Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Enter into a Cooperative Agreement for Traffic Signal Improvements on Park Street Associated with the Park Street Transit Signal Priority and Signal Optimization Project.
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)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Park Street Transit Signal Priority (TSP) and Signal Optimization Project is an Alameda Contra-Costa Transit District (AC Transit) project which improves transit operation and service reliability along the Park Street corridor. The proposed Cooperative Agreement (Exhibit 1) formalizes the City of Alameda (City) maintenance responsibilities for these traffic signal improvements on Park Street.
BACKGROUND
Led by AC Transit, the Park Street TSP and Signal Optimization Project is a local project to improve transit operation and service along Park Street in Alameda. The TSP project will increase transit reliability for Alamedans and improve overall traffic flow for all vehicles travelling along Park Street. AC Transit has installed similar systems in other cities that showed large improvements in transit function along major corridors.
The Park Street TSP and Signal Optimization Project is an important project that will facilitate more efficient travel for transit users as well as normal vehicular traffic. Currently, the City has existing transit and coordination related traffic signal equipment installed. However, the hardware is not currently operational and does not span the entire length of the Park Street corridor.
Construction plans have been finalized and are currently pending approval by the AC Transit board. The project is expected to begin construction by late-2026 and be completed in 2027. AC Transit requires the Cooperative Agreement, included as Exhibit 1, to be executed prior to their advertising for the construction agreement.
DISCUSSION
The City has long advocated for improved transit access in Alameda. City staff have worked closely with AC Transit on several projects including their recent regional Realign Effort which adjusted multiple transit lines and schedules to provide improved access in Alameda and to the neighboring cities. There is a desire to increase traffic flow along the major corridors in the City. Traffic signal communication and transit priority equipment was installed at various intersections throughout the City in the past. However, a corridor wide system was never made fully operational. This project will install new transit and traffic signal coordination equipment and configure existing equipment into a fully functioning system along the Park Street corridor. A new signal cabinet at San Jose Avenue/Park Street will also be installed with this project.
The TSP and traffic signal coordination will improve the efficiency of vehicular travel on Park Street from Otis Drive to the Park Street Bridge. The City recently implemented updated signal timing and coordination at the Park Street / Clement Avenue and Park Street / Blanding Avenue intersections as a first phase of this joint project. Traffic flows through these two intersections have improved, particularly for the Park Street and Clement Avenue movements. Traffic modelling suggests that the coordinated signal timing will reduce intersection delays by up to a full minute during peak commute hours. Additional signal coordination beginning at Otis Drive will further reduce delay for AC Transit buses and passenger vehicles. AC Transit will be conducting pre- and post-project travel time studies to document the travel times and quantify the level of improvement. Cross traffic at side streets is not expected to be significantly affected and pedestrian crossings will remain in recall (walk symbol for each cycle without pushing the button) through the downtown commercial area.
As part of the proposed Cooperative Agreement, maintenance for this signal equipment will be the responsibility of the City. City staff, as well as the city legal team, have already reviewed the terms of the Cooperative Agreement and recommend City Council authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the Cooperative Agreement, as proposed.
• Direct staff to renegotiate portions of the Cooperative Agreement prior to approval.
• Do not approve the Cooperative Agreement, which would not allow the Park Street Transit Signal Priority and Signal Optimization Project to move forward.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no immediate financial impact to the City from the cooperative agreement. There may be minor future expenses of less than $500 per year to repair and/or replace the TSP equipment which would be captured as regular traffic signal maintenance throughout Alameda. The future additional maintenance costs will be more than offset by the capital expenditure of more than $60,000 by AC Transit to upgrade the signal cabinet and controller at the Park Street / San Jose Avenue intersection.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
Strategic Plan: Invest in Alameda’s Transportation, Infrastructure & Economy. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
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).
Additionally, the AC Transit Park Street Transit Signal Priority and Signal Optimization project has completed an independent CEQA review process and filed a Class 1 Notice of Exemption for the project.
CLIMATE IMPACT
The project will reduce delays for transit and vehicles travelling on the Park Street corridor, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into a Cooperative Agreement for Traffic Signal Improvements on Park Street associated with the AC Transit Park Street Transit Signal Priority and Signal Optimization Project
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Scott Wikstrom, Deputy Public Works Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Proposed Cooperative Agreement