RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY – H. MAVROGENES
Adopt Resolution, expressing opposition and non-support of the State Highway Operations and Protection Program project to construct a Roundabout at the intersection of SR 156 and SR 25, and that the SHOPP funds be reallocated to another eligible project within San Benito County.

SBC FILE NO:105

RESOLUTION NO: 2019-85

This Resolution expresses San Benito County’s opposition and non-support of the State Highway Operations and Protection Program Project to construct a roundabout at the intersection of SR 156 and SR 25.

CALTRANS has proposed the construction of a roundabout at the intersection the Highway 25 and   Highway 156 as a “temporary solution” to improve safety at that intersection. The project has proceeded even with the opposition of the City of Hollister and San Benito County staff. Only one public meeting was held on July 25, 2019, at when there was no opportunity for public input.

At the COG Board meeting of August 15, 2019, RMA Director Harry Mavrogenes spoke his opposition to this item (comments attached) for safety and financial reasons.

In researching other roundabouts in the State, staff discovered that a similar one just outside of Tracy had 112 accidents over a four (4) year period, compared to 37 accidents at the current 25/156 intersection over a three (3) year period. The truck and commuter traffic need to be separated, not mingled.

The approximate $10,000,000.00 dollar project would be funded by CALTRANS from the State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP Project),

Staff has asked if the funds would be utilized for other projects, such as construction of a grade separation at the intersection. CALTRANS thinks that the money would be lost.

In the resolution, the Board will be able to approve language that adds for the SHOPP fund to be reallocated by CALTRANS to another eligible project in the county.  

Staff respectfully requests the Board to:

1. Adopt Resolution, expressing opposition and non-support of the State Highway Operations and Protection Program project to construct a Roundabout at the intersection of SR 156 and SR 25, and that the SHOPP funds be reallocated to another eligible project within San Benito County.