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Calabasas council approves West Calabasas Road roundabout contract after safety, funding debate
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Summary
The Calabasas City Council voted 5-0 April 8 to award a construction contract for a roundabout at West Calabasas Road and Morrill Road, citing safety improvements and pedestrian access; funding will use Metro Measure M with ad valorem funds for contingency, and no general fund. Council members pressed staff on alternatives, county participation and potential cost overruns.
The Calabasas City Council unanimously approved a construction contract April 8 to build a roundabout at West Calabasas Road and Morrill Road, a project the city says will reduce severe collisions, add sidewalks and improve large-vehicle navigation.
City staff and consultants described the project as part of the West Calabasas Road master plan and emphasized safety and pedestrian improvements. Sam Potts, senior project engineer for consultant M and S, said the design includes splitter islands and controls that "make sure that the operating speeds in and around the roundabout are under 25 miles an hour," and that the roundabout reduces the likelihood of broadside, "T-bone" crashes.
The nut of the council's decision was funding and local benefit. Project manager Jay told the council that the majority of the contract is funded by Metro Measure M dollars and that "no general fund will be used." Staff said ad valorem funds (Fund 21) would be available as contingency if needed.
Public comment included local engineer Bill Cunningham, who said he supported the plan and highlighted recurring problems with car carriers getting stuck in the existing intersection. Cunningham told the council the design would improve traffic circulation and emergency access.
Council members asked pointed questions about alternatives and costs. Mayor James Bizajian asked what other traffic-control options were studied; staff said they evaluated leaving the intersection as-is and two roundabout designs but did not conduct a formal signalization study. Bizajian also questioned why county residents who use the roadway would not contribute to the project cost; staff said Metro is a regional funding source and that the county might be asked but typically agencies treat jurisdictional accounting as separate.
Councilmember Peter Kraut reviewed the bid results and noted a reasonable spread among the low bids ($5.9 million to $6.5 million) and one high outlier near $8.5 million. On cost overruns, staff said they would first seek an amendment from Metro and, if necessary, tap ad valorem contingency; staff stated the general fund would not be used.
On a motion by Councilmember Alicia Weintraub, seconded by Councilmember Peter Kraut, council voted 5-0 to award the construction contract to Sully Miller Contracting Company and proceed with the project. The city said future outreach will include a contractor open house, additional online materials and an information table at Earth Day.
