Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase Traffic Signal Controllers, Signal Cabinets, Video Detection Systems, Battery Backups, and Ancillary Equipment from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $326,135.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). (Public Works 31041520)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Although nearly half of the City of Alameda’s (City) traffic signal system has been modernized, the remaining system requires upgrade. In 2021, City Council approved the funding and purchase of equipment to modernize 40 signalized intersections, including new traffic signal controllers, traffic signal cabinets, video detection systems, and battery backups. Many traffic signal systems in the City remain over 40 years old, having aged beyond their design life cycle. Procurement of the City’s standard traffic signal system will allow for an efficient upgrade of controllers, cabinets, video detection, and battery backup where needed the most. Staff recommends purchasing traffic signal system components at the cost of $326,135.
BACKGROUND
Public Works has an ongoing need to repair and replace the City’s traffic signal infrastructure. The City’s traffic signal system is comprised of 90 signalized traffic signals, 77 within the City’s right-of-way and 13 within Caltrans right-of-way. The demand for the City’s aged system to perform beyond its current capabilities has steadily increased as the City’s land development and population have increased. The growth trend in the City and public expectations to improve safety for pedestrians and bicycles at signalized intersections further increase the pressures on our aging traffic signal system.
In 2010, the City evaluated several signal controller systems and identified Econolite traffic signal systems including their controller, cabinet, and video detection as the City’s standard. This determination was based on the equipment’s functionality, ease of use, equipment maintenance, remote management, and feedback from other municipal users. Econolite is now the standard signal controller system for the City. In 2018, the City began upgrading the traffic signal system at intersections throughout the City and with City Council’s approval of a significant equipment purchase in 2021, the City has replaced approximately 41 signal systems. Approximately 38 intersections continue to operate using 40-year-old technology and will be upgraded with the equipment purchased through this authorization or through planned corridor improvement projects such as the Central Avenue Safety Improvements, Grand Street Complete Streets, and the Lincoln-Marshall-Pacific Safety Improvements.
The signal controller is the computer running the intersection. All controllers purchased will replace old and functionally limited controllers. The controller cabinet houses the controller and other electronics needed to operate the timing and lights at an intersection. It also provides the foundation for advanced detection and communication systems to be installed, which greatly expand the operational capabilities of an intersection. Many of the City’s older controller cabinets are not built to support multi-functional operations to efficiently serve the competing movements at an intersection. True optimization and multi-modal operations cannot be achieved until the cabinets are replaced with newer controller cabinets built to current standards. Signal operations at an intersection depend greatly on the type of detection system running the intersection and the ability to detect the presence of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Best practice is to use video detection systems consisting of four cameras on poles and a central unit housed in the controller cabinet. Existing detection systems will be replaced with the City’s standard video detection system, Econolite. Finally, integrated battery backup systems allow traffic signals to operate during a power failure for up to two hours with an additional six to eight hours of operation in red flash mode. This is an essential function for City’s traffic signal system as we continue to build the City’s resiliency.
The procurement of this equipment will allow staff to complete the modernization process of our critical traffic signal infrastructure by replacing old controllers with limited capabilities with new units which will help us better serve all users of the road and implement efficient operation for transit, pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles, and automobiles. This upgrade will improve overall traffic signal timing, reduce traffic congestion and delays, and improve air quality by reducing idle time of vehicles at intersections.
DISCUSSION
Staff recommends a sole source purchase of the Econolite Cobalt controllers, Econolite P-44 Standard TS2 cabinets, and Econolite Vision video detection directly from Econolite Control Products, Inc. While it is possible to solicit an open bid for these components, any third-party vendor would need to acquire the product from Econolite before reselling to the City at a premium. Additionally, Alameda receives preferred pricing directly from the Econolite.
To date, intersections upgraded are those where old signal equipment could be easily swapped for the new by our in-house traffic operations staff. Going forward, many of the remaining intersections will require significant construction including new foundations, conduit and wiring, upgraded signal heads, and/or new signal poles. Improvement plans will be prepared for this additional work and publicly bid. For these intersections, a contractor will do most of the construction with the City providing, building and testing the cabinet, controller, video detection system, and battery backup. Additionally, a minimum inventory of signal components is kept in stock to allow City staff to quickly respond to damage caused by a vehicular collisions and/or other equipment failures.
The current need for traffic signal system components to support planned capital projects, planned maintenance, and maintain an adequate inventory for unplanned incidents includes eight signal controller cabinets, three signal controllers, four camera systems, and ten battery backup systems. The total cost for these items is $326,135 and is detailed in the cost proposal provided by Econolite Control Products, Inc. (Exhibit 1).
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the purchase as recommended.
• Direct staff to solicit public bids for the Econolite products.
• Do not approve the purchase of signal controller system purchase. The implication of not taking any action would result in aged and obsolete traffic signal system and aged controllers with limited functionality operating traffic signals in Alameda.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds are available for the purchase of the initial traffic signal system components including controllers, cabinets, video detection, and battery backups in the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in the Traffic Signal and Systems Project (C13000).
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. This action is subject to the Levine Act. The purchase of new traffic signal equipment is consistent with City Strategic Plan Project TIE4, Upgrade traffic signal system technology for reliability and safety, reducing public safety response times.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are positive climate impacts as a result of replacing obsolete traffic signal equipment at the intersection with modern traffic signal equipment. The installation of new traffic signal controllers will allow for better signal operations, communication, and overall travel efficiently through a corridor with less idling, delay, and emissions of greenhouse gases. Additionally, the advanced features of a modern system will integrate with our Complete Streets Policy and Vision Zero Policy by improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, encouraging these modes of transportation and further reducing vehicular trips.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to purchase traffic signal controllers, signal cabinets, video detection systems, battery backups, and ancillary equipment from Econolite Control Products, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $326,135.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Scott Wikstrom, City Engineer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Econolite Quote