HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW SMART Central UpdateAgenda Item No: 5. c
Meeting Date: January 20, 2015
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Public Works
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Prepared by: City Manager Approval A
Director of Public Works
File No.: 18.06.52
SUBJECT: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART): Central 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. The first was
presented to the City Council on December 15, 2014, and addressed construction north of the Puerto
Suello Tunnel to the City limits near Smith Ranch Road.
This report will address SMART construction from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the downtown San Rafael
rail station.
Current Construction (2014 & early 201 S)
SMART currently has one active construction contract in Central San Rafael:
Contract Package #4 (CP4): 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
five crossings in the section from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the Downtown Station, located just
north of Third Street. The majority of this work has already commenced.
Track Reconstruction (SMART)
The work performed by Schimmick Construction includes the installation of new rail and
ballast. All existing rails will be removed. 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. In the past, rail was simply bolted together. This process led -to a clicking noise
as the steel rail wheels crossed the connection. These sections of rail are now welded
together which should reduce the clicking noise significantly
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: -2 4S
Council Meeting: .
Disposition: Cµ
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Track Crossinas at Roadways (SMART
There are five crossings in the section of rail line from the Puerto Suello Tunnel to the
downtown stations. Four remain to be completed: Paloma Avenue, Pacheco Street, Fifth
Avenue, Fourth Street. The crossing at Mission Avenue was completed in the fall of
2014.
The Department of Public Works and SMART personnel met with Public Utilities
Commission (PUC) and Federal Rail Authority (FRA) staff to review the Pacheco
Avenue and Paloma Street rail crossing locations. This diagnostic review meeting was
necessary to evaluate the potential need for additional equipment at these crossings. The
current design stipulates utilizing dual gates. Based on that meeting, these agencies as
well as staff determined that dual gates are sufficient and that quad gates are not
necessary at these two crossings. According to the PUC and FRA representatives,
utilizing dual gates at this location will not preclude the City from pursuing a quiet zone.
The City of San Rafael may request that SMART add additional pedestrian gates to the
crossings within the City; however, SMART has noted that installation of additional
safety measures in some locations may be difficult due to a limited right of way and
limited room for foundations with significant potential for utility conflicts. Based on
these factors, we do not recommend pursuing additional safety measures at this time.
Flashing lights and bells are included on each rail signal arm, which should be sufficient
to alert the public to a passing train. The cost for installing one pedestrian gate is
estimated to be between $35,000 and $65,000 depending upon the amount of work
necessary for their installation and does not include right-of-way purchase.
Tunnel Reconstruction (SMART)
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.
Station Platform Construction (SMART
Contract Package #4 includes installation of the downtown station basic platform without
amenities. The majority of the basic foundation for this station has already been
installed. The top concrete slab will be installed with the station amenities such as
benches, lights and kiosks. At this time, the work is limited to concrete placement and
does not include final platform amenities.
Rail Signal Operations (SMART)
SMART is installing fiber optic cable to provide a 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.
Regional Transportation Enhancement Proiect (City of San Rafael)
SMART's rail utilizes the existing alignment of the Northwest Pacific Railroad, which
was installed prior to 1920. The infrastructure and area of San Rafael was much different
at the time the rail was developed. Today, the downtown station area is crisscrossed by
main roadways that provide access east and west of Highway 101. The reactivation of
the train system will impact vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle circulation along these
roadways in the downtown area.
In response, the Department of Public Works has initiated the Regional Transportation
System Enhancements (RTSE) project. RTSE involves two major components: traffic
signal upgrades, and civil improvements near the future SMART rail station.
SAN RAFALL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Improvements include updating a total of 20 signal system controller cabinets to allow
the traffic signal system to communicate with the rail signal system and to coordinate
with trains entering and exiting the downtown station. Connecting these traffic signal
systems to SMART's controller system is vital to ensure the efficient flow of traffic
through this area of San Rafael. Civil improvements include the installation of curb
ramps and accessibility improvements to allow better access to the SMART station area.
These civil improvements are not being proposed on SMART's right of way but along
adjacent roadways.
The cost of these improvements is estimated to be $3.1 million. The Department of
Public Works has applied for and received a Federal Congestion Management and Air
Quality (CMAQ) grant through the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) process, in the amount
of $1.9 million. Additional funding for this project is available from City Traffic
Mitigation fees as well as City Construction Vehicle Impact fees.
Although federal funding for this work benefits our community, the additional work
required to receive these funds is time consuming. This is especially so when the actual
improvements must be in place prior to day one rail system operations. The design for
the project is well underway and the Department of Public Works is taking all necessary
steps for construction to commence as soon as possible. Staff is working diligently to
receive the design and environmental approvals necessary to bid this project.
The Department of Public Works will purchase traffic signal cabinets, controllers,
railroad preemption equipment, etc., within the next month. Purchasing this equipment in
advance saves time and is more cost effective as it eliminates costly contractor markups.
Because we expect the implementation of the rail service to significantly impact traffic,
additional and more reliable traffic monitoring capabilities are needed. In order to
actively monitor and respond to conflicts or other issues in a timely manner, a new traffic
operations center system is required. Tile Department of Public Works has been
researching the various systems available for this use and will soon move forward on the
purchase of this item.
Puerto Suello Hill Path to Transit Center Connector Project (City of San Rafael)
In 2007, the City was notified that the County of Marin had received $25 million for the
construction of various non -motorized transportation improvements throughout the
County. In response to this grant opportunity, the City applied for and received funds to
construct a ten foot wide multi -use path on Hetherton Street between Mission Avenue
and Fourth Street.
Improvement alternatives were developed and presented to stakeholders, including the
San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), the San Rafael
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Access Advisory Committee, and the Marin
County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC). In 2009, the City Council directed staff to proceed
with the preparation of construction plans and specifications of the preferred alternatives.
As part of the environmental clearance phase of design, the City coordinated with the
Caltrans Office of Local Assistance regarding the high sensitivity for prehistoric and
historical archaeological resources. Caltrans directed the City to conduct extensive
subsurface exploration to identify and catalog cultural resources which might be located
within the project limits. That exploration was completed in early 2012. The City
received environmental clearance on March 16, 2012.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 1 Page: 4
The entire length of Hetherton Street is located within the State right-of-way. Although
the San Rafael has a maintenance agreement for this street, Caltrans required the City to
obtain an encroachment permit because the project will include installation of new
permanent street improvements. Between June 2012 and March 2014, the City
coordinated multiple rounds of comments and revisions with the Caltrans Office of
Permits. The encroachment permit was issued on March 24, 2014.
On August 18, 2014, the San Rafael City Council authorized the Public Works Director
to award the construction contract to Ghilotti Brothers, Inc. The construction
commenced the following fall with the removal of trees in the project area. The
remaining construction should be completed by the end of summer of 2015.
San Rafael Downtown Integrated Traffic Center Study (City of San Rafael)
The City's Economic Development Department received, in conjunction with the Golden
Gate Bridge and Highway District, a $255,000 planning grant from the Transportation
Authority of Marin (TAM).
TAM grant funding will be used to study and develop a report for an integrated transit
center that accommodates existing and future bus operations and coordinates with other
transit operations in the area such as SMART. The study will include:
• Assessing the options for a full or partial relocation of the existing Bettini Transit
Center, which will be impacted when SMART service is extended from San
Rafael to Larkspur through a portion of the existing transit center
• Analysis of current operations of the Bettini Transit Center
• Ascertaining the physical footprint needed to accommodate current and future
operations
• Providing site options for the potential full or partial relocation of the transit
center to a nearby location
• Financial modeling based on highest and best use of the potential sites and
physical and operational constraints will also be examined.
City staff anticipates that the consultant team will be hired in March 2015 after approval
by the City Council. The work will commence in April 2015 and be completed within 9-
12 months.
Downtown Parking and Wayfinding Study (City of San Rafaell
The City of San Rafael has also received a $222,500 federally funded grant from the
Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) to analyze current public and private parking
patterns and needs. A consultant will be hired to develop recommendations for parking
needs within a Ralf -mile radius of the Bettini Transit Center and to explore future parking
needs that factor in SMART ridership. In addition, the study will provide
recommendations on upgrading the current wayfinding signage program for downtown
San Rafael. This project is being administered by Parking Services and is expected to
commence within the next few months.
Transportation Authoritv of Marin Transit Studv (City of San Rafael/Fairfax/San Anselmo)
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is developing a concept study
investigating the provision of transit services west of San Rafael to San Anselmo and
Fairfax. The City of San Rafael, Golden Gate Transit, Marin Transit, and the towns of
San Anselmo and Fairfax staff are participating in this study by providing technical
advice to TAM.
Proposed Camstrurtion (To be completed Prior to rail operations)
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Regional Transportation Enhancement Project — Construction (City of San Rafael)
The Department of Public Works is currently developing design and procurement
standards for the specialized equipment needed for this project. Once approvals for this
federally funded project are in place, the Department of Public Works will bring the
project to the San Rafael City Council for authorization to move forward with a
construction contract. We anticipate this work to occur prior to the start of day one rail
operations.
Rail Signal Installation (SMART)
Rail signal equipment at the rail crossings will be installed in 2015. Quad gates are
planned for three roadway crossings south of Puerto Suello Tunnel. Currently, SMART's
design shows dual gates at Pacheco Street and Paloma Avenue. A pedestrian gate
crossing system is proposed to be installed on the south side of Fourth Street next to the
SMART station.
Station Architectural Finish Construction (SMART & San Rafael Council Subcommittee)
Station finishes will be finalized prior to rail operation. The City's SMART
Subcommittee is working with an architectural firm to develop options to present to the
City Council within the next year to recommend a preferred alternative on behalf of the
City of San Rafael.
In addition to the architectural features for the station, more safety measures are needed
along the north side of Third Street to prevent pedestrians from jaywalking across this
busy street. The Department of Public Works will address this issue with SMART to
pursue the installation of a pedestrian barrier in this area.
Train Testing_(SMART)
The new train will be tested throughout the rail corridor in 2015 and 2016. 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.
Regulatory_ 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.
Ouiet Zone (City of San Rafael)
City Council approved staff to proceed with the Quiet Zone process at its December 1,
2014 meeting. The City Attorney's office is working with SMART to develop the
necessary agreements prior to submitting the paperwork needed to move forward with the
Quiet Zone through San Rafael.
SMART Stations Bicycle Parking Investment Plan (SMART)
The SMART Stations Bicycle Parking Investment Plan will engage local partners to
analyze what bicycle parking types are available, what markets need to be served along
the rail corridor and what investments would be desired and appropriate. SMART rail
cars will accommodate bicycles, and ongoing station construction will allow some
flexibility to build out future bicycle parking facilities. This is a $100,000 project
supported by a grant to study the entire rail line.
Taxi, Shuttle and Transit Connectivity (City of San Rafael & Other Agencies)
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
City staff will coordinate with other transit agencies prior to the onset of rail operations.
Shuttle service between the Downtown Rail Station and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal will
need to be pursued with the Golden Gate Bridge and Transportation District. Setting
aside space for loading zones and taxi areas must also be explored. Tamalpais Avenue,
between Second and Third Streets, appears to be a viable area for taxi and shuttle
services; however, further examination is needed based on possible congestion in tile,
area.
Future Cottsirtictioti To be Constructed after Rail Operafloid
Tamalpais Avenue Operational Modifications •— Study (City of San Rafael)
On April 4, 2011, the City of San Rafael's Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan was approved
by the City Council. This plan included the approval of the NTPP Puerto Sucllo Pathway
to Transit project along Hetherton Avenue, which is currently under construction.
The San Rafael City Council has received comments from the public that the main
bicycle and pedestrian access running north and south through downtown should be
located on Tamalpais rather than Hetherton. There have been additional comments from
the public that West Tamaipais Avenue could be made into a promenade for a separated
multi -use path as well as for other amenities such as landscaping and pedestrian features.
If SMART rail service does eventually extend to Larkspur, the Department of Public
Works will initiate a study to determine what modifications to this area are feasible. Due
to Tamalpais Avenue's close proximity to the SMART station, it is important to pursue
this study after the rail operation has begun to allow more accurate analysis of all the
impacts in the area.
Ramp Metering (Caltrans)
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans), along with the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), are
pursuing ramp metering on Highway 101 in Marin County. The current northbound on-
ramp near Mission Avenue and the south bound on-ramp at Second Street are just some
of the highway ramps under consideration for ramp metering. Both ramps are
exceptionally short. The Department of Public Works has consistently communicated
with Caltrans that metering these on -ramps will significantly impact all the traffic
patterns in this area of downtown San Rafael. Caltrans and MTC continue to move
forward with these metering systems.
At this time, we do not know when Caltrans will install and activate ramp metering
throughout San Rafael. Public Works staff will continue to work with MTC. Caltrans
and TAM staff to keep apprised of this work and convey our concerns regarding the local
ramifications of ramp metering throughout the City.
SMART Rail Extension to Larkspur
The original ballot measure for the train stipulated termination of the rail system in
Larkspur. At this time, SMART has a funding shortfall and will not construct the rail
system from downtown San Rafael to Larkspur. SMART is currently seeking additional
funding for the construction of this extension.
The extension of the rail service to Larkspur includes a rail crossing at Andersen Drive.
The Department of Public Works is working with SMART and has been in
communication with the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) regarding this
intersection. When Andersen Drive was constructed in the 1990's, the rail tracks were
paved over. There have been no safety concerns about this crossing since that time due
to the lack of train operations. However, if SMART does pursue service to Larkspur, the
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 1 Page: 7
City of San Rafael will be required to make the necessary improvements to allow for a
safe crossing. Preliminary discussions with CPUC have been favorable regarding an at -
grade crossing. The Department of Public Works will continue to work with SMART, as
well as all regulatory agencies, to be ready when SMART has the ability to extend
service to Larkspur.
At present, SMART has not submitted any plans to show their proposed work south of
downtown San Rafael. The Department of Public Works anticipates working with
SMART to discuss other modifications, such as changing the alignment of Francisco
Boulevard West near Second Street to provide fewer grade crossings. Other
modifications to crossings at Rice Drive and Irwin Street may also be possible. We will
wait for a submittal from SMART to initiate these discussions. The Mahon Creek
crossing just south of Second Street is also a challenge that will need to be examined by
SMART.
ANALYSIS: NIA
FISCAL IMPACT: NIA
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 a future Council meeting.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
ROUTING SLIP 1 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. .
DATE OF MEETING: January 20, 2015
FROM: Nader Mansourian
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
DATE: January 5, 2015
TITLE OF DOCUMENT: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART): -.�San Rafael Update
Department Head (signature)
(LOWER HALF OF FORM FOR APPROVALS ONLY)
APPROVED AS COUNCIL /AGENCY
AGENDA ITEM:
r
City ffanager (signature)
NOT APPROVED
REMARKS:
18.06.52
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney (signature)