RECEIVE update on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project.

Activities on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project since the last update on February 3, 2020, include progress on construction of Package 1, the Lincoln Avenue Extension and parking improvements, and recommendation of HDR Engineering for final design of Packages 2 (Salinas layover facility) and 3 (Gilroy station track improvements).

The capital cost of the Monterey County Rail Extension project, Phase 1, Salinas Kick Start project (the Salinas station and improvements in Santa Clara County), is estimated at $81 million. The Kick Start project is proceeding with secured state funding under the adopted state environmental clearance.

The Monterey County Rail Extension Project extends passenger rail service from Santa Clara County south to Salinas. TAMC is pursuing a phased implementation of the Project. Phase 1, known as the Kick Start Project, includes Salinas train station circulation improvements, a train layover facility in Salinas, and track improvements at the Gilroy station and between Salinas and Gilroy. The Kick Start Project is proceeding with construction of Package 1, improvements at the Salinas train station. The layover facility (Package 2) and track improvements (Package 3) are ready for final design, pending comments from Union Pacific Railroad.

Package 1:  Salinas Station Improvements

TAMC hired Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE) for construction of Package 1, MNS Engineers as Construction Managers on the project, and HDR Engineering to provide design support during construction. In February 2020, the construction team continued to make progress constructing the Lincoln Avenue Extension and associated parking improvements. As of February 28, 2020, the project is approximately 56% completed in terms of schedule and the contractor has invoiced 34% of the contract budget, inclusive of the approved change orders.

Package 2: Salinas Layover Facility

On December 4, 2019, the Transportation Agency Board approved Resolutions of Necessity on portions of four parcels and one full parcel needed for the Salinas layover facility. TAMC staff continues to oversee the right-of-way consulting team of AR/WS and Meyers Nave to further negotiations and finalize the acquisitions.

Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements, Operations Scenarios

Staff held interviews for the final design of Package 2, the Salinas layover facility, and Package 3, the Gilroy track improvements, on February 7, 2020. Staff is negotiating with HDR Engineering, Inc. to do the work, and is aiming to have the contract on the March 25, 2020 TAMC Board agenda, pending review and approval by Caltrans Audits and Investigations.

Staff will provide a verbal update on all activities at the meeting.