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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7d - South St and King Ct Crossing Project Modification SPEC No. 2001059 Item 7d Department: Public Works Cost Center: 9501 For Agenda of: 6/16/2025 Placement: Business Estimated Time: 30 Minutes FROM: Aaron Floyd, Public Works & Utilities Director Prepared By: Luke Schwartz, Transportation Manager SUBJECT: SOUTH STREET AND KING COURT CROSSING PROJECT MODIFICATION, SPECIFICATION NO. 2001059 RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve a modification to the South Street and King Court Crossing Project (Specification No. 2001059), authorizing installation of a standard traffic signal in lieu of a pedestrian hybrid beacon; and, 2. Authorize the City Engineer to approve modifications to project plans and specifications and approve associated construction Contract Change Orders as needed to facilitate project modifications up to the available project budget and consistent with California Public Contract Code, including any amendments authorized by the City Manager. REPORT-IN-BRIEF The South Street and King Court Crossing Project is currently in early phases of construction and includes installation of a new controlled crossing at the intersection of South Street and King Street/Court. Construction activities are currently on pause pending PG&E electrical work and delivery of materials. During the original planning and design process, both a pedestrian hybrid beacon and a full traffic signal were evaluated for this location. While a fully signalized intersection was identified as the preferred long- term configuration due to its ability to improve both pedestrian safety and vehicle access, the project advanced with a pedestrian hybrid beacon due to concerns regarding emergency response operations along South Street. To preserve future flexibility, the hybrid beacon project was intentionally designed to incorporate much of the infrastructure necessary to support a future traffic signal, allowing for a relatively straightforward conversion should conditions warrant. However, following recent implementation of upgraded emergency vehicle pre-emption technology and renewed coordination with City emergency service providers, staff have confirmed that those emergency response concerns can now be effectively addressed. As construction is currently paused awaiting utility work and equipment delivery, staff is recommending modification of the project to install a full traffic signal in lieu of the previously approved pedestrian hybrid beacon. Because the project was designed with future signalization in Page 471 of 476 Item 7d mind, staff anticipates limited schedule impacts and modest additional costs that can be accommodated within the existing project budget. The proposed modification does not represent a change in the overall purpose or vision of the project; rather, it advances a traffic control alternative that was evaluated during the original design process and intentionally accommodated within the project design. The purpose of this item is to provide an opportunity for community members to provide input on this proposed project modification, and for the Council to take formal action to approve this proposal, if supported. POLICY CONTEXT The City’s 2021 Active Transportation Plan (ATP) recommends installation of pedestrian crossing improvements at the intersection of South Street and King Court as a Tier 1 (highest-priority) project. Installation of this crossing also supports the City’s overarching Vision Zero objective to improve traffic safety and eliminate traffic fatalities, as well as the specific recommendation to upgrade and modernize emergency vehicle pre -emption (EVP) equipment for the San Luis Obispo Fire (SLO Fire) and Police (SLO PD) Departments, as identified in City’s 2026 Vision Zero Action Plan (See Post-Crash Care Recommended Action #1). DISCUSSION Background On October 7, 2025, the City Council approved plans and specifications, and authorized staff to advertise the South Street & King Court Crossing (Project) for construction bids. On January 13, 2026, the City Council approved award of the construction contract to JJ Fisher Construction Inc. This action also authorized purchase and installati on of new/upgraded emergency vehicle preemption equipment for the City Police and Fire Department vehicles, which has since been completed. Since January 2026, the construction contract has been awarded and work has begun, including procurement of traffic signal poles and installation of a new electrical meter box for the beacon/signal system. The City is currently awaiting installation of electrical service by PG&E (expected summer 2026), and delivery of traffic signal poles (expected delivery late August 2026) before commencing with remaining phases of construction in the fall. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Crossing vs. Full Traffic Signal As currently approved, the Project includes installation of a new pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) crossing at the intersection of South Street and King Street/Court, with the primary purpose of improving pedestrian safety on a safe route to school. As discussed in the October 7, 2025 staff report, a full traffic signal was also explored as a design alternative earlier in project development, as a signal would improve access and safety for both pedestrians/cyclists and drivers navigating this intersection. Drivers attempting to make left turns from King Court onto South Street currently experience lengthy de lays during Page 472 of 476 Item 7d peak traffic periods, with the northbound left-turn movement operating at level of service (LOS) F during the AM commute period. While the South & King intersection currently meets warrants for both signalization and/or installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon per the design guidance in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), a traffic signal was not recommended when this project was initially designed due to concerns from the City Fire Department that a full signal may increase delays for emergency response along South Street, a primary response route near Fire Station #1. Thus, a pedestrian hybrid beacon was advanced as the preferred near-term solution at that time. However, because a fully signalized intersection was viewed as a desirable long-term configuration, the project was intentionally designed to incorporate much of the infrastructure necessary to support future signalization. Signal foundations, conduit, electrical infrastructure, and other intersection improvements were designed to accommodate either treatment, allowing the intersection to be converted to a full traffic signal in the future with minimal redesign, limited additional construction, and comparatively low cost . Proposed Project Modifications Since project approval, the City has received significant correspondence from residents regarding the proposed pedestrian hybrid beacon, particularly concerning vehicle access and delays experienced by drivers exiting King Court onto South Stre et. While vehicle access concerns were considered during the original project development process, the recent volume of community feedback highlighted the importance of revisiting whether the original emergency response concerns that drove the project reco mmendation could now be addressed. During the original evaluation of alternatives, emergency response considerations were the primary factor that led staff to recommend a pedestrian hybrid beacon rather than a fully signalized intersection. Since that time, upgraded emergency vehicle preemption equipment has been installed for City Fire and Police Department vehicles, providing enhanced capability for emergency vehicles to communicate with traffic signals and clear intersections more efficiently during emergency response. Based on renewed coordination with City emergency service providers, consideration of the operational benefits provided by the upgraded emergency vehicle preemption technology, and recognition of the access concerns raised by nearby re sidents, emergency service representatives have indicated support for installation of a full traffic signal at this location. Staff is now requesting Council approval to proceed with a modification to this project to advance construction of a traffic signal in lieu of a pedestrian hybrid beacon. Impacts on Project Schedule, Costs, and Gran t Funding Because the project was intentionally designed to accommodate future signalization and construction is already underway, this may be an appropriate opportunity to advance the full traffic signal alternative that was previously evaluated during project development. The proposed modification would improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, address vehicle Page 473 of 476 Item 7d access concerns at the intersection, and can be accomplished with limited additional cost and minimal impact to the overall project schedule. The proposed design modifications do not represent a substantial change or expansion in project scope or type of construction activities. The vast majority of the construction tasks and equipment (i.e. new signal poles, conduits, electrical wiring, signal cabinet, lighting, sign and striping work) remain the same with a signal or pedestrian hybrid beacon. Modifications primarily include minor revisions to signage and striping and minor adjustments to some signal equipment, such as use of standard signal heads instead of hybrid beacon indicators. While construction has already begun, work is currently on pause as the contractor awaits PG&E scheduling and delivery of traffic signal poles (6-8 month typical lead time between order and delivery). Therefore, the proposed modification can be accommodated with relatively minor delays to the overall project schedule. Currently, construction is expected to resume this fall and a target completion date of late 2026 may still be possible if the project modification to a full signal is advanced. The majority of the Project funding ($500,000) is provided via a grant secured by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments—these funds must be expended by end of the 2026 to receive full reimbursement. Staff have determined that the proposed modification to the project may be advanced within this time frame, without risking forfeiture of grant funding. Previous Council or Advisory Body Action On October 7, 2025, the City Council authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the South Street and King Court Crossing Project. On January 13, 2026, the City Council approved award of the Project construction contract. The City Active Transportation Committee (ATC) has received updates on the Project in numerous meetings over the past several years. The Project was identified as a high priority in the ATC’s 2025-27 budget priority recommendations (approved November 21, 2024), and discussed again during the ATC’s September 18, 2025, meeting. The Committee consistently expressed support for improving safety and accessibility at this crossing location, and no concerns were raised regarding future signalization of the intersection. While there was not an opportunity to schedule a focused agenda item with the ATC regarding the proposed modification from a hybrid beacon to full traffic signal at the South & King intersection prior to this City Council meeting without risking fu rther delays (and grant funding)—during previous staff updates to the ATC during Project planning and design, there were discussions on potential for a full traffic signal in lieu of a hybrid beacon and there were no specific concerns or objections raised by the committee on this alternative. It is staff’s opinion that the modified project—a full traffic signal—provides equivalent benefit to pedestrian and bicycle crossing access and safety as the pedestrian hybrid beacon design and may provide superior benefits to overall road user safety and Page 474 of 476 Item 7d user understanding/compliance. Members of the ATC have received notification of this proposed modification. While no concerns have been reported by members following this notification, they will have the opportunity to comment on this agenda item as individuals. For a detailed summary on previous City Council and Advisory Body actions related to the Project, see the October 7, 2025 Council Agenda Report. Public Engagement A detailed summary of public outreach and engagement activities conducted to date on the Project prior to construction advertisement is provided in the October 7, 2025 Council Agenda Report. To provide additional notice to community members ahead of this hearing on the proposed Project modification, staff provided advanced notification to representatives of the home owners associations for the two residential communities located on King Court (Parkside and The Villages), direct email notice to residents who recently contacted City staff and Council expressing concerns for the previous project designs, sent post cards via mail to all properties within 1,000 feet of the project location, and placed notices on sandwich boards at the South & King intersection the week prior to this meeting date. Both this current agenda item and the previous Council Agenda items on the Project followed all required postings and notifications, and the public has had an opportunity to comment on this topic at or before these meetings. CONCURRENCE The proposed Project modification and staff report have been reviewed and have concurrence from the City Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, City Attorney’s Office, and City Administration. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Project qualifies for an Exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction). A Notice of Exemption has been filed through the Community Development Department with the County Clerk-Recorder for the previous project design (pedestrian hybrid beacon) and the proposed design modifications do not present any material changes that would affect this CEQA determination. FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2025-26 Funding Identified: Yes Page 475 of 476 Item 7d Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources (Project Account 2001059) Total Budget Remaining Unencumbered Current Funding Request Remaining Balance SLOCOG Grant (State REAP Funds)* $0 $0 $0 General Fund - Capital Outlay LRM* $3,357 $0 $3,357 General Fund - Capital Outlay LRM* $149,999 $0 $149,999 Total $153,356 $0 $153,356 *Above totals reflect remaining funding in the South & King Crossing Project account, which has already been approved for the project. Totals exclude $632,816 in project funds that have already been encumbered in a purchase order for the project construction contract, including $500,000 in SLOCOG grant funds. Prior to start of construction, approximately $970,000 was appropriated to the Project account (No. 2001059), comprised of $500,000 in State REAP grant funding administered by SLOCOG, and local general funds. This total included funding for construction of the Project, purchase and installation of emergency vehicle preemption equipment for the City Fire and Police Departments, and contingencies. To date, $632,816 has been encumbered for the construction contract and all emergency vehicle preemption expenditures have been completed, leaving $153,356 in remaining funds in the project account for construction contingencies. This remaining funding is sufficient to accommodate the potential cost increases related to the proposed Project modifications (estimated at an approximately $35,000 in additional costs), while retaining sufficient contingency funds through the remainder of project construction. ALTERNATIVES Deny the request to modify the project. City Council could deny the request to modify the Project designs to advance a traffic signal in lieu of a pedestrian hybrid beacon. Under this alternative, staff would move forward with plans as previously approved to install a pedestrian hybrid beacon, while conversion to a full traffic signal or other intersection modifications to address vehicle access concerns could be pursued at a later date when prioritized for funding and approved by Council through a separate budget action. Page 476 of 476