To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the attached plans and specifications for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project; and
2. Find that the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to advertise the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project as required by Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code, with bids to be opened on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1007 - Improve the transportation network to be multi-model, safe, sustainable and equitable
DISCUSSION:
On Feb. 10, 2021, the Humboldt County Department of Public Works (“Public Works”) was awarded the highway safety improvement program grant for improving pedestrian safety in McKinleyville and Redway. The project includes pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Hammond Trail with Hiller Road, a mid-town trail crossing at the intersection of Washington and Oakdale in McKinleyville and two uncontrolled crosswalks on redwood Drive in Redway.
On Aug. 24, 2021, and May 15, 2024, Public Works received notification from the Department of Transportation regarding approval of engineering design and construction funding. Subsequently, the attached plans and specifications were develop by the county. The proposed work, as detailed in the attached plans and specifications, includes installing pedestrian rapid flashing beacons at Hammond Trail crossing of Hiller Road and at mid-town trail crossing of Washington at Oakdale in McKinleyville; and rectangular rapid flashing beacons with pedestrian refuge on Redwood Drive at Rusk Lane and at Murrish Road.
The Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project was evaluated for compliance with the CEQA during the Project Approval and Environmental Document phase. It was determined that the project described herein falls under Categorical Exemption Class 1, Existing Facilities (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301) and Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302). Class 1 exemptions consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Class 2 exemptions consist of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. There are no unusual circumstances or historical resources that would make this exemption inapplicable.
In August 2023, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution #23-118 that assigned specified functions in administering CEQA to the Department of Public Works pursuant to 14 CCR 15025. As such, Public Works has determined the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Accordingly, Public Works recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the attached plans and specifications for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project; find the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and direct the Clerk of the Board to advertise the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project as required by Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code, with bids to be opened on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Humboldt County Road Fund - Measure O (1200-321); California Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1200-321) |
FY26-27 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$346,352.00 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$346,352.00 |
|
Funding Sources (1200-321) |
FY26-27 Projected* |
|
Road Fund - Measure O |
$115,352.00 |
|
State Funds (HSIP) |
$231,000.00 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$346,352.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
There is no financial commitment until the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project is awarded. This project is being funded by the California Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program grant funding of $231,000. Construction costs that exceed the grant funding amount are estimated to be $115,352 and will be covered by Humboldt County Road Fund - Measure O. The engineer’s estimate for the project is $336,352.
Expenditure appropriations related to completion of the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project are included in the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for Roads Engineering, 1200-321.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
The recommended actions will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Transportation
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the attached plans and specifications for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings Project. However, this alternative is not recommended as the project will improve the safety of several roadways using funds that would not otherwise be available to the County of Humboldt.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Plans for HSIP Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings
2. Special Provisions for HSIP Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings
3. Notice to Bidders for HSIP Hammond and Mid-Town Crossings
4. CEQA Notice of Exemption
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None