To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE SCOPE OF WORK FOR CALTRANS' PCH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT PALOS VERDES BOULEVARD
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Caltrans will soon begin pavement rehabilitation along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Redondo Beach, including significant improvements to the intersection at Palos Verdes Boulevard (PVB). A funded component of the Caltrans project includes installation of a dedicated right-turn lane on northbound PCH at PVB. The widening proposes to occupy space (currently sidewalk) that was dedicated as part of the Legado development at 1700 S PCH, now known/built as Eddy Redondo. The need for the right turn lane was based on traffic analysis performed a decade ago and in response to projected increases in traffic volume. More recent traffic studies have determined that the increase in vehicle traffic anticipated nearly ten years ago has not materialized. Additionally, the studies show that due to increased pedestrian traffic in the area, the intersection's operational performance will be negatively impacted (specifically longer wait times for north and south bound traffic along PCH) if the right turn lane is installed.
Staff now recommends that the right turn lane widening for the southern leg of the intersection be deleted from Caltrans' project scope. This recommendation is based on the conditions mentioned above, and the successful design of similar projects, community feedback, contemporary traffic safety practices, ADA requirements, and a comparative analysis of traffic volumes. Staff also recommends that the funds for the right turn lane work be redirected to other needed improvements along PCH within the City. These include the possible construction of tree wells in the south east quadrant of the PCH and PVB intersection and cross gutter repairs at various intersections along PCH between Knob Hill Avenu...
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