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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.3 Transportation Program Update (2)STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL Page 1 of 7 Agenda Item 8.3 DATE:May 4, 2021 TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager SUBJECT:Transportation Program Update Prepared by: Pratyush Bhatia, Transportation and Operations Manager and Sai Midididdi, Associate Civil Engineer (Traffic) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will receive a report on transportation planning projects, traffic operations, and ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the City of Dublin transportation network. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive the report. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: This report describes some of the major on-going and upcoming transportation projects to enhance the transportation network and traffic operations in the City. Ongoing Projects Shared Autonomous Vehicle (SAV) Project The SAV project provides for improvements to the City’s transportation system using emerging technologies to support deployment of autonomous vehicles. The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) received a $966,000 grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to develop, evaluate, and deploy SAV technology. The City received a total of $385,000 of combined funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Innovative Deployment to Enhanced Arterials (IDEA) grant and from the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) Measure BB discretionary grant to support SAV testing on City of Dublin public streets. In November 2019, Dublin added LAVTA as an additional recipient of the IDEA grant to streamline administration of the MTC grant funds for the project and expedite project delivery. A major goal 284 Page 2 of 7 of the project is to improve mobility by providing first- and last-mile solutions for passengers between the BART Station and nearby locations. City costs are budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program project, Intelligent Transportation System Upgrade – Connected/Autonomous Vehicle and Safety Improvements, CIP No. ST0519 (Attachment 1). Working collaboratively with the City and MTC, LAVTA started SAV testing in the vicinity of the East Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station in July 2020. The testing phase was intended to identify and resolve any issues based on field observations of SAV performance. Some key issues that were addressed during testing include unnecessary stops related to the SAV identifying roadside objects, such as landscaping, as obstacles and necessary modification of signal timing to enable the SAV to safely make a U-turn at the intersection of Arnold Road and Martinelli Way. Several other elements of SAV operation were reviewed during testing. These included keeping the SAV on schedule, SAV speed, battery consumption and mileage, reaction to various obstacles, environmental factors requiring manual override of the SAV, and SAV performance under different weather conditions. After completing a comprehensive testing process, LAVTA started providing SAV passenger rides on November 16, 2020. Although there was a brief pause in the services due to Alameda County’s Stay-at-Home Order, services resumed on January 27, 2021. Reservations are needed at this time to ride the SAV due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The public can learn more about the SAV service by contacting LAVTA directly, or by visiting their SAV webpage at https://www.wheelsbus.com/sav/. Dublin and LAVTA staff will continue analyzing the vehicle, route, and service to better understand the SAV technology and improve customer service. Dublin, MTC, and LAVTA are continuing to collaborate on this project as LAVTA anticipates receiving additional grant funding to expand the SAV service in Dublin to connect to commercial centers north of Dublin Boulevard as a second phase of the project. Citywide Signal Communications, Advanced Traffic Management System, and Traffic Adaptive System The City has a total of 98 signalized intersections. Currently, 70 signalized intersections are connected to the City’s Traffic Operations Center (TOC) in City Hall. The TOC allows Staff to remotely control and monitor signal timing at connected intersections. In 2018, the fiber optic communications network was expanded, and an adaptive traffic signal system was installed on Dougherty Road as part of the Dougherty Road Improvements construction project. In Fiscal Year 2019-20, a new fiber optic communication network was installed on Dublin Boulevard between Tassajara Road and Fallon Road as part of the Kaiser Development project. This connected 15 of the 70 signalized intersections to the TOC. In addition to incorporating new infrastructure and upgrading existing infrastructure as part of Capital Improvement Program and private development projects, the City funds ongoing upgrades to the traffic signal communications system through the Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No. ST0713 (Attachment 2). Staff is currently working on improving the traffic signal 285 Page 3 of 7 communications system on Dublin Boulevard by upgrading copper communication cables to fiber optic cables along two major segments of Dublin Boulevard: 1. Dublin Boulevard between San Ramon Road and Sierra Court 2.Dublin Boulevard between Hacienda Drive and Tassajara Road Fiber optic cables provide higher bandwidth communication necessary to support newer traffic signal technologies such as video detection, traffic monitoring cameras with high-definition video streams, adaptive signal systems, and transit signal priority. It will also allow expansion of future signal operation needs. This project will also expand the existing adaptive traffic signal system (Synchrogreen) on Dublin Boulevard to include the intersections from Hacienda Drive to Fallon Road. The adaptive traffic signal system gathers real-time traffic data and automatically adjusts the timing of traffic signals along Dublin Boulevard to reduce delay and increase safety. The current system has performed well in providing signal coordination and progression along Dublin Boulevard between San Ramon Road and Hacienda Drive, prioritizing transit, and reducing travel time and delays. This project also includes installation of battery backup units at 28 traffic signals. A battery backup system keeps a traffic signal active, and therefore enhances safety, in the event of a power outage. The project is currently in the design phase with construction anticipated to complete in summer 2022. Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update An update of the City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan began in Fiscal Year 2019-20. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is a critical planning, policy, and implementation document that supports Dublin’s efforts in improving the safety of biking and walking and to promote them as a preferred mode of transportation. Periodic updates to the Plan are necessary to ensure alignment with industry standards, incorporate the latest best practices, meet current community needs, and inform investments in biking and walking infrastructure. The last update to the Plan occurred in 2014. The Plan update is funded through the Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project, CIP No. ST0517, which also funds other activities to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the City (Attachment 3). For the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update, Staff has completed the existing conditions analysis, demographic analysis, collision analysis, and level of traffic stress analysis. A project website has also been launched to inform the public about the Plan update and to gather feedback. In addition, Staff conducted a virtual workshop, two technical advisory committee meetings, benchmark interviews with representatives of seven City departments and the Dublin Unified School District, an Alameda County Transportation Commission Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting, and a Chamber of Commerce meeting to introduce and solicit comments on the Plan update. Staff is currently working on scheduling focus group listening sessions, drafting non- infrastructure recommendations, developing the prioritization framework to determine what 286 Page 4 of 7 factors will be used to prioritize locations of improvements, and conducting demand analysis to evaluate the mode shift potential of infrastructure recommendations. Dublin Boulevard Extension Project The City of Dublin is the lead agency in a project to extend Dublin Boulevard approximately 1.5 miles from Fallon Road in the City of Dublin, through an unincorporated portion of Alameda County, to North Canyons Parkway in the City of Livermore. The extension is planned to have four to six travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, traffic signals, streetlights, utilities, and landscaping. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project was completed in August 2019. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project was completed in February 2021 with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). NEPA approval makes the project eligible to receive Federal funding. The project is funded through the design phase with the Dublin Boulevard Extension – Fallon Road to North Canyons Parkway Project, CIP No. ST0216 (Attachment 4). The Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) is the implementing agency for the final design phase in cooperation with the Dublin, Livermore, and Alameda County. The final design is anticipated to begin in spring 2021 and be completed in 24 months. Staff continues to work on the project to support the design phase. Citywide Travel Demand Model (TDM) Update The City’s TDM is used to forecast future year traffic volumes on arterial and collector roadways, as well as analyze future land use development proposals and transportation network changes in the City. The last comprehensive update was done in 2013 and was based on the 2011 ACTC countywide model. The updated City of Dublin TDM will be based on the 2018 version of the ACTC countywide model. The base year for the updated model will be 2020. The update to the TDM is anticipated to be completed in May 2021. Benefits of updating the citywide model include: •Better resolution and accuracy for land use and trip generation in Dublin. •Ensure land use assumptions include recently completed projects such as the Boulevard Development, Kaiser, Zeiss Innovation Center, approved projects such as IKEA Retail Center, and future projects like the Dublin Boulevard Extension. •Improved calibration for traffic conditions in Dublin. •Customized geographic detail based on proximity to transit and other factors. •More precise citywide Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) averages for each land use type. •Consistence with the current ACTC Countywide model. The TDM update is funded as part of the Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No. ST0713 (Attachment 2). Traffic Signal Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness In recent years, Dublin has experienced several temporary power outages due to Pacific Gas & Electric Company Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events and other unplanned events. During 287 Page 5 of 7 these power outages, signalized intersections are impacted due to loss of power. Although 70 percent of the intersections are equipped with battery backup units, the batteries only provide power for up to six hours. The length of time a signal can function on battery power depends on the age and size of the batteries, electrical load need of the intersection, and the type of intersection. For intersections without permanent backup units, Public Works has used temporary generators to provide electricity to traffic signals during power outages. Lack of power to traffic signals can significantly impact the community and emergency service providers, especially along major transportation corridors and at large, multi-lane intersections closer to freeway ramps, such as the intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty Road. To prepare for future PSPS events and other unforeseen emergencies, and to minimize the impacts to traffic flow on arterials and collectors when a signal loses power, Staff is working on a traffic signal resiliency project to provide or upgrade backup power and maintain signal operations at the 23 signalized intersections listed below. 1. Dublin Boulevard at Dougherty Road 2. Dougherty Road at Amador Valley Boulevard 3. Dublin Boulevard at Hacienda Drive 4. Hacienda Drive at Martinelli Way 5. Dublin Boulevard at Tassajara Road 6. Dublin Boulevard at Fallon Road 7. Fallon Road at Fallon Gateway 8. Dublin Boulevard at Village Parkway 9. Dublin Boulevard at Amador Plaza 10.Dublin Boulevard at San Ramon Road 11.San Ramon Road at Amador Valley Boulevard 12.Village Parkway at Amador Valley Boulevard 13.Tassajara Road at Fallon Road 14.San Ramon Rd at Alcosta Boulevard 15.Dublin Boulevard at Scarlett Drive 16.Dougherty Rd at Scarlett Drive 17.Hacienda Dr at Gleason Drive 18.Gleason Drive at Fallon Road 19.Gleason Drive at Tassajara Road 20.Amador Valley Boulevard at Amador Plaza Road 21.Dublin Boulevard at Arnold Road 22.Horizon Parkway at Arnold Road 23.Horizon Parkway at Scarlett Drive Most of these locations will be equipped with battery backup units, however at the largest and most critical intersections, Staff is considering the use of hydrogen fuel cells to provide uninterrupted power to the traffic signal. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide electricity for up to three days, which is 12 times longer than a battery backup unit. Upcoming Projects Tassajara Road Arterial Management Project The City of Dublin received a Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) grant in Fiscal Year 2020- 21 to coordinate 11 traffic signals along the Tassajara Road corridor. The project is anticipated to start in fall 2021. Signal coordination provides a means by which a sequence of green lights is established along a series of traffic signals to minimize the interruptions to traffic flow between these signals. The benefits of signal timing include reducing greenhouse emissions by improving traffic flow, reducing the number of stops, minimizing traffic congestion, and decreasing fuel 288 Page 6 of 7 consumption. The project will also upgrade traffic signal controllers, hardware, and battery backup units at four intersections along the corridor. This effort is funded as part of the Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No. ST0713 (Attachment 2). Safe Routes to School Improvements This project will include installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and other intersection improvements such as bulb-outs or median extensions, and upgrade of curb ramps to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards at three locations: 1. Central Parkway and Aspen Street 2. Amador Valley Boulevard and Burton Street 3. Grafton Street and Antone Way The proposed improvements were selected based upon recommendations resulting from walk audits performed by Staff, representatives from the Dublin Unified School District, parents in the community, Police Services, traffic engineering consultants, and transportation planning consultants. Staff has applied for a Safe Routes to School mini-grant and Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds to partially fund design and construction. These grants are discretionary and allocated to the City by ACTC and MTC. If awarded, Staff will return to the City Council to approve the grant funding agreements. Available funding for this work comes from the Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements project, CIP No. ST0517 (Attachment 3). Local Roadway Safety Plan On March 16, 2021, the City Council approved a funding agreement with the State for the development of a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). Federal regulations require that each State have a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). While the SHSP is used as a statewide approach for improving roadway safety, an LRSP can be a means for providing local and rural road owners with an opportunity to address unique highway safety needs in their jurisdictions while contributing to the success of the SHSP. The LRSP creates a framework to systematically identify and analyze safety problems and recommend safety improvements. Preparing an LRSP facilitates the development of local agency partnerships and collaboration, resulting in a prioritized list of improvements and actions that can demonstrate a defined need and contribute to the statewide SHSP. The LRSP can be tailored to local protocols, needs, and issues. Starting in 2022, the Federal Aid Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) will require an LRSP for an agency to be eligible to apply for HSIP funds. A City of Dublin LRSP, in conjunction with an updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, will provide a framework to develop and improve a transportation system that promotes multi-modal transportation options and addresses community safety needs. Development of the LRSP is proposed to be funded with a new Capital Improvement Program project, Local Roadway Safety Plan, which was introduced to City Council on April 20, 2021, and will be presented to City Council for approval on June 1, 2021, as part of the update to the five-year Capital Improvement Program. 289 Page 7 of 7 STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Intelligent Transportation System Upgrade – Connected/Autonomous Vehicle and Safety Improvements Project, CIP No. ST0519 2) Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No. ST0713 3) Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project, CIP No. ST0517 4) Dublin Boulevard Extension – Fallon Road to North Canyons Parkway Project, CIP No. ST0216 290 Number ST0519 Program STREETS PRIOR YEARS 2020-2021 BUDGET 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 FUTURE YEARS TOTALS 9100 $8,987 $14,353 $23,340 9200 $21,260 $45,108 $66,368 9400 $5,013 $605,161 $610,174 $35,260 $664,622 $699,882 Salaries & Benefits Contract Services Improvements INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM UPGRADE – CONNECTED/AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ESTIMATED COSTS TOTAL 2020-2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT DESCRIPTION This project provides for improvements to the City's transportation system using emerging technologies, such as support for connected and autonomous vehicles, and is a collaborative effort between the City of Dublin, Livermore Amador Valley Transportation Authority (LAVTA), and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). System improvements will be completed both by the City and MTC. MTC's work is funded with a $385,000 federal grant through MTC's Innovative Deployments to Enhance Arterials (IDEA) Challenge Grant Program. To streamline administration of grant funds for the project and to expedite project delivery,MTC Resolution No. 4202 was revised on September 25, 2019 to add LAVTA as co- recipient of the IDEA II grant, which provides direct access to LAVTA to the grant funds, while also allowing MTC, LAVTA, and the City to cooperatively implement different elements of the project. The funding source for the MTC/LAVTA led work is shown as "Other" because MTC project costs will be funded directly by MTC. The City and LAVTA have a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each agency regarding the project implementation.The local match for the IDEA II grant will be paid by Alameda CTC’s Measure BB grant to the City, for project elements implemented by MTC, LAVTA, and the City of Dublin. Transportation system improvements will include: Connected Vehicle Software that will integrate with the City's central traffic management system to broadcast real-time traffic signal information to transit vehicles and other motorists; Shared Autonomous Vehicle (SAV) Communications that will provide for the integration of SAV with the City's traffic signal controllers. LAVTA's testing of SAVs on public streets in the City in the vicinity of the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station, and this project will allow for the SAVs to communicate and interface with the City's traffic signal controllers. The project will also evaluate vulnerable road user protection systems at 3 to 4 signalized intersections on Dublin Boulevard in the vicinity of the BART station to see if it can effectively detect pedestrians and bicyclists in or near the intersections. The Iron Horse Trail crossing at the intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Scarlett Drive will have passive bicycle and pedestrian detection allowing trail users to be detected before reaching the intersection in order to reduce the wait time at the signalized crossing. ANNUAL OPERATING IMPACT: None MANAGING DEPARTMENT: Public Works 291 PRIOR YEARS 2020-2021 BUDGET 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 FUTURE YEARS TOTALS 2201 $11,895 $113,105 $125,000 2212 $23,365 $87,835 $111,200 2217 $78,682 $78,682 9997 $385,000 $385,000 $35,260 $664,622 $699,882 ANNUAL OPERATING IMPACT State Gas Tax FUNDING SOURCE TOTAL Vehicle Registration Fee (ACTC) Measure BB Grants Other 292 Attachment 2293 294 Attachment 3295 296 Attachment 4297 298 Item 8.3 Transportation Informational Report City Council Meeting 5/4/2021 Report on On-Going and Upcoming Projects Ongoing Projects Shared Autonomous Vehicle Testing Signal Communication/Traffic Adaptive Signal System Upgrades Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Dublin Blvd Extension Traffic Signal Resiliency Upcoming Projects Tassajara Road Arterial Management Safe Routes to School Access and Safety Improvements Local Roadway Safety Plan •October 19, 2016 –LAVTA receives BAAQMD grant ($966,000) •February 2018 –City of Dublin receives MTC Grant •February 28, 2018 –AB 1444 (extension)permits operation of an autonomous vehicle on public roads for testing purposes •June 22, 2018 –DMV registration of EZ-10 •December 12, 2019 –NHTSA Approval •Goal: First and Last Mile Connectivity to the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station •Testing started in July 2020 on Altamirano Avenue and Arnold Road Shared Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Timeline Shared Autonomous Vehicle Pilot •The testing phase has provided insight about SAV operations on public streets with pedestrian, bicycles, and vehicles •LAVTA started providing SAV passenger rides on November 16, 2020. Next Steps •Goal: Extend the route north of Dublin Boulevard. •Upgrade the SAV to increase speed. •Test communication :SAV and traffic signals using C-V2X Draft Signal Communication and Adaptive Signal System Upgrades Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update Vision & Goals Plan Vision The City of Dublin is a vibrant place where walking and biking are safe, comfortable, and convenient ways to travel and connect individuals, inclusive of all ages and abilities, to local and regional destinations. Plan Goals 1.Enhance and prioritize safety in design and implementation 2.Increase Walking and Biking by making them more attractive modes 3.Improve Connectivity by developing a well-connected network 4.Enhance accessibility using design principles 5.Prioritize Investments and funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update Project Overview Project Initiation Baseline Inventory & Needs Analysis Network Recommendations & Implementation Plan Plan Documentation & Environmental Review Updated Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Public Participation In-Person Event (as County health conditions allow) Community Workshop Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Early 2022Late 2021Mid/Late 2021Fall 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update Project Engagement •Technology and Virtual Meetings •Project Website –http://dublinbikeped.org/ •BPAC meeting: September 17, 2020 •Chamber of Commerce: March 9, 2021 •Five Technical Advisory Committee(TAC) Meetings at Key Stages Future Events •Public Event at Dublin Farmers Market and a virtual BPAC: May 27, 2021 •May: Bike Month and Activities Dublin Boulevard Extension Project •1.5-mile extension from Fallon Road to North Canyons Parkway •EIR completed in 2019 •NEPA completed February 2021 •ACTC is the lead on Final Design –Anticipated to start May 2021, 24 months to complete –Design Review,Developer Coordination, Mitigation Strategy and Economic Development Zone Traffic Signal Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness •Planning for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events •Impacts at major arterial and roadway signals. •Battery Backup Units: 6 hours of power •Backup power upgrades at 23 intersections. •Improvements options: battery backups units, hydrogen fuel cells Draft: Intersections Upcoming Projects •Tassajara Road Arterial Management Project •Safe Routes to School Access and Safety Improvements –Crosswalk improvements •Local Roadway Safety Plan –City Council Approved Funding Agreement with State on 3/16/2021 –Proactive Approach to Safety Questions? Travel Demand Model Update •Models forecast future year traffic volumes on roadways •Analyze land use development proposals and roadway capacity •Benefits –Improved accuracy of land use and trips –Improved calibration for Dublin traffic –Consistency with ACTC Countywide Model •Anticipated completion is May 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update Progress to Date •Existing Network: Review maps, include recent projects •Demographic Analysis: Summarize population, job, travel patterns •Collision Analysis : Review, analyze six-year collision history •Level of Traffic Stress Analysis: amount of discomfort that people feel when they bicycle close to traffic. •Programs and Policies (on-going) •Demand Analysis (on-going) Next Steps •Policy and Infrastructure recommendations •Cost Estimates and Revenue Sources •Implementation Plan Tassajara Road Arterial Management Project •Synchronize 11 traffic signals along Tassajara Road Corridor. •Upgrade 4 controllers and traffic signal accessories. •Funded by TFCA Safe Routes to School Access & Safety Improvements •Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons •Median/Bulb-outs •Curb ramp upgrades Central Pkwy at Aspen St AVB at Burton St Antone Way at Grafton St Local Roadway Safety Plan •What is an LRSP? –Tool to improve safety on local roads –LRSPs Provide a framework to identify analyze, and prioritize roadway safety improvements on local roads –Strategies for overcoming barriers and obstacles to implementation –Integrate 4E solutions and FHWA proven safety countermeasure –Reduce fatalities and serious injuries