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7.A Page 82 ATTACHMENT 6 a I7l: i'1R & PEERS TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS MEMORANDUM Date: September 27,2010 To: Tom Passanisi, City of Redwood City From: Sam Tabibnia Subject: New General Plan Final EiR—Response to Caltrans Comments SJ07--985 City of Redwood City received comments from Caltrans on the published Final EIR for the New General Plan dated September 7, 2010 (attached to this memorandum). While formal responses are not required, as the transportation consultants on the New General Plan project, we have the following thoughts on the comments: Comment 4.2 — The methodology and assumptions used to develop future traffic volume forecasts are described on pages 4.14-28 and 29 of the Draft EIR. The small decrease in volumes on some street segments is consistent with historic traffic volume trends. As shown on Figure 11 on page 52 of the Redwood City General Plan Transportation and Circulation Technical Report, based on historical traffic volumes on Caltrans facilities, traffic volumes have fluctuated over the last 25 years. Despite the continuous population growth in the City and surrounding communities, traffic volumes have decreased on some street segments. The decrease of less than ten percent in traffic volumes on most of the streets mentioned in the comment are consistent with previous trends and within typical daily fluctuations in observed traffic volumes. Al!street segments mentioned in the comment currently operate at acceptable conditions and are expected to continue to operate at acceptable conditions in the future. Comments 4.3 and 4.5 — The Draft EIR identifies a number of impacts as significant and unavoidable. These impacts are typically mitigated by widening streets and providing additional capacity. These mitigations would require additional right-of-way which is generally not available because they are occupied by existing developments. in addition, potential roadway widening may conflict with the following New General Plan's Guiding Principles: • "Work to develop attractive and convenient transportation alternatives, including transportation hub and ferry system." • "Design for pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets and public spaces." • "Plan for sustainable open space, water, energy, and air quality within our finite resources." Comments 4.4 and 4.5—Comment noted. As stated in Program BE-75, City of Redwood City is committed to working with local, regional, state, and federal agencies. As stated in the comment, the City in partnership with Caltrans, may consider the potential widening of SR 84 between Middlefield Road and Broadway. Please contact us with questions or comments. 100 Pringle Avenue,Suite 600 Walnut Creek,CA 94596 (925)930-7100 Fax(925)933-7090 www.fehrandpeers.com