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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
Department of Public Works
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DATE:
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November 6, 2009
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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December 1, 2009
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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James C. Porter, Director of Public Works
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SUBJECT:
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Authorizing Los Banos Avenue To Be Closed To Through Traffic between Park Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Seal Cove, Half Moon Bay Area
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing Los Banos Avenue to be closed to through traffic between Park Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Seal Cove, Half Moon Bay area.
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BACKGROUND:
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California Streets and Highways Code Section 942.5 allows the Board of Supervisors to restrict the use of, or close, any county highway whenever the Board considers such closing or restriction of use necessary: (a) For the protection of the public; (b) For the protection of such county highway from damage during storms; (c) During construction, improvement or maintenance operations thereon. No liability shall attach to the county, or to the board of supervisors, for the restriction of use, or closing, of any county highway for the above public purposes.
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In 1995, the Department closed Ocean Boulevard between Los Banos and San Lucas Avenues after the roadway deteriorated and partially collapsed due to storm and seismic activity. Your Board directed the Department to repair and reopen Ocean Boulevard in 1997.
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In April 2006, Ocean Boulevard was again closed between Los Banos Avenue and San Lucas Avenue after winter storm activity left the road unsafe for vehicular traffic.
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DISCUSSION:
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Active landslides in the area continue to move earth that is underlying roadways near this section of Ocean Boulevard. As a result, Park Avenue and Beach Way have severe uneven road surfaces that are no longer safe for normal traffic movements. Currently, temporary road closure signs are located on barricades at the intersections of Los Banos Avenue with Park Avenue and Ocean Boulevard.
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Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely close the road as Park Avenue and Beach Way provide the only access to one restaurant and two homes. Therefore staff recommends installing warning signs to notify the public of these unusual conditions and to restrict through traffic on the subject section of Los Banos Avenue until a more permanent solution can be implemented. A map of the subject area and photos are provided in Attachment “A”.
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Property owners on adjacent blocks extending a minimum of 300 feet from the proposed sign locations were notified of the date and time of the Board’s meeting when this item will be considered. In addition, the local community group Midcoast Community Council was likewise notified. A summary of the public input we received regarding this issue is included in Attachment “A.”
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The location of signs on County maintained streets are currently shown on maps in the Department of Public Works, and will be made available in list form on the Department’s web site. The master lists will be updated to reflect the recommended changes if your Board approves the proposed resolution.
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Approval of this resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by increasing traffic safety in the neighborhood. Closing Los Banos Avenue to through traffic between Ocean Boulevard and Park Avenue will restrict most drivers from using the deteriorating and potentially unsafe road.
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County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The cost for staff time involved in evaluating and processing requests for traffic regulations is part of the administrative cost associated with evaluating traffic-related requests involving the County maintained road system, and is financed with Road Funds. The cost of placing the seven signs on five posts is approximately $1,450. The cost of the signs will be financed with Road Funds. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
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Attachment:
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Attachment “A” – Map of Proposed Traffic Control Device Locations, Photos, and Public Input Summary
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