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Council approves study of local alternatives after dropping SR‑152 bypass from plan
Summary
The council adopted a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Transportation Master Plan to evaluate up to six local roadway packages after staff concluded a state‑funded SR‑152 bypass is not feasible; the amendment adds $53,914 in consultant services funded by the city’s traffic‑impact fee.
The Los Banos City Council on July 1 approved a staff‑recommended amendment to the Transportation Master Plan to analyze local roadway alternatives to a previously proposed State Route 152 bypass. Staff said the bypass is not currently feasible to fund through Caltrans or regional sources, prompting a local‑focused study of up to six roadway improvement packages — including extensions, roundabout installations and intersection upgrades — to reduce congestion and improve circulation.
"This amendment will analyze up to six roadway improvement packages and identify opportunities to reduce congestion and improve traffic circulation," Stacy (community and economic development director) told the council. The amendment directs consultants to perform travel‑model analysis, evaluate truck movement and turning requirements at key intersections, assess traffic diversion effects and provide planning‑level cost estimates for up to four roadway segments.
Staff said the amendment will add $53,914 to the contract for additional work and that the expense will be funded from the city's traffic‑impact fee. The planning outputs are intended for inclusion in the city’s traffic‑impact‑fee schedule so future development pays an allocated share of infrastructure needs.
Public commenters urged care on truck routing and roundabout design. One attendee asked whether heavy truck traffic would continue to use SR‑152 and recommended dedicated truck bypasses or truck‑capable roundabout aprons to avoid overloading local streets. Staff and councilmembers said the city is coordinating with Caltrans on segments touching state routes and that the design would include truck accommodations where appropriate.
The council voted to adopt Resolution 7123 authorizing the contract amendment and study scope; staff said the consultant will proceed with modeling and a public outreach program to refine alternatives for later council consideration.
