HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2c: Gold Line Extension Planning & ConstructionSTAFF REPORT
Development Services Department
DATE: February 16, 2010
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director SDK
Philip A. Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /City Engineer
By: Linda Hui, Transportation Services Manager
SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING GOLD LINE
EXTENSION PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION ISSUES
Recommendation: Provide Direction
SUMMARY
City staff has been working closely with the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction
Authority in developing project specifications for inclusion in the construction bid
package for the Gold Line Project. On January 19, 2010, staff presented to the City
Council the Gold Line Extension project baselines and possible physical and aesthetic
impacts to the City. In order to develop plans for additional improvements (betterments)
for the construction bid package, staff is providing potential design concepts and
materials for various project features to enhance the appearance of the project.
It is recommended that the City Council discuss and provide directions in terms of
improvement priority and design concept preference.
BACKGROUND
On November 4, 2008, the voters of the County of Los Angeles approved Measure R,
an ordinance establishing a one -half percent sales tax for better public transportation
and quality of life purposes for the next 30 years. As part of the Measure R ordinance,
approximately $735 million was identified for the construction of the Gold Line Foothill
Extension. The funding is sufficient for the next phase of construction (Phase 2A) from
Pasadena to the Azusa Pacific /Citrus College Station.
The Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority)
identified three distinct construction activities for the project. These construction
activities include 1) Iconic Freeway Bridge Structure, 2) Main Alignment, and 3) Parking
Structures. These activities will be contracted out and constructed separately at
different schedules. The construction bid package for the Iconic Freeway Bridge
Staff Report
February 16, 2010
Page 2
Structure has been released, and the construction is to begin in June 2010. The Main
Alignment bid package is currently under development and is expected to be released
on April 21, 2010. The Parking Structure bid package will be released last at a date to
be determined.
Based on the project schedules, staff is currently focusing on the Main Alignment bid
package development which includes the line itself, the Santa Anita Bridge grade
separation, bridges at Huntington Drive and Second Avenue, and Colorado Boulevard,
the station, platform and associated mitigation measures. If desired, the City has the
opportunity to request additional improvements such as design and material upgrades
with the understanding that any additional costs associated with the improvements are
the responsibility of the City. Any request for inclusion of additional improvements is
due to the Construction Authority by the end of March 2010 in order to be in the
construction bid package which is targeted to be released on April 21, 2010. The
Construction Authority expects to break ground in early fall 2010.
DISCUSSION
On January 19, 2010, staff provided a PowerPoint presentation to the City Council
covering an overview of the project impacts and potential improvements /betterments.
Subsequently, Staff has worked closely with the Construction Authority to clarify and
establish baseline and mitigation elements and identify improvement options.
Staff has identified three time - critical items including 1) Santa Anita Avenue Bridge
Design, 2) Abutment and Wall Treatments, and 3) Station and Platform Upgrades.
These items need immediate attention since they will be part of the Main Alignment bid
package due out on April 21, 2010. It should be noted that the station parking structure
and transit plaza will need to be considered in the near future as part of the final bid
package.
A PowerPoint presentation will be provided to the City Council at the meeting which will
provide more detailed concepts and options for improvements for Council's
consideration of priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT
No immediate fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction in terms of
improvement priority and design concept preference.
Approved:.
JK:PAW:LH:pa
Donald Penman, City Manager