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RCTC to assume lead‑agency role and award sole‑source PS&E to HDR for Pennsylvania Avenue grade separation in Beaumont
Summary
Staff recommended a cooperative agreement under which RCTC assumes lead‑agency responsibilities for PS&E and right‑of‑way on Beaumont’s Pennsylvania Avenue grade separation; the city will reimburse up to $14 million and staff recommended a sole‑source PS&E contract to HDR (about $6.5M) to meet tight CTC funding deadlines and avoid risking approximately $50 million in TCEP funds.
Riverside County Transportation Commission staff asked the board to approve a cooperative agreement with the City of Beaumont that would designate RCTC as lead agency for the Pennsylvania Avenue grade separation project’s PS&E and right‑of‑way phases and authorize a sole‑source PS&E contract with HDR Engineering.
David Lewis, capital project manager, said the project will lower Pennsylvania Avenue to pass under existing Union Pacific railroad tracks, creating an underpass with two travel lanes each way, a center median and sidewalks. The city had managed the project through the PS&E phase but requested RCTC’s assistance to meet critical California Transportation Commission deadlines tied to Trade Corridor Enhancement Program funding. Lewis said missing the environmental clearance or ready‑to‑list milestones could place an estimated $50,000,000 in TCEP funding at risk.
Under the cooperative agreement, RCTC would assume lead‑agency responsibilities for PS&E and right‑of‑way; the city will reimburse RCTC for staff time, consultant costs, right‑of‑way acquisition and outreach. The cooperative agreement authorizes up to $14,000,000, which includes an estimated $13,000,000 for PS&E and right‑of‑way and a $1,000,000 contingency. Staff recommended awarding the PS&E contract to HDR Engineering on a sole‑source basis because HDR is already under contract with the city on related UP track design and project coordination and staff said a competitive procurement could jeopardize the June 2026 milestone and associated funding.
Staff presented the cooperative agreement and the proposed HDR contract (PS&E not to exceed roughly $6.5 million) and recommended approval. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about schedule and coordination; no public comment was offered during the item and staff reported the agreements were fully reimbursed by the city, not RCTC funds.
The commission recorded the motion and the item passed unanimously per the transcript.
