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Agenda Item 18.

City Council Meeting

Meeting Date:	11/17/2020
FROM:	Bill Gallardo

Subject:

Lambert Road and Puente Street Intersection Improvement Project, CIP 7276

RECOMMENDATION

Approve revised scope-of-work for Lambert Road and Puente Street Intersection Improvement Project, CIP 7276

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

At the December 6, 2011 City Council meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution approving revised traffic impact fees based upon the Transportation Improvements Nexus Program 2011 Update. The purpose of the Nexus Program Update was to analyze traffic impacts related to development projects associated with vehicle trips generated. As part of the Nexus Program Update, over 31 signalized intersections were analyzed to measure the efficiency and operations needed to maintain Level-of-Service (LOS) standards. Based on the results of the LOS at each intersection, the Nexus Program Update recommended 11 improvement projects. One of the 11 projects recommended a westbound right-turn lane at the intersection of Lambert Road and Puente Street. The project is CIP 7276 in the approved Capital Improvement Program.

As identified in the Transportation Improvement Nexus Program, improvements at the intersection of Puente Street and Lambert Road include widening Lambert Road to construct a westbound right-turn lane. Attachment A presents the conceptual improvement plan for these improvements. These improvements will require the relocation of one (1) Southern California Edison (SCE) power pole. Due to the significant construction costs of over $200,000, as well as the construction delays associated with the relocation of the SCE power poles, staff researched if the project could be designed another way, to achieve comparable traffic benefits and meet LOS goals.

As a result, staff developed an alternative improvement that consists of restriping both the north and south approaches of the intersection to provide exclusive right-turn lanes (no widening required) and modifying the traffic signal operations to include a northbound right-turn overlap phase to enhance and improve signal operations. Attachment B presents the conceptual improvement plan for the proposed project alternative. The estimated construction cost to implement the proposed alternative improvement is approximately $20,000, which is significantly less than the project budget.

When compared to the intersection improvements identified in the Transportation Improvement Nexus Program Update, the proposed alternative is more cost effective; does not require additional widening; and would not result in any construction delays as a result of SCE power pole relocation. In addition, since this alternative improvement is within the boundary of the Puente Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP 7311) currently under construction, the work can be completed as part of this project via a Contract Change Order.

COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Finance Committee reviewed staff’s recommendation at their November 10, 2020 meeting. A concern was raised regarding the potential impact the alternative improvement would have on trucks making the right-turn since the width of the northbound and southbound outside lanes would be reduced. In response, the alternative improvement would also add a new northbound right-turn arrow to the signal to allow the heavier northbound truck traffic to safely turn and utilize all three eastbound lanes to complete the turn without any conflicting movements.

FISCAL IMPACT/SUMMARY

The Transportation Improvements Nexus Program 2011 Update recommended a new westbound right-turn lane at the intersection of Lambert Road and Puente Street. The construction would require a SCE power pole to be relocated resulting in a significant construction cost of over $200,000. Staff has identified a substitute improvement project that has the same traffic flow benefits. This alternative improvement project includes re-striping both the north and south legs of the intersection with exclusive right-turn lanes, and modifying the traffic signal to include a northbound right-turn overlap phase. The proposed construction cost for these substitute improvements is approximately $20,000, and is less costly and less impactful on project schedule in comparison to the original improvements identified in the Transportation Improvement Nexus Program. Additionally, the level of service analysis indicates that the substitute improvements are more beneficial to the intersection’s overall operations when compared to the original improvements.

Funds are available in CIP 7276. The remaining project funds will be allocated to fund other projects listed in the Transportation Improvement Nexus Program.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

William Gallardo, City Manager
Prepared by: Michael Ho, P.E., Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Concurrence: Tony Olmos, P.E., Public Works Director

Attachments
Original Plan
Proposed Plan