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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03111997 - SD4 SD TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - - -_- Contra o Costa FROM: TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - :�o County DATE: March 3, 1997 1 I, SUBJECT: Staff report on the Status of the Carquinez Bridge.Seismic Retrofit Project and on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Carquinez Bridge Project. SPECIFIC REQUESTS) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION I. Recommended Action: I ACCEPT the staff report on the status of the seismic retrofit project of the 1958 span of the Carquinez Bridge and the Carquinez Bridge Project on the-1927 span. APPROVE the recommendations of the Transportation Committee on.the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Carquinez Bridge Project. AUTHORIZE the Chair to send the attached letter to Caltrans with the County's comments. II. Financiallmpact: f No impact to the General Fund II III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background: Caltrans has two projects !'planned for the Carquinez Bridge between Crockett and Vallejo, to seismically retrofit the 1958„ eastbound span to meet current standards and to replace the 1927 westbound span. The seismic retrofit of the 1958 span is exempt from both the California Environmental Quality Actj(CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as it is considered an emergency project. The project will involve work on the foundations, the span, and the approach structures in jCrockett. Construction is scheduled to start in the fall of 1997. u Continued on Attachment: X SIGNATURE: _RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _RECOMMENDATION OF BOARDCOMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): Donna Gerb Joseph Canciamilla hair ACTION OF BOARD ON March 11, 1997 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTIHER I I VOTE OF SUPERVISORS X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT -------- ) AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: '� J RB/LT:eh I hereby certiy that this is a true and Correct copyof g:\transeng\B03Carqu.t3 an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Suyterolsors an the data shown. Orig. Div: Public Works (T/E) A Contact: Julie Bueren,Tel. 313-2;342 O ►of B cc: Community Development Caltrans CCTA MTC WCCTAC 'i Staff report on the Status of the Carquinez Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project and on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Carquinez Bridge Project. March 3, 1997 Page 2 III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background: (Continued) Caltrans is planning the Carquinez Bridge Project to replace the 1927 westbound span which is both structurally and geometrically deficient. This project is funded from Regional Measure 1 Bridge Toll funds approved by the voters in 1988. As part of the project development of the Carquinez Bridge Project, Caltrans held many community meetings in both the communities of Crockett and Vallejo over the past year. The meetings ranged from a general information workshop on the project to ';focused meetings on specific issues. County staff attended and participated in the meetings in Crockett where issues important to the community were discussed. Several of the key issues highlighted included: the need for the project, alternative alignments, access to Crockett, impacts on residents, and construction impacts such as traffic and circulation, noise, air quality and hazardous materials. The meetings were conducted to promote citizen participation and several ideas and concerns raised by the community generated further study and analysis by Caltrans. The project to replace the 1927 westbound span of the Carquinez Bridge is also statutorily exempt from CEQA requirements as the project is necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency. The project is required to comply with NEPA, and a DEIS has been prepared by Caltrans to evaluate the project alternatives. The DEIS has been circulated for public review and a public hearing was held in Crockett on February 26, 1997. The public review period ends on March 28, 1997. The Federal Highway Administration should make a decision on the project in the Fall of 1997. I The Transportation Committee reviewed the DEIS at their meeting on March 3, 1997. After addressing comments from the public, the committee approved the staff recommendation to forward the attached comment letter on the DEIS to Caltrans (see Exhibit "A"). Also attached is a draft record of the meeting which includes the public comment received by the committee in the form a memorandum submitted by the Crockett Improvement Association and speaker cards. Key issues on the Carquinez Bridge Project summarized in this report are: PROJECT NEED AND BACKGROUND: The purpose of the Carquinez Bridge Project is to provide a westbound 1-80 crossing of the Carquinez Strait that meets current seismic and traffic safety standards. Since its construction in 1927, the westbound bridge has experienced corrosion and preventive maintenance is difficult to perform without major traffic disruptions and delays to the public. The existing bridge does not meet current seismic design or traffic safety standards. The project is proposed to address the following six major transportation needs identified specifically at the crossing of the Carquinez Strait and generally in the 1-80 corridor: satisfy current seismic and traffic safety standards; correct existing roadway deficiencies; improve traffic safety; maintain an important route over the Strait for freight and goods movement; encourage use of alternative modes; and support High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) use. The Board of Supervisors has supported the Carquinez Bridge Project as important for the Bay Area region. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES°: Twelve alternatives were considered during project development roect and five alternatives were carried forward in the DEIS: Alternative 1, No-Build Alternative; Alternative 2, Retrofit and Rehabilitation Alternative; Alternative 3, Replacement Bridge on a Western Alignment; Alternative 4, Replacement Bridge on an Eastern Alignment; and Alternative 5, Replacement Bridge on a Center Alignment . The No-Build Alternative isevaluated primarily as a basis for comparison with the build alternatives. Alternative 2 would seismically retrofit and rehabilitate the existing westbound bridge, but would not make any other improvements for safety or capacity. There are some variations of the three replacement alternatives. All provide for three westbound mixed flow lanes and a pedestrian and bicycle facility!across the Strait. A westbound HOV lane along 1-80 from Highway 29 to Cummings Skyway is ;also included. Each replacement considers removal of the 1927 bridge. However, it is recognized that this is an important historical feature of the area and, therefore, might be preserved. There are four bridge design types being considered for the replacement bridge. Under each replacement alternative there are three different local access options for Crockett that are considered. The accommodation of future transit has also been considered and debated. 8D4 Staff report on the Status of the Carquinez Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project and on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Carquinez Bridge Project. March 3, 1997 Page 3 III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background: (Continued) It is noted in the document that a retrofit of the existing 1927 bridge is a less than desirable alternative because the bridge structure is approaching the end of its useful life and under a retrofit scenario the state would incur significantly higher annual maintenance costs for the 1927 bridge. Based on these facts the retrofit alternative is less than desirable and, therefore, the County supports the replacement of the 1927 bridge with a new structure. Of the three replacement alternatives, it appears that the western alignment is the preferred alternative. The eastern alignment severely impacts C&H Sugar and creates problems on the Vallejo side with large cuts into the hill and impacts to the toll plaza. The center alignment creates problems with construction with minimal clearance between the two existing bridges and does not reduce impacts to the residents in Crockett. The Transportation Committee has identified many concerns regarding the impacts to the residents of Crockett which are included in the attached letter and summarized in this report. LOCAL ACCESS OPTIONS: Under each replacement alternative there are three different local access options: A) Rebuild Crockett Interchange, No Cummings Skyway Extension, B) Remove Crockett Interchange, extend Cummings Skyway, and C) Rebuild Crockett Interchange and Extend Cummings Skyway. Under Scenario "A"the existing access to Crockett would remain generally the same. However, there would be significant rerouting of traffic over Crockett Boulevard during the reconstruction of the interchange ramps and the bridge approaches. This has significant implications for trucks entering Crockett. Under Scenario "B", the ramps at Crockett would be removed permanently. Access to Crockett would be via Cummings Skyway Extension and San Pablo Avenue. This would add some travel time to trips to and from the north. Emergency access to the east-bound bridge would remain in place. Under Scenario "C", Cummings Skyway Extension would provide access during construction and remain in place after the Crockett interchange is rebuilt. This is a much needed option for access to the Crockett and Rodeo areas. Based on the information provided in the document, Local Access Option "C" offers the best access and circulation solution for the affected communities of Crockett and Rodeo under any of the bridge replacement alternatives considered. This option, however, is contingent upon Caltrans funding reconstruction of the Crockett Interchange and participating in funding of the Cummings Skyway extension. The construction of the Cummings Skyway extension will provide a critically needed link in the circulation system serving Crockett and Rodeo, and should be fully operational prior to construction of any the bridge replacement alternatives. CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS: Some of the major impacts on the town of Crockett will be from the construction of the new bridge. Caltrans should mitigate for the noise, dust, glare, and traffic from the construction of the bridge, and leave Crockett a better place after the project is done. ► Traffic Impacts During Construction: The document states that "construction activities associated with the replacement bridge alternatives would be of a longer duration, and would result in more disruptions to local and interchange traffic". Although it acknowledges that temporary ramp closures and detours on local Crockett streets will be necessary during construction, the document does not describe or elaborate on the measures necessary to mitigate these impacts during construction for any of the replacement or retrofit alternatives. We believe that Caltrans should immediately begin developing a comprehensive traffic management plan to mitigate traffic impacts during project construction. This traffic management plan should be prepared in consultation with the affected communities and agencies. Staff report on the Status of the Carquinez Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project and on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Carquinez Bridge Project. March 3, 1997 Page 4 ► Other Impacts During Construction: In reference to mitigating construction-related air, quality, noise, vibration, visual, water resource, safety, damage, hazardous materials and damage to existing infrastructure, the document only refers to best management practices, as specified in Caltrans' Standard Specification, to mitigate such impacts. The document does not describe routes for construction traffic or detours to determine the extent of potential air quality, noise, vibration or safety impacts. The document does not adequately describe the specific construction standards or specifications that Caltrans intends to use to mitigate these acknowledged impacts. A construction management plan should address construction-related air quality, noise, vibration, visual, water resource, safety, hazardous material impacts and impacts to existing infrastructure during construction. This plan should be prepared in consultation with the affected communities and agencies. ACCESS AND CIRCULATION IMPACTS: ► Proposed Wanda Street Bypass: The document states that the proposed Wanda Street Bypass, intended to reroute truck traffic from local residential and commercial streets to a new roadway, would mitigate problems that currently exist, not bridge project-related impacts. However, Caltrans needs to consider the detouring of existing traffic during construction and construction related traffic and their impacts in its analysis of the Wanda Street Bypass. Such a reassessment may conclude that the Wanda Street Bypass is a necessary mitigation measure, or that an alternative is available which could be constructed prior to the 1927 bridge replacement project. At a minimum, Caltrans should insure that the selected bridge replacement design will not preclude future development of the Wanda Street Bypass. ► Pedestrian/Bicycle Access: Each of the bridge replacement alternatives described in the document include the provision of a pedestrian/bicycle lane. Contra Costa County supports the pedestrian/bicycle lane as a critical element to the bridge design and encourages Caltrans to continue working with affected communities/agencies and user groups to enhance the approaches to the bridge's pedestrian/bicycle lane so that they are convenient, accessible and safe. The Cummings Skyway Extension Project will include shoulder to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians from San Pablo Avenue to 1-80. Existing Cummings Skyway from 1-80 to Franklin Canyon Road also has shoulders. In addition, the County proposes to provide bicycle lanes on San Pablo Avenue from Rodeo to Crockett, which will serve as a portion of the Bay Trail. The Cummings Skyway overcrossing of 1-80 is not currently wide enough to provide for bicycle lanes. This will be a major gap in non-vehicular circulation for the region if not improved as part of the Bridge Project. ► Local Roadway and Freeway Ramp Design Parameters: The realignment of Vista Del Rio should conform to local standard for geometrics and safety and the County Public Works Department should be consulted in its design. There will be increased truck traffic at the 1-80/Cummings Skyway interchange once the Cummings Skyway Extension is constructed and the interchange should be evaluated for adequacy of turning radii. ► HOV Lanes: The project does not include an HOV lane on 1-80 between Cummings Skyway and Route 4. The impacts of this on freeway operations should be evaluated. The Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Carquinez Bridge Project stated that the project limits would extend from State Route 4 in Contra Costa County to Interstate 780 in Solano County. The County's response to the NOP supported this project description because it was consistent with the northerly limits of the 1-80 HOV Project. We disagree with the footnote on page 2-29 in the DEIS which states that the Regional Measure One funds cannot be used to extend the 1-80 HOV lanes south to the State Route 4 Interchange. The Staff report on the Status of the Carquinez Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project and on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Carquinez Bridge Project. March 3, 1997 Page 5 III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background: (Continued) statement is consistent with the NOP as well as with Caltrans' findings in the 1992 Supplemental Project Study Report for the Carquinez Bridge and a report to the State Legislature on the Regional Measure One project. These documents anticipated that Regional Measure One funds would be used to extend the 1-80 HOV lanes from the Carquinez Bridge to the State Route 4 Interchange. ► Accommodation of Future Rail Transit: It is our understanding that Caltrans has most recently identified a cost-effective approach that would allow for a new Carquinez Bridge to carry rail transit in the future. This design approach, at very minimal cost, would accommodate on the new bridge a future 4-car light rail service, on one track. Contra Costa County supports this approach and believes that it adequately addresses the need to preserve an option for a rail transit link across the Carquinez Strait to Solano County. ► Electronic Toll Collection: To the extent technically and operationally feasible, Contra Costa County supports inclusion of electronic toll collection as part of the Carquinez Bridge Project. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 1927 SPAN / PRESERVATION OPTION: The Preservation Option consists of leaving the 1927 span in place and has been analyzed under the West, East and Center Bridge Alternatives. The 1927 span is of historical significance and it may be desirable to retain its presence. Under the Preservation Option the existing span would be retrofitted for bicycle and pedestrian use only. The cost of this retrofit is estimated to be 90 million dollars and is questionable whether it is cost effective. If it is determined that the bridge will be removed, then it's historical significance should be recognized in a display in the town of Crockett. This could be incorporated into the view point or vista recommended in the Bay Plan of the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and consistent with the provisions of the County's General Plan. BRIDGE TYPENISUAL APPEARANCE&AESTHETICS:There are four bridge types considered for the replacement alternatives. They include a Steel Truss Bridge Design, a Steel Arch Bridge Design, a Cable Stayed.Bridge Design, and a Suspension Bridge Design. The existing bridges are steel trusses. The former two designs are less likely to be chosen, the truss design has significantly higher maintenance cost because of the need to continuously paint the steel members. The arch design is more expensive and has construction problems related to ship navigation in the Strait. The latter two designs are comparable in cost and maintenance and are more favored by Caltrans designers. Although the truss bridge would match the existing 1958 span, the other designs would also provide a distinctive feature for the North Bay area. Since the visual appearance will be subject to the selection of bridge design type, Caltrans should continue to engage the general public in the bridge design process. Continued public involvement is necessary so as to ensure that the design features of the replacement bridge structure, including bulk, massing, lighting, and use of materials, is not only aesthetically pleasing but blend and harmonize with the natural setting of Carquinez Strait. Consideration should be given to the area beneath the new bridge and approaches as well as to the area left by removal of the existing bridge. To the maximum extent possible, the bridge replacement design should conserve, enhance, and protect view corridors across the Carquinez Strait or San Pablo Bay and from the surrounding neighborhoods below the structures, consistent with the provisions of the County's General Plan for preservation and enhancement of Scenic Resources. 1958 BRIDGE (EASTBOUND) SEISMIC RETROFIT PROJECT: At the conclusion of the Transportation Committee meeting, staff was directed by the committee to prepare a request from the Board of Supervisors to Caltrans seeking formation of an advisory committee to receive community input on activities related to the seismic retrofit of the Carquinez Bridge's 1958 eastbound span. The Transportation Committee will bring this matter back to the Board for approval:at a future meeting. A The Board of SupervisorsContra Phil Batchelor Clerk of the Board Costa and County Administration Building county Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (510)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County Jim Rogers,1st District Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District s t Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District •i Joe Canclamilla,5th District , -- srq couK �t March 11, 1997 Ms. Susan Simpson, Chief Office of Environmental Planning,District 04 California Department of Transportation 111 Grand Avenue P.O..Box 23660 Oakland, CA 94623-0660 SUBJECT: Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Statutory Exemption I-80/Carquinez Bridge Project Dear Ms. Simpson: Thank you for the opportunity to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the I- 80/Carquinez Bridge Project. On behalf of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, I want to express our commitment to work with Caltrans toward timely completion of a project to either replace or retrofit the westbound 1-80 crossing of the Carquinez Strait that meets the current seismic and safety standards. We offer the following comments on the draft environmental document: 1. Support for Alternative Three,Replacement of 1927 Bridge Structure on a Western Alignment Project Alternatives. Chapter 21: It is noted in the document that a retrofit of the existing 1927 bridge is a less than desirable alternative because the bridge structure is approaching the end of its useful life and under a retrofit scenario the state would incur significantly higher annual maintenance costs for the 1927 bridge. Based on these facts,we concur that the retrofit alternative is less than desirable, and,therefore, support replacement of the 1927 bridge with a new structure on a western alignment. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Two We acknowledge that while there would be significant impacts associated with Project Alternative Three: Replacement of 1927 Bridge Structure on a Western Alignment, in the long term this alternative has the least negative environmental impacts on the Crockett community compared to the other bridge replacement alternatives considered. 2. Support for Local Access Option"C"(Eroject Alternatives,Cha tp er 2. Pages 2-15 to 2- Based on the information provided in the document,we believe that Local Access Option "C": Rebuild Crockett Interchange and Extend Cummings Skyway offers the best access and circulation solution for the affected communities of Crockett and Rodeo under any of the bridge replacement alternatives considered. Our support for this option,however, is contingent upon Caltrans funding reconstruction of the Crockett Interchange and participating in funding of the Cummings Skyway extension. The construction of the Cummings Skyway extension will provide a critically needed link in the circulation system serving Crockett and Rodeo, and should be fully operational prior to construction of any the bridge replacement alternatives. 3. Replacement Bridge Design Options(Project Alternatives. Chapter 2.pa egg 2-12) At this time,the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has no stated preference of the four replacement bridge design options presented in the document. We understand that the selection of a preferred design type for a bridge replacement will be based on several factors, including costs for construction and ongoing maintenance, construction process and techniques,placement of piers, and visual appearance. We do,however, reserve the right to comment on the preferred design for the bridge replacement when Caltrans makes its decision. 4. Visual Appearance/Aesthetics of Bridge Design_Type (Project Alternatives, Chapter 2. a e 2-12 Since the visual appearance will be subject to the selection of bridge design type,we believe that following this selection Caltrans should continue to engage the general public in the bridge design process. Continued public involvement is necessary so as to insure that the design features of the replacement bridge structure, including bulk,massing, lighting, and use of materials, is not only aesthetically pleasing but blend and harmonize with the natural setting of the Carquinez Strait. To the maximum extent possible,the new bridge design should conserve,enhance, and protect view corridors to the Carquinez Strait or San Pablo Bay for the surrounding neighborhoods. The area beneath the bridge, which includes the support structures, abutments, anchorages, and right-of-way, should be enhanced with design treatments,planting,and landscaping. Guidance for such mitigations is provided in the Contra Costa County General Plan policies related to Land Use(Policy No. 3-167) and Scenic Resources(Policy No. 9-h). Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Three 5. Traffic Impacts During Construction(Environmental Consequences and Miti ag_tion Measures. Chapter 4,1ages 4-73 to 4-78) The document on page 4-73 states that"construction activities associated with the replacement bridge alternatives would be of a longer duration, and would result in more disruptions to local and interchange traffic." Although it acknowledges that temporary ramp closures and detours on local Crockett streets will be necessary during construction, the document does not describe or elaborate on the measures necessary to mitigate these impacts during construction for any of the replacement or retrofit'alternatives. We believe that Caltrans should immediately begin developing a comprehensive traffic management plan to mitigate traffic impacts during project construction. At a minimum, this traffic management plan should be prepared in consultation with the affected communities/agencies and address the following concerns: ► Identify specific road closures and detours and transit disruptions in Crockett and Rodeo related to the project's construction; ► Provide a schedule identifying time frame and duration of road closures and detours and interruption of transit service in Crockett and Rodeo; ► It is noted that the Town of Crockett will be subject to approximately five consecutive years of bridge-related construction activity for both the 1958 bridge retrofit and 1927 bridge replacement,not to mention other nearby large-scale construction projects. It is,therefore, important to assess whether or not there are cumulative traffic impacts to Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo from other nearby large-scale projects, including the 1958 Bridge Retrofit Project,which would be under construction during the same time period as the bridge replacement project; ► Provide a detailed alternate truck route plan for both vehicles delivering project- related equipment and supplies and for vehicles delivering to local business and industries in the vicinity of Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo. Caltrans should be mindful that proposed alternate truck routes in the vicinity not create potentially hazardous traffic situations(e.g.,existing prohibitions on loaded trucks northbound on Crockett Boulevard). Development of alternate truck routes should be prepared in consultation with the Contra Costa County Public Works Department and business and community representatives; Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Four ► Provide a detailed access route plan to and from Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo for emergency,police, fire,and ambulance vehicles during the construction period; ► Provide a plan for evacuation routes from Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo as a contingency measure in the event of a major incident which could occur during the construction period; ► Provide an access and parking plan for waterfront businesses,their customers, and other users of the Crockett shoreline, including fisherman and boaters,the Crockett marina,Nantucket Restaurant, Crockett Stripped Bass Club, and the Sea Scout Base; ► Describe how Caltrans and its contractors will keep residents and businesses in the vicinity of Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo regularly informed and updated about traffic related plans during the construction period for both 1958 bridge retrofit project and 1927 bridge replacement project. We recommend that Caltrans implement a public outreach program, similar to the public outreach effort conducted for the I-680/24 Interchange Project or I-80 HOV Project,that would include monthly project advisory meetings with the community. Contra Costa County is willing to assist Caltrans in facilitating project advisory meetings with the community. 6. Other Impacts During Construction (Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures, Chapter 4. pages 4-78 to 4-84) In reference to mitigating construction-related air quality,noise,vibration,visual,water resource, safety, and hazardous material impacts, the document only refers to best management practices, as specified in Caltrans' Standard Specification, to mitigate such impacts. The document does not adequately describe the specific construction standards or specifications that Caltrans intends to use to mitigate these acknowledged impacts. We recommend that Caltrans prepare a construction management plan to address construction-related air quality,noise,vibration,visual,water resource, safety, and hazardous material impacts during construction. At a minimum,this plan should be prepared in consultation with the affected communities/agencies and address the following concerns: ► Identify sites for construction staging,parking for construction vehicles and workforce, and material handling(e.g.,building materiels, soils, and debris); Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Five ► Provide a schedule identifying time frame and duration of construction activities; ► Commit to concentrating activities during hours of the day that are not noise- sensitive to adjacent land uses and generally limit disruptive activities to weekday hours between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; ► Describe procedures to reduce impacts from nighttime construction activities, including efforts to minimize lighting glare,noise, and vibration on nearby residences and businesses; ► Describe procedures to abate construction-related noise,vibration, dust, and erosion impacts, and abatement of graffiti at construction sites; ► Describe procedures for excavating, stockpiling,and hauling hazardous materials during construction; ► Describe procedures to restore reduced or lost utilities during construction; ► Describe how Caltrans will replace in kind the road pavement in the vicinity of Crockett damaged during the construction period due construction-related traffic or traffic detours; ► Identify Caltrans or contractor personnel who'll respond to citizen questions and/or complaints about construction-related activities; ► Describe how Caltrans and its contractors will keep residents and businesses in the vicinity of Crockett,Port Costa and Rodeo regularly noticed, informed, and updated on construction activities and potential disruptions to the communities during the construction period for both retrofit of the 1958 structure and replacement of the 1927 structure. As recommended in comment# 5, Caltrans should implement a public outreach program, similar to the public outreach effort conducted for the I-680/24 Interchange Project or I-80 HOV Project,that would include monthly project advisory meetings with the community. Contra Costa County is willing to assist Caltrans in facilitating project advisory meetings with the community. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Six 7. Mitigation of Noise and Vibration Impacts(Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures. Chapter 4t12ages 4-40 to 4-41) The document indicates that sound abatement for the rebuilt Crockett Interchange(Local Access Option C)is complicated due to the existing elevated structure and the surrounding topography. This makes it difficult to add sound walls to the rebuilt Crockett Interchange. We recommend that Caltrans consider incorporating into the project design for the rebuilt interchange and bridge replacement structure other sound and vibration attenuation measures or techniques to reduce noise and vibration impacts to Crockett. Such measures could include special paving and deck treatment,use of expansion joints, modified railing height,etc. 8. Access and Circulation Impacts (Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures. Cha ter 4 ► Proposed Wanda Street Bypass (page 4-26): The document states that the proposed Wanda Street Bypass, intended to reroute truck traffic from local residential and commercial streets to a new roadway,would mitigate problems that currently exist, not bridge project-related impacts. However,the document does not adequately substantiate that construction-related traffic or traffic detours will not create cumulative air quality,noise,dust, safety,or congestion impacts without the proposed Wanda Street Bypass. Caltrans should reassess its position that the proposed Wanda Street Bypass not be considered as mitigation measure based on a review of the cumulative impacts of background truck traffic in Crockett and construction-related traffic, detours,noise,dust, and safety impacts. Such a reassessment may conclude that the Wanda Street Bypass is a necessary mitigation measure, or,that an alternative mitigation measure is available,which should be constructed prior to the 1927 bridge replacement project. At a minimum, Caltrans should insure that the selected bridge replacement design will not preclude future development of the proposed Wanda Street Bypass. ► Pedestrian/Bicvcle Access(pages 4-24 to 4-25): Each of the four bridge replacement alternatives described in the document includes the provision of a pedestrian/bicycle lane. Contra Costa County supports the pedestrian/bicycle lane as a critical element to the bridge design and encourages Caltrans to continue working with affected communities/agencies and user groups to enhance the landside approaches to the bridge's pedestrian/bicycle lane connections so that they are safe, convenient,and accessible. Further,we request that Caltrans consider widening the Cummings Skyway overcrossing on I-80 to provide a better pedestrian/bicycle connection to the Cummings Skyway extension and the Bay Trail segment on San Pablo Avenue. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Seven ► Realignment of Vista Del Rio(page 2-8. Figure 2.4-1d): The bridge replacement project would result in a realignment of Vista Del Rio, it should be designed in accordance with local design standards based on consultation with the Contra Costa County Public Works Department. ► Cummings Skcway Interchange Overcrossing and Ramp Dein ,page 2-8. Figure .4-lb : Caltrans should evaluate the need to improve the design of Cummings Skyway Interchange overcrossing and ramps. Due to potential reroute of more truck traffic through the interchange with the extension of Cummings Skyway to San Pablo Avenue, both the interchange's freeway ramps and overcrossing may need more lane width and turning radii to accommodate truck turning movements (also see comment above about widening overcrossing to provide a pedestrian/bicycle connection). ► Accommodation of Future Rail Transit(page S-5): It is our understanding that Caltrans has most recently identified a cost-effective approach that would allow for a new Carquinez Bridge to carry rail transit in the future. This design approach, at very minimal cost,would accommodate on the new bridge a future 4- car light rail service, on one track. Contra Costa County supports this approach and believes that it adequately addresses the need to preserve an option for a rail transit link across the Carquinez Strait to Solano County. ► Electronic Toll Collection(page 1-81: To the extent technically and operationally feasible, Contra Costa County supports inclusion of electronic toll collection as part of the Carquinez Bridge Project. ► I-80 HOV Lane Gap Closure (page 4-18): The environmental document needs to include additional information on the operation of the freeway with construction of the project. It is not clear from the document whether or not the I-80 HOV Lane component to the bridge replacement project will become operational when the project is completed. If the HOV lane is opened after completion of the bridge, . the impacts of westbound vehicles moving from the HOV lane to the three available mixed flow lanes south of Cummings Skyway needs to be evaluated. The speed differential between vehicles using the HOV lane and vehicles using mixed flow lanes may create unacceptable impacts on operations for the Carquinez Bridge. Furthermore,the impact of queuing in the westbound mixed flow lanes from the bottleneck on 1-80 at the State Route 4 Interchange needs to be evaluated. This queue may significantly degrade operations on the bridge during the A.M. peak period. Caltrans may need to consider as a mitigation the extension of the project's westbound HOV lane to connect with the I-80 HOV lanes presently under construction south of State Route 4. Ltr.to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Eight Contra Costa County is concerned about the change in the project's southerly limit to Cummings Skyway. The Notice of Preparation(N.O.P.)for the Carquienez Bridge DEIS,issued on December 7, 1992,stated that . . . "the project limits will include 1-80 between State Route 4 in Contra Costa County and Interstate 780 in Solano,County." Contra Costa County's response to the N.O.P. supported this project description because it was consistent with the northerly limits of the 1-80 HOV Project. Contra Costa County disagrees with the footnote on page 2-29 in the DEIS which states that Regional Measure One funds cannot be used to extend the 1-80 HOV lanes south to the 1-80/State Route 4 Interchange. Such a statement is not only inconsistent with the N.O.P. issued by Caltrans, but it is also inconsistent with Caltrans' own findings in a 1992 Supplemental Project Study Report for the Carquinez Bridge(see page 16, Supplemental PSR for Carquinez Bridge, dated 8/13/92)and a report prepared by Caltrans to the State Legislature on Regional Measure One projects. These documents anticipated that Regional Measure One funds would be used to extend the 1-80 HOV lanes from the Carquinez Bridge to the 1-80/State Route 4 Interchange. 9. Mitigate Effects of Removing 1927 Bridge,.Historical/Cultural Resources (Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures, 4.page 4-6 1.Impacts on Section 4(f)Properties, Chapter 7. 12age 7-9) Should Caltrans determine that the 1927 bridge cannot be preserved and must be removed,the State should use every effort to salvage architectural elements of the bridge given the acknowledged historic significance of the 1927 structure. We further suggest that salvaged architectural elements of the bridge be used for a commerative plaque which could be incorporated into a view point or vista as recommended in the Bay Conservation and Development Commission's San Francisco Bay Plan. A view point or vista which includes remnants from the bridge could help mitigate the adverse impact resulting from removal of the 1927 structure which has been determined to have historic significance under National Register criteria. 10. S=Ius Right-of-w—akCreated with Removal of the 1927 Bridize- The environmental document does not discuss the potential impact hat removal of the 1927 Bridge will have in creating surplus right-of-way in the locations where the existing bridge's columns and support structures are presently located. If removal of the 1927 Bridge results in surplus right-of-way, Caltrans should identify how this surplus right-of- way would be used and maintained in the future. Contra Costa County is concerned about the potential blighting influences on the Crockett community from the surplus right-of-way. Use of this surplus right-of-way for public purposes should be considered. Ltr.to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Nine 11. Impacts on the Community from New Right-of-WaOccpied by Bridge Related Improvements The bridge replacement project will establish a new right-of-way footprint beneath the bridge deck for columns,abutements, anchorages,and other support structures. Caltrans should identify how this new right-of-way footprint would be used and maintained in the future. Contra Costa County is concerned about the potential blighting influences on the Crockett community from the new right-of-way footprint. Design of the project should address the opportunity to develop the new right-of-way, and the bridge's structures, abutements,and anchorages in a manner that enhances views,enriches the scenic quality of the area, and treats the bridge as a gateway into Contra Costa as called for in the County's General Plan. Contra Costa County appreciates the opportunity to comment on the I-80/Carquinez Bridge Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Statutory Exemption. We look forward to working with Caltrans staff and consultants on completing this vital project. Should you or your staff have any questions regarding Contra Costa County's comments,please contact Julie Bueren, Transportation Engineering Division,Contra Costa County Public Works Department, at(510) 313-2342,or, Steve Goetz,Transportation Planning Division, Contra Costa County Community Development Department, at(510) 335-1240. Sincerely, Mark DeSaulnier, Chair Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors MD\PR\j:proch\wcctac\cargdeis EXH1B1 � CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Record of Meeting* Monday, March 3, 1997 10:30 AM 1. Accept public comment on any issue not included on the agenda. None. 2. Accept record of the February 3, 1997. Record of February 3, 1997 meeting was accepted with typographical corrections(see attachment"A')in accordance with the the Better Government Ordinance 96-5, Article 25-205(d) of the Contra Costa County Code. 3. Consider report on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)for the Carquienez Bridge Project. Julie Bueren, County Public Works Dept., provided the committee with a background report on the Carquinez Bridge Project, and then introduced Caltrans staff who made a detailed presentation to the committee on the project. Caltrans staff then addressed several questions about the project raised by committee members and members of the public in attendance at the meeting. Julie Bueren,Public Works Dept,presented the overall recommendations in the written staff report, and Patrick Roche, Community Development Dept., then reviewed in detail the draft comment letter on the Carquinez Bridge DEIS included as part of the staff report. The following persons addressed comments or questions on this agenda item: Kent Peterson (see attachment written comments submitted on behalf of the Crockett Improvement Association), Alan Brasesco, Rober Aita, Gaethen James, and Frances Dahl (see attached speaker cards). The committee approved forwarding staff report and the accompanying comment letter on the Carquinez Bridge Project DEIS to the Board of Supervisors for their meeting on March 11, 1996. The staff report and comment letter were approved in substantially the form presented, with direction to staff to make some modifications the letter based comments from received from committee members, staff, and members of the public in attendance at the meeting. In addition, the committee requested staff to prepare a recommendation for the Board to send a letter to Caltrans requesting that a traffic management plan be prepared for construction activities related to the 1958 bridge(eastbound)retrofit project. The Committee will review that recommendation at their next meeting. 3. Consider status report on the Unocal Transportation Fund Expenditure Plan and the Cummings Skyway Extension Project. The committee accepted an oral report on this matter from staff. Julie Bueren, Public Works Dept., announced that agreement had been reached with Caltrans about their participation in the Cumming Skyway Extension Project. 4. Other matters for discussion or action. None. 5. Adjourn to the next meeting on March 17, 1997 at 10:30 A.M. The committee meeting adjourned at 11:50 A.M. to the next meeting on March 17, 1997. • This record of meeting is provided pursuant to Better Government Ordinance 95-6, Article 25-2.205(d) of the Contra Costa County Ordinance Code. Ne:Jlgoducn am veme 4,,* �s _ s Cd 0 v r PO Box 132 Crockett CA 94525 s',nce 1911 TO: THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE FROM: Kent Peterson, C. I.A. Traffic Committee Chair SUBJECT: CARQUINEZ BRIDGE PROJECT EIS DATE: March 2, 1997 The draft comment letter from the County which is now being reviewed is very supportive of Crockett. It should help Crockett to better survive the enormous impacts of the replacement bridge project. Thank you! - I concur with all of the comments which are made in your draft letter. I would, however, appreciate your consideration of some additional wording, as follows: Para. 5, bullet 3 : Add a specific reference to the 1958 Retrofit Project which is to begin this year and is scheduled to overlap the replacement bridge project by 6-8 months. We need help in obtaining mitigations for the substantial cumulative impacts of the two projects. Para. 5, bullet 4: Add language to address public safety issues which underlie the existing prohibition of loaded trucks north- bound on Crockett Blvd. Caltrans would unwittingly create a hazardous traffic situation if not made to understand the dangers of the intended rerouting of truck traffic. Para. 5: Add another bullet to Provide an access and parking plan for customers and users of the Crockett shoreline and water- related businesses, including fishermen and boaters, the Crockett marina, Nantucket Restaurant, Crockett Stripped Bass Club and Sea Scout Base. Para. 6, bullet 9: Add a request for commitment to monthly meetings with a community advisory panel to facilitate communications between the public, Caltrans and Contractor. Para. 7, bullet 1: Add a reference to cumulative impacts of the 1958 Retrofit Project in particular. Strengthen support for Crockett by suggesting the "such a reassessment may conclude that the Wanda Street Bypass is a necessary mitigation measure which should be constructed prior to the replacement bridge Project" . SPEAKER CARD Contra Costa County Community Development Department If you are interested in speaking on an agenda item, please complete this form with your,name and address, and include the agenda item number to which you are going to speak. Leave the completed form at the lectern. This is not a public hearing. No minutes will be prepared for this meeting. This Speaker Card will serve as the only record of your statement. Any discussion or action by the committee will.be incorporated into the committee's report to the Board of Supervisors. Item Nu3ber on Agenda: -- Date. ` �1 Name: Address: City Number: Telephone Number (Optional): --SPEAKER CARD Contra Costa County Community Development Department If you are interested in speaking on an agenda item, please complete this form with your name and address, and include the agenda item number to which you are going to speak. Leave the completed form at the lectern. This is not a public hearing. No minutes will be prepared for this meeting. This Speaker Card will serve as the only record of your statement. Any discussion or action by the committee will be incorporated into the committee's report to the Board of Supervisors. Item Number on Agenda: ? Date: 2 7 Name: ,r-ynpj Cs A OW Address:. 1 9 1 An Lp w i ki City Number: U6k Telephone Number (Optional):5/0 SPEAKER CARD Contra Costa County Community Development Department If you are interested in speaking on an agenda item, please complete this form with your name and address, and include the agenda item number to which you are going to speak. Leave the completed form at the lectern. This is not a public hearing. No minutes will be prepared for this meeting. This Speaker Card will serve as the only record of your statement. Any discussion or action by the committee will be incorporated into the committee's report to the Board of Supervisors. Item Number on Agenda: Date: Name: A t-r.+ Address: 6'0 451149W.CaN d9d u City Number: 6.2o eek-IT Telephone Number(Optional): 787-1,997 p= SPEAKER CARD Contra Costa County Community Development Department If you are interested in speaking on an agenda item, please complete this form with your name and address,and include the agenda item number to which you are going to speak. Leave the completed form at the lectern. This is not a public hearing. No minutes will be prepared for this meeting. This Speaker Card will serve as the only record of your statement. Any discussion or action by the committee will be incorporated into the committee's report to the Board of Supervisors. Item Number n Agenda: Date: 3 Name: �c ►C Address: 541,00 ee"N A City Number: e.{tacU4MT . CA Telephone Number (Optional): S YJ—`1�'t- c nn4 SPEAKER CARD Contra Costa County Community Development Department If you are interested in speaking on an agenda item, please complete this form with your name and address,and include the agenda item number to which you are going to speak. Leave the completed form at the lectern. This is not a public bearing. No minutes will be prepared.for this meeting. This Speaker Card will serve as the only record of your statement. Any discussion or action by the committee will be incorporated i into the committee's report to the Board of Supervisors. Item Number on Agenda: Name: t - `f"1� `I;T Address: EV-ST- AV,� City Number: '719 Telephone Number (Optional): - The Board of SupervisorsCentra Phil Batchelor a Clerk of the Board Costa and • County Administration Building county Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 n (510)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County Jim Rogers,1st District Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District ss L Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District .( .......... Joe Canciamilla,5th District ni s do Uy ST9 COUK� March 11, 1997 Ms. Susan Simpson, Chief Office of Environmental Planning,District 04 California Department of Transportation 111 Grand Avenue P.O. Box 23660 Oakland, CA 94623-0660 SUBJECT: Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Statutory Exemption I-80/Carquinez Bridge Project Dear Ms. Simpson: Thank you for the opportunity to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the I- 80/Carquinez Bridge Project. On behalf of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, I want to express our commitment to work with Caltrans toward timely completion of a project to either replace or retrofit the westbound I-80 crossing of the Carquinez Strait that meets the current seismic and safety standards. We offer the following comments on the draft environmental document: 1. Support for Alternative Three,Replacement of 1927 Bridge Structure on a Western Alignment Project Alternatives, Chapter 21: It is noted in the document that a retrofit of the existing 1927 bridge is a less than desirable alternative because the bridge structure is approaching the end of its useful life and under a retrofit scenario the state would incur significantly higher annual maintenance costs for the 1927 bridge. Based on these facts,we concur that the retrofit alternative is less than desirable, and,therefore, support replacement of the 1927 bridge with a new structure on a western alignment. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Two We acknowledge that while there would be significant impacts associated with Project Alternative Three: Replacement of 1927 Bridge Structure on a Western Alignment, in the long term this alternative has the least negative environmental impacts on the Crockett community compared to the other bridge replacement alternatives considered. 2. S=port for Local Access Option"C"(Project Alternatives, Chapter 2,pages 2-15 to 2- 1 Based on the information provided in the document, we believe that Local Access Option "C": Rebuild Crockett Interchange and Extend Cummings Skyway offers the best access and circulation solution for the affected communities of Crockett and Rodeo under any of the bridge replacement alternatives considered. Our support for this option,however, is contingent upon Caltrans funding reconstruction of the Crockett Interchange and participating in funding of the Cummings Skyway extension. The construction of the Cummings Skyway extension will provide a critically needed link in the circulation system serving Crockett and Rodeo, and should be fully operational prior to construction of any the bridge replacement alternatives. 3. Replacement Bridge Design Options Project Alternatives. Chapter 2,pa e,, 2-12) At this time, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has no stated preference of the four replacement bridge design options presented in the document. We understand that the selection of a preferred design type for a bridge replacement will be based on several factors, including costs for construction and ongoing maintenance,construction process and techniques,placement of piers, and visual appearance. We do, however, reserve the right to comment on the preferred design for the bridge replacement when Caltrans makes its decision. 4. Visual Appearance/Aesthetics of Bridge Design Types Project Alternatives. Chapter 2. a e 2-12 Since the visual appearance will be subject to the selection of bridge design type,we believe that following this selection Caltrans should continue to engage the general public in the bridge design process. Continued public involvement is necessary so as to insure that the design features of the replacement bridge structure, including bulk, massing, lighting, and use of materials, is not only aesthetically pleasing but blend and harmonize with the natural setting of the Carquinez Strait. To the maximum extent possible,the new bridge design should conserve, enhance, and protect view corridors to the Carquinez Strait or San Pablo Bay for the surrounding neighborhoods. The area beneath the bridge, which includes the support structures, abutments, anchorages, and right-of-way, should be enhanced with design treatments,planting, and landscaping. Guidance for such mitigations is provided in the Contra Costa County General Plan policies related to Land Use (Policy No. 3-167) and Scenic Resources (Policy No. 9-h). Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Three 5. Traffic Impacts During Construction(Environmental Consequences and Miti ag tion Measures. Chapter 4.pages 4-73 to 4-78) The document on page 4-73 states that"construction activities associated with the replacement bridge alternatives would be of a longer duration, and would result in more disruptions to local and interchange traffic." Although it acknowledges that temporary ramp closures and detours on local Crockett streets will be necessary during construction, the document does not describe or elaborate on the measures necessary to mitigate these impacts during construction for any of the replacement or retrofit alternatives. We believe that Caltrans should immediately begin developing a comprehensive traffic management plan to mitigate traffic impacts during project construction. At a minimum, this traffic management plan should be prepared in consultation with the affected communities/agencies and address the following concerns: ► Identify specific road closures and detours and transit disruptions in Crockett and Rodeo related to the project's construction; ► Provide a schedule identifying time frame and duration of road closures and detours and interruption of transit service in Crockett and Rodeo; ► It is noted that the Town of Crockett will be subject to approximately five consecutive years of bridge-related construction activity for both the 1958 bridge retrofit and 1927 bridge replacement, not to mention other nearby large-scale construction projects. It is,therefore, important to assess whether or not there are cumulative traffic impacts to Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo from other nearby large-scale projects, including the 1958 Bridge Retrofit Project, which would be under construction during the same time period as the bridge replacement project; ► Provide a detailed alternate truck route plan for both vehicles delivering project- related equipment and supplies and for vehicles delivering to local business and industries in the vicinity of Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo. Caltrans should be mindful that proposed alternate truck routes in the vicinity not create potentially hazardous traffic situations(e.g., existing prohibitions on loaded trucks northbound on Crockett Boulevard). Development of alternate truck routes should be prepared in consultation with the Contra Costa County Public Works Department and business and community representatives; Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Four ► Provide a detailed access route plan to and from Crockett,Port Costa,and Rodeo for emergency,police, fire,and ambulance vehicles during the construction period; ► Provide a plan for evacuation routes from Crockett,Port Costa, and Rodeo as a contingency measure in the event of a major incident which could occur during the construction period; ► Provide an access and parking plan for waterfront businesses,their customers, and other users of the Crockett shoreline, including fisherman and boaters,the Crockett marina,Nantucket Restaurant, Crockett Stripped Bass Club, and the Sea Scout Base; ► Describe how Caltrans and its contractors will keep residents and businesses in the vicinity of Crockett, Port Costa, and Rodeo regularly informed and updated about traffic related plans during the construction period for both 1958 bridge retrofit project and 1927 bridge replacement project. We recommend that Caltrans implement a public outreach program, similar to the public outreach effort conducted for the I-680/24 Interchange Project or I-80 HOV Project,that would include monthly project advisory meetings with the community. Contra Costa County is willing to assist Caltrans in facilitating project advisory meetings with the community. 6. Other Impacts During Construction (Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures. Chapter 4. pages 4-78 to 4-841 In reference to mitigating construction-related air quality, noise,vibration,visual, water resource, safety, and hazardous material impacts,the document only refers to best management practices,as specified in Caltrans' Standard Specification, to mitigate such impacts. The document does not adequately describe the specific construction standards or specifications that Caltrans intends to use to mitigate these acknowledged impacts. We recommend that Caltrans prepare a construction management plan to address construction-related air quality,noise, vibration,visual,water resource, safety, and hazardous material impacts during construction. At a minimum,this plan should be prepared in consultation with the affected communities/agencies and address the following concerns: ► Identify sites for construction staging,parking for construction vehicles and workforce, and material handling(e.g.,building materiels, soils, and debris); Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Five ► Provide a schedule identifying time frame and duration of construction activities; ► Commit to concentrating activities during hours of the day that are not noise- sensitive to adjacent land uses and generally limit disruptive activities to weekday hours between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; ► Describe procedures to reduce impacts from nighttime construction activities, including efforts to minimize lighting glare,noise, and vibration on nearby residences and businesses; ► Describe procedures to abate construction-related noise, vibration, dust, and erosion impacts, and abatement of graffiti at construction sites; ► Describe procedures for excavating, stockpiling, and hauling hazardous materials during construction; ► Describe procedures to restore reduced or lost utilities during construction; ► Describe how Caltrans will replace in kind the road pavement in the vicinity of Crockett damaged during the construction period due construction-related traffic or traffic detours; ► Identify Caltrans or contractor personnel who'll respond to citizen questions and/or complaints about construction-related activities; ► Describe how Caltrans and its contractors will keep residents and businesses in the vicinity of Crockett, Port Costa and Rodeo regularly noticed, informed, and updated on construction activities and potential disruptions to the communities during the construction period for both retrofit of the 1958 structure and replacement of the 1927 structure. As recommended in comment# 5, Caltrans should implement a public outreach program, similar to the public outreach effort conducted for the I-680/24 Interchange Project or I-80 HOV Project,that would include monthly project advisory meetings with the community. Contra Costa County is willing to assist Caltrans in facilitating project advisory meetings with the community. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Six 7. Mitigation of Noise and Vibration Impacts(Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures. Chapter 4,pages 4-40 to 4-41) The document indicates that sound abatement for the rebuilt Crockett Interchange(Local Access Option C) is complicated due to the existing elevated structure and the surrounding topography. This makes it difficult to add sound walls to the rebuilt Crockett Interchange. We recommend that Caltrans consider incorporating into the project design for the rebuilt interchange and bridge replacement structure other sound and vibration attenuation measures or techniques to reduce noise and vibration impacts to Crockett. Such measures could include special paving and deck treatment,use of expansion joints, modified railing height, etc. 8. Access and Circulation Impacts Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures. Chapter 4 ► Proposed Wanda Street Bypass (page 4-26): The document states that the proposed Wanda Street Bypass, intended to reroute truck traffic from local residential and commercial streets to a new roadway,would mitigate problems that currently exist,not bridge project-related impacts. However,the document does not adequately substantiate that construction-related traffic or traffic detours will not create cumulative air quality,noise, dust, safety,or congestion impacts without the proposed Wanda Street Bypass. Caltrans should reassess its position that the proposed Wanda Street Bypass not be considered as mitigation measure based on a review of the cumulative impacts of background truck traffic in Crockett and construction-related traffic, detours,noise, dust, and safety impacts. Such a reassessment may conclude that the Wanda Street Bypass is a necessary mitigation measure,or,that an alternative mitigation measure is available,which should be constructed prior to the 1927 bridge replacement project. At a minimum, Caltrans should insure that the selected bridge replacement design will not preclude future development of the proposed Wanda Street Bypass. ► Pedestrian/Bicycle Access (pages 4-24 to 4-251: Each of the four bridge replacement alternatives described in the document includes the provision of a pedestrian/bicycle lane. Contra Costa County supports the pedestrian/bicycle lane as a critical element to the bridge design and encourages Caltrans to continue working with affected communities/agencies and user groups to enhance the landside approaches to the bridge's pedestrian/bicycle lane connections so that they are safe, convenient, and accessible. Further,we request that Caltrans consider widening the Cummings Skyway overcrossing on 1-80 to provide a better pedestrian/bicycle connection to the Cummings Skyway extension and the Bay Trail segment on San Pablo Avenue. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Seven ► Realignment of Vista Del Rio (page 2-8. Figure 2.4-1d): The bridge replacement project would result in a realignment of Vista Del Rio, it should be designed in accordance with local design standards based on consultation with the Contra Costa.County Public Works Department. ► Cummings Sk Agy Interchange Overcrossing and Ramp Design(page 2-8: Figure 2.4-1b : Caltrans should evaluate the need to improve the design of Cummings Skyway Interchange overcrossing and ramps. Due to potential reroute of more truck traffic through the interchange with the extension of Cummings Skyway to San Pablo Avenue, both the interchange's freeway ramps and overcrossing may need more lane width and turning radii to accommodate truck turning movements (also see comment above about widening overcrossing to provide a pedestrian/bicycle connection). ► Accommodation of Future Rail Transit(page S-5): It is our understanding that Caltrans has most recently identified a cost-effective approach that would allow for a new Carquinez Bridge to carry rail transit in the future. This design approach, at very minimal cost,would accommodate on the new bridge a future 4- car light rail service, on one track. Contra Costa County supports this approach and believes that it adequately addresses the need to preserve an option for a rail transit link across the Carquinez Strait to Solano County. ► Electronic Toll Collection(pa eg 1-8): To the extent technically and operationally feasible, Contra Costa County supports inclusion of electronic toll collection as part of the Carquinez Bridge Project. ► I-80 HOV Lane Gap Closure(page 4-18): The environmental document needs to include additional information on the operation of the freeway with construction of the project. It is not clear from the document whether or not the I-80 HOV Lane component to the bridge replacement project will become operational when the project is completed. If the HOV lane is opened after completion of the bridge, the impacts of westbound vehicles moving from the HOV lane to the three available mixed flow lanes south of Cummings Skyway needs to be evaluated. The speed differential between vehicles using the HOV lane and vehicles.using mixed flow lanes may create unacceptable impacts on operations for the Carquinez Bridge. Furthermore,the impact of queuing in the westbound mixed flow lanes from the bottleneck on I-80 at the State Route 4 Interchange needs to be evaluated. This queue may significantly degrade operations on the bridge during the A.M. peak period. Caltrans may need to consider as a mitigation the extension of the project's westbound HOV lane to connect with the I-80 HOV lanes presently under construction south of State Route 4. Ltr.to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Eight Contra Costa County is concerned about the change in the project's southerly limit to Cummings Skyway. The Notice of Preparation(N.O.P.)for the Carquienez Bridge DEIS,issued on December 7, 1992, stated that . . . "the project limits will include 1-80 between State Route 4 in Contra Costa County and Interstate 780 in Solano County." Contra Costa County's response to the N.O.P. supported this project description because it was consistent with the northerly limits of the 1-80 HOV Project. Contra Costa County disagrees with the footnote on page 2-29 in the DEIS which states that Regional Measure One funds cannot be used to extend the 1-80 HOV lanes south to the I-80/State Route 4 Interchange. Such a statement is not only inconsistent with the N.O.P. issued by Caltrans,but it is also inconsistent with Caltrans' own findings in a 1992 Supplemental Project Study Report for the Carquinez Bridge(see page 16, Supplemental PSR for Carquinez Bridge, dated 8/13/92)and a report prepared by Caltrans to the State Legislature on Regional Measure One projects. These documents anticipated that Regional Measure One funds would be used to extend the 1-80 HOV lanes from the Carquinez Bridge to the I-80/State Route 4 Interchange. 9. Mitigate Effects of Removing 1927 Bridge,Historical/Cultural Resources (Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures, Chapter 4. page 4-61: Impacts on Section 4(f) Properties, Chapter 7.page 7-9) Should Caltrans determine that the 1927 bridge cannot be preserved and must be removed,the State should use every effort to salvage architectural elements of the bridge given the acknowledged historic significance of the 1927 structure. We further suggest that salvaged architectural elements of the bridge be used for a commerative plaque which could be incorporated into a view point or vista as recommended in the Bay Conservation and Development Commission's San Francisco Bay Plan. A view point or vista which includes remnants from the bridge could help mitigate the adverse impact resulting from removal of the 1927 structure which has been determined to have historic significance under National Register criteria. 10. Surplus Right-of-my Created with Removal of the 1927 Bridge - The environmental document does not discuss the potential impact that removal of the 1927 Bridge will have in creating surplus right-of-way in the locations where the existing bridge's columns and support structures are presently located. If removal of the 1927 Bridge results in surplus right-of-way, Caltrans should identify how this surplus right-of- way would be used and maintained in the future. Contra Costa County is concerned about the potential blighting influences on the Crockett community from the surplus right-of-way. Use of this surplus right-of-way for public purposes should be considered. Ltr. to Susan Simpson 3/11/97 Page Nine 11. Impacts on the Communes from New Right-of-Way Occupied by Bridge Related Improvements The bridge replacement project will establish a new right-of-way footprint beneath the bridge deck for columns, abutements, anchorages, and other support structures. Caltrans should identify how this new right-of-way footprint would be used and maintained in the future. Contra Costa County is concerned about the potential blighting influences on the Crockett community from the new right-of-way footprint. Design of the project should address the opportunity to develop the new right-of-way, and the bridge's structures, abutements, and anchorages in a manner that enhances views, enriches the scenic quality of the area, and treats the bridge as a gateway into Contra Costa as called for in the County's General Plan. Contra Costa County appreciates the opportunity to comment on the I-80/Carquinez Bridge Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Statutory Exemption. We look forward to working with Caltrans staff and consultants on completing this vital project. Should you or your staff have any questions regarding Contra Costa County's comments,please contact Julie Bueren, Transportation Engineering Division, Contra Costa County Public Works Department, at(510) 313-2342, or, Steve Goetz, Transportation Planning Division, Contra Costa County Community Development Department, at(510) 335-1240. Sincerely, Vu4wAc Mark DeSaulnier, Chair Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors MD\PR\j:proch\wcctac\cazgdeis