2011081506 - Guardrail Replacement UniversityDATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 08/15/11
ITEM NO: 6
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AUGUST 2, 2011
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
PPW JOB NO. 11-03 — UNIVERSITY AVENUE GUARDRAIL REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE
GUARDRAIL REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO
ADVERTISE THE PROJECT FOR BID.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve plans and specifications for the University Avenue Guardrail Replacement Project and
authorize staff to advertise the project for bid.
BACKGROUND:
The adopted Capital Improvement Program designates funding for infrastructure repair and
replacement projects and is consistent with the Town's goals to improve public safety and to
improve the quality of Town's public streets.
A section of University Avenue between Blossom Hill Road and Lark Avenue traverses along
Vasona Lake. This section of the road is narrow and confined by steep embankments on both
sides of the road. There are retaining walls on the west side of the road supporting the hillside
and an earth embankment on the east side of the road towards Vasona Lake. A metal beam
guardrail was installed at the edge of University Avenue along the Vasona Lake embankment
several years ago to act as a safety barrier and prevent vehicles from driving off the road and
down the embankment into the lake. Over the years, there have been numerous accidents
involving motorists hitting this guardrail and staff has performed a variety of minor repairs to the
guardrail when needed as a result of vehicle accidents.
PREPARED BY: TODD CAPURSO
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: 41,_Assistant Town Manager L',. Town Attorney Clerk Administrator
'%Finance Community' elopment
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AUGUST 2, 2011
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PPW JOB NO. 11-03 — UNIVERSITY AVENUE GUARDRAIL REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
DISCUSSION:
Federal and State road safety standards have changed greatly over the past decades as new
engineering research and development has improved safety standards and enhanced the
effectiveness of protective measures for roadways.
This project removes and replaces all sub -standard and damaged metal beam guardrails on
University Avenue along Vasona Lake with new metal beam guardrails that meet the current
Federal and State road safety standards. The height of the new metal beam guardrail will be 30"
from the edge of the roadway (existing guard rail is approximately 26"+/- high). In addition, the
new metal beam guardrails are designed to better absorb the shock of vehicular collisions and
enhance the safety of the road.
Plans and Specifications for this project are complete and will be available for review in the
Clerk Department on the Friday before the Council meeting. If the Town Council approves this
project, it will be advertised and a construction contract award will be submitted on September
19, 2011 for the Town Council to approve.
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended that the Town Council approve plans and specifications for the University
Avenue Guardrail replacement project and authorize staff to advertise the project for bids.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is a project as defined under CEQA but is Categorically Exempt (Section 15301c). A Notice
of Exemption will not be filed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost for this project is $200,000. Funds are allocated in the Town's 2011/12
Capital Budget.