PHASE 1:
Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Approval »
During the Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Approval Phase of the Parkway Interchange Project, the City and its consultant team looked at various types of interchange configurations to determine the most feasible design with regards to traffic demand and right-of-way availability. Multiple interchange concept designs were analyzed to determine which concept would move forward to final design.
Analysis began with eight conceptual interchange options for the project. During analysis and with community input, eight concepts were then narrowed down two three. Studies conducted have included survey and topographic mapping, geometric drawings, right-of-way and utility assessments, traffic operational analysis, and a Project Study Report (PSR) as required by Caltrans. During the PSR phase, Caltrans eliminated two alternatives and approved one concept to move forward into environmental analysis due to safety concerns. The PSR summarizes engineering data, schedule and financial information regarding the proposed interchange configurations. Once Caltrans approved the PSR in May 2007, the
Project Team began work to complete the administrative draft of the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The environmental document was originally slated to be circulated to the public in spring 2008, however was delayed to allow time to re-evaluate the traffic forecasting and operations anaylsis based on the revised SACOG Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) forecasting. The environmental document will be circulated to the public and then finalized and approved by City Council.
During Phase I, the City has initiated a collaborative outreach effort that has included inter-agency coordination, public participation, key stakeholder meetings and development of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The City hosted two large Public Open Houses in July 2005 and June 2007 to gather initial input on the early concept options and to provide a project update on the Project Study Report. During the formal review of the Draft EIR as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Public will be asked to provide comments on the draft document for inclusion in the Final EIR.
