Title
Recommendation to Adopt of Plans and Specifications and Authorize a Call for Bids for Raised Median and Curb Bulb-Out Improvements on Grand Street at Wood School, No. P.W. 03-14-16. (Public Works 4210310)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John A. Russo, City Manager
Re: Adopt Plans and Specifications and Authorize a Call for Bids for Raised Median and Curb Bulb-out Improvements on Grand Street at Wood School, No. P.W. 03-14-16
BACKGROUND
In 2012, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issued a call for projects for Cycle 10 of the state-legislated Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. Public Works Department staff submitted a grant application to improve a mid-block crossing on Grand Street in front of Wood Middle School and Rittler Park. The grant submittal was based on feedback from Caltrans staff, Wood and Lum School staff, AC Transit staff, Recreation and Park Department staff, adjacent neighbors, and engineering analyses. Staff obtained public comment on the preliminary project concept during the January 25 and March 28, 2013 Transportation Commission meetings.
DISCUSSION
The project elements are shown below:
* A raised concrete and landscaped median;
* Median striping;
* A more visible crosswalk with ladder striping;
* Sidewalk bulb-outs adjacent to the midblock crossing;
* Graffiti resistant fencing on the adjacent public walkway;
* ADA improvements;
* Bike lane restriping;
* Four additional Redwood trees in adjacent Rittler Park; and
* Updated signs.
After obtaining the grant, staff held two public workshops at Wood School - one on December 10, 2013 and the other on March 20, 2014. Community members requested an additional sidewalk bulb-out on the west side of the mid-block crossing. A landscaped median also was preferred. In response to these comments, Public Works staff added a sidewalk bulb-out by the public walkway, and maintenance monies will supplement the...
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