HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 2 LDSCPNG/WEEDS 04-07-86,AGENDA
DATE:
MARCH 28, 1986
REPORTS
NO. 2
4-7-86
Inter- Corn
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
BOB LEDENDECKER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
COSTA MESA (RTE. 55) FREEWAY LANDSCAPING/WEED ABATEMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 3, 1986 City Council meeting, a resident, Mr. James L. Mayer of
17271 Amaganset Way, expressed a concern on the weeds and landscaping as it
relates to fire hazards along the Costa Mesa (Rte. 55)'Freeway between Irvine
Blvd./Fou~h St. and Seventeenth St.
Staff was directed to pursue this concern with CalTrans for resolvement.
DISCUSSION:
As directed, staff has made an inquiry to CalTrans regarding the landscaping
schedule along the designated segment of-the Costa Mesa Freeway. CalTrans
response is outlined in the attached copy of their letter, but it generally states
that their present priorities direct limited funding to safety and congestion
relief projects in lieu of compatibility projects.
It was also indicated that CalTrans would consider landscaping projects if the
local agency could arrange for funding and is willing to assume responsibility for
continuing maintenance. City staff cannot recommend any local
participation/obligation f~r landscape projects within CalTrans owned
right-of-way.
Staff will respond to Mr. Mayer once the City Council has had the opportunity to
review this CalTrans response.
Di rector of Public Works/City Engineer
BL:jr
STATE OF GALIFO~4L~.~"~SI~---~$ AND TRANSPORTATICX~ AGENCY
JEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
D~TRICT 7, P.O. BOX 2304, LOS ANGELES 90051
(213) 620-3340
GEORG~ I~CUKMEJIAN, Governor
~arch 18, 1986
Mr. Robert Ledendecker
Director of Public Works
City of~Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tust~n, CA 92680
Dear Mr. Ledendecker:
Your letter of March 13, 1986 requested information regard land-
scaping of Route 55. The following information was supplied by
Mr. Bill Koval, Senior Landscape Architect.
We have a project identified on our highway planting priority
list for landscaping on Route 55 from Main Street in Tustin north
to Fairhaven Avenue. However, in light of recent action by the
California Transportation COmmiSSiOn it iS unlikely to he imple-
mented in the foreseeable future.
The Commission has evaluated it's priorities considering the
limited funds available relativ~ to the demands for all types of
transportation im~rovements. They have determined that such needs
as safety ~-d congestion relief projects are more urgent than
compat~bility projects. Hence, the CTC has ma~e it clear to
Caltrans that any planting that is done must be the minimum
necessary to meet present legal requirements. Legal requirements
are those specifically mentioned in a Statute, Court Order or other
legally binding document with a time-certain date for completion.
Exceptions may be made by the Commission for projects wholly or
partially funded with local public or private funds. If Tustin is
able to arrange funding for a planting project, and is willing to
assume responsibility for the continuing maintenance, you should
contact the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to
initiate a project in the Regional Transportation Improv_m~___ent
Program (RTIP).
If you wish to discuss this matter further I suggest you contact
Mr. Koval direct at (213) 620-3427.
Sincerely, //
C. E. SHHARER, Chief
Local ~sistance B~anch
Department of Public k~ort~s/E,~2i, eeri.g
March 13, 1986
Mr. C,E. Shearer, Chief
Local Assistance Branch
Department of Transportation
District 07
lgO South Sprtng Street
Los Angeles, CA gOOlg
RE: ROUTE 55 - COSTA MESA FREEWAY
FILE 188!
Dear Mr. Shearer:
At a recent City Counctl meettng, a Tusttn resident, Mr. games L. Mayer, 17271 '-
Amaganset Way expressed a concern of the weeds along the CostaMesa Freeway between
Zrvtne Blvd./Fourth St, and Seventeenth St. as they relate to fire hazards. Mr.
Mayer indicated his residence backs up t~.the freeway rtght of way and on several
occasstons he has had to extinguish weed fires on the CalTrans right of way adjacent
to his property.
Mr. Mayer'also tnqutred as to when this portion of freeway was scheduled for
landscaping. He stated that the freeway has extsted for over twenty years wtth no
formalized landscaping and irrigation system and that these fire hazards could be
minimized with adequate landscaping.
Please provide the City with any available CalTrans scheduling for landscaping this
portion of the Costa Mesa Freeway so that we may respond to Mr. Mayer's concerns.
Very truly yours,
Oirector of Public Works/City Engineer
BL:jr
$00 Ce. tennial ~ay · T,.¢ti~, Califor. ia 92680 · (714) .544-8890