGREEMENT, ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION BEFORE APPROVAL BY COUNCIL /AGENCY. SRRA / SRCC AGENDA ITEM NO. V •L1 DATE OF MEETING: December 15, 2014 FROM DEPARTMENT: Nader Mansourian Public Works DATE: December 15, 2014 TITLE OF DOCUMENT: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART): North San Rafael Update Department Head (signature) (LOWER HALF OF FORM FOR APPROVALS ONLY) APPROVED AS COUNCIL / AGENCY APPROVED AS TO FORM: AGENDA ITEM: ��'Z�liu-tel City Manager (signature) City Attorney (signature) NOT APPROVED REMARKS: 18.06.52 Esther Beirne From: Nancy Mackie Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 8:55 AM To: Kate Colin; Maribeth Bushey Cc: Esther Beirne Subject: FW: SECOND E-MAIL/Transportation Alternatives for Marin's Comments on SMART North San Rafael Update for City Council Meeting December 15, 2014 #2 From: Patrick Seidler [mailto:pseidler@wtb.com] Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2014 10:10 PM To: Nader Mansourian Cc: Gary Phillips; Nancy Mackle Subject: SECOND E-MAIL/Transportation Alternatives for Marin's Comments on SMART North San Rafael Update for City Council Meeting December 15, 2014 Dear Nader: I am writing as a follow up to my e-mail to you below. I have heard from Mayor Phillips and Councilmember McCullough on the issue of the SMART legislative intent on Measure Q regarding the "parallel" pedestrian and bicycle pathway. In consideration of their comments, TAM is withdrawing our comments to the City Council on the matter of the "parallel' language. TAM will be doing some further research and report back on our findings. TAM will be focused instead on our substantive comments to make the Civic Center project more safe, as outlined in our letters we have submitted. Thank you again for all of your efforts on the SMART project and the Civic Center project. These are exciting times. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening. Respectfully, Patrick M. Seidler Transportation Alternatives for Marin From: Patrick Seidler Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2014 12:34 PM To: Nader Mansourian (Nader.Mansourian@cityofsanrafael.ore) Cc:'gary.phillips@cityofsanrafael.org'; 'nancy.mackle@cityofsanrafael.org' Subject: Transportation Alternatives for Marin's Comments on SMART North San Rafael Update for City Council Meeting December 15, 2014 Dear Nader: Thank you for all the good hard work that the City of San Rafael has done on the Civic Center Project and the SMART North San Rafael projects. Please find attached Transportation Alternatives for Marin's comments on the SMART North San Rafael Update for the City Council Meeting on December 15, 2014. There is one part of TAM's comments that are very important for you, as the head of the San Rafael Department of Public Works, need to be aware of and hopefully correct on the public record on Monday night. It is understandable that your department has many things happening as part of this project and the SMART train coming to town. But, someone from your department, someone who prepared the section on the SMART pathway, has made some patently false statements about the legislative intention of SMART. The first attachment to this e-mail, the letter to the Mayor and the City Council, has a clear outline of this issue and includes a copy of Measure Q that voters passed. The truthful fact is that the citizens of Marin and Sonoma voted to tax themselves, almost by a 2-1 margin, to have built a rail line and a "parallel pedestrian/bicycle pathway" from Cloverdale in Sonoma County to Larkspur in Marin County. The Staff's report, as highlighted, states the exact opposite. There are many who are looking for you to personally and publicly correct the record that was falsely reported to the Mayor and the City Council in the Staff Report identified as File no.: 18.06.52. Thank you for your attention to this. I look forward to seeing you Monday night at the City Council hearing. Patrick M. Seidler President Transportation Alternatives for Marin TAM TRANSPOKFAMNAnMATIMFORMARIN December 4, 2013 Mr. Nader Mansourian Mr. Pat Echols Department of Public Works Department of Public Works City of San Rafael County of Marin 111 Morphew Street 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 304 San Rafael, CA 94901 San Rafael, CA 94913 RE: Civic Center / Marin Market / SMART Station Transportation Improvements Dear Mr. Mansourian and Mr. Echols: Transportation Alternatives for Marin (TAM) welcomes this opportunity to submit comments on the Civic Center / Marin Market / SMART Station Transportation Improvements. Our written comments are outlined below. You will also find attached Exhibits which provide graphic illustration for our comments. The primary difference between the County's proposal for the Civic Center / Marin Market / SMART Project ("Civic Center Proposal") and TAM's is that the County presents Class II paths on each side of Civic Center Drive and Peter Behr Drive. TAM's recommendations are 6' Single Directional Bike Paths (fully described in the Caltrans Design Guidelines and complying therewith) on all portions of Civic Center Drive and Peter Behr Drive, except as noted below (on the section of Civic Center Drive parallel to the Class I bicycle path on the west side of Civic Center Drive from the SMART Station to Peter Behr Drive). 1. Our recommendations for the Single Directional Class I bicycle paths and the Cross Section views of this area are shown on the attached Exhibits 1-A, 1-B and 1-C. See also Exhibit 21 "Single Directional Bike Paths and Colorized Pavements." a. The northbound section of Civic Center Drive from Peter Behr Drive is noteworthy. The County has a Class II (rather than a single directional Class I) path because there is a bus stop near McGinnis Parkway and there is not enough space in this section for an active bus pad and the Single Directional Class I Bike Path. i. TAM recognizes the engineering issue raised by the County's consultant. And: (1) 6' Single Directional Bike Paths could be built on Civic Center Drive from Peter Behr Drive, heading north, and then transition to Class II to go to the left of the bus stop. This treatment is a (much better) alternative than having a Class II the entire length of Civic Center Drive. (2) A more difficult, yet preferred, alternative is to seek a 6' easement on the property along Civic Center Drive, continue the Single TRANSPORTATION Am,m NAT1vES POR'MARIN • 187 E. BLrn 11.D.u.I{ AVENUE • HILI. VALLEY • CA • 94941 Tcl_: 415.389.5040 x34 Ftvx: 415.389-5044 TAM LINSPORTAnONALTERNATIM FOR MARIN Directional Bike Path behind the bus stop parallel to the sidewalk, which then buffers the disembarking and embarking bus passengers from the Single Directional Bicycle Path. (3) Either alternative is better than the County's current proposal. 2. The County presented a 12' multi -use path from the SMART station to Peter Behr Drive. We urge the County to put the bicycle path width at 16'. The optimal width for a two- way bicycle path is 16'. Not only does such space facilitate safe passing, but also the social activity of riding side by side in each direction. Multi -modal success can only be realized when a system is designed to be optimal, inviting and safe, and built to accommodate the potential volume. a. All 3 primary activity centers in the Civic Center Proposal area must be considered when building non -motorized accommodation: L Marin Auditorium/ Fairgrounds ii. Marin Civic Center iii. Marin Farmers Market b. If the multi modal accommodation is not set at the optimal size (8' in each direction) in this current project, it is likely that when activity levels on the multi -use path demands its widening, the County of the future will take space from the green elements (the separation areas) rather than the commercial and automobile elements on Civic Center Drive heading south from the SMART station to the Civic Center. So, now is the time to protect the area for humans. (That is to say: It really makes sense to make the multi -use path 8' in each direction or 16' in total rather than 12'.) If the City of San Rafael wants to get people to walk and ride rather than drive, pedestrians and cyclists need "safe and separate" accommodation. (See Professor John Pucher, World Transport Policy and Practice, Volume 13, Number 3) A Single Directional Bicycle path is a "safe and separate" accommodation. Traffic calming and safe and separate accommodations are what will get people out of their cars. 4. TAM agrees on sidewalks in all locations. 5. Roundabouts. The County has presented some nice examples of roundabouts for the Civic Center and Peter Behr Drive intersection. Please see Exhibit 3: Roundabouts for pedestrians and bicyclists. Exhibit 3 shows the proper and safe accommodation of cyclists and pedestrians through intersections. TRANSPORTATION 1.I:r1•:RN \TIVES FOR MARIN • 187 E. BI.r1111:D,\I.F. A\'I;NUI-. •MILL \1m.1,FY • CA • 94941 TL:I : 415.389.5040 424 F.\.x: 415.389-5044 TAM TRANSPORMONAUMATIMFORMARIN G. The County has recommended green colorized pavement for the Class IIs in the project area. This is GREAT that the County wants colorized pavement. While [the MCBC and] TAM support colorized pavement, TAM urges the County to consider the BRICK RED color because: I. The Brick Red color meets the Frank Lloyd Wright Color Committee color list. (Green would not meet the standard.) ii. Green colorized pavement has maintenance issues. It wears out because it is paint on pavement. iii. The Brick Red color can either be mixed into the asphalt or applied as a topical layer. (Better for maintenance.) 7. Material choice for bicycle path from SMART Station to Peter Behr Drive: a. The presentations from the County seem to be showing a bleached concrete path for this section of the bicycle path. b. TAM recommends the BRICK RED color. (TAM recommends BRICK RED for all bicycle only areas, Single Directional Bike paths, and Class II paths.) c. TAM agrees that concrete is the best material for the path because it will reduce maintenance costs in the future. (Asphalt requires more maintenance than concrete, The Boulder, Colorado DPW proved this point with the system they have established. Boulder enjoys a 14% bicycle ridership.) 8. Bicycle Parking. a. The County, for the Marin Market, and SMART, for the Civic Center SMART Station, both need to plan for bicycle parking at the Civic Center. b. Bicycle Sharing i. Bicycle Sharing has proven to be a very successful strategy for short term trips, particularly near transit locations. The United States now has many examples of successful bicycle sharing programs, including Denver, San Francisco, Minneapolis and many others. ii. The County and SMART should carefully consider having two bicycle sharing fleets: (1) For people from the SMART train to and from the Civic Center. Share bicycles will shorten the connection time from the SMART Station to the Civic Center. (2) For people to get to and from the Civic Center SMART Station to Northgate. While such share bicycles can be used by shoppers, perhaps more importantly these share bikes on the west side of the Civic Center Station could be used by Northgate employees who commute from Sonoma via the SMART train. TAM would like to meet with the County to advance our recommendations. TRANSPORT' \ HON .- LTERNA'rIVES I -OR NI \RIN • 187 E. BI I I 111D \LE AVENUE • MILL VALLEN' • CA 0 94941 T171-: 415.389.5040 x24 F kx: 415.389 5044 �� TAM TRANSPOUMONAIMNATMFORMARIN Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Patrick M. Seidler President cc: Leslie Blomquiest Devin McGowan San Rafael BPAC Supervisor Kinsey Supervisor Susan Adams MCBC 4 TILIN5POli'I' CI'ION ril;ruitNATIYBS FOR MARIN • 187 E. BI.1'1711MALE' AYI:NUI: VAI.Id:Y • CA • 94941 TI:L: 415.389.5040 %24 FAX: 415.389-5044 C� • 1,00,10 ' � � • M. _ r ice' -.. � � - � e " • • 4 c.® i 7 a� E U td +-� � Q^. Y 4J fp i m W U 0 C c n O V 00 c W O 13A � a •� C J H m � r O a 1 s t m g a W l0 c u a CL Y . ^� W Vl � Y_ L d � m i ^— O( N J ra i c - cra G * o v c-1 1 t J O t N c ai 2 a E Q fYl O N'. O 0: U Ln ----- i - � z O^^ W Q 0 W c-1 ------ r-. 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Jair 1 41 World Transport Policy & Practice Volume 13, Number 3 At the Frontiers of Cycling: Policy Innovations in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany Table 1: Traditional measures used in virtually all Dutch, Danish, and German cities to promote cycling Extensive s stems of separate cycling facilities Well maintained, fully integrated paths and lanes • Connected off-street short-cuts, such as mid -block connections, and passages through dead ends for cars Intersection modifications and priorltV traffic signals Advance green lights for cyclists • Advanced cyclist waiting positions (ahead of cars) fed by special bike lanes facilitate safer and quicker crossincls and turns Traffic calmili • Traffic calming of residential neighborhoods via speed limit (30km/h) and physical infrastructure deterrents for cars • "Home Zones" with 5 km/h speed limit where cars must yield to pedestrians and cyclists using the road Bike parking • Large supply of good bike parking throughout the cit Coordination with public transport Extensive bike parking at metro, suburban, and regional train stations Bike rentals at train stations Traffic education and training • Comprehensive cycling training courses for school children • Special cycling training test tracks for children • Stringent training of motorists to respect pedestrians and cyclists Traffic • Special le al protection for children and elderly cyclists Strict enforcement of cyclist rights b olice and courts Source. Information provided directly to authors by bicycling coordinators in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. World Transport Policy &Practice 51 Volume 13. Number 3. December 2007 1 ALM TRANSPORTATIONAIMNAMES FOR MARIN October 28, 2014 Marin County Board of Supervisors 3501 Civic Center Drive San Rafael, CA 94903 RE: Civic Center Marin Market SIVIART Station Transportation Improvements Dear Board of Supervisors: Transportation Alternatives for Marin ("TAM") welcomes this opportunity to submit comments on the Civic Center/Marin Market/SKART Transportation Improvements ("Civic Center Transportation Improvements"). TAM would like to thank the Board of Supervisors, the County Department of Public Works, and all of the stake holders for the advancement of the Civic Center Transportation Improvements. The improvements for the community are going to be tremendous, particularly for the pedestrians and cyclists. Please see our previous letter to Mr. Nader Mansourian and Mr. Pat Echols dated December 14, 2013. While all of our comments in that previous letter stand, we also recognize that the engineering drawings are at 65° o, so this letter highlights issues of key importance. The separated multi -use path on the west side of Civic Center Drive is designed safely. The spacing, alignment, and location look very good. In addition, the on -street Class II bike lanes with buffer zones on the west side of Civic Center Drive will also provide safety, especially because of the option for recreational cyclists to use the multi -use path. While the north bound cycling accommodation on Civic Center Drive (east side) should be a separated path as outlined in our December 2013 letter, that the Class II shown has a buffer zone is preferable to no buffer zone. (Again, the optimally safe embodiment would be a separated cycle track, as is showing on the west side of the 8' sidewalk on the southbound Civic Center Drive before meeting at the railroad crossing.) ' TAM's primary concerns regarding the proposed Civic Center Transportation Project are the issues of: (1) safety: and (2) mixture of travel modes in the same space. Most particularly please see the intersection treatments as currently proposed by the County for: McGinnis, Avenue of the Flags, and the Peter Behr Drive round -a -bout. There is an inherent conflict of modes: Cyclists are being directed to ride in crosswalks, cyclists are also expected to ride into car traffic, which they are separated from throughout the area. THE INTERSECTIONS OUTLINED ABOVE ARE THE LEAST DEFINED SPACES IN THE ENTIRE PROPOSAL. And, these same areas have the highest possibility for people to have accidents. TlU\NSPOR'I' \"['ION AI:fF.RN VI I\'IiS POR NI \RIN • 187 E. Bi ]TI 1P:D \LF. AVFNUI;: • -M • CA • 94941 TIt1.: 415.389.5040,x24 F.\.\: 415.389-504=4 October 28 2014 Marin County Board of Supervisors Page 2 of 3 TAM has passed along intersection recommendations to David Bernardi and the county last week in a meeting at the Civic Center with the MCBC regarding this project. A video was reviewed at the meeting to highlight TAM's suggestions. An example of four-way intersections design -type is attached as Exhibit A. The intersections at McGinnis and Avenue of the Flags would be three-way intersections, but would use the same design principles and spacing. The recent accident in Mill Valley on the North South Greenway is partially the result of mixing modes in the same space. ;In that case bicycles with pedestrians.) This same pedestrians and bicycle mode mixing exists in the current proposal, more dangerously in the intersections. The round -a -bout has the same problem. The design expects to mix cyclists into the road with cars at the round -a -bout not separated by a buffer lane or a separation. The cyclists on the west side of Civic Center Drive multi -use path are directed into the cross walks of the round -a -bout. This is much less safe than the proposals recommended herein and reviewed with the County. THE KEY WITH THESE SUGGESTIONS IS THAT THE SAME AMOUNT OF SPACE IS USED AND THE COSTS ARF THE SAME, ONLY THE MODE SEPERATION IS DIFFERENT: THE PROPOSAL BEING MADE IN THIS LETTER IS TO SEPARATE THE MODES (PEDESTRIANS FROM BICYCLES, BICYCLES FROM PEDESTRIANS, AND BICYCLES FROM CARS.) AND TO CLEARLY DELINEATE WHERE EACH USER GROUP IS EXPECTED TO GO. WITH THE PROPOSAL IN THIS LETTER, ALL MODES ARE SEPERATED CLEARLY BY DESIGN. The routing of pedestrians and cyclists, respectfully, needs each mode to have a very clearly defined path of travel in a continuous system. The proposed plans do not have this easily attained safety feature most particularly in the intersections and the round -a -bout. All of the designs being recommended in this letter are now allowed under California Design Guidelines. There is no need for additional space, resources, or assets. Only proper mode separated design. These recommendations can be easily incorporated into the 65'o engineered proposal from the County. Thank you again for this opportunity to comment on this project. This is looking like a really exciting project for the County. Hopefully the safety recommendations in this letter can be integrated into the plan for everyone's benefit. . Respectfully submitted, Patrick M. Seidler President cc: Marin County Bicycle Coalition Marin County Department of Public Works October 28 2014 Marin County Board of Supervisors Page 3 of 3 M_:►: * na irwo TAM TRANSPOKrATIONAIMNATIVES FOR MAKIN December 13, 2014 Mayor Phillips and City Council City of San Rafael 1400 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Dear Mayor Phillips and City Council: Transportation Alternatives for Marin appreciates the City of San Rafael and its staff's diligence in reviewing the SNLXRT North San Rafael update. TAM would like to thank the San Rafael City Council, the San Rafael Department of Public Works, SMART and all the stakeholders in San Rafael as well as at the County level for the advancement of this project, in particular the Civic Center Project and the bicycle and pedestrian improvements included in and effected by the Civic Center SNVL RT station development. The San Rafael Department of Public Works has done an impressive job of coordinating all of the levels of the project which includes many details. The comments below are made in an effort to augment the work done weu to date and to make the bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the area safer than the plans being considered. As a matter of record, there is a very important clarification regarding the legislative requirements for the SNLIRT Multi -Use Path ("MUP") that the San Rafael Department of Public Works as well as the City Council need to be aware of. Measure Q, the SNLIRT enabling legislation, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A," clearly states that the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District is to provide a two way passenger rail service and "a bicycle / pedestrian pathway from Cloverdale in Sonoma County to Larkspur in Marin County." The description of the legislation further states that the rail service and the Multi - Use Path will include "a parallel bicycle pedestrian pathway." In staff's paragraph section under "Pathway Construction (SNL -\RT)" (A reduced version of Staff's Report is attached for easy reference as Exhibit `B." The "Pathway Construction (SNLNR"I)" is at the bottom of Exhibit "B.") staff correctly states that, "SMART is obligated to install pedestrian pathway along the length of the rail line." The next sentence, however, is incorrect. The second sentence in this section incorrectly states "These paths do not necessarily parallel the rail tracks but utilize existing pathways close to the rail line." [Emphasis Added.] That statement is false on both accounts. The language in Measure Q, the SNLIRT legislation, specifically states that the Multi -Use Path shall be "a parallel bicycle and pedestrian pathway." [Emphasis Added.] There is no mention of utilizing pathways "close to the rail line." Rather the entire length of the project both rail and Tt��Nst�ottt'rrtoN 1t;rrtuvrcrn t_s roa \L�atN • 187 E. Bt.rrt n u u_e rAVENue • CA • 94941 Tet.: 415.389.5040,x24 F,\.x: 415.389-5044 Ma or Phillips mid Cili Council December 11. 2014 Pagc 2 ol'= pathway has the clear requirement to include a separated pathway, sometimes referred to as the S:\LkRT Multi -Use Path ("MUP"), also known as the "North South Greenway," unless there is an existing path exactly on the route. Our second set of comments is based on the section of Staffs Report beginning on page 2 "Civic Center Drive (County of Marin)." There are extensive pedestrian and bikeway improvements as well as slight roadway improvements that are planned for Civic Center Drive from the Merrydale Overpass to Peter Behr Drive, as well as the SAL-�RT station improvements. The key over arching issues to note are that the North South Greenway, a section of which gill be built as the SM -\RT MUP as described on page 2 "Pathway Construction" as part of the CP -4 design. This describes the construction of the MUP from North San Pedro Road to the Civic Center station. This is a key section of the North South Greenway. The SMART MUP plan since 2003 has called for: 1. A connection of the MUP at North San Pedro Road through the railroad right-of- way up to and connecting with the MUP at the top of Puerto Suelo Hill. 2. On the Civic Center Drive end the SNI.1RT (North South Greenway) MUP will connect to a bike path on McGinnis Drive and then connect through towards McGinnis Park. Since the MUP will be going through the Civic Center area, and since the Civic Center will have a SNL1RT station, the SMART station area improvements need to get people from the North South Greenway (aka S1L�RT MUP) and the SMART station area to the various nearby locations including the businesses in the area and the Civic Center. The new build out from the S1VIART station to Peter Behr Drive is being characterized by most in the process as a "bicycle and pedestrian improvement project" rather than "a roadway improvement project." That's a matter of perspective. You «ill find enclosed two letters from Transportation Alternative for Marin on the Civic Center Project: A December 4, 2013 letter to Mr. Nadar Mansourian San Rafael Department of Public Works, and Mr. Pat Echols of the County Department of Public Works contains information and recommendations regarding safety design features that ,,vill enhance the Civic Center Project. 2. An October 28, 2014 letter that describes some of the key safety issues that have been overlooked to date on the planning of the Civic Center Project. With the newly constituted San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee we encourage the City of San Rafael to get involved in this process before it is too late. The proposed designs do not properly delineate where pedestrians should separately move, particularly through intersections of Civic Center Drive and the Peter Behr roundabout, Avenue of the Flags, and at McGinnis. \labor I'll iIIill" and (0% Council 1)cccmbcr 13. 2011 Daae 2 of i Exhibit "A" of the October 28, 2014 letter shows a best practice intersection that safely gets pedestrians and cyclists through intersections. These same treatments could also be applied to "T" intersections at Civic Center Drive and Avenue of the Flags and McGinnis. We hope that the San Rafael BPAC can review these materials. We are interested in talking to the BPAC about why these recommendations are so important. In particular please watch the two minute video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlApbxLz6pA. The treatment described in the video link is how both the intersections at Avenue of the Flags and McGinnis should be designed for pedestrians and bikes as well as roadway users for safe and separate maneuverability through the inter sections. The December 4, 2013 letter has a design of a safe roundabout rather than the one currently being considered at Civic Center Drive and Peter Behr Drive. We strongly encourage the San Rafael City Council to include its BPAC in the projects listed above. The recommendations being made by Transportation Alternatives for Marin do not cost any more money, do not use any more space, and provide a much safer and inviting environment for the most vulnerable users of this great new resource that is being built in our County seat. The Marin County Board of Supervisors has instructed that the County Department of Public Works to consider Transportation Alternatives for Marin recommendations and to meet with us further to get these improvements incorporated into the design. We would like to also work with the City of San Rafael to have a safer project ideally. We would like to work with the City of San Rafael and the County together, to efficiently get these safe and separate recommendations included in this incredible project. Thank you for your diligence in pursuing these important investments in our community, particularly in San Rafael. Respectfully Submitted, F'. Patrick Seidler President /: Patricl. - Shared 11U lorre.pondencc \lac or PhiIIills and C il\ C ouncil 121 ,14h.doc EXHIBIT "A" Marin, Sonoma County, CA November 4, 2008 Election Measure Q Smart Quarter Cent Sales Tax Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District 2/3 Approval Required Pass: 246,047 69.V,`0 Yes votes ...... 107,681 ; 30.4% No votes 83805 (62.79°o) Yes ` 49665 (37.2140) No in Marin County 162,242 (73.710) Yes ' 58,016 (26.3%) No in Sonoma County Results as of Dec 3 8:30am,100.0% of Precincts Reporting (642x'642) Includes 189 189 Precincts in Marin County as of Jan 5 1 I:00am Includes 453 453 Precincts in Sonoma County as of Dec 3 8:30am To relieve traffic, fight global warming and increase transportation options, shall Sonoma -Marin Area Rail Transit District be authorized to provide 1►vo-►vay passenger train service every 30 minutes during weekday rush hours, weekend service, a bicycle/pedestrian pathway linking the stations, and connections to ferrylbus service, by levying a 1/9 -cent sales tax for 20 years, with an annual spending cap, independent aadits/oversight, and all fiends supporting these environmentally responsible transportation alternatives in Marin and Sonoma Counties? Impartial Analysis from County Counsel The Sonoma -Marin Area Rail Transit District ("SMART") is a rail district created by the Legislature in 2003 to evaluate, plan, and implement passenger rail and associated rail transit facilities and services from Cloverdale in Sonoma County to a ferry terminal in Marin County that connects to San Francisco. The geographic area of the district includes all of Sonoma and Marin counties. The District is authorized, with the approval of the voters, to propose a special tax to implement this service. The District has adopted an ordinance proposing a quarter -cent transactions and use tax ($0.0025 on every $l spent), to be imposed on retail sales in Sonoma and Marin Counties, beginning April 1, 2009. Proceeds of the tax would provide funding for the design, construction, implementation, operation, financing, maintenance and management of the rail system and a bicycle/pedestrian pathway from Cloverdale in Sonoma County to Larkspur in Marin County. An Expenditure Plan for the tax revenues is incorporated into the proposed sales tax ordinance. The revenue from the tax can only be spent on project elements listed in the Expenditure Plan. including but not limited to: 1. Weekday and weekend passenger rail service. 2. A parallel bicycle/pedestrian pathway. 3. Fourteen rail stations from Cloverdale to Larkspur (9 in Sonoma County, 5 in Marin County), 4. Rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing Northwestern Pacific Railroad (NWP) corridor from Cloverdale to Larkspur, including new passenger train passing sidings. 5. A maintenance facility in either Cloverdale or Windsor. 6. Shuttle service at selected rail stations. The tax would be collected in the same manner as sales tax is currently collected, would begin on April 1, 2009, and would continue in effect for twenty (20) years. The District is empowered under state law to issue bonds to fund all or part of the construction of the project, so that work can begin sooner. The bonds would be repaid over time from the tax revenue collected. The ordinance also establishes an appropriations (spending) limit for SMART. The ordinance must be approved by two-thirds of the voters voting on the question in order for the special tax to go into effect. siPATRICK K. FAULKNER Marin County Counsel siSTEVEN WOODSIDE Sonoma County Counsel Exhibit "B" n'��ew 1� "�� Agenda Item No: 6. d Meeting Date: December 15, 2014 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: Public Works Prepared by: y� ` ' �' '�� ity Manager Approv4- Director of Public Works File N6.:18.06.52 SUBJECT: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART): North San Rafael Update RECOMMENDATION: Accept the report BACKGROUND: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has started construction in San Rafael. To keep the City Council informed of current, proposed and future improvements associated with SMART construction, the Department of Public Works has prepared two updates. This first update addresses construction north of the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the City limits near Smith Ranch Road. The second report, which we plan to bring to the City Council in January 2015, will address SMARX construction from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the downtown San Rafael station. Contract Package #4 (CP --4): SMART has hired Schimmick Construction to install the main rail system from just south of the Civic Center Station to the downtown San Rafael Station. There are two crossings in the section from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the limits of their construction. North San Pedro Road and Walter Place, which is a pedestrian crossing, will be constructed in January 2015. Pathway Construction As part of the CP -4 design build construction package, SMART will install a Class 1 bicycle path from Civic Center Station to North San Pedro Road. Plans call for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, asphalt pathway with fencing. This pathway will connect the Civic Center Station to the existing Class 2 bike path on Ranchitos Rd. Proposed Construction (To he conWieted prior to rail operations) Civic Center Drive (County of Marin) The County of Marin has developed a preliminary design to widen Civic Center Drive from Peter Behr Drive to the rail crossing. This project includes widening the roadway in specific areas to install bus stops, a separated bike path, a new roundabout at Peter Behr Drive, landscaping, lighting and various improvements to provide a new entrance area to the Marin County Civic Center complex. The Department of Public Works is working collaboratively with the County of Marin and SMART in order coordinate the construction in and around the Civic Center Station, Pathway Construction (SMART) SMART is obligated to install a pedestrian/bicycle pathway along the length of the rail line. Mese oaths do not necessarily parallel the rail tracks but utilize existing oathways close to the rail line_ The pathway design north of Civic Center Drive has not been submitted to the City at this time. Specifies on how it will cross Gallinas Creek must be finalized. SMART has suggested that the final plans for the pathway will not be submitted until after 2016 and possibly after Day One operations. [Red Underline Added for Emphasis] Esther Beirne From: Shirley Fischer < Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 9:01 AM To: Nancy Mackle; Esther Beirne Cc: Subject: 12/15 City Council Update on Civic Center Station area infrastructure improvements Dear City Council Members I want to call your attention to several points in the update on the Civic Center SMART station area infrastructure improvements which you will be reviewing on Monday, December 15. The infrastructure plans include components from the County's Civic Center Drive improvement project, SMART's station and right-of-way plans, and surrounding connectors and property under City jurisdiction. San Rafael Department of Public Works staff is to be commended for their excellent job in tracking and coordinating these interlacing projects to make sure important details are addressed and the end product is safe, functional, and minimally disruptive for surrounding communities. As plans for this area are finalized, the following items still need to be addressed: 1) Pedestrian safety crossing Civic Center Drive. Two comments: It is still questionable how pedestrians will be able to safely cross Civic Center Drive at the roundabout at Peter Behr Drive. Vehicles will be flowing around the circle is a steady stream of traffic. This steady traffic flow is verified by the DPW's traffic modeling. Even with the central traffic island and with activated flashing pavement lights, it is very likely that it will be difficult for pedestrians to negotiate this crossing safely. At present there is no signage indicating to drivers that they MUST yield to pedestrians. At a pedestrian crossing with flashing pavement lights on N. San Pedro Rd. near Venetia Valley school, cars often do NOT stop for the flashing lights until a crossing guard enters the crosswalk. Adding "yield to pedestrians" signage would decrease driver confusion and improve the chances that pedestrians could safely negotiate this crossing, where a pedestrian was killed only a year ago. b. It is a good idea to eliminate the uncontrolled crosswalk at Avenue of the Flags and channel pedestrian traffic to the signal -controlled crossing at McInnis Parkway and the roundabout crossing. Adding a third crossing is not essential and it would increase driver confusion and the likelihood of vehicle -pedestrian encounters. 2) Commuter drop-off zones. Current plans conceptually include a "kiss and ride" drop-off area for southbound traffic on Civic Center Drive (although final design plans for this area are not yet available). There is NO "kiss and ride" drop-off area planned for northbound traffic. This is not acceptable, since commuters from neighborhoods east of the tracks (Santa Venetia and Civic Center neighborhoods) will come to the station via Civic Center Drive northbound. A comparable "kiss and ride" lot may not be possible on the east side of Civic Center Drive due to constraints of a narrow right- of-way, but some accommodation needs to be made for a legal, easily accessible northbound "kiss and ride" drop-off zone. 3) Connectors to Northgate and to South Merrydale Road. It is heartening to see that conceptual plans for pedestrian and bicycle connections to the station are included in this update. These are essential to promote easy access to the station, which is critical for train ridership. We look forward to completion of the Northgate connector before the train begins operation and of the S. Merrydale connector as soon as possible. 4) North San Rafael Promenade. It should not be forgotten that the Northgate connector and the Civic Center Drive bicycle/pedestrian paths are part of the North San Rafael Promenade developed as part of the 1997 North San Rafael Vision plan. These paths should have the same signage as the portion of the Promenade that has been completed near Northgate Mall. 5) Las Gallinas Creek. Environmental safeguards for this waterway next to the tracks also should be not be forgotten. That this is an active waterway was demonstrated during the recent rainstorm. The Gallinas Watershed Council or other suitable environmental group should be consulted for advice on how best to protect the habitat along this portion of the creek. 6) Transit Connections. A suggestion was made during the County Board of Supervisor's SMART plan review that commuter "feeder" buses to the Larkspur ferry operate from the bus pads near the Civic Center station rather than the transit hub in downtown San Rafael. This suggestion merits serious consideration and discussion with Golden Gate Transit. Until the train line is extended to Larkspur, running commuter buses to the ferry would make San Francisco accessible to train riders. Running the buses from northern San Rafael rather than central San Rafael would save time for riders and decrease traffic impacts in downtown San Rafael. I hope you will direct staff to pursue conversations with transit authorities about this option. Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Shirley Fischer 19 Cermenho Court, San Rafael, CA 94903 CITY OF MAYOR GARY MAYOR DAMON C PHILLIPS ' VICE MAYOR DAMOI.' CONNOLLY _ COUNCILMENIBER MARIBETH BUSHEY CAM040 COUNCILMEMBER KATE COLIN awwwwwo"o IN COUNCILNIEMBER ANDREW CUYUGAN MCCULLOUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PHONE: 415-485-3383 FAX: 415-485-3175 September 10, 2014 Dear Mayor Phillips and City Council: The San Rafael Citizens Advisory Committee on Economic Development and Affordable Housing has carefully considered the current SMART station proposals (6590 Design Submittal) and received comments from the public. We hope that you will find the following comments useful in your ongoing deliberations and in further discussions with SMART to improve this unfortunate situation. A. Concerns relating to both San Rafael station locations The committee finds the proposed station elements functionally deficient and aesthetically incompatible with the character and prominence of both the Downtown San Rafael and Civic Center locations. At a minimum, these possible improvements should be considered: 1. Replace the center -island transit shelters with ones designed for the side -island configuration of these two stations. 2. Deepen the shelters and locate shelter seating for adequate weather protection. Provide additional shelters on exposed parts of the platforms. 3. Individualize the shelters to fit the character and enhance the sense of place of each stop, for example with distinctive rooflines, colors and materials. 4. Integrate all guardrails with the shelter designs, for example by painting them with matching or compatible colors. S. Provide benches the entire length of each platform, imparting a welcoming character and greater usefulness to the stations. 6. Choose light fixtures and other furnishings compatible with those of surrounding improvements. 7. Consider platform paving material and vertical wall materials compatible with surrounding improvements. 1400 FIFTH AVENUE PO Box 151560 SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915-1560 WWW CITYOFSANRAFAEL ORG CAC Letter to San Rafael City Council September 11, 2014 Page 2 B. Concerns relating to the Downtown San Rafael station 1. Fit the historical character of downtown San Rafael, keying off Fourth Street and other downtown urban design and building motifs. 2. Integrate the platform elements with the Whistlestop building, which will determine much of the character of the downtown station. If a new building is designed, SMART, Whistlestop and the City should assure such integration. A more desirable option would be for the City, SMART and Whistlestop to find a way to retain the current Whistlestop building, which was designed as San Rafael's train station and embodies the desired historical character. The platform station elements could then be reworked to augment that character. As suggested in the Station Area Plan, the ground floor could be adapted to specialty Marin retail, in the manner of the San Francisco ferry building, with the upstairs housing transit agencies or other office uses. Though such a solution would require marshaling an entrepreneurial effort, and perhaps a philanthropic spirit, the opportunity should not be lightly lost. By applying public tools like transferable development rights and expanded parking districts, the City may be able to enhance the value of the property enough to enable Whistlestop to relocate its worthy program to a better location. 4. Maximize sidewalk clearances at train crossings between Mission and Fourth Streets, which appear very constrained by crossing apparatus. Improve the SMART right-of-way between Mission and Fourth Streets as a welcoming gateway to downtown in accordance with the Station Area Plan, specifically, locating the fence on the west side the same distance from the tracks as on the east side and providing irrigated landscape in right-of-way areas outside the fence. Paint SMART fencing in these two blocks. Provide more bike parking, with greater security, and relocate bike parking from north of Fourth Street to the Bettini Transit Center. 1400 FIFTH AVENUE PO Box 151560 SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915-1560 AIM CITYOFSANRAFAEL ORO CAC Letter to San Rafael City Council September 11, 2014 Page 3 C. Concerns relating to the Civic Center station. 1. Fit the architectural character of the Civic Center campus. 2. Provide pedestrian and bicycle access for Rafael Meadows, for example by a path to South Merrydale along the south side of the tracks under the freeway, which will require relocating the bike parking that would block that path. 3. Consider painting or other artwork enhancement to the freeway underside that will form much of the station experience. The CAC encourages the Council to request that SMART closely consult the Downtown Station Area Plan to help guide the creation of a station that fits and revitalizes this gateway to San Rafael. Thank you for your careful consideration. On behalf of your Citizens Advisory Committee, William Carney and Phillip Abey 1400 FIFTH AVENUE PO Box 151560 SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915-1560 WWW CITYOFSANRAFAEL ORG