Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Alpine Road Corridor Improvement Project - Grant Application
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution supporting an application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding for the Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase of the Alpine Road Corridor Improvement Project.
body
BACKGROUND:
Alpine Road is a heavily utilized arterial in San Mateo County. By virtue of its intersection with Interstate 280 it provides regional access to and from Menlo Park, Stanford University, and Portola Valley. It also provides direct local access to the communities of Stanford Weekend Acres and Ladera, both located in unincorporated San Mateo County.
From 2015 to 2017, the Department of Public Works (Department) performed a comprehensive corridor study on Alpine Road from the County limit approximately 1,500 feet south of Junipero Serra Boulevard to the County limit approximately 1,000 feet south of La Mesa Drive. The goals were to improve access and connectivity and reduce mobility barriers for all types of travel, including pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular, public transit; improve walkability and bikeability; improve access to Alpine Road from side streets; and improve intersections along Alpine Road. The Alpine Road Corridor Study Project (Study) was completed in March 2017. The Study identified several phases for implementation. Phase I included minor and lower-cost improvements that can be implemented on a near-term basis. Phase II included larger long-term improvements that come with higher cost, environmental requirements, or other administrative requirements such as coordination with Caltrans.
The safety improvements identified in Phase I, Tier I, of the Study were implemented by the Department between 2017 and 2021. Improvements such as reducing the speed limit to 35 miles per hour, installation of radar speed feedback signs, “keep clear” pavement markings at intersections, and updated high-visibility “ladder-style” crosswalks with Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons units in Ladera were completed. The Department continued to improve the corridor by implementing bicycle lane improvements with green conflict striping and bicycle lane buffers in 2023.
On November 15, 2022, this Board adopted Resolution No. 079319 supporting the Alpine Road Corridor Improvement Project (Project), authorizing a submittal of a funding application for San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) 2022 Measure A and Measure W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Call for Projects to develop a Project Initiation Document (PID), and committed $100,000 in matching funds. The County was awarded the funding from the SMCTA for the PID phase of the Project and began work on the PID in 2023 with technical assistance from the SMCTA. The PID is the first step in the Caltrans project delivery process and provides the basis for scope, cost, and schedule for projects on the State Highway System. Because the Project includes consideration of improvements at Alpine Road and the on and off ramps to Highway 280, complying with the Caltrans project delivery process is prudent. The PID phase will evaluate viable alternatives for the Project and the scope of engineering, traffic, and environmental technical studies required in the following Project Approval & Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase.
DISCUSSION:
The PID phase is anticipated to be completed in March of 2025. Approval of a PID by Caltrans authorizes a project to move into the PA&ED phase, where the project is cleared environmentally and the preferred alternative is selected. Obtaining Caltrans approval for the Project better positions the County and Department for future grant funding opportunities to implement the Project, which may include state or regional grants.
The Department has determined that PA&ED phase of the Project could be funded by a SMCTA Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding grant and is seeking Board approval to submit a grant application.
The Department proposes to apply for $1,950,000 in SMCTA Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding, which leverages funds from the SMCTA’s Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program. The grant application requires a ten percent (10%) local match in the amount of $195,000 for a total cost of $2,145,000 to complete the PA&ED Project phase. Additional funding would be required for future phases of the Project including design and construction.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Should the grant be awarded, the local match requirement of $195,000 would be provided by the Road Fund.
There is no impact to the General Fund.