Monterery Bay Sanctuary Scenic Traul North Coast

PART I: General Project Information
1. Project Title/Project Name:
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail - North Coast Rail Trail Phase 2
2. Project summary: (briefly describe the project in 1-2 sentences)
Project is to develop the preliminary engineering and environmental compliance for 2.1 miles of
Class 1, 8 to 12 foot wide multi-use bicycle/pedestrian paved path with decomposed granite
shoulders within the rail line right of way along the north coast of Santa Cruz County from
Yellowbank Beach to Davenport. Project also includes preliminary engineering and
environmental compliance for parking lots at Yellowbank Beach and Davenport Beach and a
non-ADA accessible path from the Bonny Doon parking lot to the rail trail. See attached maps.
3. Project Eligibility: Under which category of the FAST Act Guidance for Surface Transportation
Block Grant Program (STBG) funds is this project eligible?
1.b. (6) Recreational trails projects eligible under 23 U.S.C. 206, pedestrian and bicycle projects
in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 217 (including modifications to comply with accessibility
requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.)), and
the Safe Routes to School Program under Section 1404 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note).
4. Project Location and Limits or Service Area: (Under Section II attach an 8 1/2" x 11" map and/or
photos if available/applicable; include street names)
a. Along rail line on north coast of Santa Cruz County 2.1 miles from Yellowbank Beach
(approximate rail milepost 29.0) to town of Davenport. Parking lots are located at Yellowbank
Beach and Davenport Beach both of which are on the coast side of Highway 1. The new access
path will be from Bonny Doon Parking Lot to rail trail.
b. Project Length: 2.1 miles
5. Total Funding Requested: $300,000
a. Total Project Cost: $1,000,000
6. Project Applicant:
a. Implementing Agency: Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
Note: Federal Highway Administration - Central Federal Lands (CFL) Highway Division will be
conducting the environmental analysis and preliminary engineering work on behalf of RTC.
b. Sponsoring Public Agency that has Master Agreement with Caltrans: RTC
7. Project Priority: This is priority number TBD of 4 applications submitted.
8. Regional Transportation Plan (RTP):
a. Is project included in the 2014 RTP? Yes
b. If yes, RTP Project Number (ID#): RTC 27a
“Constrained” and/or
c. Project costs are identified as:
Page 1
“Unconstrained” in the 2014 RTP
9. Detailed Project Description/Scope:
The project will develop the preliminary engineering and environmental compliance for a Class 1
separated bicycle/pedestrian paved path from the location of the northern terminus of the north coast
rail trail (Yellowbank Beach) to the City of Davenport. Project also includes the preliminary
engineering and environmental compliance of two motor vehicle parking lots located at Yellowbank
Beach and near the northern end of the rail trail on the coast side of the town of Davenport complete
with ADA parking stalls and ADA accessible paths to the rail trail. Preliminary engineering and
environmental compliance will also be developed for a non-ADA path from Bonny Doon parking lot
to the rail trail.
The preliminary engineering will include the construction documents including plans, specifications,
and estimates in Central Federal Lands format. FHWA-CFLHD will perform the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and provide the supporting documents for the RTC
to perform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance.
This project will help to complete the 12 miles of rail trail from the San Lorenzo River in the City of
Santa Cruz to the town of Davenport. Residents and visitors will be able to access the north coast
trails and beaches via active transportation and bicycle and pedestrian injuries on Hwy 1 along north
coast will be reduced. The project completes the north coast of Santa Cruz County section of a two
county project (Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail – MBSST) to develop a multi-use path that
will ultimately span the coastline of Monterey Bay and serves as the California Coastal Trail.
10. What accommodations, if any, are included for bicyclists, pedestrians, and/or transit in the
proposed project?
The proposed project is a trail along the rail line that will accommodate both bicyclists and
pedestrians and will be ADA accessible.
11. If the proposed project does not incorporate both bicycle and pedestrian facilities, or if the
proposed project would hinder bicycle or pedestrian travel, list reasons why the project is
being proposed as designed.
x Cost (What would be the cost of the bicycle and/or pedestrian facility and the proportion of the
total project cost?) NA
x RightǦofǦway (Did an analysis lead to this conclusion?) NA
x Other (Please explain.) NA
12. Project Cost by Mode: (List the approximate percentage of total project costs related to different
transportation modes in the chart below. Project description (above) must include explanation of
what will be done related to each applicable mode.)
% of Total Cost by Mode
20%
40%
40%
100%
Road –Auto Serving
Bicycle
Pedestrian
TOTAL
Page 2
13. Project Schedule:
Project Milestone – Capital Projects
Begin Environmental (PA&ED) Phase
Month/Year
Document Type (ex.
EIR, Cat Ex, Neg Dec,
etc)
Click here to
enter
document
type.
Circulate Draft Environmental Document
End Environmental Phase (PA&ED Milestone)
Begin Design (PS&E) Phase
End Design Phase (complete PS&E)
Begin Right of Way Phase
End Right of Way Phase (Right of Way Certification Milestone)
Request Authorization to Proceed with Construction (completion of all prior tasks)
Award Contract
End Construction Phase (Construction Contract Acceptance Milestone)
End Closeout Phase (Closeout Report)
14. Contact Person/Project Manager Name: Cory Caletti
Telephone Number: 831-460-3201
E-mail: ccaletti@sccrtc.org
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6/1/2016
10/7/2016
11/25/2016
11/28/2016
2/28/2017
Month/year
Month/year
Month/year
Month/year
Month/year
Month/year
³
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network
Coastal Rail Trail Projects
Part 2
MBSST: Planned Rail with Trail
San Vicente Redwoods
North Coast Rail Trail Phase 1 (5.4 mi)
North Coast Rail Trail Proposed Phase 2 (2.1 mi)
City of Santa Cruz Rail Trail (2.1 mi)
Existing Bike/Pedestrian Trails, Paths or Bike Lanes
Davenport
Unpaved SpurTrail
Coast Dairies (BLM)
Davenport Beach
ÿ9
|
Paved Spur Trail
Hiking Trails
17
|
ÿ
Yellowbank and
Panther Beaches
Wilder Ranch State Park
Laguna Creek
Beach
ÿ1
|
ÿ1
|
City of Santa Cruz
Existing Wilder Ranch
Parking Area
Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary
0
1
2
Miles
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network
Coastal Rail Trail Projects - Segment 5 Phase 2
MBSST: Planned Rail with Trail
North Coast Rail Trail Proposed Phase 2 (2.1 mi)
Davenport
North Coast Rail Trail Phase 1 (5.4 mi)
Existing Unpaved Spur Trail
Proposed Davenport Beach
Parking Lot
Hiking Trails
Davenport Beach
³
Coast Dairies (BLM)
Existing Bonny Doon Beach
Parking Lot - Proposed Path to Rail Trail
Proposed Yellowbank Beach
Parking Lot
Yellowbank and
Panther Beaches
0
0.5
1
Miles
View of rail line and Yellowbank Beach heading north.
View of rail line with ocean views south of Davenport.
View of Monterey Bay and California Coastal Monuments from rail line.
Unimproved parking area in Davenport proposed for improvement.
PART III: Project Benefits
Given the large backlog of transportation needs in the region and the extremely limited amount of
funding available, it is important to ensure that funds are used cost effectively to maximize benefits to
the transportation system. Additionally state and federal rules, as well as RTC policies, require
consideration of how projects will contribute towards implementation of the long-range transportation
plan (Regional Transportation Plan), the achievement of one or more transportation goals, and
implementation of state and federal policies including the California Complete Streets Act of 2008,
SB375, and the Federal FAST Act.
Information in this section will be used to evaluate projects. Projects are not expected to address all
of the following. Please write N/A if something is not applicable to your project.
1. Generally, what are the benefits of this project? (ex. goal/purpose/benefit of project; problem to
be addressed; importance to the community)
The purpose of the project is to provide active transportation access along the north coast of Santa
Cruz County to and from Davenport, San Vicente Redwoods and BLM Coast Dairies. The benefits
of this project are to improve safety of bicyclists and pedestrians by providing a safe path off of Hwy
1, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health by providing a safe alternative to driving,
and improve bicycling and pedestrian access to schools, community centers, beaches, parks, and
other recreation areas. Many residents and visitors already visit this beautiful area of the north coast
with access to beaches, surfing, tidepooling, hiking and birding and this will only increase as San
Vicente Redwoods and BLM Coast Dairies are open to the public.
2. How many people will directly use or directly be served by this project per day?
An average of 800 people/day
a. Examples of ways to estimate the number of users:
x Based on popularity of other trails in the region, it is anticipated that the trail segment
from Yellowbank Beach to Davenport will be used by an average of 800 people/day or
292,000 people per year. This usage number is based on counts taken on the Wilder
Ranch bike/ped trail that show an average of 400 bicycle and 70 pedestrian trips per
day. Local counts on West Cliff Drive in the City of Santa Cruz are estimated at 1000
bike trips/day and approximately 1700 pedestrians/day. A new mountain bike trail
within the City of Santa Cruz has counts of approximately 200 trips/day. Once Coast
Dairies is open for public access and the MBSST is constructed on the west side of
Santa Cruz, the trail on the north coast between Yellowbank Beach and Davenport and
San Vicente Redwoods will attract locals and tourists to almost double the current
Wilder Ranch trail usage. Trail usage will continue to increase as more and more of
the MBSST Network becomes constructed.
b. Source(s) used to develop estimates shown above: RTC staff bike and pedestrian counts on
Wilder Ranch trail, City of Santa Cruz bike and ped counts on West Cliff, Mountain
Bikers of Santa Cruz bike counts on Emma McCrary trail.
3. Which groups will be the primary users of this facility/project/program?
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Commuters
Youth
Low income residents
Elementary Schools
Seniors
Middle Schools
Disabled
High Schools
Other: Click here to enter info on added cost.
College Students
Visitors
Trucks (goods movement)
Recreational users
a. Briefly describe any indirect or secondary beneficiaries of the project:
The increase in tourism due to the new trail network will benefit the City of Santa Cruz
and town of Davenport, the people in Davenport will have a safe trail for biking and
walking to local area beaches, San Vicente Redwoods and BLM Coast Dairies will benefit
from increased use and there will be more opportunities for educating the public about
environmental issues and active farmlands.
4. What are the key destinations served by this project and distance from project/facility?
(including on a map is encouraged, but not required)
Employment centers 0.1 (Davenport)
Senior centers 0.25
Senior housing
K-12 Schools 0.1 mile
Groceries/Services 0.1(Davenport)
Retail/Commercial cent 0.1
Transit centers 0.1 mi(stop, Davenpt)
Visitor destination 0.1 (San Vicente
Redwoods)
Parks/recreational area 0.1 beach
Civic/public facilities 0.1 firehouse
Other destinations: Enter any other destinations and distance of each
a. Are planned (future) land use projects anticipated to increase travel through project area?
Yes – significant growth in travel
Yes – mild growth in travel
No – No growth in travel
List planned transportation and/or land use projects that could affect circulation in the project
area in the future – if any: San Vicente Redwoods and BLM Coast Dairies
5. Existing Conditions – Projects on Roadways only – N/A for other projects - NA
a. What street design type is this? (check all that apply – see Attachment 2 for description of
each)
Main Street
Parkway
Avenue
Rural Road
Boulevard
Freeway
Local/Neighborhood Street
b. Provide information on existing and projected conditions/context for projects on roadways
(if applicable): NA
6. What travel condition(s) are improved or impacted as a result of the proposed project?
Check all that apply and describe how if the nexus is not obvious in project description. Noteseveral of these items are from the Complete Streets Guidebook and include treatments or facilities
that make up a complete street.
Safety: Improves transportation safety
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How? Take bicyclists and pedestrians off of Highway 1 with motor vehicle speeds between 40
to 60 mph (and higher).
There is a history of collisions in the project area
† 9 fatal or severe bike or ped collision in project area over last 10 years (20052014). Note: 2014 data is provisional. Number of severe injury or fatal incidents in
project area in past 10 years (Source. TIMS)
Reduces potential for conflict between cyclists and/or pedestrians and vehicles
Safety improved for youth, vulnerable users (pedestrians/bicyclist), and/or transportation
disadvantaged (low income, seniors, disabled, minority status)
Provides access to/for emergency services
There are currently perceived safety issues in the project area
Reduces automobile speeds (e.g. traffic calming, speed limit, etc)
System Preservation: Preserves existing transportation infrastructure/facilities or services
Improves Pavement Condition
Extends useful life of a facility
Maintains service
Maintains state of good repair
Other: Click here to enter text.
Reduces Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Shifts automobile travel to alternative modes
200/day - Number of trips per day expected to shift from automobile to alternative mode as
a result of this project. This amount is less than the total usage expected as the rail trail will
likely shift some active transportation trips from other locations to this location (~300
trips/day) and the trail will be used by people who will drive to access the trail (~300
trips/day).
Decreases the number of people traveling in single occupancy vehicles
Improves access to alternative modes (walk, bike, bus, carpool, etc)
Increases the percentage of people that could walk, bike, or take transit to key
destinations within 30-minutes or less
New bike or pedestrian path
Increases ridesharing
Increases telework options
Expands Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Programs
Reduces the need for travel
Increases walking
There are currently lacking/insufficient pedestrian facilities
There are currently NO safe parallel pedestrian facilities
Improves connectivity, fills gap in sidewalk/pedestrian path network
Reduces distance to walk trip between locations by #miles miles
Adds new sidewalks or paths on:
one or
both side(s) of the street
Widens sidewalk path of travel for current and projected pedestrian volumes
Adds missing curb ramps
Upgrades facility to meet ADA accessibility requirements, implement ADA
Implementation Plan
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Reduces pedestrian crossing distance
Adds pedestrian signal heads
Adds pedestrian-actuated traffic signals or automatic pedestrian cycles
Adds audible countdown at intersection
Adds pedestrian-level lighting
Adds high visibility crosswalks
Adds illumination at crosswalks
Other crosswalk enhancements
Adds median safety islands
Minimizes driveways
Adds wayfinding signage
Adds shade trees (street trees)
Adds planter or buffer strips
Adds benches or other types of seating
Increases bicycling
There are currently lacking/insufficient bicycle facilities
There are currently NO safe parallel bicycle facilities
Improves connectivity, fills gap in bicycle network
Reduces distance to bike (on bike lane or path) between locations by miles miles
New Class I bicycle path
New Class II bicycle path
New Class IV bikeway (e.g. “protected bikeway” or a “cycle track”)
Shared-Lane Marking (Sharrow)
New bicycle boulevard
Widens bicycle lanes from ____ feet to _____feet wide
Widens outside lanes or improve shoulders
Adds bicycle actuation at signals (i.e., loop detectors and stencil or other means to make
signals responsive to bicycles)
Adds bicycle box at intersection
Adds color-treated bicycle lane
Adds floating bicycle lane
Adds signs, signals and pavement markings specifically related to bicycle operation on
roadways or shared-use facilities
Adds route/wayfinding signage
Adds long-term bicycle parking (e.g., for commuters and residents)
Adds short-term bicycle parking
Increases public transit usage
There are currently lacking/insufficient transit facilities
There is currently lacking/insufficient transit service
Improves connectivity of transit, fills gap in transit network
Improves transit service reliability, frequency and/or efficiency
ITS/signal priority
Priority bus lane
Bus bulbs/pull outs
Increases transit service, reduces headways
Increases access to transit
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Adds sidewalks to bus stops
Adds bicycle racks on buses
Improves access for people with disabilities
Adds bus stop(s)
Improves bus stop/station (adds/upgrades seating, lighting, shade/shelter, trash can, route
information/maps, etc)
Provides real time bus arrival information
Adds Wi-Fi on bus
Reduces air pollution
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Reduces fuel consumption
Change in travel times and travel time reliability for what modes: bike and pedestrian
Makes travel times more reliable/predictable (consistency or dependability in travel times)
Reduces travel times
Reduces total traffic congestion
Reduces peak period traffic congestion ___AM peak ____PM peak
Shifts peak travel to off-peak periods
Reduces freight traffic congestion
Improves efficiency of the transportation system. Which modes? Click here to enter text.
Implements Transportation System Management (TSM) programs/projects
Increases miles facility/service can carry
passengers and/or
freight/goods
Reduces disparities in safety and access for people who are transportation disadvantaged due to
age, income, disability, minority status, or limited English proficiency
By providing a bicycle and pedestrian trail, transportation disadvantaged people who
are youth, seniors, or low income have safe access to areas via bicycle and walking that
is lower cost and a more independent option for travel. Farm workers along the north
coast will have a safer way to commute to the farm fields.
Improves the convenience and quality of trips
Increases ecological function (such as:
increases tree canopy;
improves habitat;
improves water quality;
reduces storm water runoff;
enhances sensitive areas)
The mitigation work for the agricultural runoff ditches that are now legally considered
‘wetlands” will be mitigated for and significantly enhanced.
Other benefit(s). Please explain, if not addressed in prior questions:
Other benefits of completing this section of the rail trail not addressed in question 6 include
health benefits of active transportation, improvements to the economy of the City of Santa Cruz
and Davenport area as this trail will increase tourism, fill the gap between the rail trail and hiking
trails in the San Vicente Redwoods and BLM Coast Dairies and increase the length of the
California Coastal Trail within Santa Cruz County.
7. Will project result in the elimination or reduction of an existing bike path or sidewalk? Will
the proposed project sever or remove all or part of an existing pedestrian or bicycle facility or
block or hinder pedestrian or bicycle movement?
Yes
No. If yes, please explain why this
Page 9
condition is unavoidable and if bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are provided on an
adjacent/parallel street.
NA
8. Has RTC previously funded a project in this area, what project and what year?
RTC funded MBSST Segment 7 in the City of SC in December 2013.
9. If applicable - Complete Streets Implementation/Design. Given the street design and existing
and future conditions, please complete the following (for projects on roadways). (See the
Monterey Bay Area Complete Street Guidebook for more information, definitions.)
N/A
a. Describe how this project is consistent with recommendations for street type in guidebook:
Provides separated parallel pathway as alternative to Highway 1
b. Is the project area a candidate for the following? N/A
x Road Diet (3 or more lanes, but ADT <20,000, history of bicycle collisions)
Yes
No
x Traffic Calming:
Yes
No
x Roundabout:
Yes
No
x Transit/Bike/Ped Prioritization at Intersection:
Yes
No
x Transit-Oriented Development/Transit Corridor (15 min. headways):
Yes
No
x Neighborhood Shared Street (e.g. “greenway” that reduces vehicle speeds, partial street
closures, public spaces and amenities that encourage biking or walking):
Yes
No
x Pedestrian place/universal street (ex. roadway or alley with restricted vehicle access which
often is serves as a plaza for assorted businesses):
Yes
No
c. Is the complete streets cross section/design for this type of street (as recommended in the
Guidebook) supportable for this project?
Yes
No
If not, explain why:
Lack of ROW width
Insufficient Funding
Trees/environmental constraints
Existing Structures
Other Click here to enter text.
d. What alternative designs were considered, if any?
NA
e. What refinements of the cross section/design were needed? NA
f. Exemptions to Complete Streets (refer to Ch. 6 of the Guidebook) N/A
10. Describe the public input plan for this project.
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network Master Plan identifies the segment of the rail
trail for which funding is being requested. The development of the MBSST Master Plan solicited
significant public input during project milestones. In addition, public input will be sought during
project design of this north coast section.
Page 10
11. Stakeholder Outreach: Which stakeholder groups have already provided input, or will be
asked to provide input in future, on project scope and design?
Group
Provided input
Neighborhood Davenport/North
Group
Coast Neigh
Assoc
Business
SCCBC, SC
Association
Chambers
Will seek input
Davenport/North
Coast Neigh
Assoc
SCCBC, SC
Chambers
School
Pacific
Elementary
School
Farmers and
State Parks
RTC Bicycle
Committee
Pacific
Elementary
School
Farmers and
State Parks
RTC Bicycle
Comm
RTC Elderly &
Disabled
Advisory
Committee
(E&DTAC)
RTC Elderly &
Disabled
Advisory Comm
Property
Owners
Bicycle
Committees
Pedestrian
Committee
Group
Transit
Agency
Provided input
SCMTD at ITAC
mtgs
Adjacent
jurisdictions
Cities of SC,
County of SC,
Watsonville
Environmental Ecology Action
Groups
and Friends of
Rail and Trail
Transportation E&DTAC
Disadvantaged
Senior Group RTC
Elderly&Disabled
Advisory Comm
Other (define) Enter Text
Will seek input
SCMTD at ITAC
mtgs
All cities and
county
Ecology Action
and Friends of
Rail and Trail
E&DTAC
RTC
Elderly&Disabled
Advisory Comm
Emergency
services providers
Have specific changes to the project/program been requested by stakeholders?
Yes
No
Please explain:
At the May 24th Public Meeting for the Segment 5, Phase I project, the RTC received numerous
comments that there needed to be improved facilities at the Yellowbank Parking Lot, including trash
stations and restrooms. The public also wanted the project to extend to Davenport and to add a bicycle
and pedestrian crossing of Highway 1 in Davenport.
12. Describe project readiness/deliverability and potential risks to project schedule:
This project is ready to be completed as it will be performed by Central Federal Lands in addition to
the work they have already acquired funding for along the rail trail between Wilder Ranch and
Yellowbank Beach. There will be a cost savings of approximately $600,000 for this phase of the
project if the environmental analysis and engineering design can be combined with the
environmental analysis and design for Phase I of Segment 5. Delays are unlikely as right of way is
owned in entirety by RTC and Central Federal lands has already been working on Phase 1 of the
project and are familiar with the environmental issues of the area. There are a couple of locations
along this section where the rail trail comes closer to the ocean cliffs than elsewhere which may
require additional environmental analysis than previous work. CA State Parks is the adjacent
property owner on the coast side and they are partners on this project. Caltrans is the adjacent
property owner on the hill side of the rail trail.
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$1,000,000
Uncommitted
Environmental
(PA/ED)
FY 16/17
$300,000
$200,000
Committed
$700,000
TBD
$100,000
Environmental
(PA/ED)
Uncommitted
Committed or
Uncommitted?
$300,000
Source Total
Design (PS&E)
FY 16/17
$700,000
$500,000
$200,000
Design (PS&E)
$0
$0
Right-of-Way
(ROW)
$0
TBD
Right-of-Way
(ROW)
Phase of Work
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Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail - North Coast
See electronic Excel file: 02-MBSST-5-P2-ProjectBudget.xlsx
HJ)<)<)<
Fiscal Year each component to begin
Total
New Funds Requested from RTC:
Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
Future
Sources (Specify fund source type - ex.
STBG, RSTP,STIP, AB2766, Local, TDA,
etc)
Project Title:
(QWHUWKHDPRXQWWREHH[SHQGHGIRUHDFKSURMHFWSKDVHLQHDFKILVFDO\HDUE\IXQGLQJVRXUFH
7RWDOVVKRXOGFDOFXODWHDXWRPDWLFDOO\LIHOHFWURQLFILOHLVXVHG
Cost/Funding Summary
PART IV: Project Budget and Funding Plan
$0
$0
Construction
$0
TBD
Construction