RCTC approves cooperative agreement and sole-source consultant for Pennsylvania Avenue grade separation

David Lewis, capital project manager for RCTC, presented the Pennsylvania Avenue grade separation project, which would lower Pennsylvania Avenue under Union Pacific railroad tracks to remove an at‑grade crossing and improve safety and reliability. The City of Beaumont requested RCTC assistance to meet California Transportation Commission (CTC) deadlines for environmental clearance by December 2025 and ready‑to‑list by June 2026; missing the schedule could put an estimated $50,000,000 in TCEP construction funds at risk.

To accelerate delivery, staff recommended a cooperative agreement in which RCTC would assume lead agency responsibilities for PS&E and right-of-way work and the City would reimburse RCTC. The cooperative agreement authorizes up to $14,000,000 ($13,000,000 for estimated PS&E/right-of-way and $1,000,000 contingency). Staff also recommended awarding a sole‑source PS&E contract to HDR Engineering (existing project designer with rail coordination experience) for just under $6,500,000 to consolidate work and reduce schedule risk. Lewis said HDR’s existing involvement and experience with Union Pacific and Caltrans reduces duplication and allows the project to advance more quickly.

Commissioners asked about the construction cost estimate (Lewis and Beaumont staff gave rough ranges of $60–$70 million; Beaumont’s public works director cited a current estimate of about $86 million) and about the long lead time to secure Union Pacific agreements. Staff acknowledged the schedule is compressed and said RCTC will request a one‑year extension from the CTC if needed; securing UP approvals and right-of-way work are key early actions.

A motion to approve the cooperative agreement and the PS&E contract was made and seconded; roll‑call vote recorded affirmative votes and the item passed.

Next steps: RCTC to execute the cooperative agreement, issue the sole-source PS&E contract to HDR, begin right‑of‑way activities, and pursue coordination with Union Pacific and Caltrans. Staff said they will prepare to request a CTC extension if the schedule proves infeasible.