Title
Review Quarterly Report on Activities Related to Transportation Policies and Plans (Information)
Body
Transportation Commission
July 26, 2017
Item 6A
(Information)
Review Quarterly Report on Activities Related to Transportation Policies and Plans
BACKGROUND
Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Section 2-8.1 states that the Transportation Commission (TC) “shall monitor, via quarterly staff reports, implementation of approved transportation plans and policies.”
DISCUSSION
The below progress report lists various work tasks completed or are being worked on by staff relating to Transportation Plans from February through June 2017 sorted by the relevant transportation plan.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans
Bicycle Safety Education: A multi-faceted bicycle education program was included as a non-infrastructure component of the Jean Sweeney Cross Alameda Trail Active Transportation Program grant totaling $123,000 plus an $18,000 local match, for a grand total of $141,000. The two-year effort will fund on-bike bicycle safety education at four schools near the trail, citywide bike safety education classes for all ages, and education programs targeted to low-income, homeless and formerly homeless youth. Staff received approval from Caltrans for the work program in June 2016, and approval to begin to expend the funds in early 2017. Staff released an RFP for program implementation in late May, and expect to have a provider under contract by July 31, 2017. Next Steps: Receive Council approval for contract with bicycle safety education providers to begin programs in August 2017.
Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project: In November 2015, the TC approved the recommended concept. In February 2016, the City Council approved the recommended concept, and requested more analysis on the Webster Street/Central Avenue intersection once the design and construction is funded. In December 2016, the City won an ATP grant for $7.3 million of the $12 million project. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $3.5 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the local match requirements of the two federal/state monies. Next Steps: Staff will begin the next phase of the project, which includes additional outreach for the Webster Street/Central Avenue intersection, environmental review, permits and design, by June 2019.
Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/public-works/central-avenue-complete-street>
Clement Avenue Safety Improvement Project: This project creates a complete street and constructs a major portion of the Cross Alameda Trail while ensuring that this designated truck route is in a state of good repair. In May 2015, the TC approved the Class II bicycle lane concept alternative as well as track removal. In late 2016, the City added a durable temporary patch over the railroad tracks to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and scooter riders from slipping on or getting wheels caught in the tracks. Because this patch could be easily damaged, the re-striping was done to keep traffic off of the center of the street until the long-term project is completed. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $5 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the local match requirements of the federal/state monies. Next Steps: Staff will begin the next phase of the project, which includes environmental review, permits and design, by June 2019.
Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/public-works/clement-avenue-complete-street>
Clement Avenue/Tilden Way Project: This gateway project in Northern Waterfront includes acquisition of Union Pacific property at the eastern terminus of Clement Avenue and on Tilden Way to the Miller-Sweeney Bridge, which the City is currently negotiating. Once purchased, Clement Avenue could be extended to create a complete street. The City will consider facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians so as to complete the proposed Cross Alameda Trail as well as to improve the truck and bus routes so as to facilitate on/off island access. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $8.4 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the local match requirements of the Measure BB monies. Next Steps: Staff will complete the right-of-way acquisition, and then will begin the next phase of the project, which includes planning, outreach, environmental review, permits and design, by June 2019.
Cross Alameda Trail - Appezzato Parkway: City staff received approval for its Soils Remediation Plan from the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health, and is awaiting a notification of any public comments received during the one month public review period; revised the NEPA checklist in preparation for submittal to reviewing agency; finalized real estate agreements with three encroaching property owners; submitted a $2.2 million Urban Greening grant to fund this segment, plus the CAT Gap segment. The TC and the Planning Board approved the preliminary design at a joint meeting in February 2015. The project (and the CAT Gap) are funded from a Measure B/VRF Bike/Pedestrian Funds grant totaling $793,000, Citywide Developer Fees, Federal Transit Administration monies totaling $787,440, Measure B/BB local discretionary funds, and Transportation Development Act funds. Next Steps: Obtain the County’s final letter of approval on the Soils Remediation Plan, Council approval of real estate agreements with three encroaching properties, obtain federal NEPA clearance, finalize designs, and put the project out to bid before end of 2017, with construction expected to begin in early 2018.
Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/public-works/cross-alameda-trail>
Cross Alameda Trail - Gap Closure (Atlantic Ave from Webster St to Constitution Way): In early 2016, staff brought a draft design for this critical trail gap between the Jean Sweeney Park and Appezzato Parkway trail segments to the TC. After more detailed design work with many stakeholder, the Transportation Commission and City Council approved the design concept in March and April 2017, respectively. Next Steps: Combine the designs with the CAT RAMP plans, submit plans for internal city permit reviews, finalize plans, and release construction contract before end of 2017.
Cross Alameda Trail - Jean Sweeney Park: The Recreation and Parks Department is the lead agency in charge of designing and constructing the Cross Alameda Trail through Jean Sweeney Park. The City obtained final Caltrans approval - as the grant funding agency - to bid the project. Next Steps: Construction is expected to begin by mid-2017, and be completed before the end of the year.
Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/recreation/projects/cross-alameda-trail-jean-sweeney-open-space-park>
Long-Range Transit Plan Update
Appezzato Parkway Dedicated Bus Lanes: The project includes dedicated bus lanes, bus stops, signal modifications for transit priority, curb and gutter, median curb, sidewalk and curb ramp installations, signing/striping, storm drain basins, landscaping/irrigation, lighting improvements and roadway/intersection modifications. The project is a named project in Measure BB for a total of $9 million according to the Measure BB Transportation Expenditure Plan. Out of these monies, an estimated $1,350,000 will be needed for outreach, environmental review and design. Next Steps: Staff will begin planning, outreach, environmental review, permits and design with expected completion by June 2019.
Estuary Crossing Shuttle: A Metropolitan Transportation Commission grant began funding 50 percent of the costs of the shuttle as of August 2015. This federal grant, called Job Access and Reverse Commute Program, totaled $187,957. The grant was matched with Measure B and TDM/TSM funds from Wind River. The shuttle ran for six years. The boardings per day averaged 141 during the first year of operation; in its fifth year, the most recent full year of data, there were an average of 450 boardings per day. With new AC Transit bus services and with the expenditure of all grant funding, the Estuary Crossing Shuttle ended service on June 30, 2017. AC Transit restored Line 19 in December 2016 through the Northern Waterfront and modified Line 31 - now Line 96 - in March 2017 to connect the College of Alameda and Laney College. Next Steps: Staff will continue to monitor the impacts on former Estuary Crossing Shuttle riders to ensure a smooth transition to AC Transit services.
Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/about-alameda/estuary-crossing-shuttle>
Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal Access: In mid-2016, the TC and the City Council approved in concept the residential parking permit program for the Homeowner Associations (HOAs) adjacent to the ferry terminal. In August 2016, AC Transit improved Line 21 so that each morning ferry to San Francisco has a connecting bus service to the ferry and each afternoon/evening ferry from San Francisco has a connecting bus service from the ferry. In September 2016, staff began marketing alternative modes of transportation at the ferry terminal, including Line 21 and existing bicycle access. In December 2016, the adjacent HOAs voted on the residential parking permit program concept and the City Council revised the residential parking permit program ordinance to enable HOAs to request these programs. In February 2017, City Council adopted the HOA resolutions authorizing residential permit parking on the public streets. Next Steps: In August, the spillover parking in the adjacent neighborhoods will no longer be an option for ferry riders and the two-hour parking restrictions will be enforced along Adelphian Way.
Main Street Ferry Terminal Access: Staff is looking into ways to close the bikeway gap on Main Street (as noted above), to fund a bus feeder service to/from the ferry terminal and to improve parking. In October 2016, City and AC Transit staff submitted an unsuccessful grant application to the Alameda CTC for the Cross Town Express Bus, which would run between the Main Street ferry terminal and Fruitvale BART. Next Steps: The City and AC Transit are working together on short- and long-term solutions to ensure that AC Transit bus lines service the Main Street ferry terminal so as to provide bus service once again to/from this ferry terminal. Staff will continue to seek funding for bus service to/from the ferry terminal, the Main Street bikeway gap closure as well as other potential parking management strategies that are under evaluation.
Paratransit Program: In January 2017, staff hired a paratransit expert - Victoria Williams - to manage the program. The Premium taxi program, which provides a 50 percent discount for eligible residents, averaged 89 monthly trips in 2016. The Medical Return Trip Improvement Program (MRTIP), which provides subsidized trips for individuals returning home from medical appointments, averaged 6 monthly trips in 2016. The Alameda Paratransit Shuttle averaged 449 monthly trips in 2016. Next Steps: As shown in item 5C of this agenda, staff developed and is soliciting input on the Paratransit Program Plan for Fiscal Year 2017/18, which is due to the Alameda CTC in March 2017.
Project web page: www.AlamedaParatransit.com <http://www.AlamedaParatransit.com>
Transportation Choices Plan: In January 2015, the City Council directed staff to prepare a comprehensive citywide transportation planning and implementation effort in response to a City Council referral from Councilmember Tony Daysog. During this 18-month citywide planning effort, the City is identifying opportunities for strategic transportation investment and coordination with transit providers to provide Alamedans with enhanced transportation options while reducing congestion, carbon footprint and air pollution. In May 2016, staff and the consultant team - CDM Smith - obtained comments from the TC on the draft existing conditions memorandum. In November 2016, staff and CDM Smith obtained comments from the TC on the draft strategies memorandum. Next Steps: The TC will be requested to review the Draft Plan in mid-2017.
Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/expanding-transportation-options-citywide-transittdm-plan>
Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal Project: In March 2016, the TC commented on the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal Strategy and Plan. In April 2016, the City Council approved the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal Plan, adopted a CEQA Addendum and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) for future ferry service. In mid-2016, the design was reviewed by a Planning Board Study Session on May 9, 2016 and approved by the Bay Conservation Development Commission Design Review Board on June 6, 2016. Permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies is underway. Further design work is temporarily on hold until Site A closes on the land, which is anticipated in July 2017. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $8.2 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the developer monies that total $10 million. Next Steps: Staff will continue working with WETA on the design of the ferry terminal, and will seek approval from the Historical Advisory Board and a final design review approval from the TC and Planning Board.
TSM/TDM Plan
Alameda Transportation Management Association: On June 21, 2017, new developments in Northern Waterfront and Alameda Point launched a new organization - the Alameda Transportation Management Association (Alameda TMA) - charged with creating more transportation choices in Alameda (Photo: Exhibit 1). Not only does the Alameda TMA provide and pay for programs required as part of mitigating transportation impacts for their projects, the Alameda TMA also benefits other Alamedans such as paying for increased frequencies to AC Transit’s Line 19, which runs along the Northern Waterfront area. Next Steps: The Alameda TMA will define the two project area committee budgets for Northern Waterfront and Alameda Point, and will decide on shared tasks such as accounting, web site and staff. Furthermore, there is the potential for other interested parties or geographic areas within the City to join the Alameda TMA in the future to create even more cost efficiencies and streamlined transportation services citywide.
Parking Management: In March 2015, the City Council approved the recommendation to procure, install and operate credit card enabled “smart” parking meters at all of the City’s single space meter locations. The resizing of meter poles to allow for the installation of the new meters was completed in late 2015 and the new meters were installed in February 2016. This meter upgrade was part of the 2014 City Council approved goal of freeing up one-two available parking spaces per block in Alameda’s business districts. The City Council also approved signage improvements including Variable Messaging Signage at the Civic Center Parking Structure to display real-time occupancy and to better guide on-street parkers to the off-street parking supply as well as refreshed curb painting for time restricted zones in the downtown commercial districts. Both of these items were completed in Fiscal Year 2015-16. Additional parking management improvements include the July 2016 upgrade of the multi-space payment kiosks at the Civic Center Parking Structure and execution of a new Parking Operations and Management contract for the Civic Center Parking Structure. In early 2017, Public Works and Alameda Municipal Power also completed an energy efficiency lighting upgrade at the Civic Center Parking Structure. Next Steps: Evaluate a pay by cell phone option upgrade the single space meter housings and locks, and study progress on the City Council’s 2014 occupancy goals.
Countywide Transportation Projects
Proposed I-880/Broadway/Jackson Multimodal Transportation and Circulation Improvements for Alameda Point, Oakland Chinatown, Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square Project: This project includes improvements to Jackson Street on-ramp, Sixth Street, Martin Luther King Jr. off-ramp, Market Street on-ramp, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Staff is actively engaging with staff from Alameda CTC, Caltrans and the City of Oakland to pursue a mutually beneficial multimodal circulation project in and around the Broadway Jackson interchanges. There is $75 million from Measure B/BB funds that are available to help fund this project once a feasible project alternative is developed. Alameda CTC staff presented a progress report to the TC at the March 22, 2017. Next Steps: Staff will continue to work with Alameda CTC on the proposed alternatives analysis.
I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue Interchange Improvement Project in Oakland: The City of Alameda, Caltrans, the City of Oakland and the Alameda CTC have developed a project to implement operational and safety improvements along I-880 between 23rd and 29th Avenues in Oakland. The Alameda CTC has been managing this project. The construction phase of the project began in 2014. Alameda CTC and Caltrans provided an update to the TC in March 2014 and in November 2016, respectively. Next Steps: Construction completion is expected in 2019.
Ongoing Traffic Calming/ Intersection Improvement Projects
Park Street Corridor Signal Upgrade Project: Staff conducted an outreach meeting for this project on March 5, 2015 to obtain public interest of traffic signal upgrades along Park Street between Blanding Avenue and Encinal Avenue. Staff received full support from the public and the members of the Downtown Alameda Business District (DABA). In January 2016, the City Council approved the plans/specifications and call for bids. Next Steps: Construction is expected in 2017.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City Council has approved the funding for staff efforts required for the above activities.
RECOMMENDATION
This item is for discussion purposes only.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer Ott, Base Reuse and Transportation Planning Director
Gail Payne, Transportation Coordinator
Exhibit:
1. Photo at the Alameda Transportation Management Association Ribbon Cutting