Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board take the following actions for the Latrobe West Connector Project, Capital Improvement Program number 36105084:
1) Receive an update of the traffic analysis performed for a new roadway to connect Latrobe Road to the Sacramento County line south of the El Dorado Hills Business Park; and
2) Provide direction to staff concerning a proposed amendment to the Transportation and Circulation Element of the General Plan which would add the new roadway to the Circulation Map.
(District 2)
FUNDING: Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Advance - El Dorado County Transportation Commission Funds (50%) and RSTP Advance - Exchange Funds (50%). (Local Funds)
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 12, 2024 (Legistar file 24-0408), the Board directed Department of Transportation (Transportation) staff to prepare an analysis of a preferred route alignment for a new roadway connecting Latrobe Road to the Sacramento County line south of the El Dorado Hills Business Park that would be consistent with the Creekside Village Specific Plan. This new roadway would tie in to future Sacramento County improvements and continue north towards White Rock Road at the southern limits of the City of Folsom.
Accordingly, Transportation created a new Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project, Latrobe West Connector, CIP #36105084 (Project) and retained Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. to prepare a traffic operations analysis to evaluate existing and future conditions with and without the Project improvements.
The Project would intersect Latrobe Road near Wetsel-Oviatt Road and extend west to the Sacramento County line south of the proposed Creekside Village development. A future, separate roadway segment within Sacramento County would connect the Project with either Empire Ranch Road (Alternative 1) or Savannah Parkway (Alternative 2).
The traffic study analyzed a total of nine (9) roadway segments and fifteen (15) study intersections for existing, 2036, and 2045 level of service (LOS) conditions with and without the Project. All the roadway segments meet minimum LOS standards for each scenario with little variation between the Project and no-Project option. All the intersections also meet the minimum LOS standards for the existing conditions. However, LOS deficiencies were noted at four (4) intersections in both the 2036 and 2045 scenarios. Similar to the roadway segments, little variation was found between the Project and no-Project options. While the Project will provide alternate connectivity from Latrobe Road to White Rock Road, the model does not indicate a significant improvement of LOS operation from the Project at the study roadway segments and intersections, based on current land use designations and known active development projects.
The traffic study did not find many differences between Alternatives 1 and 2; however, since Alternative 1 would connect directly with Empire Ranch Road and its future interchange with U.S. Highway 50 and attracts higher traffic volumes than Alternative 2, Alternative 1 would be the preferred alignment within Sacramento County segment for the Project to connect to.
Even though today’s conditions do not presently necessitate this road, the purpose of the General Plan is to prepare for the County’s future. Roads take decades to plan and build, and if the County does not include this corridor now, the County risks being unprepared when growth occurs. By adding it to the plan, the County is not committing to immediate construction but simply preserving the option and ensuring that future development can be supported by the right infrastructure. This addition is recommended in order to be proactive, fiscally responsible, and set the County up for success.
Transportation currently has funding remaining in the CIP to complete a Phase I Environmental Assessment and General Plan amendment, assuming the amendment can be completed under the existing Environmental Impact Report (EIR). If an addendum to the General Plan EIR is determined necessary, additional funding will be needed. Staff is requesting the Board provide direction whether to continue with these remaining tasks in consideration of the results of the traffic analysis.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to continue with the preparation of a General Plan amendment that would add the proposed roadway to the Circulation Map of the Transportation and Circulation Element.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
1) March 12, 2024 (Legistar file 24-0408): The Board directed staff to identify a preferred route alignment, prepare a programmatic-level environmental analysis, and prepare a proposed General Plan amendment.
2) December 3, 2024 (Legistar file 24-1220): The Board approved competitively bid Agreement for Services 9080 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to assist Transportation with identifying preferred route alternatives.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Planning and Building Department, Long Range Planning Division
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no net County cost associated with this item. Preparation of a General Plan EIR addendum will require approximately $250,000 of additional funding from Road Fund. Once a route is adopted, the General Plan amended, and the project added to the CIP and Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) Program, future updates will be funded with TIF fees.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Priority: N/A
Action Item: N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Director of Transportation