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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the submittal of two grant application to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) and requesting allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and authorizing the use of local matching funds. (John Wilson, Senior Engineer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of two grant application to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), requesting allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and authorizing the use of local matching funds.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program provides funding for projects that encourage and improve bicycling and walking conditions throughout San Mateo County. The program is administered locally by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) and supports capital projects, planning efforts, and programs that enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility for people walking and bicycling.
City staff have identified two strong candidates for the current call for projects: the Centennial Trail Active Transportation Safety and Rehabilitation Project, and the Orange Avenue Active Transportation Planning Study.
The Centennial Trail project will improve approximately 5,550 feet of the existing Centennial Trail shared-use path between Mission Road and Chestnut Avenue. The Centennial Trail is an important car-free corridor that runs north-south through the City and provides connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and civic facilities. The trail connects destinations including Orange Memorial Park, the Centennial Way Dog Park, South Skate Park & Bike Pump Track, the SSF Bart station, and the City’s Civic Campus, and serves as a low-stress alternative to nearby higher-traffic corridors such as El Camino Real.
The proposed project will rehabilitate the existing trail surface and improve safety and accessibility along the corridor. Planned improvements include trail resurfacing, stabilization of trail shoulders to increase usable width, drainage improvements to address erosion and localized flooding, upgraded crossings with raised crosswalks and accessibility improvements, installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at South Maple Avenue, improved pavement markings, and upgraded pathway lighting. These improvements will enhance safety, extend the life of the facility, and improve conditions for people walking and bicycling.
In addition to the Centennial Trail project, staff propose submitting a planning application to study improvements along Orange Avenue between El Camino Real and Grand Avenue. Orange Avenue serves as an important east-west connection linking Downtown South San Francisco with key community destinations including Orange Memorial Park, the recently constructed Aquatic Center, the Boys and Girls Club, nearby schools, and the Centennial Way Trail. Improving this corridor will strengthen connections between residential neighborhoods and these community resources while supporting safer walking and bicycling.
The City has previously conducted corridor-level analysis that identified preliminary improvement alternatives for Orange Avenue and other streets east of 101. However, additional work is needed to refine these concepts and advance the corridor to a grant-ready level of design. The proposed planning study will build upon the prior analysis by evaluating existing conditions, refining potential improvements, and developing conceptual design alternatives and cost estimates.
The study will include a robust public outreach process involving residents, schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure the recommended improvements reflect community priorities. The planning effort will complete project development and ultimately produce conceptual designs and implementation strategies that position the City to pursue future regional, state, and federal grant funding for construction of the recommended improvements.
Together, these projects represent a coordinated approach to improving active transportation infrastructure in South San Francisco by both delivering near-term safety improvements and advancing future multimodal corridor projects.
FISCAL IMPACT
The TDA Article 3 program provides funding for both capital projects and planning efforts and requires a minimum local match of 10 percent.
Staff estimate the total cost of the Centennial Trail Active Transportation Safety and Rehabilitation Project at approximately $1,000,000. Staff are requesting authorization to use up to $250,000 in Citywide Traffic Impact Fees as the local match to ensure the City can remain competitive for the grant and deliver the full scope of the project if funding is awarded.
Staff estimated the total cost of the Orange Avenue Active Transportation Planning Study at approximately $200,000. Staff are requesting authorization to use up to $20,000 in Citywide Traffic Impact Fees as the local match.
There is no fiscal impact to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget as Citywide Traffic Impact Fee funding is available through existing capital improvement program allocations and unallocated Citywide Traffic Impact Fees that may be used for this purpose. If the grant applications are successful, staff will return to the City Council as necessary for budget appropriation and project implementation.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan outcome of improved Quality of Life by maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports safe and convenient walking and bicycling for residents.
CONCLUSION
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of two grant applications to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), requesting allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and authorizing the use of local matching funds.
Attachment:
1. Centennial Trail Vicinity Map
2. Orange Ave Concept Alternative #1
3. Orange Ave Concept Alternative #2
4. West of 101 Complete Streets Study Report