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methodology. Caltrans prefers to have input on the future year forecasts early in the process, and they tend to have opinions regarding which model is most appropriate to use. The selection of study tools will B 1' also be discussed with Caltrans. The City has traditionally preferred SYNCHRO software and SIMTRAFFIC. However, in the event Caltrans is concerned about the future lane merge operations both on the NB and SB on -ramps and at the freeway mainline, Caltrans may request that a more detailed study of these issues be prepared. Freeway merge operations are more accurately simulated using FRESIM, which is part of the CORSIM package developed by the FHWA. It is our understanding that SYNCHRO is not a suitable software to analyze freeway operations. A third method may be to use Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) method. This method would not account for the interaction between the traffic signals and the merges, but would be less costly. If Caltrans is supportive of the Project based on their previous experience with the interchange, they may not require a simulation analysis. Per Caltrans procedures, the operation of the weaving segments could be evaluated using the Leisch method described in the Caltrans' Highway Design Manual. Thus, the software tools to be used as part of the analysis may not be known until the study is underway. Hexagon is proficient in SYNCHRO, CORSIM (FRESIM), and HCM methods. Upon obtaining confirmation on the forecasting criteria and traffic analysis software, an operational analysis will be performed for existing year and forecast year. The traffic analysis work will confirm the Project scope, verify the need and purpose of the Project, provide supportive information for the environmental document and offer the traffic data required for the completion of the Project PEER. Environmental Document — As part of the preliminary work it is important to perform the work involved for the environmental clearance. BKF's Project Team will coordinate and prepare the required environmental documents and analyses to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on the proposed I- 680 /Bernal Avenue Interchange Project. Since the interchange is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, compliance with NEPA is required, as well as compliance with CEQA. It is proposed that the Project prepare a Categorical Exclusion with Section 106 Cultural Resources technical studies, which will meet the requirements of NEPA, and a Categorical Exemption, which will meet the requirements of CEQA. For the NEPA process, the BKF Project Team will conduct a field review of the site with the Caltrans staff, if requested. In support of the document, the BKF Project Team will prepare the required Section 106 analyses for the Project, in conformance with Caltrans guidelines and requirements. The Project Team will discuss the Project with Caltrans staff to determine the exact requirements for this Project. Compliance studies may consist of the completion of an Archaeological Survey Report (ASR), a Historic Resources Evaluation Report (HRER) focusing on the built environment, and a Historic Properties Survey Report (HPSR) of the Area of Potential Effects (APE) which the Project Team will prepare and coordinate the sign -off with Caltrans staff. The BKF Project Team will coordinate the completion and sign -off of the NEPA Categorical Exclusion with Caltrans staff. The BKF Project Team will also file the Categorical Exclusion form with the State Clearinghouse if requested by the Caltrans and /or City staff. For the CEQA process, the BKF Project Team will prepare the CEQA Categorical Exemption forms for review and comment. The BKF Project Team will coordinate the completion and sign -off of the CEQA Categorical Exemption with City staff and will also file the Categorical Exemption form with the County Clerk if requested by the City. It is expected that the Project will be eligible for a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA and a Categorical Exemption under CEQA, assuming that no environmental impacts, which cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level by measures included in the project, are identified. In the event that significant, unmitigatable impacts are identified, an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS /EIR) would be required. Preparation of an EIS /EIR is not included as part of this scope of work; however, an EIS /EIR could be prepared as an additional service upon your written authorization. Geotechnical Work — The BKF Project Team will perform geotechnical field investigations and testing as required for the widening of the existing ramps and a possible retaining wall for the I- 680 /Bernal Avenue Interchange; it is assumed that the Project may need a retaining wall for approximately 1000 feet along