HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 - NB-1 - I-405 Improvement Project - 5/17/2011CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: MAY 17, 2011 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: 1-405 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
DATE: MAY 5, 2011
FROM: PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT - TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTATION PETER NAGHAVI, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES
BY: DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RAJA SETHURAMAN, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
MANAGER, 714-754-5032
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on 1-405 Improvement Project alternatives and authorize staff to transmit
resident comments and petitions to Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
BACKGROUND:
Over the past several years, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in association
with the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the cities adjacent to
the 1-405 Corridor between the SR -73 and 1-605 Freeways, has been working on the 1-405
Improvement Project. The goal of the project is to analyze a series of alternatives to improve
the capacity in this portion of the freeway.
The City of Costa Mesa participated in the project development with representation in the Policy
Advisory Committee by Mayor Monahan and prior Mayor Mansoor, and in the Technical
Advisory Committee by the Transportation Services Manager. Mayor Pro Tem Righeimer was
appointed to the Policy Advisory Committee in early 2011.
The 1-405 Improvement Project has progressed from the Major Investment Study (MIS) phase to
Project Report/Environmental Documentation phase. At the conclusion of the MIS phase, the
OCTA Board of Directors recommended alternatives for further study, which generally consisted
of a one -lane or two-lane addition to the 1-405 Freeway from north of the Santa Ana River to
the 1-605 Freeway. The alternatives, depicted in Attachment 1, included:
• Alternative 1 — Add one lane in each direction on the 1-405 Freeway between Euclid Street
and the 1-605 Freeway; and
• Alternative 2 — Add two lanes in each direction on the 1-405 Freeway between Euclid Street
and the 1-605 Freeway.
Until this point in the study, there was no freeway widening proposed within the Costa Mesa City
limits with the above two alternatives.
About five years ago, the City, in cooperation with OCTA and Caltrans, completed two major
freeway widening projects; the 1-405/SR-55 Transitway Project and 1-405/SR-73 Confluence
Project. These projects resulted in the construction of new freeway onramps and offramps,
reconfiguration of ramps, and widening of the freeway within Costa Mesa City limits to the
ultimate configuration as called for by agencies. However, during the initial stages of this new
project development, in January 2009, the OCTA Board approved an additional alternative for
study involving express lanes between the SR -73 and 1-605 Freeways. The following
alternative was added:
Alternative 3 — Add one lane in each direction on the 1-405 Freeway between Euclid Street
and the 1-605 Freeway, and add High Occupancy Toll (HOT)/Express Lanes on the 1-405
Freeway between the SR -73 and 1-605 Freeways. This will result in a conversion of the
existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane to a toll express lane and the addition of a
second express lane. In addition, the project includes a direct HOV lane to express lane
connectors between the SR -73 and 1-405 Freeways.
The project with Alternatives 1 and 2 was originally estimated at approximately $600 million.
This estimate was revised later to approximately $1.4 billion due to the need for reconstruction
of several interchanges and bridges along the 1-405 Freeway north of the Santa Ana River. In
order to finance this higher than estimated cost, the consideration of HOT/express lanes was
included as an additional alternative (Alternative 3). The cost estimate for Alternative 3 is
approximately $1.7 billion. This new alternative was primarily added to address potential
funding issues for the implementation of the entire project.
The three alternatives were presented to City Council at the April 12, 2011, Study Session.
Staff also presented the input provided by the community on the Project Alternative 3 through
letters/e-mails and petitions, and requested City Council approval to forward these
correspondences to OCTA. The City Council directed staff to place this item on regular meeting
agenda for further discussion and direction.
On April 25, 2011, OCTA staff presented a financial analysis report to their Board of Directors.
Based on that report, Alternatives 1 and 2 have potential funding deficiencies of approximately
$700 million and $800 million, respectively. Based on updated revenue estimates from
HOT/Express Lanes for Alternative 3, it is forecasted that there is a potential deficit of $600
million for its implementation.
ANALYSIS:
The 1-405 Improvement Project is envisioned to address the existing and future demands on the
1-405 Freeway between the SR -73 and 1-605 Freeways. A few years ago, the Costa Mesa
portion of the 1-405 Freeway, the section south of the Santa Ana River, was widened to its
ultimate configuration as part of the 1-405/SR-73 Confluence project. There are seven or eight
mixed flow lanes and a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction within Costa
Mesa City limits. However, north of the Santa Ana River, past the Euclid Street interchange, the
number of lanes on the 1-405 Freeway drops to four mixed flow lanes and one HOV lane in each
direction. This results in significant back up of traffic on the freeway as well as diversion of
traffic to other parallel arterials.
The proposed improvements originally approved by the OCTA Board in February 2006,
considered the potential right-of-way impact of widening, and limited the alternatives to those
that would add one or two lanes in each direction generally within the existing freeway right-of-
way. The initial plans for this project, therefore, did not include any widening or impacts in
Costa Mesa. However, the proposed new alternative (Alternative 3) to add express lanes
between the SR -73 and 1-605 Freeways, and a direct connector between the SR -73 and 1-405
Freeways, will require widening within the Costa Mesa City limits.
E
Alternative 3, which is the HOT/Express Lane Alternative, will result in the widening of the
freeway, thereby bringing the new lanes closer to the neighborhoods within the Costa Mesa
section and will also create significant potential aesthetic impacts due to new direct connector
ramps between the 1-405 and SR -73 Freeways. In addition, the Fairview Road Bridge over the
1-405 Freeway will need to be demolished and replaced to accommodate proposed new
HOT/Express lanes. Within Costa Mesa City limits, Alternative 3 will result in the conversion of
an existing free HOV lane to a HOT/Express lane. However, there will be no addition of a mixed
flow lane in either direction. North of the Santa Ana River, the HOT/Express lane alternative
adds one mixed flow and one express lane and converts the existing HOV lane to a
HOT/Express lane.
While the Express Lane Alternative 3 improves the operations of express lanes, projected traffic
conditions for a majority of motorists traveling on the mixed flow lanes are expected to improve
with the implementation of Alternative 2. This is because Alternative 2 adds two mixed flow
lanes in each direction that will benefit a majority of motorists traveling on those lanes. Within
Costa Mesa City limits, there is no change to the number of mixed flow lanes under any of the
Alternatives.
The potential impact of Alternative 3 is a significant concern to the residents of Costa Mesa,
especially those adjacent to the 1-405 Freeway. Over the past few months, staff has provided
presentations on the proposed 1-405 Improvement Project, including Alternative 3, to various
neighborhood associations in the vicinity of the 1-405 Freeway. The general consensus among
the residents is that the ultimate improvements to 1-405 Freeway were already completed in
Costa Mesa as part of the SR -73/1-405 Confluence Project and that these new proposed
improvements in Alternative 3 are not needed, do not benefit the City, and are intrusive to the
residents. The City received several letters/e-mails and petitions from over 260 residents in
opposition to Alternative 3. The letters/e-mails are included as Attachment 2, and the petitions
are available for review at the City Hall Public Services Counter.
The Environmental Document preparation for the 1-405 Improvement Project is currently
underway and the draft document for public review is expected to be released in early 2012.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
No alternatives other than those proposed as part of this project are presented
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact to the City with the presentation of this item.
LEGAL REVIEW:
Legal review is not required for this item at this time.
CONCLUSION:
OCTA has initiated the Project Report/Environmental Documentation phase of the 1-405
Improvement Project. The OCTA Board initially approved consideration of a one -lane or two-
lane addition to the Freeway north of the Santa Ana River in February 2006. However, during
the initial stages of project development, an additional alternative (Alternative 3) was added to
the study. This alternative includes addition of HOT/Express Lanes on the 1-405 Freeway
between the SR -73 and 1-605 Freeways.
3
The addition of HOT/Express Lanes will result in widening of the 1-405 Freeway within Costa
Mesa City limits and will require total reconstruction of the Fairview Road Bridge over the 1-405
Freeway. While the widening will be within Caltrans' right-of-way, the resultant freeway
widening will result in mainline lanes pushed outward closer to residential development on both
sides of the Freeway.
Based on traffic analyses submitted to date, the proposed improvements do not significantly
benefit the City, and the potential widening of the freeway and reconstruction of Fairview
Road/1-405 Interchange creates significant impacts to the community. The area residents have
submitted several letters and petitions opposing further consideration of Alternative 3 within the
City limits.
Raja Sethuraman, Manager
Transportation Services
ATTACHMENTS: 1 -
2 -
Peter Naghavi, Director
Department of Public Services
Proposed 1-405 Improvement Alternatives
Letters/E-Mails from Residents
DISTRIBUTION: Chief Executive Officer
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
City Attorney
City Clerk
Development Services Director
5-17-11-1-405 Improvement Project
5/5/11
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Gary R. Peacock, CPA
3063 Johnson Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-2818
Phone(714)545-8661
Email: peacockg@aol.com
October 19, 2010
ATTACHMENT 2
Mr. Peter Naghavi, Director
Department of Public Services
City of Costa Mesa
P.O. Box 1200
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-1200
r tk
Re: Expansion of 405 Freeway through Costa Mesa
Dear Mr. Naghavi:
Thanks to you and Mr. Raja Sethuraman for both taking your personal time to brief the Directors
and other members of Mesa North Community Association yesterday evening on the 405
Freeway Expansion project.
I am sure every one using this stretch of freeway would be in.favor of improvements that
eliminate to traffic compression caused by the lane reductions between the interception of the
605 Freeway and Harbor Blvd. I recall that when I lived in Laguna Beach some years ago, I
would often avoid. that stretch by taking Pacific Coast Highway to avoid the 405 congestion.
Now that said, the widening will, no doubt, attract more traffic on the 405.
Since the added lanes would bring traffic closer to the sound walls, is it practical to raise their
height to deflect the inevitable exhaust fumes from the traffic? If there are other ways to reduce
the toxic emissions on the residents, I think that would be an important consideration. After all,
public health is a consequence that has ethical and financial costs to the public.
Thank you for your consideration of my concerns.
Very truly yours,
Gary Peacock
Cc: Colin McCarthy
President, MNCA
From: NAGHAVI, PETER
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 8:24 AM
To: lacknpeg91 @ca.rr.com'
Cc: ROEDER, ALLAN; SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Subject: RE: 405 Expansion Project
Dear John and Margaret Higgins:
Thank you very much for your email and input with regards to proposed 1-405, widening project.
While these alternatives are currently under review, no specific alternative has been selected as yet. Like you, many other
local residents have voiced their concerns with one or more alternatives. Costa Mesa staff will collect all local concerns
and will submit them to OCTA for their information and record.
Thanks again for caring about our community.
Peter Naghavi, Director
Dept. of Public Services
City of Costa Mesa, CA
-----Original Message
From: jacknpeg91@ca.rr.com jmailto:jacknpeg9l@ca.rr.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2010 2:20 PM.
To: NAGHAVI, PETER
Subject: 405 Expansion Project
Dear Mr Naghavi,
I write to protest Alternative 3 of the 405 Freeway expansion plan. This plan has a detrimental impact on Costa Mesa not
only through significant inconvience to local citizens but also the potential for negative financial impact to the City. The
communities south of the 405 from Euclid to Bristol would experience increased freeway noise as the lanes would be
pushed closer to the sound walls and neighborhoods (e.g., Gisler park sound wall). This plan would also make it more
difficult to travel locally and would not make for convenient exiting of potential customers passing through the City.
This proposed 1-405 widening project provides insignificant and minimal benefit to Costa Mesa residents and I encourage
you and our City Council to reject it
Thank you,
John & Margaret Higgins
Costa Mesa Residents since 1991
Page 1 of 1
SETHURAMAN, RAJA
From: NAGHAVI, PETER
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 8:33 AM
To: SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Subject: FW: Proposed 1-405 HOT plans
Peter .Nag&vi director
Dept of Public Services
City of Costa Mesa, CA
From: The Stovers [mailto:calcs1224@gmall.com]
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 8:04- AM
To: NAGHAVI, PETER
Subject: Proposed I-405 HOT plans
The plans to add HOT lanes to access Toll -73 from and to 1-405 are examples of wasteful spending, and not
compatible for the community with elevated ramping. (Work completed at the Fairview bridge across 1-405
caused traffic slowdowns far too long.)
Using private financing would benefit toll road users at the inconvenience to through traffic on 1-405. We are
occasional users of the toil road and find it used sparsely. Consider more lanes from South 55 to North 405
instead[
Corinne Stover
11/22/2010
Page 1 of 1
SETHURAMAN, RAJA
From: NAGHAVI, PETER
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 8:31 AM
To: 'rschowe173 a@aoI.com'
Cc: SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Subject: RE: HOV HOT LANES ON THE 405
Thank you and we will make sure to provide your comments to OCTA.
Peter Aagimvr Director
Dept. of Public ,emcees
Caty of Costa Mew, CA
From: rschowe173@aol.com [mailto:rschowe173@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 8:53 AM
To: NAGHAVI, PETER
Subject: HOV-HOT LANES ON THE 405
Dear Sir,
I think this project would place yet another burden upon those who use the 405
freeway every day to go to work. Taking away the regular Car Pool lane would
require those who need such a lane or its equivalent to pay for the privilege which is
now free to those who are qualified to use the lane. I do not see how this could benefit
the City of Costa Mesa where I live.
Best regards,
Richard N. Schowengerdt
714-546-7357
11/22/2010
Page 1 of 1
From: NAGHAVI, PETER
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 201010:07 AM
To: 'Steve F'
Cc: SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Subject: RE: 405 Widening Project to add toll roads
Thank you for your email Steve.
We will forward your email to OCTA.
PeterNagbavl, Director
Dept. of Public Services
City of Costa Mesa, CA
From: Steve F [mailto
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 8:25 PM
To: NAGHAVI, PETER
Subject: 405 Widening Project to add toll roads
To Whom It May Concern:
As residents of the Halecrest track in Forth Costa Mesa, my entire family strongly opposes the proposed project
to widen the 405 freeway near Fairview to add 405 toll lanes and eliminate the car pool lane.
My family uses Gisler Park near the freeway daily to walk to including taking my grandson Monday through
Friday. The noise level even with the soundwall is already too much for the park and the homes next to the park.
We oppose increased noise.
They just completed a $7 million project to widen the Fairview bridge. Now that money would be somewhat
wasted by additional construction which is a further Fairview traffic burden on our Costa Mesa community which
will not benefit by this new project.
Please do not do this and cancel this project.
Steve French
Maritza French
11/22/2010
Ll
.
From:
NAGHAVi, PETER
Sent:
Thursday, October 28, 2010 10:05 AM
To:
'stevem@iis1.net
Cc:
SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Subject:
RE: Can 405 HOT Lane Funding be used to build Reverse Toll Booths?
Thank you for your email. We will certainly include this email as part of a general package to OCTA at some point.
I would however, like to make a comment about using "HOT' lane funds towards other things such as ped. Bridges....
At this time, there is no "HOT' lane funding available. The funding will only become a reality if there is indeed a "HOT' lane
in operation that generates the funding source, such as sale of bonds etc...:
Peter Naghavi, Director
Dept. of Public Services
City of Costa Mesa, CA
-----Original Message—
From: Steve Marian! [mailto:stevem@iis1.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 5:47 PM
To: NAGHAVI, PETER
Subject: Can 405 HOT Lane Funding be used to build Reverse Toil Booths?
Instead of demolishing perfectly good new bridges on the 405, why not use the CAL TRANS HOT Lane money to build
new WIDE pedestrian bridges that will attract pedestrians, bikes and golf carts. This will divert local traffic off the 405 at
rush hour and lower emissions.
Imagine being able to walk, bike or golf cart over a wide bridge from residential park areas to commercial shopping areas
across the 405.
Metro Point and IKEA come to mind. 'Most residents would prefer to walk, bike or Golf Cart all the time if it was safe and
enjoyable.
OCC students would also have a safe, enjoyable path to bike to school or to go off campus for lunch.
HOT Lane funding could also be used to create a fund for "reverse!'
toll booths that dispense store coupons with a hour time stamp on them to encourage bridge use to go shopping at the
malls. Everyone wins.
Cal Trans gets to build new bridges and toll booths and life in Costa Mesa gets upgraded.
The Departmentof Transportation will convert our town into an carelessly planned inner-city if we just roll with the default
vision of the central planners in Sacramento and in DC. Was Costa Mesa made for the Freeway or was the Freeway
made for Costa Mesa?
Best regards,
Steve Mariani
3062 Murray LN
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
1
Page 1 of 1
SETHURAMAN, (Sf1.jA
From: SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 9:29 AM
To: SETHURAMAN, RAJA
Subject: FW: 405 MIS
From: mike brumbaugh [mailto:mlbrum@att.net]
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 8:43 AM
To: SETHURAMAN, RATA
Cc: NAGHAVI, PETER
Subject: Re: 405 MIS
Thank you gentlemen. Mike Brumbaugh
® The goal is to connect the 73 with the 605 freeway with additional lanes
® The project cost is projected to be $1.7 billion
. Alternative 3 is the only one that impacts Costa Mesa
® Alternate 3 adds two additional lanes to the 405 that will be "HOT" lanes (High
occupancy/toll lanes) and eliminates the car pool lane
® The 405 would be widened for the additional lanes and would push the lanes closer
to the sound walls and neighborhoods (e.g. lanes closer to Gisler park sound wall)
and could increase traffic noise
® The newly re -constructed Fairview Rd. bridge would have to be re -constructed
again to make it wider for the additional lanes under it. The I-405 widening project
that was completed almost 10 years ago was done for a traffic volume/speed
demand with a forecast year of 2020. The cost for the recent bridge widening
construction was 7 million dollars.
® This proposed I-405 widening project provides insignificant and minimal benefit to
Costa Mesa residents who travel the 405 locally. People who currently travel the
toll roads daily from Costa Mesa to some destination may see the benefit.
• It is not currently known where and if there will be a convenient entrance to the new
"HOT" lanes from our community. It may also be difficult to exit the "HOT"
lanes into our city.
11/22/2010