|
DATE: |
February 11, 2026 |
01 |
SUBJECT
Title
ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS IN THE ROAD FUND, ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNALIZATION, AND AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT AND AWARD OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THREE TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY AND CEQA FINDING (DISTRICTS: 2 & 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
County of San Diego (County) staff regularly conduct review of road segments and intersections that do not currently have traffic signals. The Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) evaluates intersections and provides recommendations to the Board of Supervisors (Board) based on increased traffic volumes and traffic accident collision data, input from Department of Public Works (DPW) staff, and support from the associated Community Planning and Sponsor Groups. If the Board approves the TAC’s recommendations, intersections are added to the Traffic Signal List (List). The List is reevaluated annually, and projects are implemented as funding is identified. The following three intersections were approved by the Board to be added to the unfunded List on the dates noted below:
1. Lake Jennings Park Rd & El Monte-Julian Ave, Lakeside (District 2) - March 24, 2020
2. Mission Rd & Santa Margarita Dr, Fallbrook (District 5) - April 6, 2011
3. Mission Rd & Pepper Tree Ln, Fallbrook (District 5) - October 20, 2010
The California Vehicle Code requires adoption of a resolution by the Board of Supervisors to add intersections to the Resolution Relating to the Establishment of Signalized Intersections in the County of San Diego (Traffic Resolution No. 303), which allows enforcement of the intersection controls once operational. Today’s action includes the adoption of the required resolution for the three intersections. It also includes a request to establish additional appropriations from the Road Fund fund balance of $4,200,000 in the current year spending plan for the three traffic signal projects: 1) Mission Road and Pepper Tree Lane in the amount of $1,200,000; 2) Lake Jennings Park Road and El Monte Road-Julian Avenue in the amount of $1,500,000; and 3) Mission Road and Santa Margarita Drive in the amount of $1,500,000, and to approve the advertisement and award of a construction contract for all three signals.
The designs for the intersections are in final design and will be advertised for construction in the Summer of 2026. If approved, construction will begin Fall 2026 and is estimated to be complete by Spring 2027. The three identified intersections being considered today are collectively referred to as the 2026 Three Traffic Signals Project (Project) and all are on the County of San Diego - Traffic Signal List.
This is a request to approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract for the Project. The estimated total project cost for the three intersections is $4,739,500, including a 20% contingency for unforeseen conditions that may arise during construction. The funding source is the existing prior year available Road Fund fund balance ($1,060,000), current year Road Fund fund balance ($3,678,388) and Intersection Improvement Fee Program ($1,112).
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find in accordance with Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines that the proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA review because it involves the repair and maintenance of an existing public facility involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.
2. Establish appropriations of $4,200,000 in the Department of Public Works Road Fund, Services and Supplies, for the design and construction of the Mission Road and Pepper Tree Lane traffic signal project, Mission Road and Santa Margarita traffic signal project and Lake Jenning Park Road and El Monte/Julian Avenue traffic signal project based on available prior year Road Fund fund balance ($802,612) and current year Road Fund fund balance ($3,397,388). (4 VOTES)
3. Authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to advertise and award a construction contract and to take any action authorized by Section 401, et seq. of the Administrative Code, with respect to contracting for the 2026 Three Traffic Signals Project.
4. Designate the Director, Department of Public Works, as County Officer responsible for administering the construction contract, in accordance with Board Policy F-41, Public Works Construction Projects.
5. Adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION AMENDING TRAFFIC RESOLUTION NO. 303 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
DPW conducts routine inspections of facilities and roadways and relies on various community engagement methods such as the Tell Us Now! mobile app and toll-free hotlines to intake reports of safety concerns. To ensure that underserved populations are prioritized, DPW evaluates and identifies vulnerable populations, using data from the Healthy Places Index (HPI), CalEnviroScreen, San Diego Live Well communities, Environmental Justice Communities, and other County data sources during the review of traffic signals, roadways, and street crossings. The review of traffic signals, roadways, and street crossings supports vehicle and pedestrian safety on all County-maintained roads.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are partially included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operational Plan in the Department of Public Works (DPW) Road Fund. If approved, this request will result in additional costs and revenue of $4,200,000 related to Recommendation 2, for an estimated total project cost of $4,739,500 for design and construction cost of the three intersections and 20% contingency, based on risk evaluations for unforeseen conditions during construction. The funding sources are available prior year Road Fund fund balance ($1,060,000), current year Road Fund fund balance ($3,678,388) and Intersection Improvement Fee Program ($1,112). There will be no change in net General Fund costs and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
This project will improve the condition of the road which will facilitate the transit of goods and ease movement to jobs, schools, shopping and other services. County of San Diego construction contracts are also publicly advertised and competitively bid and help stimulate the local economy. All workers employed on public works projects must be paid prevailing wages determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations, according to the type of work and location of the project. Construction is administered in conformance with federal standards for labor practices, wage requirements, safety standards, the County of San Diego’s Working Families Ordinance and are subject to ongoing reporting and verification of compliance with these federal provisions
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed actions have social, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability benefits. The Traffic Advisory Committee has made addressing sustainability a top priority by partnering with local communities and industry leaders in a public forum every two months to find timely, reasonable, and cost-effective in-road traffic solutions that reduce costly traffic delays, mitigate vehicle idling to reduce emissions, improve fire response times and regional readiness, and ensure justice in enforcement of traffic regulations
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
1. Lake Jennings Park Rd & El Monte Rd-Julian Ave, Lakeside (District 2)
The Lakeside Community Planning Group was provided with the opportunity to review this item and did not comment at the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC).
2. Mission Rd & Santa Margarita Dr, Fallbrook (District 5)
A representative from the Fallbrook Community Planning Group expressed support for placing the intersection of Mission Road and Santa Margarita Drive on the County’s Traffic Signal List. This is consistent with the TAC recommendation.
3. Mission Rd & Pepper Tree Ln, Fallbrook (District 5)
The Fallbrook Community Planning Group expressed support for placing the intersection of Mission Road and Pepper Tree Lane on the County’s Traffic Signal List and that construction should occur when development and traffic circulation in the area warrant construction. This is consistent with the TAC recommendation as the TAC confirmed that the intersection meets four of the eight warrants for a traffic signal.
BACKGROUND
The County of San Diego’s (County) Department of Public Works (DPW) operates a traffic engineering program that includes services such as establishing all traffic regulations, operating, and maintaining traffic signals and streetlights, issuing traffic control and special event permits, and addressing traffic-related customer service concerns. Within the traffic engineering program, members of the public and other agencies can make requests or recommendations for transportation needs within the unincorporated areas of the county. Requests or recommendations such as changes to traffic control, speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, or parking regulations require the Board of Supervisors (Board) direction.
The Board established the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) in the 1960s as an aid in providing uniform traffic regulations throughout the unincorporated region. The goal of the TAC is to provide the unincorporated communities of the county with a road system that strives to enhance safety and reduce congestion. To accomplish this, traffic policies are established to provide people using the road system with consistent and uniform regulations. To be effective, these policies are designed to be legally enforceable so that the motorists will comply.
The TAC is composed of 17 representatives from different agencies including five members-at-large appointed by the Board, one representing each supervisorial district. The members-at-large typically have an interest in transportation planning or engineering issues. Represented agencies also include the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Highway Patrol, Insurance Brokers and Agents of San Diego, Pacific Safety Center, County Office of Education, San Diego Bicycle Coalition, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego County Fire Authority, and DPW. Agenda items are posted online, emailed through an interested person’s distribution list, and sent to Community Planning and Sponsor Groups prior to the scheduled meeting.
The TAC meets every eight weeks to review traffic control requests, such as speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and parking regulations, submitted by any member of the community, Community Planning and Sponsor Groups, County staff, or other agencies. Upon receipt of a request for traffic regulation, the TAC reviews and investigates the requested item by gathering and analyzing information such as photographs, prevailing speeds, traffic volume, collision reports, and public testimony. The TAC investigates the request from the perspective of traffic engineers, motorists, bicyclists, law enforcement, school officials, auto insurance representatives, and the general public. After reviewing the data and discussing alternatives, the TAC submits a recommendation to the Board based upon traffic engineering principles, the California Vehicle Code, and driver expectations. The Board then makes the final decision as to what action will be taken. Following a review of TAC recommendations, the Board approved the placement of the following three intersections onto the Traffic Signal List for future installation:
1. Lake Jennings Park Rd & El Monte Rd-Julian Ave, Lakeside (District 2) - March 24, 2020
2. Mission Rd & Santa Margarita Dr, Fallbrook (District 5) - April 6, 2011
3. Mission Rd & Pepper Tree Ln, Fallbrook (District 5) - October 20, 2010
Prior to the start of construction, project notifications will be provided with a statement in each of the threshold languages referring readers to a webpage with the associated notification where translation can be generated in all threshold languages. A QR code will make webpage access quick and easy for the public. Notification methods such as mailers, doorknob hangers, social media postings, and signage will be provided to residents and businesses in the vicinity of the construction activities. The notifications will describe the nature of the project, construction, traffic control devices such as cones, signage, and flaggers will be used to provide safe pedestrian and vehicular access. County representatives will be on-site throughout the duration of the project and will be available to respond to any project-related inquiries from the public.
In accordance with the California Vehicle Code, the Board must adopt a resolution to formally add intersections to Traffic Resolution No. 303 Relating to the Establishment of Signalized Intersections in the County of San Diego (Traffic Resolution No. 303) before enforcement of the new intersection improvements and traffic signals can be commenced. Today’s actions include adoption of the required resolution for the three identified intersections and approval for the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Project. The estimated project cost for the three intersections is $4,739,500, including a 20% contingency for unforeseen conditions that may arise during construction. The funding source is the existing prior year available Road Fund fund balance ($1,060,000), current year Road Fund fund balance ($3,678,388) and Intersection Improvement Fee Program ($1,112). Included with the action is a request to approve the necessary appropriation to fund the project.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Section 15301 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines exempts from CEQA review the “operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.” The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of use. The proposed improvements at the three intersections would consist of replacement and/or installation of new traffic signals, pedestrian ramps, continental crosswalks, and traffic operational improvements along the existing County-maintained roadways. The goal of the project is to increase vehicular and pedestrian safety by facilitating existing vehicle and pedestrian movement through the intersections and roadway segments. Therefore, the project is categorically exempt in accordance with Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves the minor alteration of existing public roadways involving negligible or no expansion of existing use.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action to approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract for three traffic signals supports the Community Quality of Life Initiative in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan with the objective of providing services that enhance communities through increasing the well-being of our residents and our environments. Today’s requested action fulfills this initiative by improving the opportunity for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to interact safely with the roadway and each other.
Respectfully submitted,
Dahvia lynch
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Vicinity Maps
B. Traffic Signal List and Timelines
C. Resolution