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 4 • $53,570 for railroad right-of-way acquisition • $12,580 in annual signal maintenance costs • Construction improvements estimated at $1,422,270 These improvements will support the Warner Avenue widening project and ensure compliance with the requirements of the State's Active Transportation Program grant. Upon completion, the upgraded crossing will provide a smoother and safer crossing for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Staff recommends approval of the proposed agreement with UPR for the Warner Avenue crossing improvements. McFadden Avenue Improvements The McFadden Avenue Improvement Project was also identified in the City Council - approved Safe Mobility Santa Ana Plan (SMSA), Active Transportation Program (ATP), and Central Santa Ana Complete Streets Plan (CSACS). The project includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements, landscaping, lighting, traffic signal upgrades, and new curb, gutter, sidewalk, and pavement improvements. The project also includes railroad grade crossing improvements designed to enhance safety, improve crossing conditions, provide traffic calming, and install new ADA-compliant sidewalks. These improvements will improve safety for students walking to Kennedy Elementary School. Construction of this project was awarded in September 2024 and is currently underway. Within the project limits is an at -grade railroad crossing on McFadden Avenue east of Standard Avenue, which is currently in poor condition (Exhibit 3). City staff met with representatives from Union Pacific and the CPUC to evaluate the crossing and determine the necessary improvements. The existing crossing consists of asphalt pavement on the roadway approaches and between the rails. Historically, this type of crossing requires frequent maintenance to maintain a smooth roadway transition through the crossing. 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 performance and reduce maintenance requirements, Union Pacific has agreed to replace the existing asphalt crossing with concrete panels and upgrade the railroad signal crossing gates. Because the improvements occur within railroad right-of- way and are necessary to support the City's street improvements, the City is responsible for funding the work per CPUC General Order 88-B. The proposed agreement (Exhibit 4) requires the City to reimburse Union Pacific for installation of the concrete crossing panels and signal upgrades. Union Pacific has