Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.14 seeking to consider making Harkins Road into a one-way street.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.14 and:
b. Direct that staff proceed with completion of referral based on description in this report; or,
c. Direct that staff:
i. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by the Board; or,
ii. Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or,
iii. Rescind referral.
d. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Background:
On April 19, 2022, the Board added Supervisor Lopez’s Referral No. 2022.14 to the County Board of Supervisors’ referral matrix. The referral seeks to investigate restricting portions of Harkins Road to one-way traffic.
Proposed Project Description:
The community of Spreckels is a small town located between the City of Salinas and Highway 68 Corridor. The residents of Spreckels have repeatedly expressed concerns of the heavy truck traffic and speeding vehicles traversing their town. Harkins Road bisects the community of Spreckels and is a main street through the town. However, there is an elementary school, the town park and numerous homes fronting this street that are impacted by the truck traffic and speeding vehicles. Converting a section of Harkins Road to a one-way street should reduce the truck traffic through town and discourage pass-through traffic.
The referral involves completion of the following tasks:
• Perform a traffic engineering study to develop preliminary roadway plans to safely convert a portion of Harkins Road to a one-way street. This includes performing community outreach and coordination, for needs assessment and full understanding.
• Prepare the necessary project CEQA documentation to comply with State and local requirements.
• Prepare the Board Report to present the proposal to the Board for consideration, as well as appropriate Board action. Includes the amount of time to route an item through the levels of departmental review prior to an item being taken to the Board for consideration.
• Install requisite signage.
Estimated Project Cost:
Costs associated with the completion of this referral include the cost for staff time, consultant costs, and the cost of materials. Estimated cost may be upwards of $75,000. Staff costs will be absorbed by lead department and assisting departments (Public Works, Parks and Facilities; and the Office of the County Counsel).
Staffing Level Estimate:
It is anticipated that one (1) to two (2) PWFP staff, along with Office of the County Counsel staff will be utilized to complete a response to the subject referral. The services of a traffic engineering consultant will be necessary to develop preliminary roadways plans to safely implement the proposed traffic flow changes.
Departmental Challenges:
Coordination with local community and stakeholders for the proposed restriction of Harkins Road to one-way traffic between Hunter Lane and Fifth Street.
Proposed Response Date:
Staff proposes to return to the Board prior to October 30, 2022.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives for Administration and Public Safety. Should the study demonstrate a need, these services will enhance our Transportation needs, and will improve the quality of life for County residents.
__ Economic Development
X Administration
__ Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Board Referral No. #2022.14