Construction Phase Analysis for the project in City of Manhattan Beach

Section 4.2 – Construction Phase Analysis

The Construction Phase Analysis (CPA) within the Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) focuses on identifying and mitigating potential transportation impacts caused by project-related construction activities. This analysis ensures that traffic disruptions, access restrictions, and safety hazards related to construction are adequately addressed.

Section 4.2.1. - Screening Criteria

A project requires a detailed construction phase analysis if any of the following questions are answered "Yes." These criteria focus on assessing whether construction activities might negatively affect the local circulation of pedestrians, cyclists, transit, or vehicles:

• Will construction activities necessitate the closure of any travel lanes, alleys, or vehicle access on an arterial street for more than a full day (including both daytime and nighttime closures)?
• Will construction activities require the closure of travel lanes, alleys, or vehicular access on a local street for more than five consecutive days (including full 24-hour closures)?
• Will off-site construction activities result in the temporary loss of ADA-compliant access to an existing public facility?
• Will construction activities cause the restriction of access to bus stops for more than one day or require the rerouting of an existing bus route?
• Will construction activities interfere with circulation and accessibility for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, or vehicles in adjoining areas?

If any of these criteria are met, a detailed evaluation is required to understand how the construction phase could potentially impact transportation infrastructure.

Section 4.2.2. - Evaluation Criteria

When conducting the construction phase analysis, the following factors must be taken into account:

• The specific location of the project site and its proximity to the surrounding transportation infrastructure.
• The functional classification of adjacent streets (e.g., arterial, local).
• The existing land uses and their potential sensitivities to construction impacts.
• The presence and condition of bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities in the area.
• The availability of alternative routes or detours for all modes of transportation (vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians).
• The possible relocation of bus stops or the need for rerouting transit services.
• The planned location for construction-related parking and loading zones, and whether they could disrupt normal traffic flow.
• The intended construction truck routes and whether they will cause disruptions.
• The duration of the construction project and the period during which access to local infrastructure may be restricted.
• The overall scale of the construction activities and their potential to affect normal traffic operations.

Section 4.2.3. – Methodology

The methodology for the construction phase analysis involves a detailed examination of the project’s potential impacts on local transportation infrastructure and user access. The process is as follows:

1. Physical Setting Description: Begin by describing the existing transportation infrastructure surrounding the construction site. This includes adjacent streets, on-street parking availability, bike lanes, and other facilities that could be impacted.

2. Functional Classification of Streets: Identify the classification of adjacent streets (arterial, local, or collector) and whether they are crucial for traffic flow or access to key locations.

3. Land Use Impacts: List the land uses in the immediate vicinity of the construction project that may be affected, including residential, commercial, or institutional properties.

4. Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Facilities: Provide an inventory of existing facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users within a ½-mile radius of the project site. This includes bike lanes, crosswalks, bus stops, and transit stations that may be disrupted during construction.

5. Construction Procedures Review: Analyze the proposed construction procedures to determine if they require any of the following:

   • Temporary closure of streets, sidewalks, or travel lanes.
   • Blocking of vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian access to adjacent parcels.
   • Modification of access to transit stations, stops, or facilities during service hours.
   • Relocation or closure of bus stops, or rerouting of bus lines.
   • Creation of potential transportation hazards due to construction staging or activities.

6. Comparison with Evaluation Criteria: Compare the analysis results to the established evaluation criteria to assess the extent of potential deficiencies, such as extended lane closures, loss of access to transit stops, or the introduction of safety hazards.

Section 4.2.4. - Recommended Action

Based on the findings from the construction phase analysis, a variety of corrective measures may be recommended to minimize transportation disruptions and safety hazards. These actions can include:

1. Construction Management Plan: Implement a comprehensive construction management plan that includes traffic control measures. If lane closures are necessary for equipment staging, consult with the City Traffic Engineer to ensure that adequate traffic management measures are in place.

2. Modification of Construction Procedures: Revise construction processes to limit disruptions to transportation infrastructure, such as scheduling lane closures during off-peak hours or altering construction staging areas.

3. Minimize Road Obstructions: Limit road obstructions and closures, particularly on major roads, to off-peak traffic periods to reduce the impact on normal traffic operations.

4. Coordinate with Emergency Services and Public Transit Providers: Establish clear communication and coordination with emergency services and public transit agencies to ensure their operations are not impeded during construction. This includes ensuring emergency vehicles can navigate through construction zones without delay.

5. Alternative Access for Vehicles, Bicycles, and Pedestrians: Where construction activities block access, provide well-marked alternative routes or temporary paths to maintain the flow of traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle movement. The construction management plan should ensure adequate alternative access for all affected users, and consultation with the City Traffic Engineer is necessary to ensure pedestrian and bicycle access is preserved.

6. Coordinate with Adjacent Property Owners and Tenants: Reach out to property owners and tenants affected by construction to keep them informed and to coordinate any temporary access changes during construction.

7. Ensure ADA Compliance: Work closely with transit agencies to ensure that construction does not interfere with ADA-compliant access to transit stations, stops, and facilities, such as layover zones for buses.

8. Relocation or Rerouting of Bus Services: Coordinate with transit providers to identify whether any bus stops need to be temporarily closed or relocated, or if bus routes need to be rerouted. This coordination should minimize disruptions to public transit users, particularly in areas with high ridership.

In sum, the Construction Phase Analysis within the TIA is essential for ensuring that transportation disruptions caused by construction activities are anticipated and mitigated effectively. By carefully evaluating the potential impacts of lane closures, access restrictions, and construction staging, the analysis ensures that pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic can continue to circulate efficiently, even during periods of major construction. The collaboration between developers, the City Traffic Engineer, and relevant agencies helps to minimize the transportation impacts and preserve the safety and convenience of all road users. The recommended corrective actions ensure that construction activities are managed effectively, with minimal negative impacts on the surrounding transportation system and adjacent properties.

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