TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a cooperative agreement between Caltrans, the City of Long Beach, and the City of Seal Beach, to improve the intersection of the SR-22 Studebaker Road off-ramp and College Park Drive, located in the City of Long Beach. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The City of Seal Beach is proposing a project that would provide improved access for residents of an isolated neighborhood at the east end of College Park Drive. The neighborhood of approximately 300 homes is physically separated from all other areas by the San Gabriel River to the west, the I-405 and I-605 freeways to the north and east, and the SR-22 freeway to the south. The only access to the neighborhood is College Park Drive, which terminates at the SR-22 freeway westbound ramps. Residents have difficulty turning onto the SR-22 ramps from College Park Drive, particularly during the peak hours, due to continuous heavy traffic on the ramps.
The intersection is currently one lane in each direction in all approaches. The scope of work will add a dedicated southbound left turn and add an additional northbound through lane, north of the intersection, with striping, grading and paving improvements. The proposed work will remove some of the existing shrubs and planting, but no existing trees will be removed. The project will also modify the intersection of the SR-22 ramps and College Park Drive to provide an acceleration lane on the westbound on-ramp for motorists making left turns from College Park Drive, provide a free-right-turn lane from College Park Drive to the off-ramp, and provide a left-turn lane from the on-ramp onto College Park Drive. These proposed improvements are shown on the attached drawing. Finally, Caltrans currently has planned a pavement maintenance project to resurface these freeway ramps. The City of Seal Beach proposes to incorporate this work into their overall project.
Since this project falls within Caltrans right-of-way, is located within the City of Long Beach, but will be funded and constructed by the City of Seal Beach, it became necessary for all three entities to execute a cooperative agreement for this project to proceed. Under this agreement, the City of Long Beach will become the lead agency for environmental clearance of the project, the City of Seal Beach will fund and be responsible for the design and construction of the project, and Caltrans will assist with funding for the pavement resurfacing portion of the project as well as providing all required permits.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on May 25, 2011, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 3, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on June 21, 2011, to allow the City of Seal Beach to proceed with the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost for the proposed improvements is $750,000. The City of Seal Beach will be providing $500,000 through a OCTA grant they recently received. Caltrans will be providing the remaining $250,000 from their highway maintenance fund. The City of Long Beach is not providing any funding for the design or construction of this project. Some staff time is being provided to assist with the coordination and design, and for the preparation of the required environmental documentation needed for the project. These costs will be absorbed with existing budgeted funds. There is no local job impact associated with the recommendation; however, once construction of the project begins, there may be a positive local job impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER