Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 16, 2015
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: EASTSIDE TRANSIT CORRIDOR PHASE 2
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE report in response to the Metro Board July 23, 2015 directive to provide bi-monthly updates on the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Technical Study and Community Outreach.
Issue
ISSUE
In November 2014, the Board received the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Report (DEIS/R) and approved carrying forward two build alternatives, the SR 60 North Side Design Variation (NSDV) and the Washington Boulevard Alternatives into further study. Staff was directed to address comments received from Cooperating and Public Agencies, identify an alternative to Washington Blvd via Garfield Alternative and analyze the feasibility of operating both alternatives.
At the July 23, 2015 meeting, the Board approved Contract Modification No. 12 for the technical work on the Metro Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Project and Contract Modification No. 11 for community outreach in support of the Technical Study. With the approval of the contract modifications, the Board directed staff to provide bi-monthly updates on: (1) the project’s contractual scope of work and description of the task order for the technical study; (2) the project’s schedule and milestones for both the technical analysis and environmental planning process for all alternatives under consideration and study; and (3) bi-monthly updates on the project’s schedule, progress reports and community outreach schedule and meeting results, including concerns raised by stakeholders (Attachment A). This report provides the requested information in response to the Board’s direction.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Contractual Scope of Work
The technical scope consists of three major work elements: investigations to address comments raised by Cooperating and Participating Agencies on the DEIS/R, identification of an alternative connection to Washington Blvd, and a feasibility assessment of operating both Alternatives. The Technical Study also includes a cost containment strategy that identifies potential phasing options. The outreach scope consists of regular engagement with project stakeholders, including both Coalitions, and providing updates to the communities in the project area.
Project Schedule and Milestones
The major work elements described above will result in several key project milestones summarized below. A more detailed milestone schedule is shown in Attachment B.
|
Key Milestones |
Target Completion |
|
New Alternative Connection to Washington Blvd |
Winter 2015 |
|
Address Cooperating and Participating Agency Comments |
Summer 2016 |
|
Advanced Engineering |
Summer 2016 |
|
Updated Cost Estimates |
Fall 2016 |
|
Cost Containment Plan |
Fall 2016 |
|
Community Outreach |
Ongoing |
|
Final Environmental Clearance* |
TBD |
*The Technical Study will update data and refine the alternatives studied in the DEIS/R. The environmental document will be finalized upon Board selection of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).
Each of the milestones shown will inform the refinement of the environmental document. Throughout the study, there will be a robust community and stakeholder outreach effort that involves regular communication with the two Coalitions (SR 60 and Washington Blvd), corridor cities and other project stakeholders.
Progress Report
On July 23, 2015, Metro staff held a kick-off meeting to initiate the Technical Study. The Project Team has proceeded with early investigations to address Cooperating Agency comments, and has initiated coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), Southern California Edison (SCE) and Caltrans. The Project Team also initiated the investigation of potential alternatives to the Washington Blvd via Garfield Alternative.
Staff met with both the SR 60 and Washington Boulevard Coalitions’ representatives to discuss this work effort. The meetings provided an opportunity to identify project milestones, review the environmental process and how this Technical Study fits within this process, discuss key issues and share the outreach plan. Beginning in September 2015, staff will provide monthly update briefings to both Coalitions, which will include a review of technical work performed, a look-ahead and a discussion of the path forward.
West Santa Ana Branch (WSAB) - Eastside Phase 2 Connection Study
The November Board motion directed staff to investigate coordination of potential connectivity that does not preclude integration of the Eastside Phase 2 Transit Corridor with the West Santa Ana Branch (Eco Rapid Transit). Staff is procuring consultant services through the Planning Bench and anticipates task order award late September/early October 2015. Eco Rapid Transit staff is aware of this effort. Both these study efforts will be coordinated.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue technical work and outreach on the Technical Study and will return to the Board with regular updates.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - July 2015 Board Motion
Attachment B - Milestone Schedule
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Laura Cornejo, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 922-2885
Eugene Kim, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 922-3080
David Mieger, Executive Officer, (213) 922-3040
Renee Berlin, Managing Executive Officer, (213) 922-3035
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Martha Welborne, FAIA, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-7267
