The project is funded by the Transportation Development Act (28%), and the Alamo Area of Benefit (72%).
The Project is needed to provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities in front of Stone Valley Middle School. Currently no sidewalk exists and pedestrians must walk on uneven gravel and soil with poor drainage. Parked vehicles block the existing pavement width for bike lanes, which forces cyclists into vehicular traffic creating conflict with motor vehicles and discouraging biking. The project is expected to increase bicycle ridership to school and sidewalks will improve pedestrian access to the school.
The project is approximately 600 feet in length and will widen pavement on the west side of Miranda to provide 5-foot bike lanes, 8-foot parking lanes, curb, gutter, and sidewalk along the west side of Miranda Avenue fronting the Stone Valley Middle School. In addition, two ADA compliant curb ramps will be installed on the east side of Miranda Avenue at the intersection of Granite Drive. New curb, gutter, and a 5-foot wide sidewalk along the west side of Miranda Avenue will begin approximately 200 feet north of Granite Drive and end at the southern limits of the school property. The road will be restriped shifting the centerline of the roadway approximately 2 to 3-feet eastward within the project limits to maximize improvements within the existing right of way (Figures 3a and 3b). Existing crosswalks will be restriped. New pavement markings, bike lane striping, bike lane signage and No Parking signs will need to be installed where necessary. Existing fencing may need to be repositioned as necessary to allow for the widening. In addition, above ground utilities and signage along the west side of Miranda Ave will need to be relocated to the new sidewalk to allow for the widening. One existing wooden sign with the school name will be preserved in place and one concrete/mosaic tile sign associated with the school will be removed and provided to the school for relocation if requested. Three existing storm drain inlets will need to be modified to accommodate the proposed improvements (Figures 3a and 3b). Valley gutters will be added at the two driveways that access the school. Utility relocations or adjustments will be necessary in support of the project. Two utility poles near the intersection of Miranda Avenue and Granite Drive will need to be relocated within the right-of-way. Existing utility boxes (along the west side of Miranda Avenue) serving homes along Miranda Avenue will need to be relocated to the new sidewalk and adjusted to grade. Existing underground utilities will not be impacted.
Project implementation is expected to require removal of two trees; one Tecate cypress (24”diameter ) and one valley oak (16” diameter), and up to three additional oak trees (varying in size from 12-inch diameter to 24-inch diameter) depending on the extent of impact to their root systems. Every effort will be taken to avoid impacts to trees and retain them in place if possible. In addition, ornamental vegetation may need to be removed or trimmed. For trees to be preserved, if excavation will occur within the drip line, measures will be taken to avoid damage and stress to the trees: Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) fencing will be placed around the trees and an arborist will be present during any work that may damage tree roots to ensure any cuts are made cleanly and in accordance with good arboricultural practices.
Tree removal will be conducted outside the nesting bird season or nesting bird surveys will be conducted prior to removal. The nesting season is generally considered to be February 15 through August 15. Depth of excavation for road improvements will be approximately 1.6-feet and is expected to be within previously disturbed soil. To minimize traffic impacts during construction, one lane will be open at all times with flagmen controlling traffic during construction activities and work will be conducted during the school’s summer holiday. Residents will be notified of work prior to project commencement and when possible, lane closures will not be implemented during commute hours. Emergency vehicles will have access at all times. To reduce noise impacts, work that generates noise in excess of 65 dBA will be conducted during non-noise sensitive hours (Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm). Work outside these specifications must be approved by the Resident Engineer. Standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented to avoid erosion and stormwater impacts. The project is exempt from C.3 requirements (bike lanes and sidewalk exemption).
Only temporary construction easements are anticipated however, real property transactions, including right-of-way acquisition may be necessary in support of this project.
Delay in approving the project will result in a delay of design and construction and may jeopardize funding.