Council authorizes federally funded roadway safety study with WSP USA

The Council of the City of Long Beach on Nov. 5 authorized the city manager to enter an agreement with WSP USA to produce a Roadway Safety Action Plan, a study city officials say is needed to win implementation grant funding.

WSP submitted the highest technical proposal among seven firms and was the lowest qualified bidder at $236,389.25. City staff said the federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will reimburse 100% of the study cost if the city complies with the grant requirements.

City staff and consultant representatives told the council the study will compile and map crash data and, uniquely, inventory fixed objects such as light poles and hydrants to better understand how roadside features affect safety. It will also assess pedestrian crossings and other travel modes and include public outreach. Council members asked what the study would add beyond police knowledge of trouble spots; staff said the study will produce the formatted dataset and technical documentation grant reviewers require.

Council discussion also covered traffic-signal timing. Staff said signal programming and many timings are controlled by the county; the county is planning an upgrade to computer-controlled signal systems that would allow remote programming and tailored progressions for peak periods.

A member of the public asked for the grant source; staff confirmed the funding is federal (U.S. DOT) administered through New York State and that reimbursement is contingent on following grant rules. Staff said a prior bond ordinance had been prepared as a contingency in case interim borrowing were needed while waiting for reimbursement, but the project is expected to be reimbursed.

The council approved the item as part of a block vote. The roll call on the block motion showed Council member John Bendo, Council member Mike Reinhart, Vice President Fiumara and President Finn voting yes; Council member Lester was absent.