Title
a. Approve Freeway Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the State Highway Route (SR) 156/Castroville Boulevard Interchange Project, 05-31601, for a term effective the execution date of the Agreement until mutually terminated; and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to execute the Freeway Maintenance Agreement and submit the fully executed Agreement to the County Recorder for filing.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve Freeway Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the State Highway Route (SR) 156/Castroville Boulevard Interchange Project, 05-31601, for a term effective the execution date of the Agreement until mutually terminated; and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to execute the Freeway Maintenance Agreement and submit the fully executed Agreement to the County Recorder for filing.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in cooperation with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) and the County of Monterey, will be constructing safety and operational improvements along State Highway Route (SR) 156/Castroville Boulevard Interchange Project, 05-31601 (Project) in the County of Monterey (County).
The Project (Phase 1), from post mile (PM) 0.7 to PM R2.1, will replace the existing at-grade intersection on SR 156 West at Castroville Boulevard with a new grade-separated interchange that would handle local traffic and inter-regional travel, an alignment shift, roundabouts, bike lanes, and frontage roads that would serve the local community. The Project includes offsite mitigation for wetland impacts.
The recommended actions would allow for the approval of the Freeway Maintenance Agreement (FMA) between the County and Caltrans (Attachment A), formally outlining the shared maintenance and operational responsibilities for the Project on the State Highway System.
Staff recommends that the Board approve the proposed FMA to define and establish the respective roles and maintenance responsibilities of the County and Caltrans. The FMA will take effect upon execution and will remain in place until mutually terminated by both parties.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel, including Risk Management, has reviewed and approved the proposed FMA as to form and liability provisions. The County has worked in partnership with Caltrans and TAMC in developing the Project.
FINANCING:
The FMA will have no immediate financial impact on the County in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, as construction for the improvements for the Project along SR 156 has not yet begun. However, once the Project is completed and vegetation expands, the FMA will bring new maintenance responsibilities on the County, affecting the Road Fund. At that time, estimated maintenance costs will be included in future operation and maintenance budgets and the appropriate FY baseline budget request for Road Fund 002, Appropriation Unit PFP004. This Project will be funded by Caltrans and TAMC.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended actions align with the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives for Infrastructure and Public Safety by implementing essential safety enhancements that improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and minimize collisions on SR 156 and key intersections. These improvements directly respond to community concerns, benefiting residents, County constituents, and visitors alike.
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
__ Health and Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Enrique Saavedra, PE, Chief of Public Works, (831) 755-8970
Reviewed and Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
The following attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A - Proposed FMA for SR 156/Castroville Boulevard Interchange Project