REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for the Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project
Report
BACKGROUND
The Caltrain Modernization program envisions a series of capital improvement projects to upgrade the performance, operating efficiency, capacity, safety and reliability of Caltrain’s commuter rail service. These projects include: (1) implementation of an advanced signal system, which is currently being installed and tested; (2) electrification of the existing Caltrain corridor between San Francisco and San Jose; and, (3) replacement of Caltrain’s diesel trains with high-performance electric trains.
The Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) will electrify the Caltrain corridor by installing overhead power lines to run the new electric trains (“overhead contact system” (OCS)). The OCS electrical poles to be installed along the 51-mile Caltrain-owned corridor, will typically be spaced 180-200 feet apart, and are approximately 25 to 30 feet in height. After the poles are installed, electrical wire will be strung along these poles to provide power to the new electric trains. Since this is a design-build project (meaning the final design will be completed by the selected contractor), the exact locations of these poles will be determined upon completion of the final design documents. However, approximately 250 poles will be installed within Sunnyvale. In addition to the OCS the PCEP also includes a traction power facility (TPF) within the Sunnyvale Caltrain station parking lot. This facility is needed to provide power to the OCS.
Once completed, this project would provide increased service and offer several advantages in comparison to existing diesel power use, including:
• Improved train performance, increased ridership capacity and increased service
• Increased revenue and reduced fuel costs
• Reduced engine noise emanating from trains
• Improved regional air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Provide High Speed Rail (HSR) compatible electrical infrastructure
The project is scheduled to be operational by 2021.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation Element Policies:
• LT-5.1e - Promote the reduction of single occupant vehicle (SOV) trips and encourage an increase in the share of trips taken by all other forms of travel.
• LT-5.5 - Support a variety of transportation modes
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
On January 8, 2015, Caltrain Board of Directors approved and certified the PCEP Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the proposed electrification of the Caltrain corridor between San Jose and San Francisco pursuant to Resolution No. 2015-03.
DISCUSSION
Most of the work for electrification will occur within Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) rights-of-way (ROW), however a portion of the work is located within the City ROW, and also traffic control and street closures will be required during construction. The following project elements will be located within the City limits:
• OCS poles - Installation of foundations, poles and appurtenances.
• Stringing wire for OCS - This will require temporary street closures or lane reductions when work occurs at an existing at-grade crossing.
• Installing four overhead bridge barriers, which are required to prevent falling objects from coming into contact with the OCS.
• Construction of TPF located within the Sunnyvale Station parking lot.
JPB staff approached the City to enter into a cooperative agreement (Attachment 1) to establish roles and responsibilities as part of the project. The agreement provides direction for construction within Sunnyvale and specifics regarding plan review, fees, outreach, street closures and other elements related to the project. Some of the key highlights include:
• JPB is responsible for the design and all review and inspection fees associated with the project and will obtain encroachment permits for work within City ROW or property.
• JPB will provide a point of contact during construction.
• JPB will provide 60-day notice for construction within the City and seven-day notice on road and driveway closures. All closures will be posted 72 hours prior to closure.
• All closures that affect downtown will require advance coordination with the Downtown Association.
• JPB will comply with any City tree replacement requirements and permits, for tree trimming or removal involving public or private property outside of JPB property.
• JPB will coordinate with the City on design selection of overbridge protection barriers and fencing that would be viewed from highly used public spaces and historical train stations. The JPB will provide the City three alternative designs for selection.
FISCAL IMPACT
The JPB will pay City fees for all encroachment permits, which are required to work in City ROW.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for the Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project.
Staff
Prepared by: Manuel Pineda, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Kent Steffens, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement