TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cash, Public Works Director
1. Subject
title
Approval of plans and specifications for Walnut Avenue at Orange Street Traffic Signal Installation and authorization to advertise for bids; and finding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption
body
2. Summary
Plans and specifications have been completed, and the project is ready to be advertised for bids. The total estimated construction cost, including 20% for contingencies and construction engineering, is $589,956.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
1. Approve the plans and specifications and authorize advertising for Bid No. 26-27.01 (SP-4301), Walnut Avenue at Orange Street Traffic Signal Installation.
2. Find that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines 15301 (Class 1(c) - Existing Facilities).
end
4. Fiscal Impact
No General Fund impact. The estimated construction cost is approximately $589,956, including contingencies and construction engineering. Chapman University is funding 100% of the project costs pursuant to the payment agreement approved by the City Council in November 2024.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 5: Improve Infrastructure, Mobility, and Technology
6. Discussion and Background
The success of Chapman University has contributed to increased activity at the Walnut Avenue and Orange Street intersection, especially during peak periods and special events. Chapman University’s (“Chapman”) Anderson Parking Structure (“Anderson”) takes direct vehicle access through the Walnut Avenue and Orange Street intersection. Specifically, the Anderson’s driveway comprises the intersection’s south “leg”. The Anderson is central to the Chapman Campus, serves thousands of commuter students daily, and is the primary parking facility for many athletic and special events.
In Fall 2023, Chapman proposed a new traffic signal at the Walnut and Orange intersection along with a proposal to fund its design and construction. To determine the appropriateness of a traffic signal at this location and ensure it would be operationally compatible with the existing traffic signal at the nearby Walnut Avenue and Glassell Street intersection, a focused traffic study was conducted in 2024. That study, funded by Chapman and administered by the City, indicated that a new traffic signal at the Walnut Avenue and Orange Street intersection was justified, could be expected to improve overall traffic flow and safety and, at the same time, be successfully programmed to work in tandem with the Walnut Avenue and Glassell Street signal.
The total project cost estimate is $589,956, including 20% for contingencies and construction engineering. At the time bids are received and actual bid prices are known, staff may request additional appropriations as needed to award the contract. Chapman University is fully funding all project phases through a payment agreement approved by City Council in November 2024.
Installation of the new traffic signal poles and associated hardware is expected to start in June 2027 due to long lead times for pole procurement. While waiting for the signal poles, certain construction activities may take place to maximize efficiency in project delivery. Furthermore, to minimize disruption to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the Chapman University Fall and Spring semesters, construction work will be planned for weekends and periods of school recess.
After traffic signal poles are delivered, the project is expected to be complete within 45 calendar days. Specifications and cost estimates are available for review in the Public Works Department.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Categorical Exemption: The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines 15301 (Class 1) because the project consists of the installation of a new traffic signal and related minor improvements within an existing public right-of-way, involving negligible or no expansion of existing roadway use. No public review is required.
8. ATTACHMENTS
• Location Map