Agenda Item Wording:
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Receive a presentation on the Oak Avenue Extension Project and provide direction regarding the proposed change in the design. The project is located between Tipton Street and Burke Street along the proposed extension of Oak Avenue, Visalia, CA. (Project No. 3010-72000/CP9924-999).
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Deadline for Action: None
Submitting Department: Administration - CIP Engineering
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Mike Porter, Civil Engineer, Mike.Porter@visalia.city, 713-4412
Cody McLaughlin, Assistant Engineer, Cody.Mclaughlin@visalia.city, 713-4595
Dolores Verduzco, Financial Analyst, Dolores.Verduzco@visalia.city, 713-4540
Frank Senteno, City Engineer, Frank.Senteno@visalia.city, 713-4331
Nick Mascia, Assistant City Manager, Nick.Mascia@visalia.city, (559) 713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council receive a presentation on the Oak Avenue Extension Project and authorize moving forward with the proposed updated design change for the project.
Summary:
The Oak Avenue Extension Project was initially developed to provide connectivity between Tipton Street and Burke Street with the same cross section that currently exists west of Tipton Street. Oak Avenue west of Tipton utilizes at-grade concrete panels that run up the center of the road; however, continuing this concept east of Tipton was not approved by the RR. The RR sited safety concerns over the potential for vehicle and train interactions. Despite several requests to continue the existing configuration, staff was compelled to propose an alternate design. The alternate design originally included building the full width of Oak Avenue in both the east bound and west bound directions. With this configuration the RR would continue to operate in the middle of Oak Avenue in a protected median with median curb and fencing to be installed on both sides of the tracks. Unfortunately, the RR continued to object to the City’s design, this time citing additional maintenance issues and costs that drove the construction cost estimate beyond the existing project budget.
Currently, the main destination point in this area is the Imagine-U Museum, located at the southeast corner of Tipton Street and Oak Avenue. Design of the new Inclusive Park project is currently underway. The Inclusive Park is to be located on the south side of the proposed Oak Avenue extension, just east of the Imagine-U Museum (see Attachment).
In conjunction with development of the Inclusive Park, staff is proposing an update to the scope of work for the Oak Avenue extension project. The update would change the layout and design of Oak Avenue to provide access to Imagine-U and the Inclusive Park. The revised scope of work will be coordinated with the Inclusive Park Project’s design and construction. Instead of extending Oak Avenue as a dedicated roadway, Staff proposes to construct a linear parking lot that will provide access to the Inclusive Park and an eastbound access point of connection to Burke Street.
With completion of the Inclusive Park Project and the existing Imagine-U Museum, there will now be two destination points along the south side of Oak Avenue. The south side of Oak Avenue would provide one-way eastbound traffic and parking accommodation for the Imagine-U Museum and Inclusive Park. Oak Ave is identified as a 2-lane (one in each direction) local street between Tipton and Burke in the Circulation Element of the General Plan. But because Oak Ave will function more as a “drive” to the Inclusive Park almost exclusively, it is Staff’s intent the design be characterized as such. The north side of Oak Avenue (north side of the railroad tracks) would remain in its current unimproved condition pending any approved plans for development. At that time in the future, Staff will consider if land dedication for street right of way purposes is necessary and in what manner.
Construction of this portion of Oak Avenue will be scheduled in coordination with construction of the Inclusive Park. East bound traffic exiting onto Burke Street will have a right turn out only option. Limiting this turn to right will minimize conflicts with the existing RR crossing signal located at the intersection of Burke Street and extension of Oak Avenue. Completion of the Oak Avenue Extension project requires coordination and approvals from the railroad. Moving forward with the proposed updated scope of work should lessen improvements required by the railroad and expedite design and construction.
Fiscal Impact:
The project is funded by Measure R Local (Fund 131) and the Gas Tax (Fund 111). The budget summary is provided below. Limiting development of Oak Avenue to the south half only will reduce design and construction costs and reduce the extent of any track improvements or alterations that may be requested by the railroad. Staff will return at a later date with updated project cost estimates prior to advertising the project for construction.
|
|
Current Fiscal Year Budget (FY 2022-23) |
Approved Next Fiscal Year Budget (FY 2023-24) |
Total Budget |
|
Measure R Local (131) |
$197,970 |
$1,284,500 |
$1,482,470 |
|
Gas Tax (111) |
$ 28,344 |
$0 |
$ 28,344 |
|
Total |
$226,314 |
$1,284,500 |
$1,510,814 |
Prior Council Action:
May 3, 2021 - Council authorized filing a NOC for the Burke Street and Oak Avenue RR Crossing Improvement Project.
September 16, 2019 - Council authorized amending the agreement with SJVRR for an additional $316,000.00 for additional scope of work to include the City of Visalia portion of the intersection improvements.
March 5, 2018 - Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with SJVRR for improvements to the existing grade crossing at the intersection of Burke Street and Oak Avenue in the amount of $625,000.00.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize staff to proceed with the updated design for the Oak Avenue Extension project and return to City Council with any pending issues or coordination following the railroad review.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
Attachments:
Oak Avenue Extension Update Presentation