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BACKGROUND Phase 1 of the I-680/Bernal Avenue interchange project installed a traffic signal at the intersection of Bernal Avenue at the 1-680 southbound ramps. This signal installation was completed in late 2008. Phase 2 of the interchange project will be completed in two separate stages. Stage 1 will be completed with the construction contract that was awarded by City Council to Prism Engineering on June 3, 2014. This construction contract will modify both of the signalized intersections at the 1-680 interchange. The construction is underway with an anticipated completion time of March 2015. Phase 2 Stage 2 of the interchange project will install the landscape and gateway monument at this interchange. Please refer to Attachment, Exhibit A for the Bernal Avenue at 1-680 Gateway Monument Plan. A gateway monument will be installed within the existing median along Bemal Avenue, east of 1-680. This gateway monument will be 20' long with a maximum height of 3.5'. The monument materials consist of split granite and polished granite with sandblasted graphics. In addition, a 110' long corten steel wall with a low granite slab will be installed adjacent to this monument sign. At the 1-680 southbound loop off-ramp, a low freestanding corten steel wall with a low granite slab will be installed. The project will also include the installation of landscaping and irrigation. The landscape and gateway monument will be bid as a separate project so that the construction of the interchange improvements can move forward as timing is critical to avoid cost increases to the project. DISCUSSION The proposed gateway monument will significantly beautify the entrance into the City and will provide an attractive introduction and welcome to motorists traveling along 1-680. The resolution of support expresses to Caltrans that the City approves the gateway monument content and location and is committed to ensure maintenance of the gateway monument, including timely graffiti removal/repair and removal (or restoration) at the end of its lifespan. Adoption of the resolution is only part of the process to receive approval from Caltrans to install the gateway monument within the operational highway right of way. A gateway monument proposal, which includes the required resolution, conceptual plans, and application will be submitted to Caltrans for their review and approval. Concurrently, an encroachment permit application will be submitted to Caltrans along with the project plans and specifications for the gateway monument and landscaping improvement. Page 2 of 3