08 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND The Engineering Division of the Public Works Department performs engineering studies and design for Capital Improvement Projects either through in-house staff or through contracts with outside consulting firms. This project is part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) previously approved by City Council and was selected as a candidate for consultant services due to its complexity and the need for additional engineering support to meet the project's schedule. In 2006, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for the Santa Rita Road and Valley Avenue Widening Improvements, CIP No. 975039. Staff short-listed two consulting firms, Bellecci & Associates and Kimley-Horn. Staff selected Kimley-Horn based on their qualifications, project proposal, and interview. At that time, the Santa Rita Road project was put on hold pending the re-evaluation of the Circulation Element during the General Plan update process. Upon the near completion of the Circulation Element of the General Plan Update, the Santa Rita Road and Valley Avenue Widening project has been reactivated. The project generally consists of extending the right turn pocket for westbound to northbound traffic on Valley Avenue, relocating the median curb adjacent to the left turn pocket on Valley Avenue east of Santa Rita Road to provide for a second westbound to southbound left turn lane. In addition, relocation of the southerly curb on Valley Avenue, and modification of the traffic signal, as needed, based upon the new lane configuration will be evaluated during the re-design of the intersection. The project does not include a triple left turn lane from southbound Santa Rita Road to eastbound Valley Avenue. This project will provide added capacity and storage for the westbound left turn movement. The westbound left turn vehicles routinely back up out of the pocket during the peak hours which causes increased delay for the westbound through movement and reduces the level of safety at the intersection. The added storage capacity of a second left turn lane moves the left turn vehicles out of the through lane. This will improve the delay for the through movement as well as improve the safety. In addition to the operational improvement and safety enhancement for the westbound direction, the added left turn lane will allow the operation of the traffic signal to service the same number of westbound left turn vehicles in a shorter amount of time. This will allow additional time to be given to more congested directions of travel which will improve the overall level of service for the intersection. Consulting Firm Selection Procedure A total of seven Pleasanton firms providing engineering services were selected from the City's consultant database, and were asked to submit proposals. Four firms responded to the Request for Proposals with Statements of Qualifications and Scopes of Work. Based on the submittals, the firms of Kimley-Horn & Associates, and Bellecci & Associates were selected for further interviews. Following the interviews, staff determined that Kimley-Horn was the best qualified for the design of the Santa Rita and Valley Avenue Widening Improvements. Page 2 of 3