Item 15 - Agreements for Improvements to the Railroad Crossing on Warner and McFadden

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Agreement for Railroad Crossing Improvements to Warner Avenue and McFadden Avenue April 21, 2026 Page 3 Although these improvements are required to accommodate the City's roadway projects, they also provide significant public benefits by improving crossing safety, enhancing ride quality, and reducing long-term maintenance needs. The proposed upgrades are consistent with adopted City transportation and mobility planning documents and will enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Warner Avenue Improvements The Warner Avenue Widening and Protected Bike Lane Project was identified in several City Council -approved planning documents, including the Safe Mobility Santa Ana Plan (SMSA), the State Active Transportation Program (ATP), and the Central Santa Ana Complete Streets Plan (CSACS). The project includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements associated with the widening of Warner Avenue from four to six lanes, as well as landscaping, street lighting, traffic signal upgrades, storm drain improvements, and new curb, gutter, sidewalk, and pavement. The project also includes railroad grade crossing improvements designed to enhance safety, improve crossing conditions, provide traffic calming, and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Construction of the project is scheduled for City Council consideration on April 21, 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026. Within the project limits is an at - grade railroad crossing on Warner Avenue east of Standard Avenue (Exhibit 1). City staff met with representatives from Union Pacific and the CPUC to review the existing crossing conditions and evaluate necessary improvements. Due to the planned widening of Warner Avenue to a six -lane arterial roadway with bicycle facilities, the City must acquire additional railroad right-of-way and reconstruct the existing crossing to meet current design standards. The crossing will require full replacement with concrete panels and upgraded signal equipment. Under existing maintenance responsibilities per CPUC General Order 72-B, the City maintains the roadway approaches within the City right-of-way, while Union Pacific maintains the railroad signals and pavement within the railroad right-of-way. To improve long-term durability and reduce maintenance requirements, Union Pacific has agreed to replace the existing crossing with concrete panels and upgrade the railroad signal crossing gates. Because these improvements occur within railroad right-of-way and are required to accommodate the City's roadway project, the City is responsible for funding the work per CPUC General Order 88-B. The proposed agreement (Exhibit 2) requires the City to reimburse Union Pacific for the installation of concrete panels and upgrades to the railroad signal crossing gates. Union Pacific has provided cost estimates for the improvements and the City's share of project costs includes: