Agenda Item Wording:
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Caltrans Update of Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation and Operational Improvements Project - Receive a presentation and provide comments regarding the Caltrans Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation and Operational Improvements Project, concluding the Project Development Phase and Commencing the Construction Phase.
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Deadline for Action: 3/4/2024
Submitting Department : Engineering & Building Department
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Rebecca Keenan, Senior Civil Engineer, Rebecca.Keenan@visalia.city, 713-4541
Jason Huckleberry, Eng. & Bldg. Director, Jason.Huckleberry@visalia.city, 713-4495
Shavonne Conley, Caltrans Project Manager, Shavonne.conley@dot.ca.gov, 243-3832
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) regarding the Caltrans Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation (along SR 216) and Operational Improvements at the State Route 198 Interchange.
Summary:
City staff and Caltrans have been working throughout 2023 to complete the Project Development Phase of the Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation and Operational Improvements Project, which includes the preparation of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E); and obtaining needed Right of Way (RW). The Project Development phase is concluding, and the team will begin the Construction Phase in 2024. The purpose of this agenda item is to update the Council on the progress made and to outline the upcoming construction impacts.
Background Discussion:
Project Recap:
Since 2015, City staff and Caltrans have worked to identify possible improvements to the Lovers Lane Interchange at State Route 198. Ultimate layouts were developed, however, to meet current Caltrans design standards the ultimate project would require considerable amounts of right of way and would significantly impact the surrounding businesses and residences. The acquisition and improvements would result in exorbitant costs, estimated at over $60 million in 2015 dollars.
Therefore, the City Council authorized staff to work with Caltrans to pursue a more cost-effective interim solution; and in October 2015, the City Manager executed a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans to prepare a Project Initiation Document (PID) for an interim solution to enhance operations at the Lovers Lane Interchange. Operational improvements were (and are) supported by Caltrans because there is a new interchange proposed to be constructed 5000 feet east of Lovers Lane, at the Road 148 alignment. Given this, the PID document for the Lovers Lane operational improvements was completed in 2017 and identified three possible near-term alternatives (Alternative 1A, Alternative 1B, and No Build Alternative) that were presented to the community at a public meeting held on May 26, 2016 at the Mineral King Elementary School.
Following the public meeting and comments received, Caltrans began the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase to continue the exploration of Alternatives 1A & 1B, and further develop the project in terms of constructability, cost effectiveness, comments received, and other local needs & constraints. Both alternatives would achieve the goal of restoring the facility to a state of good repair, improve traffic flow, address current operation needs, and alleviate congestion. However, Alternative 1B would also close the access connecting East Mineral King Avenue to Lovers Lane and thereby create more storage for traffic at the westbound State Route 198 on/off ramps. Having the vehicle storage on the ramps is important because per the Caltrans analysis, Alternative 1A will fail 10 years after implementation. This concern weighed heavily during the selection of the final alternative because it meant that the number of vehicles per lane, per mile, would increase, resulting in spillage onto the freeway, and a back-up of vehicles onto the freeway.
On March 5, 2021, Caltrans issued the Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment for comments. The comment period ended on April 5, 2021, and Caltrans did not receive any comments from the public during that period. City staff and Caltrans then presented an update to the City Council on May 3, 2021. Caltrans received comments after that Council meeting, which were outside the commenting period, in June 2021. A resident expressed concern about the possible closure of East Mineral King Avenue, particularly regarding potential impacts to pedestrians and the disabled community. The Caltrans representatives took note of the concerns and included them in the team’s process to select the project Alternative to be carried into the design phase.
Caltrans reviewed both Alternatives with their various functional units and selected Alternative 1B as the preferred alternative. The functional units considered project elements, such as traffic operations, maintenance, right of way impacts, private property impacts, utility impacts, hydraulic engineering, landscaping, impacts to structures, sustainability, schedule, funding, and complete streets requirements in making the final selection. The process identified some areas of concern with both alternatives, however, the final tally revealed stronger support for the project following Alternative 1B. The process also identified the need to provide connectivity from East Mineral King Avenue to Loves Lane in order to meet the State’s goal (SB99) of increasing active modes of transportation such as biking and walking.
In addition, at the May 3, 2021, meeting Council requested that Caltrans consider a hybrid layout to possibly allow limited access to Lovers Lane from East Mineral King Avenue. Caltrans conducted additional traffic analysis to identify a way to create a hybrid layout to allow traffic from E. Mineral King Avenue to continue to access Lovers Lane in the northeast quadrant. Unfortunately, Caltrans was not able to develop a hybrid layout that will allow vehicular traffic to access Lovers Lane from East Mineral King Avenue because doing so would result in a larger project footprint, well beyond the existing right of way. The changes would have been significant enough to require further environmental studies, additional right of way, added time, and extra funding needs. It was estimated that a new environmental document would have added approximately 12-18 months to the project schedule. Furthermore, the additional cost was estimated at $5.8 million (approximately $1.9 million in construction capital and $3.9 million in right of way). The consequential delays and additional costs rendered the project unfeasible within the current SHOPP cycle. However, Caltrans was able to incorporate a 12-foot-wide multi-use trail to allow pedestrian, bicyclist, and other non-vehicular traffic access to Lovers Lane. The trail will allow local area residents to continue to access the north/south corridor, despite the elimination of the East Mineral King Avenue vehicular connection.
Design & Right of Way:
The Caltrans team recently completed the project design, right of acquisitions, and established agreements for utility relocations. Following are some of the key components of the final project:
• Pavement Reconstruction: Along Lovers Lane (State Route 216), beginning approximately 300+ feet south of Noble Avenue, then north to Houston Avenue;
• Pavement Reconstruction: Along Houston Avenue (State Route 216), from Lovers Lane, then east to approximately 1,177 feet east of McAuliff Street;
• New Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk: Construction of new curb, gutter, and sidewalk along Lovers Lane, from 300 feet south of Noble Avenue, to Houston Avenue;
• Widening of Lovers Lane, from Noble Avenue, underneath the freeway, to East Mineral King Avenue;
• Structural Modifications of Freeway Underpass: The existing bridge retaining walls will be modified to provide 8’ sidewalks under the freeway, while increasing the number of lanes under the freeway, along Lovers Lane;
• Additional Lanes under the freeway: Two dedicated left turn lane (one in each direction), two southbound lanes, two northbound lanes, one dedicated right turn lane onto the westbound freeway on ramp;
• New traffic signals and lighting at the intersections of Noble Avenue/Lovers Lane, Eastbound Ramps/Lovers Lane, and E. Mineral King/Westbound Ramps/Lovers Lane;
• Adjustments to the existing Sanitary Sewer system located along Mineral King;
• Adjustments to existing utilities, such as Cal Water and Southern California Edison (SCE);
• New Ramp Metering System onto freeway;
• New traffic monitoring station system along Lovers Lane;
• Modified lighting system;
• Modifications to left turn pockets along Lovers Lane;
• Modifications & widening of westbound and eastbound freeway ramps;
• ADA upgrades to curb ramps throughout the project;
• New bike lanes along Lovers Lane;
• New trail connecting Stapp Avenue to Lovers Lane;
• Extension of the existing Tulare Irrigation District box culvert;
• New signage, striping, and pavement delineation;
• Landscaping & Irrigation of project
Construction Impacts:
Caltrans estimates that construction of the project will commence in the Fall 2024 and extend through July 2026. However, some of the utility companies may begin their relocations prior to that as soon as this summer. The project will tentatively proceed as follows:
|
Stage |
Stage-1, Phase-1 |
|
Description of Work |
West side retaining wall under Lovers Lane/Route 198 bridge |
|
Number of working days |
45-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Southbound Lovers Lane, Outside shoulder under the bridge |
|
Lane Closure hours |
24/7 until work is complete |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
Pedestrian detour |
Yes, use northbound Lovers Lane sidewalk between Mineral King Ave and Noble Ave. |
|
Stage |
Stage-1, phase-4 |
|
Description of Work |
Construct outside shoulder, sidewalk, and curb ramps along southbound Lovers Lane between 1) Mineral King and Mill Creek Parkway, 2) Mill Creek Parkway and Douglas Ave, and 3) Douglas Ave and Houston Ave |
|
Number of working days |
30-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Southbound Lovers Lane, Outside lane, and shoulder |
|
Lane Closure hours |
24/7 until work is complete, Driveway and local road access open. |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
Stage |
Stage-1, phase-5 |
|
Description of Work |
Construct outside shoulder, sidewalk, and curb ramps along northbound Lovers Lane between 1) Mineral King and Mill Creek Parkway, 2) Mill Creek Parkway and Douglas Ave, and 3) Douglas Ave and Houston Ave |
|
Number of working days |
30-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Northbound Lovers Lane, Outside lane, and shoulder |
|
Lane Closure hours |
24/7 until work is complete, Driveway and local road access open. |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
Stage |
Stage-2, Phase-1 AND 4 |
|
Description of Work |
East side retaining wall under Lovers Lane/Route 198 bridge |
|
Number of working days |
45-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Northbound Lovers Lane, outside lane and shoulder under the bridge |
|
Lane Closure hours |
24/7 until work is complete |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
Pedestrian detour |
Yes, use southbound Lovers Lane sidewalk between Mineral King Ave and Noble Ave. |
|
Stage |
Stage-2, phase-2 |
|
Description of Work |
Reconstruct median island along Lovers Lane between, 1) Mineral King and Mill Creek Parkway, 2) Mill Creek Parkway and Douglas Ave, and 3) Douglas Ave and Houston Ave |
|
Number of working days |
40-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Northbound & southbound Lovers Lane, Inside lanes |
|
Lane Closure hours |
24/7 until work is complete |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
StageStage-2, phase-3 |
|
|
Description of Work |
Resurface outside lanes along Southbound and Northbound Lovers Lane between, Mineral King Ave and Houston Ave |
|
Number of working days |
10-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Northbound & southbound Lovers Lane, outside lanes |
|
Lane Closure hours |
8 am to 6 pm |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
Stage |
Stage-3, phase-1 |
|
Description of Work |
Remove Mineral King Ave between Stapp Drive and Lovers Lane and reconstruct westbound ramps. |
|
Number of working days |
45-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
Existing westbound on and off ramp |
|
Lane Closure hours |
24/7 until work is complete |
|
Traffic detour |
Yes, Westbound ramp traffic moved to Ben Maddox Way interchange with temporary traffic signal at the ramp intersection. |
|
Stage |
Stage-3, phase-2 |
|
Description of Work |
Resurface Houston Ave |
|
Number of working days |
10-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
One lane in each direction |
|
Lane Closure hours |
10.00 am to 3.00 pm |
|
Traffic detour |
No |
|
StageStage-4, phase-1 |
|
|
Description of Work |
Reconstruct Eastbound on and offramps |
|
Number of working days |
2-working day, |
|
Lanes Closed |
Eastbound on and offramp |
|
Lane Closure hours |
56-hour weekend closure, Friday 10.00 pm to Monday 6.00 am |
|
Traffic detour |
Yes. To Ben Maddox Way interchange |
|
StageStage-4, phase-2 and 3 |
|
|
Description of Work |
Widen and Reconstruct Noble Ave |
|
Number of working days |
20-working day |
|
Lanes Closed |
All lanes (Nighttime), Occasional reversing traffic control (Day time) |
|
Lane Closure hours |
10.00 pm to 6.00 am, 9.00 am to 3.00 pm |
|
Traffic detour |
Yes. Through City Streets |
|
StageStage-5, phase-1 |
|
|
Description of Work |
Reconstruct Lovers Lane, South side of Noble Ave |
|
Number of working days |
5-working day, |
|
Lanes Closed |
All Lanes during nighttime |
|
Lane Closure hours |
10.00 pm to 6.00 am |
|
Traffic detour |
Yes. Through City Streets |
|
StageStage-5, phase-2 |
|
|
Description of Work |
Reconstruct Intersections: EB on/off ramps, Noble, Mineral King |
|
Number of working days |
2-working day, |
|
Lanes Closed |
Lovers Lane. All lanes between Noble Ave and Mineral King Ave |
|
Lane Closure hours |
56-hour weekend closure, Friday 10.00 pm to Monday 6.00 am |
|
Traffic detour |
Yes. Through City Streets |
Next Steps:
This project will go before the California Transportation Commission (CTC) in March 2024. Shortly thereafter, it will be advertised for construction bids, with construction starting later this fall. Following is the updated project schedule:
|
Project Milestone |
Target Schedule |
|
CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (CTC) |
March 2024 |
|
Advertise for Construction |
April 2024 |
|
Construction Approval |
July 2024 |
|
Construction to Begin |
September/October 2024 |
|
Construction Complete |
July 2026 |
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact at this time. This project is programmed in the Caltrans 2020 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) and includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (support). Caltrans has committed $20.9 Million for construction. The Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) has committed $2.2 million for construction.
Prior Council Action:
• March 06, 2023 - City Council voted to approve Ordinance No. 2023-xx, authorizing the sale of approximately 367 square feet to the State of California (Second Reading).
• February 21, 2023 - City Council voted to approve Ordinance No. 2023-xx, authorizing the sale of approximately 367 square feet to the State of California (First Reading).
• September 6, 2022 - City Council voted to adopt Resolution 2022-51 to Amend the Freeway Agreement for State Highway Route 198 from 0.2 Miles East of State Highway Route 99 to 1.5 Miles East of Lovers Lane.
• January 18, 2022 - City Council received a presentation and provided comments regarding the Caltrans Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation and Operational Improvements project, include a follow-up to Council’s request that Caltrans consider a hybrid geometric layout at E. Mineral King Ave. and S. Lover Lane.
• May 3, 2021 - City Council received a presentation and provided comments regarding the Caltrans Lovers Lane Roadway Rehabilitation and Operational Improvements Project concluding the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase at the State Route 198 Interchange.
Alternatives:
None.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
No motion required.
end
CEQA Review:
Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment prepared by the State of California Department of Transportation, date March, 2021.
Attachments:
1. Location Map
2. Presentation