Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board receive a presentation on a possible traffic congestion circulation alternative in the Meyers area in South Lake Tahoe and provide direction and funding options to staff to support the alternative in an amount of approximately $1,600. (Est. Time: 30 Min.)
FUNDING: Transient Occupancy Tax (General Fund) or Road Fund
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Board of Supervisors, the Chief Administrative Office and the Department of Transportation (Transportation) have been working in collaboration with other agencies such as California Highway Patrol, City of South Lake Tahoe, Caltrans and others to try to alleviate the heavy traffic trying to leave the Tahoe Basin on weekends and especially on holiday weekends. Unfortunately, the use of traffic apps such as WAZE has directed traffic into surrounding neighborhoods and is causing major traffic and safety issues.
In anticipation of the upcoming Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays, Transportation is requesting the Board receive a presentation on a possible traffic congestion circulation alternative that may alleviate the heavy traffic from going through some neighborhoods. Transportation is recommending closing Sawmill Road at Highway 50 for a distance of 100 feet and also North Upper Truckee at Highway 50 for a distance 100 feet. This will basically turn these into dead end roads and stop traffic from utilizing and clogging up these neighborhoods, but still allow residents to leave and return to their homes.
If the Board directs Transportation to move forward with this alternative, Transportation will hold a public meeting to inform and receive feedback from the public, emergency personnel, law enforcement and other agencies. Transportation will coordinate with local residents, emergency personnel and law enforcement regarding the road closures. Access for local residents, emergency personnel and law enforcement will be available via detours and detour notifications will be posted approximately one week in advance of the closure.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not provide the requested information and Transportation would not implement the traffic congestion circulation alternative.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See Discussion / Background section above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve the use of $1,600 in funding for this pilot project and identify the preferred funding source (Road Fund or TOT/General Fund).
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost of the road closure is approximately $550 to set up and approximately $250 to remove. The total cost of the circulation congestion alternative during two holiday weekends would be approximately $1,600. A funding source has not yet been identified for this alternative; however, use of Road Fund or Transient Occupancy Tax could be used if directed by the Board. If the Board chooses to use Transient Occupancy Tax, it is recommended that the Board direct staff to return to the Board following adoption of the FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget to transfer Transient Occupancy Tax funds to Transportation.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure, Public Safety
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation