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Councilmember Pentin inquired as to the size of the lanes, which are proposed to be reduced to <br /> 11 feet. Mr. Nelson responded the lanes are currently 12 feet. Councilmember Pentin inquired <br /> regarding consideration of reducing the medians which would gain space on either side. Mr. <br /> Tassano stated they could gain more space through reconstructing the median; however, <br /> Caltrans would need to be consulted for the design. Councilmember Pentin inquired whether <br /> there are any signalized crossings for Caltrans. Mr. Tassano stated Bernal is fully signalized and <br /> Caltrans does have signalized on-ramps. Councilmember Pentin clarified there is no buffered bike <br /> lane southbound into Pleasanton and noted that people entering the freeway in vehicles are not <br /> necessarily looking for bicyclists. He inquired whether a buffer lane could be installed. Mr. <br /> Tassano confirmed that the lane could be buffered. Councilmember Pentin inquired if they were <br /> using the same definition of rider Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) 1 through 4, and where would the <br /> short term and long term plans be expected to end up. Mr. Nelson noted the current analysis did <br /> not include whether the LTS scores would improve, although he surmised they would. <br /> Councilmember Olson inquired whether overpasses are Caltrans facilities. Staff confirmed yes. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted the Hacienda Drive overpass is close to the BART underpass and <br /> other bicycle-friendly features, including the Iron Horse Trail. She inquired why the Hacienda <br /> location is being considered. Mr. Tassano noted the City of Dublin is considering plans to move <br /> the buses out of the southbound lane and make it a full bicycle track so modifications do not need <br /> to be made to the BART station. The goal was to provide full bicycle access and improve <br /> connectivity from Pleasanton to Dublin. <br /> Councilmember Narum inquired regarding the IKEA in Dublin and whether it was realistic to pinch <br /> down the on/off-ramps. Mr. Tassano stated it is worth the study. Staff noted the increase in <br /> volume and once they saw the numbers they made the request via letters to Dublin for that <br /> purpose. <br /> Councilmember Brown confirmed staff wrote a letter in response to the IKEA environmental <br /> documents and expressed concerns regarding ramps and vehicle traffic, overflow, and proposing <br /> reduction in the ramping lanes. Mr. Tassano confirmed the letter was sent and the improvements <br /> were developed prior to the proposed IKEA project. The goal of this project was to have an ideal <br /> bicycle and pedestrian design, which may not match perfectly with the vehicle design. Staff has to <br /> run the numbers from the traffic study to find the most efficient design. Councilmember Brown <br /> confirmed that if Council approves this project tonight, staff will still have future work related to a <br /> traffic study and potential reconfiguration of the proposed improvements. <br /> Councilmember Pentin addressed the reduction of on-ramp lanes, noting that in a perfect plan the <br /> crossing is signalized. He inquired as to the proposed angling of the ramps at all three crossings, <br /> citing his concerns regarding visibility and safety. Mr. Tassano stated the projects are conceptual <br /> at this time and he does not want any loss in visibility. He would prefer to have the crossing, as <br /> soon as possible, in a protected location. Hacienda Drive will require more concrete work to <br /> ensure visibility. Councilmember Pentin requested a medium-term plan be incorporated to <br /> address visibility. <br /> Mayor Thorne noted that there are still contingencies, including Caltrans approval and traffic <br /> studies which will need to be conducted. Mr. Tassano stated the project must commence with <br /> preliminary conceptual approval to present to Caltrans. Staff will return to the City Council with <br /> information once the project has been presented to Caltrans and traffic studies are complete. <br /> Mayor Thorne stated that Caltrans will likely make significant changes. <br /> City Manager Fialho confirmed this item is a City Council designated priority and is included in the <br /> Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan. The proposal is an ideal design, which is still subject to Caltrans <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9 December 4, 2018 <br />