Title
Discuss I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue Interchange Project Update
Body
Transportation Commission
September 26, 2018
Item 5A
Information
Discuss I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue Interchange Project Update
Background
The I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue interchange project in Oakland implements operational and safety improvements on I-880 at the existing overcrossings of 23rd and 29th Avenues. Improvements include replacement of the freeway overcrossing structures, improvements to the northbound on and off ramps as well as to the freeway mainline. A soundwall will be constructed in the northbound direction between 29th and 26th Avenues, and the project includes modifications to local streets and landscaping enhancements.
The total project cost is currently estimated at $114 million. The majority of the funding - $80 million - is from the Trade Corridor Improvements Fund (TCIF) of the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006, which was approved by the voters as Proposition 1B in November 2006.
The construction phase of the project began in 2014. Construction completion is expected in 2019. The project is being led by Caltrans and the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC). Caltrans and Alameda CTC staff provided an update to the Transportation Commission in March 2014 and in November 2016, and this agenda item represents the third update.
Exhibit 1 provides a fact sheet on the project. The Caltrans project web page is: <http://www.dot.ca.gov/d4/88023rd29thovercrossing/>
Discussion
City staff requested specific updates on portions of the I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue project that are particularly impactful to Alamedans as shown in the below three topics along with responses from the Caltrans project team:
1) Transit signal priority as requested by AC Transit Board member Chris Peeples
Transit signal priority is included in the 29th/23rd project, and will be addressed at the end of 2018 when final traffic patterns are in place. The project signal designer confirmed that the plans and specifications call for a pre-emption card that needs to be programmed for both emergency and transit vehicles and tested prior to final acceptance. The designer also confirmed that the contractor’s submittal addressed the specifications sufficiently. The submittal was approved by the City of Oakland. There is no pre-emption in the temporary (current) configuration. The intersection should be in the final configuration before the end of 2018. The pre-emption will be programmed and tested at that time. This system is consistent with the system currently on the buses, and the contractor is required to test the system.
2) Signal timing changes to increase movements for Alamedans leaving in the morning as requested by City Councilmember Frank Matarrese
The lane configuration and utilization have changed, signalization courses balanced delay for traffic movements, meaning Alameda traffic is lessoned in priority, especially with the pedestrian crossings on the Oakland side being prioritized. The Caltrans field engineer confirmed that the signal at 29th and Ford is working the way it should. The signal timing has not changed since Caltrans turned on that signal in June 2017. Caltrans has had multiple discussions with the City of Oakland Electrical Supervisor, and has determined that the video detection system is functioning as intended.
Currently, the northbound 29th off-ramp is closed and the westbound 23rd overcrossing is closed. Traffic has adjusted to accommodate these changes. Both movements are scheduled to open by the end of 2018. After this, traffic will readjust again. The project will install fiber to interconnect the signals within the project area when the new 23rd overcrossing is open. The project team also is working with the City of Oakland to expand the preemption system at Park Street Bridge to 29th/Ford and 23rd/Ford.
3) Change signs that read “STOP HERE ON RED” to clarify that drivers may proceed with left turn on red after stop as requested by Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer
“STOP HERE ON RED” behind the crosswalk line is standard. The red left signal arrow does not permit a left turn on red. The angle of the eastbound approach to Ford does not allow for a clear line of site to pedestrians and vehicles traveling on Ford. Eastbound traffic must stop so that all users may safely proceed through the intersection. This configuration is an adjustment from the free flow that eastbound traffic experienced prior to the project.
Budget Considerations/Fiscal Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. The project is funded by Measures BB/B, federal, state, regional and local monies including the majority - $80 million - is from the Trade Corridor Improvements Fund (TCIF) of the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006, which was approved by the voters as Proposition 1B in November 2006.
Municipal Code/Policy Document Cross Reference
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
Environmental Review
Caltrans certified a Final Environmental Impact Report for this project in 2010.
Recommendation
Discuss I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue Interchange Project Update.
Respectfully submitted by,
Gail Payne, Senior Transportation Coordinator
Andrew Thomas, Planning and Building Director
Exhibits:
1. Project Fact Sheet
2. Presentation