RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
DIRECT the Director of Department of Conservation and Development, or designee, to file a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk, and
AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to arrange for payment of a $25 fee to the Department of Conservation and Development for processing, and a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the Notice of Exemption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated Project cost: $1,200,000. (92% Highway Safety Improvement Program, 8% Local Road Funds)
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa County (County) Public Works Department proposes to upgrade signal hardware and signage at eleven priority locations described above to improve public safety by: 1) providing better advance visibility of intersection signals for drivers, 2) reducing red light violation frequency, 3) enhancing the pedestrian countdown signal, 4) discouraging jaywalking. The proposed improvements include: 1) replacing signal back plates, signal heads, mounts, street name signs, and controllers, 2) installing video detection cameras, 3) installing pedestrian countdown signal heads on existing poles. No right of way acquisitions or temporary construction easements, utility relocations, ground disturbance, or vegetation removal are anticipated. Temporary traffic controls are anticipated, and emergency vehicles will have full access. Appropriate best management practices for water pollution control (i.e., drainage inlet protection) will be implemented during construction. Installation of upgrades is anticipated to occur in spring/summer 2023 and will take approximately 40 working days.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
CEQA clearance is a requirement for the state funded Highway Safety Improvement Program grant eligibility. If this clearance is not obtained, this project will not be eligible for funding and the needed traffic and pedestrian safety improvements will not be installed.