To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
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APPROVE A COOPERATIVE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE MANHATTAN BEACH BOULEVARD TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since 1995, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works’ (LACDPW) Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (TSSP) has aimed to improve mobility along corridors throughout the County, often spanning multiple jurisdictions. A typical TSSP project consists of upgrading traffic signals along a corridor to current standards, implementing best practice signal timing, and improving signal coordination. While cities like Redondo Beach could also construct these improvements themselves, the TSSP Program provides efficiencies of scale, and allows access to the breadth and depth of LACDPW’s expertise. This results in a lower cost share for cities and the ability to more easily perform improvements across jurisdictions.
Several TSSP corridors exist in Redondo Beach where LACDPW maintains traffic signal timing. In mid-2026, LACDPW is expected to begin construction of the Manhattan Beach Boulevard (MBB) TSSP Project. As part of the Project, the City is required to provide a local match of $212,500, roughly 15% of the total estimated cost to construct the planned traffic signal improvements along MBB in Redondo Beach. Funding for this match is available in the City’s Citywide Traffic Signal Replacement and Repair Project No. 41200. Approval of the Cooperative Funding Agreement is required to ensure that the Project can proceed through construction.
BACKGROUND
The MBB TSPP project consists of various traffic signal upgrades along MBB within Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Lawndale, unincorporated El Camino Village, and Gardena. Signalized intersections are expected to receive new controllers, cabling, cabinets, video detection, pedestrian push buttons, ADA ramps, signal heads, signal timing, and other improvements. In particular, the project would partially address inefficient traffic signal operations at the MBB/Vail/Redondo Beach Avenue intersection by allowing greater signal phasing flexibility. City engineering staff have been working with their LACDPW counterparts and the project’s consultant on the plans and specifications for the MBB TSSP Project. LACDPW is currently managing the Project, and is expected to continue doing so through construction, which would relieve additional workload on the City’s busy traffic engineering staff.
The total cost of the Project across all jurisdictions along the MBB TSSP corridor is expected to be $3,013,800, of which a part will be paid by a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) grant administered by LACDPW. Work within Redondo Beach is expected to cost $1,462,000, of which the City is responsible for $212,500 after deducting LACDPW’s share and a portion of the Metro grant. Approval of the Cooperative Funding Agreement is necessary to ensure that the project can be constructed by LACDPW.
Multiple versions of the Agreement were proposed between the City Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles County counsel. While some gains were made by the City Attorney’s Office, the recommended Agreement contains indemnity language that falls short of the typical City thresholds. Despite this, staff recommends approving the Agreement as there are no alternative vendors or methods to perform these improvements and the proposed Agreement is largely mirrors what has been submitted to the other participating agencies. The value of the Project to the tens of thousands of daily motorists using the MBB corridor is substantial and some shift of risk to the City is warranted to achieve the Project’s benefit and to leverage minimal City expense.
COORDINATION
This report was prepared by the Public Works Department. Communications were held between City staff and the LACDPW. The City Attorney’s Office shared their comments and concerns regarding the proposed Cooperative Funding Agreement with Los Angeles County counsel.
FISCAL IMPACT
The TSSP Project improvements in Redondo Beach have an estimated value of $1,462,000. The City’s share of the Project cost is $212,500. Funding for the City’s share is available in the Citywide Traffic Signal Replacement and Repair Project No. 41200. The balance of the Project costs will be paid by Los Angeles County through regional grant funds.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Agmt - Cooperative Funding Agreement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works