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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7d - South & King Crossing ModificationCity Council Meeting Tuesday, June 16, 2026 South Street and King Court/Street Crossing Project Modification Luke Schwartz, Transportation Manager Public Works Department Recommendations: 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. Project History •2021 – ATP Adopted, Recommends Crossing Improvement at South & King •2023 - Phase 1 Crossing Upgrades (RRFBs) Installed •2023-25 – $500k SLOCOG Grant Obtained, Crossing Upgrade Fully Funded in CIP, Planning/Engineering/Design Advanced •Warrants met for full signal or PHB •Initial concerns from Emergency Response, favored PHB with future for full signal •Plans & Specs for PHB approved by Council late 2025 •2026 •EVP equipment upgraded funded for SLO Fire and SLO PD •Construction initiated on PHB, growing concerns from King Court drivers, full signal OK’d by Emergency Response Proposed Project Modifications •Seeking Council input on potential to modify project design from PHB to full traffic signal •Could be advanced within existing budget (+$20k -$40k), without significant delays or risk to $500k in grant funding •Noticing: •Post cards mailed within 1,000-foot radius •News release •Sandwich boards at South/King and South/Exposition •Email to ATC and residents who previously contacted City Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) Design Potential Traffic Signal Design Advantages of Full Traffic Signal vs. PHB •Improves access for King Court/Street drivers crossing South Street •Provides signalized crossing of South Street for pedestrians and bicyclists •Less potential for driver confusion or compliance issues with full signal vs. hybrid beacon •Relatively minor change to project designs, scope of work, cost •Pedestrian delay crossing South St. similar to PHB Disadvantages of Full Traffic Signal vs. PHB •More frequent stops and delays to traffic on South Street (including autos, peds, bikes, emergency vehicles) •Some conflicts with turning vehicles from King Street/Court during pedestrian crossings compared to PHB—conflicts can be managed with design strategies, but not fully removed •Some added cost and schedule delay Potential for Cut-Through via Exposition Drive Speed Humps Planned with Higuera Complete Street Options and Next Steps A.Approve Project Modification to Full Traffic Signal (Staff Recommendation) B.Retain PHB as Originally Planned* •*Staff recommends minor modification C.Conduct More Detailed Analysis & Engagement on Various Alternatives •If Council selects this option, staff suggests proceeding with PHB as currently planned (*with minor modification) to retain $500k grant funding, and pursue further study with FY2027-29 Financial Plan Suggested Modification to PHB Original Design Suggested Modification to PHB Suggested Modification to Illuminated Blank-Out Signs Questions?