HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2006-09-11 #O
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AGENDA REPORT
DATE:
September 11, 2006
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU:
John B. Bahorski, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Vukojevic, Public Works Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT:
COLLEGE PARK WEST EMERGENCY ACCESS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The proposed City Council action will direct staff to work with Caltrans for the emergency
access permits.
BACKGROUND:
The College Park West neighborhood has submitted a neighborhood petition requesting an
additional emergency access to College Park West. College Park West, which is a part of
Council District Two is surrounded by the San Gabriel River to the west, the 1-405 freeway to
the north, I-60S freeway to the east and the SR-22 freeway to the south. There is only one
official entrance to that neighborhood via a bridge over the San Gabriel River. The residents are
concerned about emergency access should the bridge fail.
Residents and businesses are reminded that the City of Seal Beach lies within a coastal zone and
a seismically active area. Areas immediately adjacent to the ocean, rivers, or drainage channels,
subsequently, have the greatest potential for flooding and/or liquefaction. As seen in most major
natural disaster/catastrophic events throughout history, emergency response could be delayed up
to several days depending on the severity. It is always important that residents are self-reliant
with supplies and a family disaster plan until help can arrive.
Staff has researched the College Parle West area,and found three alternative emergency access
points that could be used in an emergency. Others are also possible, but require extensive
construction and/ar special equipment. Two of the emergency access points are possible in
Caltrans Right of-Way behind the old basketball courts at College Park Drive and Loyola Plaza.
The City will apply for the emergency access Caltrans permits for this area so landsclqling can be
cleared and a temporary drive aisle can be constructed. There are issues associated with these
locations. They lead directly onto the 22-freeway on-ramp with limited sight clearance and high
vehicle speeds and permitting may be difficult for Caltrans. However, in the event of an
emergency, this area can still be cleared and used quickly.
AGENDA ITEM--'L-
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The other emergency access option is use of the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail can provide
emergency access to the neighborhood including vehicles and pedestrians. However, the issue is
that the trail can only accommodate one-way traffic.
The Public Works Department is also working with the City of Long Beach and the County of
Los Angeles to seismically upgrade the College Park Drive Bridge over the San Gabriel River.
Plans have been completed by the County and the City will work with them to expedite this
project as best as possible. The Public Works Department will also meet with the Police
Department and the Fire Authority to develop infounation for distribution to College Park West
residents regarding emergency access.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no General Fund fiscal impact associated with this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council direct staff to work with Caltrans for the emergency access
permits.
. Prepared By:
?fI~
Mark ukojevic, Professional Engineer
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Attachment: College Park West Emergency Access Site Plan
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