December 14, 2004

SUBJECT: Mathilda Avenue Overcrossing Project Status Update Environmental Review – Information Only

REPORT IN BRIEF

This project involves widening and modifying the existing Mathilda Avenue bridge (at Evelyn Avenue and the Caltrain tracks) to address deficiencies which have been identified by Caltrans.  The environmental analysis of the project has been occurring and is largely completed.  Upon completion of the Initial Study, a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be filed with the County of Santa Clara in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The filing of the Notice of Intent opens a 30 day public review period during which time members of the public may submit written comments for consideration.  The review period will open two weeks following this Council report date.   National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance will be undertaken by the Federal Highway Administration; the document will be a Categorical Exclusion with supporting documentation. 

BACKGROUND

The existing Mathilda bridge was built in 1965 and underwent seismic retrofits in 1981 and 1993.  According to the latest Caltrans bridge inspection report done in April 2000, the bridge was evaluated with a Sufficiency Rating of 79.7, and was found to be “functionally obsolete.”  The bridge is also on the Federal Highway Administration’s Eligible Bridge List (EBL) for Federal rehabilitation assistance.

The City secured funding for preliminary engineering through the Federally funded Highway Bridge Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (HBRR) Program, and a funding commitment is in place for construction funding. 

At its July 15, 2003 meeting, the City Council awarded a contract for design and environmental review services to a project team lead by Mark Thomas & Company.

EXISTING POLICY

Land Use and Transportation Element C3, Attain a transportation system that is effective, safe, pleasant and convenient.

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.4, Maintain roadways and traffic control devices in good operating condition.

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.1.4, Study and implement physical and operational improvements to optimize roadway and intersection capacities.

Land Use and Transportation Element N1.5, Support a roadway system that protects internal residential areas from City-wide and regional traffic.

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.5, Support a variety of transportation modes.

DISCUSSION

The Mathilda Avenue Bridge Overcrossing project is intended to correct deficiencies with the existing bridge as well as improve access into downtown Sunnyvale.  The current bridge does not meet bridge pier clearance standards nor does it meet current deceleration lane, shoulder width, or bridge railing design standards.  Pedestrian facilities do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards as well.  A contract was awarded on July 15, 2003 to Mark Thomas & Company, Incorporated, to provide environmental review and design and construction support services for the Mathilda project.

Currently, the project is at a 35% design level.  In addition, an Initial Study as well as a number of technical studies has been prepared to assess the potential environmental effects of the project.

Based on the design and environmental studies completed to date, the primary design and environmental issues are as follows:

§         Proposed pedestrian and bicycle access

ü       widened, barrier-separated pedestrian crossing on the east side of the structure

ü       5’ roadway shoulders for bikes

ü       removal of existing walkway on the west side of the structure

§         Changes to Charles Street access 

ü       Cul de sac with no access to Evelyn Avenue

ü       Replacement of street access with a driveway for the northernmost three homes, potential limitation of fire access

§         Impacts to parking

ü       Reduction of spaces in the Charles Street lot

ü       Removal of parking spaces on southbound Mathilda ramp

§         Location and number of trees to be impacted

ü       Removal of one row of trees on the northwest side of the structure, retention of one row

ü       Removal and replacement of 8 trees on the northeast side of the structure, elective placement of additional street trees.

ü       Removal of two small trees at the southeast quadrant, retention of 13

ü       Landscape mitigation opportunities, including tree replacement and bio swale construction, particularly at the southwest quadrant of the interchange.

§        Potential construction impacts such as pile-driving operations and traffic control.

ü       Pre-drilled piles – limited impact

ü       Ramp closures – detours required

§         Landscape and other aesthetic treatments

ü       Aesthetics consistent with downtown streetscape standards

ü       San Andreas Court “woonerf” – shared resident vehicle/pedestrian access

§         Noise Data

ü       No new impacts

A series of community and neighborhood meetings have been held on this project.  Most recently, a community meeting was held on August 25, 2004 at the Murphy Park Building to discuss potential impacts of the project and gather input from the community.  Approximately 20 members of the community attended. Particular issues and concerns that were voiced at the meeting included visual impacts, bridge aesthetics, ADA compliance, and noise.  These concerns were considered and used in analyzing potential impacts and drafting appropriate mitigation measures.  

After reviewing the environmental studies completed to date and public input, staff has concluded that the project will qualify for a Mitigated Negative Declaration under CEQA because any potential impacts of the project are able to be mitigated to a point where no significant negative effect on the environment will occur.  The filing of the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration is a step in the environmental review process which provides formal public notification of the City’s intent and a 30 day public comment period.   At the conclusion of the 30 day period following posting and consideration of any comments received, the Project Manager may adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaraton.  The Project Manager’s adoption of the mitigated negative declaration will be final, unless appealed to the City Council in accordance with local CEQA guidelines and appeal procedures.  Staff intends to file this document two weeks following Council review.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with this update.

Conclusion

Environmental review for the Mathilda Avenue Overcrossing Project is largely complete.  The environmental impacts identified can be mitigated to a less than significant level.  A Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be filed with the County of Santa Clara in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), 30 days prior to its adoption, in accordance with CEQA requirements. Federal environmental clearance by the Federal Highway Administration will be a Categorical Exclusion with supporting studies, and will be administered by the California Department of Transportation.

PUBLIC CONTACT

The Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be filed with the Santa Clara County Clerk, posted on the City web site, sent by direct mail to adjacent residents and property owners within 400 feet of the project and attendees to public meetings, published in a press release and sent to affected neighborhood associations.

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose, Director, Public Works

Prepared by: Jack Witthaus, Transportation and Traffic Manager

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager