Adopt a Notice of Exemption as the appropriate level of environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regarding the County Road 102 Safety Improvements Project, authorize filing of a Notice of Exemption pursuant to Public Resources Code 21152(b); and approve the Project. (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Razo)

These actions will allow the County Road (CR) 102 Safety Improvements Project (Project) to move forward in the Preliminary Engineering (PE) phase, including preparing plans, specifications and estimates for Project construction. Completion of the PE phase will then allow County staff to request obligation of state funds for the Construction Phase.

Background

The CR 102 Safety Improvement Project (Project) is located along CR 102 from the Davis City limit to 3,110 feet North as shown on the Project location map (Attachment A). The Segment of CR 102 between Pole Line Rd and CR 29 was identified both through the County's Local Roads Safety Plan (LRSP) and an Engineering and Traffic Study performed for the CR 102 corridor, as one of the top safety priorities for the County. This segment of CR 102 ranked in the top 5 for high-incidence mid-block collision locations for the study period used in the LRSP. The project is well-traveled by a mix of local, commuter, recreational and commercial traffic.

Yolo County has implemented other safety countermeasures along the project limits. The County was awarded a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant in 2015 for a county-wide striping project to install enhanced reflective striping and retro-reflective raised pavement markers. The project was implemented in 2018 and since then collision history remains a concern along the project location. Accidents have increased despite the upgraded striping implemented with the HSIP grant in 2015.

In 2022, staff applied to HSIP cycle 11 and received a grant award of $783,540 with a 10% match of $87,060 for a total project cost of $807,600. The Project will implement safety improvements that include widening to 6-foot paved shoulders and installing centerline rumble strips, as well as application of a hot mix asphalt overlay to seal the road for the entire length of the Project. All work will be performed within the existing road right of way and utility relocation will not be needed. The additional width will accommodate a Class II bike lane on each side of CR 102 and will close the gap between the existing Class II bike path connecting the County, the City of Woodland, and the City of Davis.

The safety countermeasures selected (centerline rumble strips and widen shoulders) will help address observed collision factors such as improper turning, improper passing, driving under the influence (DUI) and unsafe speed.

County Planning staff reviewed the project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determined that it is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) (Class I: existing highways, streets, and similar facilities). The proposed Notice of Exemption is attached as Attachment B.

Caltrans
County Counsel
Department of Community Services, Planning Division