Title
a. Conduct a Public Hearing and receive public comments to satisfy the provisions of Streets and Highways Code, Section 100.22 regarding a Freeway Agreement with Caltrans.
b. Approve the Freeway Agreement with Caltrans for the State Highway Route 156 West Corridor Project; and
c. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities & Parks to execute the Freeway Agreement and submit the fully executed Freeway Agreement to the County Recorder for filing.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Conduct a Public Hearing and receive public comments to satisfy the provisions of Streets and Highways Code, Section 100.22 regarding a Freeway Agreement with Caltrans.
b. Approve the Freeway Agreement with Caltrans for the State Highway Route 156 West Corridor Project; and
c. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities & Parks to execute the Freeway Agreement and submit the fully executed Freeway 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 156 in Monterey County. The Highway 156 West Corridor Improvement Project (Project) will construct: 1) a new four-lane highway parallel to the existing State Highway Route 156 from Castroville Boulevard to U.S. Highway 101; 2) a new interchange with Castroville Boulevard east of the current signalized intersection; and 3) a new interchange at U.S. Highway 101. The current two-lane highway will be converted into a frontage road that would become a County road to serve the local community. An existing portion of Castroville Boulevard would be closed from direct access to State Highway Route 156 and be replaced by a new re-aligned section to connect to the new interchange. The Project will improve safety and traffic flow in the area. A schematic map is provided in Attachment A.
California Streets and Highways Code Section 100.2 requires Caltrans to enter into a Freeway Agreement with the County prior to constructing access modifications to County roads. Streets and Highways Code Section 100.22 also requires that the Board conduct a public hearing on the subject prior to entering into the Freeway Agreement contemplated by Section 100.2.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Freeway Agreement (Attachment B) to establish the roles and maintenance responsibilities of the County and Caltrans.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has approved the Freeway Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
The Freeway Agreement will have no immediate financial impact on the Road Fund. The proposed Project is funded entirely by funds derived from the Regional Transportation Improvement Program, local Measure X revenues, and Regional Development Impact fees. When the Project is completed, the existing two-lane highway becomes a County road, that would be added to the County’s road network and included in future budgets for operation and maintenance.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiative for Infrastructure and Public Safety, Meeting our Facilities, Water, Technology and Transportation Needs.
Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Chad Alinio, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
Reviewed by: Tom Bonigut, P.E., Interim Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities & Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities & Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - State Highway Route 156 Map
Attachment B - Proposed Freeway Agreement
(Attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board)