REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Lawrence Expressway Grade Separations Study - Consideration of Conceptual Alternative
Report
BACKGROUND
The cities of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have participated in a conceptual design study by the County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports Department for improvements at three intersections (Reed/Monroe Avenue, Kifer Road, and Arques Avenue) on Lawrence Expressway that are planned for grade separation. The concept study analyzed the feasibility of alternatives by preparing engineering drawings, conducting utility and other investigations, and performing traffic modeling. A public outreach effort was also conducted. The intended outcome is the development of a specific project concept to address existing and projected traffic congestion on Lawrence Expressway, which can then be included in the County's long-range expressway plan. This will support future efforts to fund improvements both on the part of the County of Santa Clara and the two cities.
This report was considered by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission on August 21, 2014 and by the Planning Commission on August 25, 2014.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan Land Use and Transportation Chapter, Policy LT -1.2 Support coordinated regional transportation system planning and improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from CEQA per CEQA Guidelines section 15262, preparation of feasibility and planning studies for future action.
DISCUSSION
Lawrence Expressway is a County-owned roadway that borders Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. Maintaining efficient traffic flow is important to the transportation and land use plans of all three agencies. The three locations in question are elements of the City's Transportation Strategic Program (TSP) and are considered vital for supporting north-south traffic and access to and from the Moffett Industrial Park area. The TSP is intended to fund a number of improvements including Lawrence Expressw...
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