HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-2018 Item 14 - Bob Jones Trail Preferred Alternative Selection - Calle Joaquin to OceanaireDepartment Name: Public Works
Cost Center: 5010
For Agenda of: December 4, 2018
Placement: Study Session
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
FROM: Daryl Grigsby, Director of Public Works
Prepared By: Jake Hudson, Transportation Manager
Adam Fukushima, Active Transportation Manager
SUBJECT: BOB JONES TRAIL (CALLE JOAQUIN TO OCEANAIRE) PREFERRED
ALTERNATIVE SELECTION
RECOMMENDATION
Active Transportation Committee Recommendation:
The Active Transportation Committee (ATC) reviewed this project at their November 15, 2018
meeting and made the following recommendations .
1.Recommended Alternative 1 for further evaluation due to the more positive interaction with
agriculture operations and lower cost ; and
2.Recommended to consider other alternatives of the project that are likely to increase bicycle
transportation while remaining eligible for developer mitigation funds since the existing
alternatives are more likely to increase bicycling for recreation than transportation.
Staff Recommendation:
1.Receive the Project Study Report for the Bob Jones Trail Connector (Oceanaire to Calle
Joaquin).
2.Provide feedback and identify a preferred alternative to proceed into environmental review
and further project development.
OR
As suggested by the Active Transportation Commit tee, direct staff to evaluate other route
alternatives which are not consistent with the Bicycle Transportation Plan as part of the
planning of the forthcoming Active Transportation Plan.
DISCUSSION
Over the last year, the project consultant has been wor king with City staff on a Project Study
Report (Attachment B) to help evaluate the alignment alternatives, identify the constraints and
opportunities, and further the project readiness. Staff will present the report and ask the City
Council to select a preferred alternative to begin environmental analysis.
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Background
The Bob Jones Trail Oceanaire to Calle Joaquin Connector is a project identified in the Bicycle
Transportation Plan (Attachment C) and the Agricultural Master Plan for the Calle Joaquin
Agricultural Reserve (Attachment D). The facility is intended to provide a parallel off-street
alternative to Los Osos Valley Road for bicycle and pedestrian travel as well as access to the
County portion of the Bob Jones Trail. The project is also centrally located to the San Luis
Ranch, Froom, and Avila Ranch development areas and thus may serve as a key bicycle and
pedestrian connector in the area. In the 2017-19 Financial Plan, funding for project development
work was allocated. Now that three viable route alternatives have been identified the next step is
to select a preferred alternative that will undergo more rigorous environmental review.
As identified in the Project Study Report, the consultant has explored three alternatives for study.
Alternative 1 is the alignment identified in the Bicycle Transportation Plan, while Alternative 2
is the alignment found in the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Master Plan. Given the partial creek
orientation of Alternative 2, the consultant also explored an alignment that would fully utilize the
riparian area for the trail user experience. This is included in Alternative 3.
Alternatives Assessment
Alternative 1:
Estimated Cost: $2,911,500
Route Length: Class I (.48 Miles)
Class II (.23 Miles)
Class III (.14 Miles)
Total (.85 Miles)
This alignment includes an on-street class II & III facility
along Calle Joaquin Road. The alignment then continues
north parallel to Highway 101, turns west through the
Agricultural Reserve Area, then crosses Prefumo Creek
behind Target and connects with Froom Ranch Road at
Oceanaire.
Given the access road that will be built by San Luis Ranch just north of the Agricultural Reserve
property and the existing access road, the interface of the trail path would require further
refinement to ensure minimal interface among trail users, agricultural vehicles and construction
vehicles. Should this be selected as the preferred alternative, staff would be committed to
minimizing the interface as much as possible.
PROS: This alignment has the least level of conflict with existing terrain and vegetation, poses
the least impacts to the creek, and would require only one bridge. The overall cost of Alternative
1 is mid-range, approximately 30% less than Alternative 3 and 22% more than Alternative 2. In
addition, the City’s full design standards for Class I facilities can be accommodated along this
alignment. Because this alignment is further from Prefumo Creek and heavily vegetated areas ,
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the level of permitting, security concerns, and overall project c osts are lower as compared to the
shortest and most direct route. Both Alternative 1 & 2 bisect the agricultural area, however
Alternative 1 would have the least impact on agricultural operations. Both Alternatives 1 & 2 are
longer than the shortest most direct route (Alternative 3), however Alternative 1 is approximately
4% shorter than alternative 2.
CONS: Both Alternatives 1 & 2 are up to 20% longer than Alternative 3 and almost half of the
route is Class II & III on-street facilities, therefore these a lternatives would be expected to have a
lower effect on bicycle and pedestrian mode split as compared to Alternative 3. In addition, the
creek crossing is longer for this alternative than for the creek crossing identified in Alternative 2
and thus has a higher cost.
Alternative 2:
Estimated Cost: $2,270,200
Route Length: Class I (.52 Miles)
Class II (.23 Miles)
Class III (.14 Miles)
Total (.89 Miles)
This alignment is indicated in the Agricultural Master Plan
for the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve. From Froom
Ranch Way, it crosses Prefumo Creek and parallels the
creek for 1,100 ft before crossing the agricultural reserve
and wraps around the BMW dealership before connecting to
Calle Joaquin Road.
PROS: This alignment has a higher level of conflict with
existing terrain and vegetation than Alternative 1 but less than Alternative 3 and would still only
require one bridge. The overall cost of this alternative is also 45% less than Alternative 3,
making it the least expensive alternative. This alignment would yield more of a riparian
experience for trail users than Alternative 1. With this alternative, City full design standards for
Class I facilities can be accommodated.
CONS: This alignment would bifurcate a small area of the agricultural reserve area, due to the
small size of area bifurcated this alternative could result in limited agricultural use of that area.
Due to the flood plain, the trail alignment would require a close proximity to the wall of the
BMW property to take advantage of that property’s higher elevation as well as minimize
encroachment into the agriculture reserve area. This alignment would also create corners with
tight turn radii and the site distance around corners would be tighter and may create a rider
perception of backtracking. As with Alternative 1, this alternative would require bicycling on the
street without a dedicated bicycle facility on Calle Joaquin and therefore is not anticipated to
have as great an effect on increasing the bicycle mode share as Alternative 3. Given the
proximity to the creek, this alternative would require a higher level of permitting and
environmental mitigation than Alternative 1 but less than Alternative 3.
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Paths along creek corridors do have a higher propensity for attracting illicit behavior a nd
transient encampments, however this can be somewhat mitigated with lighting, increased public
use, emergency response amenities, and improved access for police patrols.
Alternative 3:
Estimated Cost: $4,137,300
Estimate Route Length: Class I / Cla ss IV (.7 Miles)
Total (.7 Miles)
This alternative follows the same alignment as Alt ernative 2
for the first 1,100 feet but then continues along the creek and
crosses the creek again before joining with Calle Joaquin
behind the AAA building.
PROS: This alignment would provide the shortest and most
direct route with virtually all the route featuring an off-street
facility. Therefore, this alternative is anticipated to have the
greatest effect on increasing pedestrian and bicycle use. The
alternative also provides a secondary benefit of enhancing the creek corridor and providing better
access for maintenance and enforcement crews. The alternative does not bisect current or future
agricultural areas as do alternatives 1 & 2.
CONS: This alignment is the most expensive of the alternatives, estimated at $4.1 million due to
the more difficult terrain, heavy vegetation, and the need for two bridges as opposed to one under
the other alternatives. Due to the terrain constraints, design exceptions from the minimum C ity
width standards would be needed at pinch points in the route, however minimum State width
standards could be met. The route would also require a higher level of regulatory agency
permitting and environmental mitigation given its proximity to the creek corridor as impacts to
Biological Resources could be significant .
Paths along creek corridors do have a higher propensity for attracting illicit behavior and
transient encampments, however this can be somewhat mitigated with lighting, increased public
use, emergency services enhancements, and improved access for police patrols.
Other Alternatives not Consistent with the Bicycle Transportation Plan
The ATC has concerns that the route alignment as adopted in the Bicycle Transportation Plan
will serve only a recreation purpose. With council’s approval, staff could evaluate alternative
alignments that are not consistent with the Bicycle Transportation Plan but may provide a higher
degree of utility. If the council directs staff to further investigate other alternatives, it is
recommended that the project be deferred or combined with the effort for the forthcoming Active
Transportation Plan and any alternatives be adopted through that effort.
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The project is included in the Bicycle Transpo rtation Plan approved by Council and was included
as part of the public engagement for that Plan.
Staff met with Steven Marx, President of the non-profit group Central Coast Grown, which
leases the agricultural reserve area. Mr. Marx expressed concern fo r security along the creek with
Alternative 3 and for the interaction with agricultural operations with Alternative 1.
POLICY CONTEXT
This portion of the Bob Jones Trail is identified in the Bicycle Transportation Plan and the
Master Plan for the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve. The intent of the project it to connect the
County’s portion of the trail (planned to begin at the Octagon Barn) with the neighborhoods of
Laguna Lake & San Luis Ranch and provide an off-street alternative to Los Osos Valley Ro ad.
The Environmental I mpact Report for the San Luis Ranch development identified traffic impacts
to Los Osos Valley Road and consequent mitigations through contributions to this portion of the
Bob Jones Trail.
CONCURRENCES
The Active Transportation Committee reviewed the Project Study Report at their November 15th,
2018 meeting and made the aforementioned recommendations.
NEXT STEPS
The next step is to begin the environmental analysis. Depending on the preferred alternative, the
timeframe for alternat ives 1 and 2 is between 4 to 6 months. For alternative 3, 1 ½ years is
expected. Design work can also begin concurrently and would last 6 months to a year depending
on the alternative selected.
Since this project is not fully funded, this project would r equire prioritizing in future financial
plans and/or submitting applications for outside grants.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
No environmental determination is necessary to select a preferred alternative for further study.
Once a preferred alternative is select ed, the environmental review will begin. If that
environmental review determines an environmental impact report (EIR) is required, the EIR
would be required to look at and evaluate alternative designs and identify the environmentally-
preferred project .
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FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Partially Budget Year: 2017-19
Funding Identified: Partially
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources Current FY Cost
Annualized
On-going Cost
Total Project
Cost
General Fund
State
Federal
Fees $156,000 $249,507
Other:
25% Transportation
Impact Fees
16% San Luis Ranch
Total
$156,000 $2.3 - $4.1
million
Project development work to date has been funded thr ough Air Quality Mitigation fees provided
as part of the development of the Target Center (Prefumo Creek Commons). The developer
contributed $249,507 in Air Quality Mitigation fees to the City for this project. $156,000 of these
fees have been allocated to study and design of this project.
Based on fair share analysis conducted as part of the City AB1600 Capital Facilities fee program
and the San Luis Ranch EIR, the project is to be funded at 25% from the Citywide
Transportation Impact Fee Program, 16% from the San Luis Ranch Development, and 59% from
other sources such as the general fund or grants.
Construction for t his section of the Bob Jones Trail was originally estimated at approximately
$1.2 million based on the best information available at the time. However, more recent and
accurate estimates now range from $2.3 million to $4.1 million depending on which alignment
alternative is ultimately selected. Once an alignment is formally adopted staff will return to
Council with appropriate updates to the City’s Capital Facilities Fee program.
ALTERNATIVE
The City Council may decide not to select a preferred alternative or direct staff to evaluate other
options at this time. This alternative is not recommended as it would hold any progress on this
connection and not further the City’s multimodal goals.
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Attachments:
a - Plan Map
b - Project Study Report
c - Council Reading File - Bicycle Transportation Plan
d - Council Hearing File - Calle Joaquin Agricultural Master Plan
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POTENTIALWETLANDMEADOWFigure 3: Trail Alignment AlternativesPacket Pg. 182Item 14
Project Study Report
Bob Jones Trail Oceanaire to
Calle Joaquin Connection
Prepared for
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works Department
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Prepared by
Cannon
1050 Southwood Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Althouse and Meade, Inc.
1602 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Earth Systems Pacific
4378 Old Santa Fe Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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Project Study Report
Bob Jones Trail Oceanaire to Calle Joaquin
Administrative Draft
November, 2018
Prepared By:
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Contributors
City of San Luis Obispo
Adam Fukushima, Active Transportation
Manager
Jake Hudson, Transportation Manager
Robert Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Earth Systems Pacific
Robert Down, Vice President, Senior Engineer
Cannon
Larry Kraemer, Director, Public Infrastructure
Chenin Otto, Civil Associate Engineer
Althouse and Meade, Inc
LynneDee Althouse, Principal Scientist
Darcee Guttilla, Senior Biologist
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 1
November 2018
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Project Overview ........................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Purpose and Scope .................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Project Study Area ..................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Trail Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................ 3
2 Design Standards ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 City of San Luis Obispo Standards .......................................................................... 4
2.2 California HDM ........................................................................................................... 4
2.3 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Design Guidance 4
2.4 City of San Luis Obispo 2013 Bicycle Transportation Plan ................................... 4
2.5 Bob Jones City-To-Sea Trail Preliminary Alignment Plan, 2002 ........................... 4
3 Existing Conditions, Opportunities and Constraints ...................................................................... 5
3.1 Previous Studies ........................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Land Use ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Agricultural Resources.............................................................................................. 6
3.4 Biological Resources................................................................................................. 6
3.5 Cultural Resources .................................................................................................... 7
3.6 Trail Connection Opportunities ................................................................................ 7
3.7 Right of Way Constraints .......................................................................................... 7
4 User Needs .......................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Bicycle and Walking Experience .............................................................................. 8
4.2 Facilities, Activity Nodes and Destinations............................................................. 8
5 Analysis of Trail Alternatives............................................................................................................. 8
5.1 Trail Alternatives ........................................................................................................ 8
5.1.1 Alternative 1: Trail Along Agricultural Access Road ........................................ 10
5.1.2 Alternative 2: Trail along Creek ....................................................................... 10
5.1.3 Alternative 3: Trail along Creek all the way to Calle Joaquin .......................... 10
5.2 Analysis of Existing Bridge Structure and Condition .......................................... 11
5.3 Cost Analysis ........................................................................................................... 11
6 Alignment Selection ......................................................................................................................... 18
6.1 Advisory Body Input and Community Input .......................................................... 18
7 Preferred Alignment ......................................................................................................................... 18
7.1 Consultant Recommendations ............................................................................... 18
8 Next Steps.......................................................................................................................................... 18
List of Figures
1. Bob Jones Trail City of San Luis Obispo
Overview
2. Bob Jones Trail Typical Cross Section
3. Alignment Alternatives Overview
List of Tables
1. Summary of Cost Comparison
2. Alignment Alternatives Matrix
3. Alignment Alternatives Cost Comparison
4. Alignment 1 Cost Estimate
5. Alignment 2 Cost Estimate
6. Alignment 3 Cost Estimate
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 2
November 2018
1 Introduction
1.1 Project Overview
The Bob Jones Trail is a regional pathway intended to connect the City of San Luis Obispo’s downtown
core to Avila Beach. The Bob Jones Trail is comprised of numerous segments within the City of San Luis
Obispo and unincorporated County of San Luis Obispo. As a critical piece in the City’s 2013 Bicycle
Transportation Plan (City Bike Plan) as well as the County Bikeways Plan, the Trail provides a
transportation and recreation corridor and a connection to the state-legislated California Coastal Trail.
Several segments of this trail have been constructed and several more are in the planning and design
phase. The Bob Jones Trail segments within the City of San Luis Obispo are highlighted in Figure 1
below.
The extension of the Bob Jones Trail along Prefumo Creek from the end of Oceanaire Avenue (Segment
4), near Froom Ranch Way, to the northern end of Calle Joaquin is identified in the 2013 Bicycle
Transportation Plan, as well as the Agricultural Master Plan (Ag Plan) for the Calle Joaquin Agricultural
Reserve. However, both documents indicate differences in the alignment of the trail; depending on which
alignment is constructed the trail will be approximately 2,500 to 3,500 feet long. Near Oceanaire Avenue
the trail will cross Froom Ranch Road and then cross over Prefumo Creek via a proposed
bikeway/pedestrian bridge. From the creek crossing, the trail will generally follow the creek or existing
agricultural dirt roads until it connects to Calle Joaquin.
Figure 1: Bob Jones Trail City of San Luis
Obispo Overview
Segment 1: Marsh Street to Prado Road
Segment 2: Prado Road to Los Osos Valley
Road
Segment 3: Calle Joaquin to Oceanaire
Ave/Froom Ranch Way
Segment 4: L.O.V.R. to South Higuera (City
Octagon Barn Connection)
Segment 5: Octagon Barn to Avila Beach
(County of San Luis Obispo)
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 3
November 2018
1.2 Purpose and Scope
The goals of this project study report are to evaluate alignment alternatives, review constraints and
opportunities, and select a preferred alignment for the extension of the Bob Jones Trail from Calle
Joaquin to Oceanaire. The report also presents a concept design for the preferred alternative to further
the “readiness” of this project to compete for grants funding for final design and construction, and help
inform the environmental documentation of the project. An effort has been made to analyze how the trail
alignment interfaces with potential future development in the area, which will include the extension of
Froom Ranch Way over Prefumo Creek.
1.3 Project Study Area
The specific focus of this project study is from the southern end of Oceanaire Drive to Calle Joaquin. The
proposed route starting from Oceanaire going south traverses through City-owned land and right-of-way
dedicated by the Prefumo Creek Commons development. Once the trail crosses the creek to the east
bank, the trail will be within the City-owned agricultural reserve. The agricultural reserve is adjacent to
Prefumo Creek and the proposed San Luis Ranch development, which includes an agricultural reserve
dedication directly adjacent to the existing reserve. The San Luis Ranch development project may
include a construction access road along the east border of the City reserve which may ultimately be
dedicated as an access easement for a shared agricultural access road for both parcels. It is also
important to note that this area is entirely contained within the 100-year flood plain and it is not feasible to
fill within the area because of impacts to the floodplain and historical drainage path. The alternatives for a
connection to Calle Joaquin are discussed in detail later in this report, but Alternative 3 crosses back to
the west side of Prefumo Creek to follow the creek corridor through four private properties.
1.4 Trail Goals and Objectives
The goal of Trail Segment 4 of the City of SLO portion of the Bob Jones Trail is to provide a safe and
convenient bicycle and pedestrian connection between Calle Joaquin through the agricultural reserve to
the residential and commercial developments adjacent to Prefumo Creek to the south of Madonna Road.
The trail should integrate with adjacent developments and the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. Environmental,
cultural, biological, and agricultural impacts as well as construction costs should be minimized as much
as possible to increase the likelihood for funding and feasibility of construction.
Some additional overall objectives for the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail are listed below from the Bob
Jones City-To-Sea Trail Preliminary Alignment Plan, 2002.
Trail Alignment Objectives
· Minimize trail encroachment into creek setback areas. Encroachment should only occur where
physical constraints prevent placement outside of the setback area or where encroachment into
the setback area is deemed the most appropriate location for the trail facility
· Avoid encroachment into the creek channel and riparian habitat where possible.
· Look for opportunities to support and enhance recreational users.
· Look for important connections - align trail with other bike routes, urban uses and residential
areas.
· Avoid vehicle and pedestrian conflicts to the greatest extent possible.
· Minimize creek and drainage crossings.
· Look for good connections for law enforcement and maintenance access.
· Utilize signalized intersections at street crossings where possible.
· Align trail to allow for logical placement of staging areas.
· Avoid areas of extreme topography.
· Maintain consistency with the Bicycle Transportation Plan.
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 4
November 2018
Trail Design Objectives
· Provide secure and controlled access for:
o Police and Fire Support
o Trail Maintenance
· Reduce potential for vandalism, theft and trespass.
· Provide for directional and safety signage.
· Provide security lighting at staging areas and road crossings.
· Locate staging areas at appropriate locations along trail that provide:
o Restrooms
o Telephone
o Drinking water
o Bike racks and lockers
o Trash receptacles
o Shelter / seating
o Information kiosks
· Provide Informational Kiosks at major staging areas for:
o Rules of trail use and hours of operation, directional signing (“you are here”)
o Location map for nearby services, significant information references, and mapping
· Provide interpretive exhibits at appropriate locations along the trail corridor for:
o Environmental and historical information
· Incorporate consistent design character for all areas of the trail corridor.
· Choose appropriate landscape materials, such as local native plants, for all new landscape and
enhancement areas.
· Provide for physical buffers between trail and adjacent uses or habitats.
· Use fences and/or other barriers:
o As a separation between the trail and sensitive riparian habitat
o As a separation from adjacent land uses
2 Design Standards
2.1 City of San Luis Obispo Standards
The Trail design should be consistent with the City of San Luis Obispo Standards for Class I Bikeways,
which generally provides for a 12’ wide solid surface trail with two-foot shoulders on each side
2.2 California HDM
The trail should follow design guidelines provided by the California Highway Design Manual.
2.3 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Design Guidance
The City has adopted NACTO as a primary design guide for development of bicycle facilities. The trail
should use best practices from this design guidance as possible.
2.4 City of San Luis Obispo 2013 Bicycle Transportation Plan
The City’s Bike Plan provides general route and design guidelines; some importance design guidance
that applies to this project include:
· Where a bikeway extends along a creek, a four-foot tall split rail or wood and wire fence shall be
installed at the inside edge of the bikeway to discourage trail users from entering the creek.
· Bikeways that cross or border agricultural land shall be fenced and signed to discourage
trespassing onto adjoining areas.
2.5 Bob Jones City-To-Sea Trail Preliminary Alignment Plan, 2002
The Bob Jones Trail Plan describes a scenic bike path along the creek corridors from the City of San Luis
Obispo to Avila Beach. The plan designates the “Bob Jones” standard as a 12’ wide asphalt Trail outside
the creek setback (or an 8’ wide Trail within the creek setback) with two-foot shoulders.
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 5
November 2018
Figure 2: Bob Jones Trail Typical Section
Source: Adapted from Bob Jones City-To-Sea Preliminary Alignment Plan, 2002
3 Existing Conditions, Opportunities and Constraints
3.1 Previous Studies
Previous studies for this project area include:
Agricultural Master Plan for
the City of San Luis Obispo’s
Calle Joaquin Agricultural
Reserve, 2011
City of San Luis Obispo
Bicycle Transportation Plan,
2013
Bob Jones City-To-Sea Trail
Preliminary Alignment Plan,
2002
Additional studies reviews for this project include:
· Environmental Impact Report for the San Luis Ranch Project, 2017
3.2 Land Use
Figure 3 shows the three trail alignment alternatives. Starting from the north end of the project, the trail
begins at the south end of Oceanaire Drive, which services Low Density Residential to the North west of
Prefumo Creek. The trail will cross City right-of-way dedicated for the extension of Froom Ranch Way
and connect to City-owned property zoned for Conservation/Open Space dedicated as part of the
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 6
November 2018
Prefumo Creek Commons commercial project to the west. This area is currently developed as a park and
creek Open Space area. Once the trail crosses to the east of Prefumo Creek the Trail runs through City-
owned property zoned for Conservation/Open Space bordered by Highway 101 to the east, Tourist
Commercial to the South, Prefumo Creek to the East and residential/future Froom Ranch Right of Way to
the North. Properties adjacent to the creek south of the City owned property area are zoned for
commercial. At this time, the properties are mostly used for automotive sales, service, and associated
businesses. The Bear Valley Center hosts a variety of commercial and retail services.
3.3 Agricultural Resources
A large portion of this trail will run through or adjacent to existing agricultural land. Agricultural operations
in this area date back to approximately 1900. Most of this land is currently being cultivated for row crops.
The soils where crops are currently planted are considered prime agricultural soils. The only constraint is
that some soils may become unworkable in the wet season and the farm road on the eastern border of
the City’s agricultural reserve can become inaccessible with heavy rains. The Trail should be aligned to
minimize impacts to cultivation and farming access.
The 25-acre existing Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve was dedicated to the City of San Luis Obispo as
part of the preservation of agricultural land requirement when adjacent agricultural land was developed.
With the development of the San Luis Ranch parcel, the agricultural reserve will more than double. The
current plan for San Luis Ranch includes a shared farm access road to be constructed on the San Luis
Ranch parcel for the benefit of the existing reserve and the reserve dedicated by that project. The Calle
Joaquin Agricultural Reserve Master Plan includes provisions for the Bob Jones Trail along the creek
corridor. Plans for the property are to lease 20 acres of cultivatable land to a nonprofit for production with
plans for a light processing facility and an education center. Maintenance of the creek corridor, Bob
Jones Trail, and other small areas will be maintained by the City. Since the master plan was developed,
Central Coast Grown has secured a 20-year lease on the property and plans are developing as
anticipated.
3.4 Biological Resources
Most of the alignment of the trail will run along the Prefumo Creek Corridor. In the vicinity of this project,
Prefumo Creek is carrying water from Laguna Lake to San Luis Obispo Creek. Some man-made
concrete structures, irrigation lines, storm drain outlets and other evidence of human management of this
creek is present. Significant amounts of trash and evidence of human habitation within the creek corridor
were observed during site visits for this project. It also appeared that stormwater runoff from some of the
commercial properties on the south end of the project may be going directly into the creek. In a 2016
Biological Assessment Report for San Luis Ranch by Althouse and Meade Prefumo Creek’s riparian
corridor was described as “Gdominated by arroyo willow but is invaded by non-native trees such as
Canary Island date palm which have encroached from residential yards on the west side of the creek.
The eastern creek bank is lined with mature blue gum eucalyptus. Prefumo Creek is an important
connection between San Luis Obispo Creek and Laguna Lake. It is often seasonally dry, and water flow
is subsurface during summer months.”
In the Environmental Impact Report for San Luis Ranch, Rincon Environmental staff reported that the
project site contains suitable habitat for sixteen special status animal species, but no special status plant
species. The creek corridor is a potential habitat for some of the special status species, though none of
these species were detected during the study. Other species, such as various birds and monarch
butterflies identified within the report, are specific to grasslands and tree stands that are not within the
bikeway project area. During the San Luis Ranch project study, as well as site visits for this project,
standing pools of water were observed near the proposed bridge crossing of Froom Ranch Way.
According to Althouse and Meade’s report at the time they were observed in May 2016 the pools
contained a sufficient amount of cover, protective canopy, and depth to support California red-legged frog
breeding; and the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) documents an occurrence of CRLF just
north of the confluence of Prefumo Creek and San Luis Obispo Creek, approximately one-half mile
downstream from the project site. In January 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated that “San
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 7
November 2018
Luis Ranch may affect but is unlikely to adversely affect the federally threatened California red-legged
frog (Rana draytonii).”
The report also notes that Prefumo Creek is a federally-designated critical habitat for the south-central
California Coast distinct population segment (DPS) steelhead. According to the 2011 Agricultural Master
Plan for the San Joaquin Agricultural Reserve (Ag Plan), the water quality within the project vicinity is
inferior and steelhead do not stay within this area; they only migrate through the area when the creek
flows during the rainy season. In November 2017, the National Marine Fisheries Services stated that the
San Luis Ranch Project would not have a direct effect to steelhead trout: “Because usable habitat for
steelhead within the action area persists for only a few months during the wet season (e.g.,
December through May) and no work would occur during this period or when water is present in the
creek, no direct effects to steelhead are anticipated to occur from the proposed action.”
The Prefumo Creek riparian zone (willow woodland vegetation) is considered Waters of the State on the
banks, and Waters of the U.S. and the State below the ordinary high water mark in the channel and within
adjacent wetlands that contain hydric soil, wetland vegetation, and exhibit wetland hydrology. Impacts to
Waters of the State and outside of federal jurisdiction require authorization under the Porter Cologne Act
and a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement under Fish and Game Code 1602.
Potential wetland habitat occurs on the east side of Prefumo Creek near the proposed bridge for
Alignment 3. This habitat was identified in the Ag Plan as an area that is prone to flooding and would
likely be a feature regulated as a Water of the State and Water of the U.S. (special aquatic site).
This area is identified on Figure 3.
3.5 Cultural Resources
The alignment of this project is proposed to cross existing developed land, adjacent to a creek corridor,
and through established agricultural land. There are no known major items of cultural or historical
significance on the current City property. No disturbance to cultural resources is anticipated with this
project, however areas within 150’ of Prefumo Creek are considered sensitive archeological sites and so
the City policy requires a Phase I Archeological Resources Inventory for permitting of construction within
this area.
3.6 Trail Connection Opportunities
This section of the trail is a critical link in the City’s Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail which is intended to
connect the west end of the downtown San Luis Obispo to the southwest corner of the city limits with
connection to the County portion of the trail beyond, ultimately connecting to Avila Beach. This section is
intended to connect the Laguna Lake (Oceanaire) residential neighborhood through the retail commercial
area south of Froom Ranch Road to Calle Joaquin with a connection to the future extension of Froom
Ranch Way East of Prefumo Creek. The Class I path will end at Calle Joaquin and the bikeway will
continue via surface streets to another Class I connection planned to the Octagon Barn, which is the
City’s southernmost portion of the trail. Proposed development (San Luis Ranch) to the north east of the
trail will provide a Class I connection to Madonna Road and ultimately a better connection to downtown
San Luis Obispo. The proposed development will have a direct link to this section of the Bob Jones Trail
at the proposed Froom Ranch Way bridge crossing.
3.7 Right of Way Constraints
Alignments 1 and 2 are contained within city property and right-of-way. Alignment 1 is proposed to run
along the eastern border of the existing city-owned agricultural reserve. In this area there is a 10’ PG&E
pole line and Public Utility Easement that may restrict how close the path can be to the property line,
which may push the bike path into the cultivatable land and cause an impact to the existing lease on the
property. Alignment 2 will run adjacent to an existing landscape easement in favor of the adjacent
commercial properties along Calle Joaquin.
Alignment 3 passes through five separate private properties. There is an existing drainage and Public
Utility Easement that is 90’ wide centered on the creek through these properties, so some of the
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 8
November 2018
development is set back far enough to provide space for a trail between the developed facilities and the
creek. However, there will be some impacts to existing facilities adjacent to the creek and easements will
need to be obtained. Alternative 3 reaches Calle Joaquin on the inside of a roadway curve, and a safe
connection will be needed to the intersection of Los Osos Valley Road. This connection can be contained
within existing City right-of-way, but it may require relocation and reconstruction of some existing facilities.
4 User Needs
4.1 Bicycle and Walking Experience
According to a bicycle user survey conducted by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
(SLOCOG), 64.5% of residents would use a bicycle more if there were more low-stress bicycle facilities
that provide more separation from cars or lower traffic speeds. Each of the alternatives feature Class I
multiuse paths where motor vehicle use would be prohibited. Also, by prohibiting motor vehicle use, each
alternative provides separation from motor vehicle traffic and reduced traffic noise to the benefit of the
walking experience.
4.2 Facilities, Activity Nodes and Destinations
This segment of the Bob Jones Trail serves a few different destinations including: three schools in the
Laguna Lake area, commercial areas along Los Osos Valley Road and Madonna Road, the City Farm
and education center on the agricultural reserve, and the Octagon Barn on South Higuera. The trail will
be portion of a connection for residents from the east side of Highway 101 to businesses and schools on
the west side and vice versa. For example, a student who lives in the Los Ranchos development may
use the path along their way to C.L. Smith Elementary school. The trail could also be used by residents
and workers from future development along the southern end of Calle Joaquin to access the Madonna
Plaza, and someday destinations east of Highway 101 via the Prado Road Overpass. The path will help
connect users to the City Farm, the Octagon Barn, and ultimately to Avila Beach via the County of San
Luis Obispo’s portion of the trail system.
5 Analysis of Trail Alternatives
This section presents the alignments that were reviewed as a part of this analysis and the pros and cons
of each of those alternatives. See Figure 3 for the Trail alternatives.
5.1 Trail Alternatives
The alternatives presented here stemmed out of the two design documents, the City’s 2013 Bicycle
Transportation Plan and the Agricultural Master Plan for the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve. Some
potential new alignments became apparent upon preliminary review of the two published alternatives. All
alternatives begin on the northern end at an existing connection to Oceanaire Drive. From here the Trail
proceeds south across a proposed extension of Froom Ranch Way and through existing recreation
facilities adjacent to the Prefumo Creek Commons development to a creek crossing location. The
crossing location and the extension of the trail to Calle Joaquin has three main alternatives presented
below. See Table 2 for a matrix review of the alternatives. The alternatives within this report will be
presented for public outreach and review by appropriate advisory bodies to help select the best one.
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POTENTIALWETLANDMEADOWFigure 3: Trail Alignment AlternativesPacket Pg. 194Item 14
Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 10
November 2018
5.1.1 Alternative 1: Trail Along Agricultural Access Road
This alignment was indicated in the City’s 2013 Bicycle Transportation Plan. On the east side of Prefumo
Creek the path follows an existing agricultural access road south-east on the north-eastern border of the
Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve toward the north end of Calle Joaquin.
This alignment provides a fairly direct, flat and scenic route with one creek crossing. There appears to be
adequate width to meet design recommendations for a 12’ wide path. This route runs between two
agricultural fields which may have more impact to agricultural operations and cause more exposure for
the users of the path to agricultural equipment. The route likely has the least impact to the creek corridor,
but it does not benefit from the shade of the trees along the creek. Some users may prefer to ride closer
to the natural edge of the creek. The end of this path takes users right past the City Farm and provides
good connectivity to that site, however the Trail does not align with the preliminary plans for developing
the City Farm facilities. The Trail would run parallel to the eastern property line of the existing city
agricultural reserve. There is an existing PG&E pole line and Public Utility Easement that spans this
property line, so the trail may be pushed into agricultural operations in the existing leased property.
Alternative 1 would minimize impacts to riparian vegetation with a perpendicular crossing near the
proposed Froom Ranch Way Bridge. State agency authorization for the bridge and approach ramps
would be required from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
5.1.2 Alternative 2: Trail along Creek
This alignment is indicated in the Agricultural Master Plan for the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve (Ag
Plan). The path follows the same general alignment as Alternative 1 on the west side of Prefumo Creek
at the Prefumo Commons, but it continues south to a creek crossing shown in the Agricultural Master
Plan. From the bridge the path follows the creek south along the border of the riparian zone from the
bridge crossing to the edge of the City’s property. Alternative 2 would be placed on the edge of
approximately 1100 feet of riparian habitat and would avoid permanent impacts to most of the riparian
habitat. From the south side of City Farm, the path shown on the Ag Plan continues to generally follow
the border of the property all the way to the cul-de-sac at the north end of Calle Joaquin.
This trail also provides a relatively flat and pleasant user experience with one creek crossing. This
alignment also appears to provide adequate width to meet design recommendations for a 12’ wide path,
though as the design is developed there may be more challenges to providing a wide flat path adjacent to
the creek bank. This option utilizes more of the existing recreation facilities adjacent to the Prefumo
Creek Commons project, but it also requires more modification of the existing trail to provide adequate
width for the trail. This trail is a little less direct, however the trail is consistent with the vision for the Bob
Jones trail under the shade and along the creek corridor. To provide the most direct route possible and
prevent shortcutting some agricultural land will be split by the path near the end. The existing operations
of the City Farm and agricultural lease have provided for this alignment with a 20’ buffer from the edge of
agricultural operations to the edge of the creek riparian habitat and the trail will provide good access for
the City Farm. State agency authorization would be required for biological impacts such as pruning to
the edge of riparian for installation of the bike path (without removing riparian vegetation) and installation
of the creek crossing at bridge site B.
5.1.3 Alternative 3: Trail along Creek all the way to Calle Joaquin
Alignment 3 follows the Alternative 2 toward the City Farm and diverges where Alternative 2 heads away
from the creek and Alternative 3 continues along the creek corridor. As this alignment was developed it
was determined that the west creek bank provided the most room for the trail. There is an existing
drainage and Public Utility Easement that is 90’ wide centered on the creek through these properties, so
most of the development is setback far enough to provide space for a trail between the developed
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Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 11
November 2018
facilities and the creek. However, there will be some impacts to existing facilities adjacent to the creek
and easements will need to be obtained. The path crosses back over the creek where it follows the creek
corridor out to Calle Joaquin through private property. Alternative 3 would be placed in or on the edge of
approximately 2750 feet of riparian habitat. Along Calle Joaquin there is a potential to provide a trail out
to Los Osos Valley Road by widening the sidewalk or possibly by providing a two-way cycle track.
This alternative provides the most direct and possibly the most pleasant user experience along the creek
corridor. However, this alignment would require two creek crossings and the path would likely need to be
narrowed to 8’ to minimize impacts to the creek and adjacent properties. The City does not currently own
the right-of-way for this entire trail and easements would be needed through five separate private
properties. The trail could provide a potential benefit to adjacent property owners with fencing and
lighting enhancements. There may also be the potential to reduce creek pollution by providing a buffer
between adjacent properties and the creek bank. This trail is the most expensive of the three alternatives
and it would also have the most impact to the creek and adjacent properties.
5.2 Analysis of Existing Bridge Structure and Condition
The City currently has a bridge in storage that may be useful for this project. The bridge is in two pieces
that are approximately 50’ long each, together they could span 100’. The crossing proposed for
Alternatives 2 and 3 may be able to use this bridge, however the cost associated with designing and
constructing connections and abutments for this bridge versus a new bridge have not been evaluated at
this time.
5.3 Cost Analysis
A preliminary costs analysis was completed for the three alternatives. The costs estimates are based
loosely on the preliminary alignment length, bridge crossings, and preliminary design needs.
Maintenance and right-of-way acquisition were not included in the estimates. See Tables 3-6 for cost
estimates for each alternative.
Table 1: Summary of Cost Comparison
TOTAL TRAIL
LENGTH (ft) TOTAL COST
ALIGNMENT 1 - ALONG AG SERVICE ROAD WITH
BRIDGE LOCATION A 4,480 $2,911,500
ALIGNMENT 2 - ALONG CREEK WITH BRIDGE
LOCATION B 4,670 $2,270,000
ALIGNMENT 3 - ALONG CREEK TO CALLE JOAQUIN
WITH BRIDGES A & B 3,320 $4,137,300
Note: See following pages for assumptions and exclusions
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1Agricultural Access Roadadjacent to Ag Reserve to Calle Joaquin Cul-de-Sac2Along creek and through Ag Reserve toCalle Joaquin Cul-de-sac3Along creek toCalle Joaquin Bridges B & D• Moderate-High user experience: scenic, flat, straight, downside may be no shade • Moderate-High user experience: scenic, relatively flat, shaded, potential for bird watching and Creekside recreation• Moderate-High user experience: scenic, relatively flat, shaded, potential for bird watching and Creekside recreation• Good access and exposure to City Farm & Ag Center• Good access and exposure to City Farm & Ag Center• Appears to be most direct with potential for the longest separated low-stress path• DESIGN OPTION: Design shown slight modification from Ag Plan to prevent shortcutting• DESIGN OPTION: Less exposure to Ag Center, but there may be an option to put a trail spur in• DESIGN OPTION: With Bridge at Location B, promotes use of previously installed improvements• Moderate-High safety: good visibility• Moderate-High safety: perception of safety may be decreased with narrow corridor in an area with high transient traffic; however, increased access for police patrol and increased number of users may reduce the transient use and may increase the overall safety of the creek corridor• Moderate-High safety: perception of safety may be decreased with narrow corridor in an area with high transient traffic; however, increased access for police patrol and increased number of users may reduce the transient use and may increase the overall safety of the creek corridor• Potential exposure to agricultural sprays and agricultural equipment • Potential exposure to agricultural sprays, but separated from agricultural equipment• Potential exposure to agricultural sprays, but separated from agricultural equipment• High/Good connectivity on both ends• High/Good connectivity on both ends• Most direct connection• Minimal impacts to riparian habitat at creek• Moderate potential for riparian habitat impact• High potential for riparian habitat impact • Potential for CDFW to require maintenance permit with mitigation to prune riparian vegetation along the corridor. City could amend its existing LSAA for this purpose.• Potential for CDFW to require maintenance permit with mitigation to prune riparian vegetation along the riparian corridor• DESIGN OPTION: Depending on bridge location, may be able to minimize impact by avoiding mature stands of riparian trees• Jurisdictional agencies will likely not support two crossings over one• Low-Moderate impact to useable agricultural land, some impact at bridge• Low-Moderate impact to usable agricultural land: 20’ buffer has been set between cultivation and creek • Low-Moderate impact to usable agricultural land: 20’ buffer has been set between cultivation and creek• Moderate potential impact to operations if route is needed for ag equipment. Creates a separation between two ag parcels.• Low-moderate impact to agricultural operations: some impact at bridge entrance • Low-moderate impact to agricultural operations: some impact at bridge entrance• Moderate potential impacts from off-leash animals• DESIGN OPTION: With shortcut there is the potential to cut off a portion of cultivatable land (not currently used)• Moderate-minimal difficulty• Moderate difficulty• Highest Difficulty• All City-owned land• All City-owned land• Requires lease or land acquisition from 5 property owners• Requires coordination with Ag Lease and agricultural equipment routing• Requires more coordination with jurisdictional agencies (runs adjacent to more jurisdictional boundary)• Utility and Signage Relocation on sidewalk along Calle Joaquin• DESIGN OPTION: Potential for coordination with San Luis Ranch grading access road and connection to development• Topography may be slightly more difficult to design a path through (curves and dips next to creek)• DESIGN OPTION: Potential to use Sanitary Sewer Easement on SLR property to gain access for the City to manholesUSACE CWA Section 404 Not RequiredNot RequiredRequired if fill proposed in federal wetland featureUSFWSConsultation not required. "Take" of listed species (e.g. California Red-legged Frog not authorized). Avoidance required. Consultation not required. "Take" of listed species (e.g. California Red-legged Frog not authorized). Avoidance required. If a 404 permit is required, ESA consultation with USFWS will be requested by USACENMFSConsultation not required. "Take" of listed species (e.g. South-Central California Steelhead Distinct Population Segment not authorized). Avoidance required. Consultation not required. "Take" of listed species (e.g. South-Central California Steelhead Distinct Population Segment not authorized). Avoidance required. If a 404 permit is required, ESA consultation with NMFS will be requested by USACERWQCBCWA Section 401Not requiredNot requiredRequired if fill proposed in federal wetland featureRWQCBNPDES PermitRequired for impacts to riparian zoneRequired for impacts to riparian zoneNot required if a 401 is needed. An individual WDR would be applied for, not the streamline version, if more than 300 linear feet of riparian habitat is permanently impacted.Potential Impact to Biological and Cultural ResourcesPotential Impact on Agricultural Resources and OperationsEase of ImplementationEnvironmental Permitting1ConsiderationPathway User ExperiencePathway User Safety and ConnectivityTable 2: Alignment Alternatives MatrixPacket Pg. 197Item 14
1Agricultural Access Roadadjacent to Ag Reserve to Calle Joaquin Cul-de-Sac2Along creek and through Ag Reserve toCalle Joaquin Cul-de-sac3Along creek toCalle Joaquin Bridges B & DCDFWRequired for impacts to riparian zoneRequired for impacts to riparian zoneRequired for impacts to riparian zone and Waters of the State (e.g. federal/state wetland feature)Permit Timing4 to 6 months (allow for approximately 45 days after CEQA document complete). The RWQCB strongly recommends that applicant makes initial telephone or personal contact with RWQCB regulatory staff to discuss a proposed new discharge before submitting application.(Same as Alternative 1)1.5 years if more than 400 linear feet of riparian zone impacted and a USACE 404 permit not required (allows for minimum of one hearing in front of the Water Board). If 404 required, allow approximately 6 to 12 months for a standard 404 and 401 plus LSAA. Provide alternatives analysis to demonstrate how this project is the least damaging project alternative. Compensatory mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U.S. would be required, and a conservation easement placed over the mitigation area. Partial List of Documents RequiredJurisdictional delineation of state and federal features, biological report that covers state and federally protected species, hydrologic analysis (for bridge crossings and any proposed fill on floodplain), and wetland/riparian mitigation and monitoring plan.(Same as Alternative 2 with a compelling reason for impacts to riparian zone that are larger than Alternative 1).Jurisdictional delineation of state and federal features, biological assessment with an effects analysis for federally listed species (for federal agencies) and biological report that covers state and federally protected species (for state agencies), hydrologic analysis (for bridge crossings and any proposed fill on floodplain), biological report that covers state and federally protected species (for state agencies), hydrologic analysis, cultural resources study, and wetland/riparian mitigation and monitoring plan.CLASS I: 2,560 LFCLASS II 1,200 LF (On Calle Joaquin, not in cost)CLASS III: 720 LF (On Calle Joaquin, not in cost)TOTAL: 4,480 LFCLASS I: 2,750 LFCLASS II 1,200 LF (On Calle Joaquin, not in cost)CLASS III: 720 LF (On Calle Joaquin, not in cost)TOTAL: 4,670CLASS I: 3,320 LFCLASS I/CLASS IV: 400 LF (On Calle Joaquin)TOTAL: 3,720 LF$2,911,500$2,270,200$4,137,300• BASELINE• BASELINE• Addition of one bridge• DESIGN OPTION: Bridge location B may require demo of existing facilities on the west side of the creek to bring up to Class I standards• Increased construction costs with retaining walls and constraints• Longest total path length• Additional cost for potential sidewalk or street reconfigure• Moderate maintenance needed with potential crossing by agricultural equipment• Moderate-Minimal maintenance, CDFW may require pruning mitigation• Moderate-Minimal maintenance, CDFW may require pruning mitigation• Longer length for maintenance and pruning1. Environmental Permitting NotesUSACEUS Army Corps of Engineers - Clean Water Act Section 404 (Nationwide Permit 14. Linear Transportation Projects. Activities required for the construction, expansion, modification, or improvement of linear transportation)USFWSUS Fish and Wildlife Service - Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 (or Section 10 if a federal permit nexus is not used)NMFSNational Marine Fisheries Service - Endangered Species Act Section 7 (or Section 10 if a federal permit nexus is not used)RWQCBRegional Water Quality Control Board - Clean Water Act Section 401 (Water Quality Certification required to authorize federal 404 permit)RWQCBRegional Water Quality Control Board - NPDES Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR for STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD WATER QUALITY ORDER NO. 2004-0004-DWQ). CDFWCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife - Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (Fish and Game Code 1602)Environmental Permitting, Contd.Length of Trail(off road)Cost *Excludes Permitting and acquisitionMaintenanceConsiderationTable 2: Alignment Alternatives Matrix, ContdPacket Pg. 198Item 14
Sheet 1 of 4
PROJECT:Bob Jones Trail - Prefumo Creek to Calle Joaquin PROJ. NO.:170211
PHASE:ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES EST./CHK.:EL/CO
CLIENT:City of San Luis Obispo DATE:11/6/2018
TRAIL
LENGTH (ft)TOTAL COST
ALIGNMENT 1 - ALONG AG SERVICE ROAD WITH BRIDGE LOCATION A 4,490 $2,911,500
ALIGNMENT 2 - ALONG CREEK WITH BRIDGE LOCATION B 4,670 $2,270,200
ALIGNMENT 3 - ALONG CREEK TO CALLE JOAQUIN WITH BRIDGES A & B 3,320 $4,137,300
ASSUMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
THIS OPINION OF PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST HAS BEEN PREPARED USING STANDARD ENGINEERING ESTIMATE PROCEDURES AND IS BASED ON PLANS AND DOCUMENTS 10/4/2018.
CANNON HAS NO CONTROL OVER ACTUAL CONTRACTOR COSTS, BIDDING, OR MARKET CONDITIONS.
OPINION OF PROBABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
DESCRIPTION:
1. Based on SLO County Unit Costs and Bob Jones Pathway Octagon Barn Connection Study as applicable.
2. County unit costs have been escalated to 2017 Caltrans Cost Index as currently used by City of San Luis Obispo. Escalation between 2011 costs
and 2017 is 1.73. Escalation between 2013 Bob Jones Trail Study to 2018 is 1.22.
3. Costs not included: Right of Way acquisition, maintenance, permits, environmental mitigation, site furniture, bike racks, etc.
Alternatives Comparison
Table 3: Alignment Alternatives Cost Comparison
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PROJECT:Bob Jones Trail - Prefumo Creek to Calle Joaquin PROJ. NO.:170211
PHASE:ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES EST./CHK.:EL/CO
CLIENT:City of San Luis Obispo DATE:11/6/2018
ALIGNMENT 1 - ALONG AG SERVICE ROAD WITH BRIDGE LOCATION A CLASS I PATH LENGTH (LF)2,570
CLASS II/III PATH LENGTH(LF) 1,920
DESCRIPTION:Site Preparation QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Mobilization Level 1 1 LS $3,700.00 3,700$
Clearing and Grubbing 41,200 SF $0.03 2,000$
Excavation 2,100 CY $22.00 46,200$
SUBTOTAL 51,900$
DESCRIPTION:SLO CITY CLASS I BIKEWAY (7040)QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
4" AC 30,900 SF $6.40 $197,800
12" Class II base (under pavement)30,900 SF $4.32 $133,700
16" Class II Base Shoulder 7,710 SF $5.36 $41,400
Flush Curb 5,200 LF $27.68 $144,000
13' Wide Geogrid 2,800 SF $1.73 $4,900
Chain Link Fence 0 LF $35.00 $0
42" Rail Fence 3,700 LF $11.00 $40,700
Striping (City 7040, 3 stripes)7,710 LF $2.08 $16,100
SUBTOTAL $578,600
DESCRIPTION:TRAFFIC CONTROL QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Signage (City 7210) - 1 at each end of trail 2 EA $730.00 $1,500
Enhanced Crossing with HAWK system and crosswalk at grade 1 LS $158,000 $158,000
Construction Signage 1 LS $12,200 $12,200
SUBTOTAL $171,700
DESCRIPTION:MISC QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Bridge A 100 LF $7,000.00 $700,000
Culvert (3 x 18" Pipe)0 LF $103.79 $0
Retaining Walls (3' tall)0 SF $28.00 $0
Lighting (City 7905)2 EA $3,000 $6,000
Reestablish Access Road (20' MIN width, 22" Base)40,000 SF $7.78 $311,357
SUBTOTAL $1,017,357
TOTAL:1,819,600$
$ 454,900
$ 182,000
182,000$
273,000$
2,911,500$
CM and Administration (15%)
Total Cost
THIS OPINION OF PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST HAS BEEN PREPARED USING STANDARD ENGINEERING ESTIMATE PROCEDURES AND IS BASED ON PLANS AND DOCUMENTS 10/4/2018.
CANNON HAS NO CONTROL OVER ACTUAL CONTRACTOR COSTS, BIDDING, OR MARKET CONDITIONS.
Sheet 2 of 4OPINION OF PROBABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Environmental Permitting (10%)
Survey and Design (10%)
Construction Contingency (25%)
Table 4: Alignment 1 Cost Estimate
Packet Pg. 200
Item 14
PROJECT:Bob Jones Trail - Prefumo Creek to Calle Joaquin PROJ. NO.:170211
PHASE:ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES EST./CHK.:EL/CO
CLIENT:City of San Luis Obispo DATE:11/6/2018
ALIGNMENT 2 - ALONG CREEK WITH BRIDGE LOCATION B CLASS I PATH LENGTH (LF)2,750
CLASS II/III PATH LENGTH(LF) 1,920
DESCRIPTION:Site Preparation QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Mobilization Level 1 1 LS $3,700.00 3,700$
Clearing and Grubbing 44,000 SF $0.03 2,000$
Excavation 2,200 CY $22.00 48,400$
SUBTOTAL 54,100$
DESCRIPTION:SLO CITY CLASS I BIKEWAY (7040)QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
4" AC 33,000 SF $6.40 $211,300
12" Class II base (under pavement)33,000 SF $4.32 $142,800
16" Class II Base Shoulder 8,300 SF $5.36 $44,600
Flush Curb 5,500 LF $27.68 $152,300
13' Wide Geogrid 3,000 SF $1.73 $5,200
Chain Link Fence 530 LF $35.00 $18,600
Split Rail Fence 2,600 LF $11.00 $28,600
Striping (City 7040)8,300 LF $2.08 $17,300
SUBTOTAL 620,700$
DESCRIPTION:TRAFFIC CONTROL QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Signage (City 7210) - 1 at each end of trail 2 EA $730.00 $1,500
Enhanced Crossing with HAWK system and crosswalk at grade 1 LS $158,000 $158,000
Construction Signage 1 LS $12,200 $12,200
SUBTOTAL 171,700$
DESCRIPTION:MISC QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Bridge B 80 LF $7,000.00 $560,000
Culvert (3 x 18" Pipe)60 LF $103.79 $6,227
Retaining Walls (3' tall)0 SF $28.00 $0
Lighting (City 7905)2 EA $3,000 $6,000
SUBTOTAL 572,227$
TOTAL:1,418,800$
$ 354,700
$ 141,900
141,900$
212,900$
2,270,200$
Environmental Permitting (10%)
CM and Administration (15%)
Total Cost
THIS OPINION OF PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST HAS BEEN PREPARED USING STANDARD ENGINEERING ESTIMATE PROCEDURES AND IS BASED ON PLANS AND DOCUMENTS 10/4/2018.
CANNON HAS NO CONTROL OVER ACTUAL CONTRACTOR COSTS, BIDDING, OR MARKET CONDITIONS.
OPINION OF PROBABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Construction Contingency (25%)
Survey and Design (10%)
Sheet 3 of 4
Table 5: Alignment 2 Cost Estimate
Packet Pg. 201
Item 14
PROJECT:Bob Jones Trail - Prefumo Creek to Calle Joaquin PROJ. NO.:170211
PHASE:ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES EST./CHK.:EL/CO
CLIENT:City of San Luis Obispo DATE:11/6/2018
ALIGNMENT 3 - ALONG CREEK TO CALLE JOAQUIN WITH BRIDGES A & B CLASS I PATH LENGTH (LF)3,320
DESCRIPTION:Site Preparation QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Mobilization Level 2 (includes streetside construction)1 LS $4,900.00 4,900$
Clearing and Grubbing 53,200 SF $0.03 2,000$
Excavation 2,700 CY $22.00 59,400$
SUBTOTAL 66,300$
DESCRIPTION:SLO CITY CLASS I BIKEWAY (7040)QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
4" AC 39,900 SF $6.40 $255,400
12" Class II base (under pavement)39,900 SF $4.32 $172,600
16" Class II Base Shoulder 10,000 SF $5.36 $53,700
Flush Curb 6,700 LF $27.68 $185,500
14' Wide Geogrid 3,900 SF $1.73 $6,800
Chain Link Fence 990 LF $35.00 $34,700
Split Rail Fence 2,000 LF $11.00 $22,000
Striping (City 7040, 3 stripes)10,000 LF $2.08 $20,800
SUBTOTAL 751,500$
DESCRIPTION:TRAFFIC CONTROL QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Signage (City 7210) - 1 at each end of trail 2 EA $730.00 $1,500
Enhanced Crossing with HAWK system and crosswalk at grade 1 LS $158,000 $158,000
Construction Signage 1 LS $12,200 $12,200
SUBTOTAL $171,700
DESCRIPTION:MISC QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Bridge B 80 LF $7,000.00 $560,000
Bridge C 100 LF $7,000.00 $700,000
Culvert (3 x 18" Pipe)60 LF $103.79 $6,300
Retaining Walls (3' tall)980 SF $28.00 $27,500
Lighting (City 7905)2 EA $3,000 $6,000
SUBTOTAL $1,299,800
DESCRIPTION:MULTI-USE PATH ALONG CALLE JOAQUIN QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL
Path Length 400 LF
Demo C&G 400 LF $17.30 $7,000
Demo Street 40 CY $86.49 $3,500
Driveway Approaches 384 SF $15.57 $6,000
Sidewalk (5')2000 SF $17.30 $34,600
Stamped Concrete (2.5')1000 SF $25.95 $26,000
Curb and Gutter 400 LF $38.05 $15,300
Relocate Utilities 1 LS $100,000 $100,000
New ADA Ramp 1 LS $3,000 $3,000
Striping (1 CL Stripe)400 LF $2.08 $1,000
Signal Modification 1 LS $100,000 $100,000
SUBTOTAL $296,400
TOTAL:2,585,700$
$ 646,500
$ 258,600
258,600$
387,900$
4,137,300$
Environmental Permitting (10%)
CM and Administration (15%)
Total Cost
THIS OPINION OF PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST HAS BEEN PREPARED USING STANDARD ENGINEERING ESTIMATE PROCEDURES AND IS BASED ON PLANS AND DOCUMENTS 10/4/2018.
CANNON HAS NO CONTROL OVER ACTUAL CONTRACTOR COSTS, BIDDING, OR MARKET CONDITIONS.
Sheet 4 of 4OPINION OF PROBABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Construction Contingency (25%)
Survey and Design (10%)
Table 6: Alignment 3 Cost Estimate
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Item 14
Bob Jones Trail
Prefumo Creek Connection to Oceanaire
Specification No 91374
Project Study Report
City of San Luis Obispo Page 18
November 2018
6 Alignment Selection
6.1 Advisory Body Input and Community Input
Advisory body and community input will be engaged as this report is circulated.
7 Preferred Alignment
The preferred alignment should be chosen based on input from the consultants collaborating on this
report, advisory body input, and community input. Only consultant recommendations are included at this
time.
7.1 Consultant Recommendations
Alignment 2 appears to be the best option; Alignment 2 best balances user experience with impacts to
agricultural and biological resources with the cost and ease of implementation. The trail along the creek
will be shady with a pleasant nature-rich feel, which matches the original intent of the Bob Jones trail to
provide a recreational connection between San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach via the drainage channel.
The trail will provide better access to the creek for monitoring overgrowth, and according to some law
enforcement officers, routes like this provide better “eyes on the creek” to report and prevent illegal
activity. The route is already accommodated within the current lease on the city’s agricultural reserve and
will provide good access to the City Farm and education center. This route has less of a potential for
conflicts with farming equipment and less of an impact to cultivatable land than Alternative 1. The
alignment with bridge location B leaves open the possibility of using the bridge the city currently has in
storage.
Regarding using experience, none of the routes stood far above the rest in this analysis and any of the
routes has the potential to create a great connection. Although Alignment 3 arguably provides the best
user experience and most direct route, the implementation would be very difficult and costly. The cost
could be double that of other routes.
Regarding biological impacts and permit costs, the clear leader is Alignment 1, with Alignment 2 close
behind. Permit timing would require four to six months for the first two alternatives. Alignment 3 would
significantly impact the Prefumo Creek riparian corridor on the west side of the creek and permitting
would likely take over 1.5 years.
8 Next Steps
This report will be brought to the appropriate City advisory bodies to help select the best alternative.
Once the alternative is selected, design drawings, environmental review, and any permitting and
acquisitions can begin.
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Item 14 ‐ Staff Presentation12/4/20181Bob Jones TrailCalle Joaquin to Oceanaire Connection City Council Study Session December 4, 2018Jake HudsonTransportation ManagerAdam FukushimaActive Transportation ManagerCalle Joaquin Agricultural ReserveBob Jones TrailSpur Project Area
Item 14 ‐ Staff Presentation12/4/20182Project Study ReportAlternative 1: Bike Plan AlignmentExisting Class III: Shared Lane .14 mileExisting Class II Bike lane: .23 mileNew Class I Bike Path: .48 mileAlternative 1•Enviro Permitting: Regional Water Quality Control Board, Cal Fish & Wildlife approvals•Expected Enviro Doc: MND•Permit Timing: 4 to 6 months•Total Length: .85 miles (.48 mi off street)Estimated Cost: $2.92 million
Item 14 ‐ Staff Presentation12/4/20183PROS:•Least conflict with vegetation/creek•Only one bridge•No ROW needed•Cost is 30% lower than most expensive alt•Least concerns for security and enforcement•Full City Design Standards possibleCONS:•Middle length alt•Lower bike/ped mode share expected•Least riparian experience•Potential agriculture impactAlternative 1: PROS and CONSAlternative 2: Ag Master Plan Alignment New Class I Bike Path: .52 mileExisting Class II Bike Lane: .23 mileExisting Class III Shared Lane: .14 mileAlternative 2•Enviro Permitting: (Same as Alt 1)•Expected Enviro Doc: (Same as Alt 1)•Permit Timing: 4‐6 months (Same as Alt 1)•Total Length: .89 miles (.52 mi off street)Estimated Cost: $2.27 millionPROS:•Low conflict with vegetation/creek and terrain•Only one bridge•No ROW needed•Lowest Cost•Riparian experienceCONS:•Bifurcate agriculture operations•Awkward alignment next to BMW dealership•Lower bike/ped mode share expected•Concern for security and enforcement along creekAlternative 2: PROS and CONS
Item 14 ‐ Staff Presentation12/4/20184Alternative 3: Ag Plan Hybrid New Class I Bike Path or Class IV Bike Lane: .7 mileAlternative 3•Enviro Permitting: Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board•Expected Enviro Doc: EIR•Permit Timing: 1 ½ years•Two bridges•Total Length: .7 miles ( all Class I / Class IV)Estimated Cost: $4.14 million (not including ROW)Alternative 3: Pros and ConsPROS:•Most direct route•Highest expectation for bike/ped mode increase•Most riparian experience•Does not bisect agricultural operationsCONS:•Concern for security and enforcement along creek•Highest cost•Most impact to creek and vegetation•Two bridges•Not meet City design standards (state standards met)•ROW needed •Higher vegetation maintenanceAlignment 1 Alignment 2 Alignment 3Class I Length .48 mile .52 mile .7 mile (Class I / IV)Class II Length .23 mile .23 mile xClass III Length .14 mile .14 mile xTotal Length .85 mile .89 mile .7 mileTotal Cost $2.91 million$2.27 million $4.14 million(Not including ROW)
Item 14 ‐ Staff Presentation12/4/20185Funding$250,000 Air Quality Impact Fees (Target)16% San Luis Ranch Development25% Citywide Transportation Impact Fee Program59% unidentified (general fund and grants)ATP ScheduleFall/Winter 2018Data CollectionSpring 2019Public OutreachSpring‐Fall 2019Plan DevelopmentEarly 2020Draft ReportActive Transportation Committee November 15, 20181. Recommended Alt 1 due to the lower cost and lesser impact to agriculture (vote 5‐2‐0)2. Unanimously recommended to consider other alternatives that are more likely to increase bicycle transportation rather than recreation while also remaining eligible for developer mitigation funds
Item 14 ‐ Staff Presentation12/4/20186Active Transportation Committee Other Input1. Heavy traffic on Calle Joaquin / Los Osos Valley Road connection2. Concern for Los Osos Valley Road Bridge over 101 (Caltrans)3. Concern for cost and riparian impacts of Alt 34. Concern for overall transportation utility relative to other bicycle and ped projectsStaff Recommendation1. Receive the Project Study Report2. Provide feedback and identify a preferred alternative to begin environmental reviewORAs suggested by the ATC, direct staff to evaluate other alternatives not consistent with the Bicycle Transportation Plan as part of the forthcoming Active Transportation PlanAlignment 1 Alignment 2 Alignment 3Class I Length .48 mile .52 mile .7 mile (Class I / IV)Class II Length .23 mile .23 mile xClass III Length .14 mile .14 mile xTotal Length .85 mile .89 mile .7 mileTotal Cost $2.91 million$2.27 million $4.14 million(Not including ROW)Or direct staff to explore other route options as part of the Active Transportation Plan effort