REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DENIX D. ANBIAH, PE, Director
Capital Projects Department
SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: Scott p. sehm, PE, Assistant Director
Capital Projects Department, Design Services Division
VICTOR VALDEZ, PE, Licensed Professional Engineer
Capital Projects Department, Design Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Bid File No. 12600944) (Council Districts 4 and 7):
1. Adopt Environmental Assessment No. PW00978, dated January 23, 2026, a determination that the proposed project qualifies for categorical exemption as set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Sections 15301/Class 1 and 15302/Class 2;
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $1,559,200 to Avison Construction, Inc. of Madera, CA, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for installation of infrastructure improvements relating to the HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Bid File No. 12600944).
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council (1) adopt Environmental Assessment No. PW00978, dated January 23, 2026, a determination that the proposed project qualifies for categorical exemption from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301/Class 1 and 15302/Class 2, (2) Award a construction contract in the amount of $1,559,200.00 to Avison Construction, Inc. of Madera, CA for the HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Bid File No. 12600944), and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Project) will enhance the safety of both intersections for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists who use these intersections every day by signalizing both locations with a pedestrian-activated traffic signal and a complete traffic signal installation, and fully Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant accessible pedestrian signals (APS) with count-down heads, accessible ramps, and high visibility crosswalks. Right-of-way acquisition, necessary for pedestrian infrastructure improvements, was completed by City staff. This project is funded by a state grant from the Active Transportation Program (ATP) and SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds with no impact on the General Fund.
BACKGROUND
The design phase of the HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Project) was initiated in FY22 when the project was budgeted using ATP grant funding and SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) revenue; the engineering design, project management, and right-of-way acquisition took approximately four years. All engineering design, management, and real estate work were performed by City staff.
The scope of the Project includes the construction of two new traffic signals, one will allow protected pedestrian crossing, stopping vehicular traffic along First Street only as needed at the intersection with Home Avenue in Council District 7, and the second complete traffic signal will signalize the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Weldon Avenue in Council District 4 and will include a “pedestrian scramble” signal phasing to stop all vehicular traffic while allowing only pedestrians to access the intersection at every crossing direction, including diagonally. This type of signal operation is also referred to as an “all-pedestrian phase”.
The infrastructure improvements proposed by the Project will benefit the students attending both Mayfair and Ericson Elementary Schools and their families, as well as the residents of the neighborhoods surrounding both schools. The signal work will enhance safety for the children and parents who navigate these intersections as they travel to and from the schools by creating a separate pedestrian phase for safely crossing the roadways and installing improved intersection safety lighting and high-visibility crosswalks for enhanced pedestrian visibility. Other project amenities include an audible pedestrian system (APS) to assist visually impaired users, as well as countdown pedestrian indication heads to make those using the crosswalks aware of the crossing time remaining. In addition to the traffic signals, the project will reconstruct two curb ramps to improve accessibility by providing an ADA-compliant path of travel through the intersections. Collectively, these proposed improvements will create a positive impact for all users of the roadway by improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
The acquisition of right-of-way was necessary to construct pedestrian facilities at one corner near Chestnut Avenue and Weldon Avenue, which has since been fully acquired. All project management, engineering design, topographic survey, and real estate duties were performed by staff from the Capital Projects Department.
Staff prepared a Notice Inviting Bids, which was published in the Fresno Business Journal on December 19, 2025, and posted on the City’s Website. Project specifications were distributed to thirty-two (32) prospective bidders. Five (5) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on January 20, 2026, with bids ranging from $1,559,200 to $2,195,71.80. Avison Construction, Inc. of Madera, CA, with their bid of $1,559,200 was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The expiration date of the bids is March 25, 2026. If bids are rejected or expired the project must be rebid with will result in a delay of approximately 90 days.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Environmental Assessment No. PW00978, dated January 23, 2026, a determination that the proposed Project qualifies for categorical exemption from review under CEQA as set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class1 and Section 15302/Class2, award a construction contract in the amount of $1,559,200 to Avison Construction, Inc. of Madera, CA for the HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Bid File No. 12600944) and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign on behalf of the City of Fresno.
Because of funding sources restrictions, the project received a Project labor Agreement (PLA) exemption from Building Trades Council on November 18, 2025. PLA was not a factor in the construction contract award.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the standardized Contract and CEQA determination as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this Project and determined it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), which exempts the repair and maintenance of existing facilities that involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use, and Section 15302/Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction), which exempts the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity.
The proposed Project is consistent with Class 1 and Class 2 exemptions because the Project is proposing to make improvements to existing infrastructure by installing and repairing existing curb ramps, reinstalling signage and striping, adjusting water valves and manhole covers to grade, and installing traffic signals to improve public safety (vehicular and pedestrian). The proposed improvements are minor, do not constitute an expansion of use, will be located on the same site as the structures being replaced, and will improve the public right-of-way without changing its purpose or increasing capacity.
Based on staff analysis, it was determined that no adverse environmental impacts would occur because of the Project and none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local Preference is not applicable due to the Federal funding requirements but would not have changed the outcome of the bid as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a local business as defined by the Fresno Municipal Code.
FISCAL IMPACT
The HAWK Pedestrian Signal at First Street & Home Avenue and Traffic Signal Improvements at Chestnut Avenue & Weldon Avenue Project (Project) is located in Council Districts 4 and 7. The overall cost of the Project is $2,105,000. The Project is funded by Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant. Required local match is funded by SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA). Out of the overall budget, $1,559,200 will be allocated for the construction contract award. The Project will have no impact on the General Fund. All funds necessary for the contract award are included in the current fiscal year approved City of Fresno budget.
Attachments:
Environmental Assessment No. PW00978
Standardized Contract
Procurement Evaluation Form
Vicinity Map