goSBCTA e-News - October 2017

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is the transportation planning agency for San Bernardino County.

SBCTA is responsible for cooperative regional planning and furthering an efficient multi-modal transportation system countywide.

SBCTA proudly serves the more than 2.1 million residents of San Bernardino County.

Putting the Pieces Together for a New Bridge in San Bernardino

The SBCTA Board of Directors approved the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of Project Management/Construction Management (PCM) services for the Mt. Vernon Viaduct project.

The Mt. Vernon Viaduct has been a high priority project for the City of San Bernardino for more than 15 years. With a sufficiency rating of 50 out of 100, the bridge has been considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete by Caltrans since 1997. In 2016, SBCTA and the City of San Bernardino entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for SBCTA to take the lead on the demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new structure. This past July, SBCTA successfully sought passage of AB 1523, legislation that will allow the use of the design-build method to expedite project delivery.

Once a PCM is secured, they would be the lead consultant team, managed by SBCTA, on the Mt. Vernon Viaduct project. The PCM will be responsible for oversight, support, and management of all design and construction activities as well as right of way acquisition and utilities, and other design-build responsibilities.

SBCTA looks to have the PCM onboard in Spring 2018.

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Redlands Passenger Rail Project featured at Esri Forum

Join us on Thursday, October 12, 2017, where SBCTA's Director of Transit and Rail, Carrie Schindler and Executive Director, Ray Wolfe, will look at where we are and where we are heading in the future of mass transit in San Bernardino County.

Get an insiders perspective on the subject from our two featured speakers who sit at the forefront of the mass transit project pipeline in this community. Register to attend here.

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SBCTA Goes to Washington

SBCTA Board President Alan Wapner, Executive Director Ray Wolfe and SBCTA staff members visited Washington D.C., September 24-26, for meetings with Congressional and key transportation officials.

President Wapner and the SBCTA team were in Washington and on Capitol Hill briefing decision makers on the I-10 Express Lanes, Redlands Passenger Rail and the West Valley Connector projects. Federal funding will play a key part in moving those critical projects forward through programs such TIFIA loans, Small Starts and INFRA grant programs.

The SBCTA team was able to brief members of the San Bernardino County delegation including Senator Dianne Feinstein and Representatives Pete Aguilar, Paul Cook and Norma Torres. In addition, they were able to meet with key transportation officials and staff from the Federal Transit Administration, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, House Subcommittee on Highways & Transit, Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works and the White House Council on Environmental Quality & Infrastructure.

SBCTA staff will continue to keep decision makers updated on projects' progress within those federal programs and engage the support of our local Congressional delegation members.

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Victor Valley Transit Authority Continues to Offer Great Service in High Desert

VVTA adjusted system wide fares October 1, 2017, which align Victor Valley and Barstow fare structures, simplifying passenger travel between both areas. The adjustment reduces the fare on some services, whereas on other services it may rise. While some other transit agencies typically produce fare increases every two years, VVTA strives for consistency and has not adjusted fares in 10 years.

VVTA remains a great value for its level of service, featuring some of the lowest fares in Southern California. For more information on these changes, click here.

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Risk Manager sought to provide improved service to public, industry, and agency

In recent years, the complexity of insurance-related issues has increased. Currently, the SBCTA Procurement Manager uses Keenan & Associates (Keenan) as a Risk Management Advisor to provide review and advice of contract insurance requirements. Keenan also acts as SBCTA's broker in the insurance market place. Being an outside firm, Keenan will only provide advice on what is industry standard and available. Determining types of insurance and the insurance limits remains with SBCTA as a business decision.

In addition, with the upcoming Express Lanes and the Arrow Rail line projects, the demand for in-house Risk Management will increase. Having an in-house Risk Manager will provide SBCTA with an experienced person who can oversee the day-to-day insurance reviews, risk issues and other risk management decisions.

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Two New Transportation Projects Kick Off in October

Two new construction projects are breaking ground this month. The Interstate 215 Barton Road Interchange Project in Grand Terrace and the Monte Vista Grade Separation Project in Montclair will both see shovels turn the first dirt to improving transportation in those communities.

The Barton Road Interchange project will improve traffic congestion and lengthen the existing bridge to enhance local circulation and access to and from Interstate 215. Located within the City of Grand Terrace, this project also includes improvements to city sidewalks, adding bike lanes on Barton Road and a roundabout west of the bridge at the southbound on- and off-ramps. Some local streets will be reconfigured and improved, including Vivienda Avenue, Michigan Street and Commerce Way. All freeway ramps will be realigned and signals will be upgraded.

The community event is scheduled for October 13th and 10am adjacent to the southbound off ramp from I-215. Visit the project page on our site for more details.

The Monte Vista Grade Separation Project will bridge Monte Vista Avenue in the City of Montclair over the existing Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and State Street. Local commuters can expect to see improved traffic operations, local circulation, air quality, and safety by eliminating the at-grade crossing between Monte Vista Avenue and UPRR.

This public ceremony to kick off construction is scheduled for October 24th at 10am in the City of Montclair. Details are still being developed. Check the website in the coming weeks for more information.

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