REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL January 16, 2020 FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department THROUGH: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer / Assistant Director Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division BY: JILL GORMLEY, TE, City Traffic Engineer / Public Works Manager Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division SUBJECT ..Title Approve an agreement in the amount of $150,000 with the State of California - Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the initiation of a Feasibility Study for the State Route (SR) 99/Shaw Avenue interchange (Districts 1 and 2) ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that City Council approve the State of California - Department of Transportation Standard Agreement for Miscellaneous Reimbursed Work between Caltrans and the City of Fresno and authorize the Public Works Director, or his designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The State Route 99 at Shaw Avenue interchange has been a major topic of discussion amongst City and Caltrans staff and citizens for many years. With the recent efforts of the West Area Specific Plan, citizen concerns have highlighted the interchange as a prime issue for residents. As one of the main gateways to the west side of the City of Fresno, the interchange has been plagued by traffic congestion delaying commuters and extending response times. The Feasibility Study will attempt to identity viable interim and build-out alternatives that would address safety concerns, geometric deficiencies, and future operational needs to accommodate the City's planned growth on the west side. It is common practice for the City of Fresno and Caltrans to partner together to evaluate and plan facilities that fall within and impact both jurisdictions. Historically, both agencies have worked cooperatively to deliver planning, maintenance, and construction projects. The proposed State of California - Department of Transportation Standard Agreement for Miscellaneous Reimbursed Work and detailed scope of work establishes the analysis and product to be produced as part of the Feasibility Study. BACKGROUND The State Route 99 at Shaw Avenue interchange has been the topic of discussion amongst City and Caltrans staff and citizens for many years. The recent surge in development and the development of the West Area Specific Plan has brought the interchange into the spotlight. As one of the main gateways to the west side of the City of Fresno the interchange has been plagued by traffic congestion delaying commuters and extending emergency vehicle response times. In 2001, a Project Study Report - Project Development Support (PSR-PDS) was approved to study this location. Since then, much growth has occurred on the west side of Fresno and SR 99 has been widened to six-lanes. The extreme angle of SR 99 with Shaw Avenue and right-of-way constraints have been challenges when developing interchange options. The Feasibility Study will attempt to identity viable interim and build-out interchange alternatives that would address safety concerns, geometric deficiencies, and future operational needs to accommodate the City's planned growth on the west side. This City of Fresno and Caltrans often work cooperatively to plan, maintain, and construct projects that impact and overlap the jurisdictional boundaries. The proposed State of California - Department of Transportation, Standard Agreement for Miscellaneous Reimbursed Work and detailed scope of work establishes the analysis and product to be produced as part of the Feasibility Study. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the State of California - Department of Transportation, Standard Agreement for Miscellaneous Reimbursed Work and has approved the document as to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This is not a "project" for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference does not apply because preparation of the Feasibility Study will be completed by Caltrans and City staff. FISCAL IMPACT All funding necessary for the feasibility study was appropriated by the Council through the adopted FY2020 budget, utilizing Citywide Regional Street development impact fees. Attachments: State of California - Department of Transportation, Standard Agreement for Miscellaneous Reimbursed Work State Route 99/Shaw Avenue Interchange Feasibility Study