REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Addition of Rail Depression Alternative for Caltrain Grade Separation Feasibility Study and Approve Budget Modification No. 36 in the Amount of $114,451, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Amendment with BKF Engineers.
Report
BACKGROUND
On January 31, 2017, Council approved an award of contract in the amount of $663,449 with BKF Engineers for preparation of the Grade Separation Feasibility Study (RTC No. 17-0055). This contract includes $556,357 for basic services, $107,092 for optional video simulation scenarios, and a contingency of $66,345 (10%).
At the Council Joint Study Session with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission held on October 17, 2017, staff presented an update regarding the findings from a preliminary analysis, community feedback received from public meetings, and the results of an online survey. Staff described next steps to move forward with an analysis and refinement of two alternatives at each location: Road Underpass and Road Underpass with Jughandle at Mary Avenue; and Road Underpass Tunnel and Pedestrian/Bicycle Undercrossing at Sunnyvale Avenue, as shown in Attachment 1.
Staff did not recommend the Rail Depression alternatives for further development due to the high estimated cost that makes the project much less competitive for grant funding. This option would also have significant neighborhood impacts related to the construction and operation of a railroad track detour through existing residential areas and traffic impacts associated with the temporary closure of Hendy Avenue and one-lane operation of Evelyn Avenue.
Considering public input, Council requested that the work scope be expanded to advance the Rail Depression alternatives along with the other shortlisted alternatives for Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue and that staff return with a cost estimate for studying these additional alternatives. Council reasons for requesting that the rail depression option...
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