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E3. 0-1 <br />REPORT <br />To the Honorable Mayor and City Council <br />From the City Manager <br />May 5, 2003 <br />Subject <br />Design Considerations for the Woodside Road Widening Project <br />Recommendation <br />Council direct staff to look into traffic improvements for the intersection of Broadway <br />and Woodside Road, and provide new landscaping for the remainder of Woodside <br />Road (Alternative #1). <br />Background <br />During the environmental review for both Mid -point Technology (formerly the Ampex <br />site) and Woodside Technology Office Parks, it was determined that they had a <br />significant traffic impact to Woodside Road. One of the mitigation measures suggested <br />was the widening of Woodside Road from four to six lanes, from Middlefield Road to <br />Broadway. These two development projects deposited approximately $2.4 million for <br />the widening of Woodside Road as part of their traffic mitigation. <br />The intent of the Woodside Road Widening Project is to provide three lanes in both the <br />eastbound and westbound directions from Broadway to just past Middlefield Road. <br />Most of this section of Woodside Road is currently two lanes in each direction. <br />When the Woodside Road widening was first considered, staff expected to be able to <br />construct the roadway similar to what exists for the two eastbound blocks between <br />Broadway and Spring Street, which is currently three lanes with no shoulders. Once the <br />consultant was hired (who was familiar with Caltrans regulations), and plans started to <br />be developed, staff became very concerned about the future appearance of Woodside <br />Road. The initial design included the extra lanes, new shoulders on each side, retaining <br />walls, barrier rails, fences, and little or no landscaping. <br />The plans have been completed to approximately the 35% design stage, and City staff <br />has temporally stopped the work, pending the resolution of some issues regarding the <br />aesthetics on the roadway, and costs. <br />In 1999, a presentation was made to the City Council showing the implications of the <br />Caltrans requirements. Even though the Council was not completely satisfied with the <br />design, staff was directed to work with Caltrans, and look at other possible options that <br />could improve the appearance of the widened roadway. <br />Page 1 of 3 <br />