Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutS4- Public Works CITY OF SAN BERN'IDINO - REQUEST Fr`R COUNCIL ACTION File No. 6.44 Authorization to Issue Request From: ROGER G. HARDGRAVE Subject: for Proposals & Purchase Order for Micro Computer Dept: Public Works Date: 2-5-93 Traffic Forecasting Model Synopsis of Previous Council action: June, 1992 -- Allocation of $150 , 000 approved in 1992/93 Budget for the 1/2� Sales Tax Fund. Recommended motion: 1 . That the Director of Public Works/City Engineer be authorized to issue Request for Proposals in connection with establishment of a City-wide Traffic Forecasting Model pursuant to the Conges- tion Management Program. cc : Shauna Clark Tim Steinhaus Barbara Dillon Signature Contact person: Roger G. Hardgrave Phone: 5025 Supporting data attached: Staff Report Ward: All FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: $150 , 000 (1/2� Sales Tax-Local Funds) Source: (Acct No.) 129-309-57734 Acct. Description) Congestion Management Model Finance: Council Notes: 7- 75-0262 Agenda Item No. °� CITY OF SAN BERN/ IDINO - REQUEST FCA COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 3 Both Caltrans and SCAG have conducted travel demand forecasting activities in the Southern California area since the early 1970 ' s . In 1984 , an effort was launched to model traffic demand in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (RIVSAN) . SANBAG is currently striving to complete a model for the Congestion Management Plan, based upon the most recent version of RIVSAN. While the regional and sub-regional models have their purposes , they cannot be detailed enough to meet the objectives of city land use elements or specific street improvement projects . Section 8 .F "TRANSPORTATION MODELING FOR THE CMP, " of the Congestion Management Plan, lists the following four functions that a traffic model for a local agency can provide: • Annual forecasting of or on the CMP network for facil- ity programming purposes . • Forecasting in conjunction with Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) reports . • Forecasting for specific corridor and subarea studies ( "congestion management master plans" ) . • Forecasting in association with the preparation of deficiency plans. Transportation modeling is a mathematical simulation of vehicle travel at a future date on existing or proposed street networks. It takes into consideration the socio-economic data input, such as population, housing, employment, retail , to fore- cast travel based on the principle of attraction between traffic generators and attractoos . Simply stated, the model divides the City into several hundred zones , and simulates the travel interaction not only between these zones , but also outside the City limits (inter- regional travel) . All travel is assigned to street network based on several factors , such as: travel time, street capacities , mode of travel , etc. Once the model is established, it requires constant update/maintenance effort (land use changes , development growth, traffic volume monitoring/updates) . The most common output derived from a transportation modeling process includes daily and peak volumes , intersection turning movement volumes, regional travel statistics, such as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) , and input data for air quality analysis models. 2-5-93 75-0264 CITY OF SAN BERNf q1DINO - REQUEST F"' g COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 3 Some useful application of model output includes trans- portation systems alternative analysis, land use alternative analysis - jobs/housing balance, general plan updates , developing an equitable traffic system fee and the development of trans- portation control measures (TCM) . A City traffic forecasting model will allow the impacts of a proposed development to be assessed. Also, the model can be used in updating the Circulation Element in the General Plan, and provide data for traffic studies in Redevelopment Project Areas. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) includes a requirement that projections of future traffic be provided in support of a project financed with funds allocated under this act. A traffic model can be operated by a consultant or City staff. In order to achieve consistency and quality control , we recommend that the model be set up, by a consultant and operated by -City staff. The consultant will load the program and train City staff on the operation of the model . We anticipate the consultant' s fee will be about $140 , 000 . Operation of a traffic forecasting model is a meticulous and time consuming process . Our best estimate of this time is that one full-time personnel will be needed. At least two additional personnel will be trained in the operation of the model to provide back-up and consistency. It is anticipated that an additional position of Civil Engineering Assistant III be needed to operate the model . It is expected that a high speed micro computer, with a large storage capacity and plotter, will be required to run the model. The cost of this equipment is estimated at $10 , 000 . An amount of $150 , 000 has been allocated, under Account No. 129-309-57734 , for the model. This amount will cover the estimated cost for the consultant and acquisition cost of the necessary hardware. The annual cost for a Civil Engineering Assistant III, at Step 1 , including variable benefits that rise with salary, is estimated to be $50 , 622 . It is proposed that the salary costs for this additional position be provided as follows: Economic Development Agency (1/2) - $23 , 628 Reimbursement of Costs by Consultants 10 , 000 Traffic Systems Fee Fund 13 , 628 Total Cost - Salary & Variable - $47 , 256 Benefits 2-5-93 75-0264 CITY OF SAN BERNA�DINO - REQUEST F0 COUNCIL ACTION , STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 3 Consultants will need traffic forecasting data in order to prepare traffic studies (or Traffic Impact Analysis) , for new developments . They will be able to produce this data on their own, or reimburse the Cite for the costs incurred in producing the data that they need for their studies . Most other cities within the surrounding area are in the process of acquiring traffic models . Any city without a model could be at a distinct disadvantage in a conflict resolution process with another local agency. The consultant services will be done in two phases , with the first being a needs assessment. Under this phase, the consultant will review the data available from our General Plan update , and GIS on the City' s main frame computer. The consultant will then make a recommendation on how available information can be used in developing the traffic model , the necessary hardware and personnel to operate the model . After the recommendations under Phase I have been approved, a Request for Proposals will be prepared and issued to qualified consultants . In conclusion, the City is not specifically required to have a traffic forecasting model . However, there appear to be some significant advantages to the City in having a model. Therefore, we recommend that authorization be granted to issue Requests for Proposals and a Purchase Order, and that the establishment of the additional position be approved. 2-5-93 75-0264