REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 22, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding and Plans and Specifications for the Riverside Drive Right Turn Lane Project in the Chino Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Find that the Riverside Drive Right Turn Lane Project in the Chino Area is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15301(c) Class 1 (existing facilities) and Section 15302(c) Class 2 (replacement or reconstruction).
2. Approve the Riverside Drive Right Turn Lane Project in the Chino Area as defined in the Notice of Exemption.
3. Approve the plans and specifications for the Riverside Drive Right Turn Lane Project in the Chino Area, as signed and sealed by a registered civil engineer.
4. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to advertise the Riverside Drive Right Turn Lane Project in the Chino Area for formal bids.
5. Direct the Department of Public Works to file the Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Riverside Drive Right Turn Lane Project in the Chino Area (Project) will be funded with the Department of Public Works (Department) Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department’s 2024-25 Road Operations budget (6650002000 H15237).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project involves the construction of a right turn lane on Riverside Drive, which includes new pavement and concrete sidewalk construction, concrete curb and gutter, shoulder and slope grading, traffic signing and striping. The Project is planned for the intersection of Riverside Drive and Riverside Terrace. All work for the Project will be done within existing California Department of Transportation right-of-way.
On January 23, 2024 (Item No. 47), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the Project as a Capital Improvement Project, as it will address a need in an unincorporated area of the County in the Chino area. The proposed right turn lane will separate turning traffic from the through traffic at the Riverside Terrace intersection, helping to reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, the proposed right turn lane will provide a clear indication of turning vehicles entering Riverside Terrace, thereby improving safety for residents and drivers entering and exiting from this location.
On June 13, 2024, the Department’s environmental staff reviewed this Project and determined that a categorical exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301(c) Class 1 (existing facilities) and Section 15302(c) Class 2 (replacement or reconstruction), is appropriate. The Class 1 exemption allows for repair and maintenance activities on existing roads, sidewalks, gutters, and similar facilities that involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. The Class 2 exemption allows for the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the replaced structure. When the Board considers the environmental finding, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act is recommended.
The Project aligns with the County and the Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of ensuring development of a well-planned, balanced, and sustainable County and providing for the safety of County residents by preserving and improving the structural integrity of existing road surfaces and access for pedestrians.
The Project’s specifications include an allowance in the amount of $30,000 for unforeseen differing site conditions and utility conflicts.
PROCUREMENT
The Project will be advertised to invite formal bids in accordance with Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code. The Department anticipates returning to the Board for an award of the construction contract by December 2024.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 14, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on August 23, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on August 23, 2024.