Project Update 09-30-21
Several new project information documents are being posted to the project page. These include a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), an updated project schedule, and the Town Council approved Community Engagement Plan for the project.
FAQ
The FAQs have been compiled from the various outreach activities conducted to date and provide background information on the project.
Click here to view the FAQ
BPOC Community Engagement Plan
Click here to view the Community Engagement Plan
Schedule
Click here to view the updated schedule
The updated schedule shows the four project phases anticipated for this project as follows:
- Phase 1 – Caltrans Project Initiation Document
- Phase 2 – Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Review
- Phase 3 – Final Design (PS&E)
- Phase 4 – Construction – pending funding approval
The Town is currently in Phase 1 of the project development process and is beginning coordination efforts with Caltrans. Preliminary design features (bridge and pathway location, look, and limits) will begin to be developed during Phase 2 of the process. Environmental review of the proposed improvements will also be evaluated during Phase 2. Final design details will be developed toward the end of the project development process in Phase 3, once preliminary designs have been environmentally approved. The Town intends to solicit the community’s input throughout the entire process.
Preliminary information regarding project design concepts such as bridge width, height, location, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity/circulation, etc. can be found in the 2020 Feasibility Study. Project design details beyond those currently documented in the Feasibility Study are unavailable in this early phase of the project and will be developed with community and stakeholder input in forthcoming phases of the project.
We encourage interested parties to subscribe to the “Notify Me” service (for Connect Los Gatos) located on the project page to stay informed about the project, planned workshops and other public events and opportunities to provide feedback/input on the project's proposed design features.
9-15-21 Update:
Survey Work Near Blossom Hill Road
In early September, professional survey crews from BKF Engineers started the very preliminary site survey work necessary to gather data for the BPOC project in the vicinity of Blossom Hill Road between Roberts Road West and Roberts Road East. The crews will return to the area intermittently as the project continues to gather the necessary data. During September, the crews will be conducting the survey work on the Blossom Hill Road sidewalk and adjacent areas but will not be working in the roadway and will not be affecting vehicular traffic lanes. The work hours are 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m and the crew has been advised of the times when high pedestrian and bicycle volumes are anticipated along this corridor to avoid impacts to the users.
09-08-21 Update:
On Thursday morning, September 9, 2021 at 7:30 am, the Complete Streets and Transportation Commission (CSTC) will receive a status report on the community engagement implementation plan for the first phase of the Highway 17 BPOC project. The report will be a part of the regularly scheduled CSTC virtual meeting. The full CSTC agenda, including the Highway 17 BPOC status report and instructions for how to participate in the virtual meeting can be viewed at: https://www.losgatosca.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092021-1944
The first phase of the Highway 17 BPOC project includes the preparation of the Caltrans Project Initiation Document as well as workshops and outreach with the community and project stakeholders to determine preferences regarding the type and general look of the proposed bridge.
5-28-21 Update:
After a comprehensive consultant selection process, the firm of BKF Engineers has been selected to complete the design of the Highway 17 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project. The project will require close coordination with Caltrans, the Los Gatos community, Town Council, Complete Streets and Transportation Commission, and other project stakeholders. The project design is anticipated to be completed in approximately 2 ½ years, in early 2024.
A major first step in the design process will be the determination of the type of bridge structure, concrete box girder or streel truss, to move forward into design. The consultant will begin preparation of drawings to show potential concrete and steel truss bridge alternatives for review and consideration this summer/fall. A community meetings and presentation to the Complete Streets and Transportation Commission will be held to obtain feedback on the bridge options prior to Council making a final decision on the bridge type. Notification of the Community Meeting will be posted on this project page as well as on the Town's social media sites.
Should you have questions regarding the project, please feel free to e-mail Michelle Quinney, Special Project Manager, at MQuinney@LosGatosCA.gov.
12-22-20 Update:
An Addendum to the Request for Proposals has been posted to the Town's RFP website. The date for submittals of the RFP has been extended via the Addendum.
12-9-2020 Update:
The Town has recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional engineering consultants to assist with the development of the project. The RFP can be found on the Towns RFP page at https://www.losgatosca.gov/PPW_RFP_RFQ. The proposal review and consultant selection process will take place in January/February 2021 and it is anticipated a consultant could be on board in March/April 2021.