MEMORANDUM

TO: MAYOR DALLAS AND FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS

FROM: CAROLYN HARDY, COUNCIL MEMBER AND REPRESENTATIVE TO TAMC
SUBJECT: HIGHWAY 68 SCENIC CORRIDOR
DATE: APRIL 27, 2017
CC: CHIP RERIG, CITY ADMINISTRATOR

The following is an item of interest from the recent Transportation Agency for Monterey
County (TAMC) Board meeting that I want to share with the City Council and with the public having
to do with Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas.

With $50 million earmarked for improvements, The Transportation Agency for Monterey
County (TAMC) is evaluating current and future travel patterns between Salinas and the Monterey
Peninsula, the feasibility of affordable mid-term operational and capacity improvements in the SR 68
corridor in context to other planning regional improvements service the same commute market, and
the potential for wildlife connectivity enhancements.

Agency staff and the project team presented technical data and three corridor concept
alternatives for consideration:

Alternative 1: Installation of Roundabouts at Major Intersections

Alternative 2: Selective Segment Widening with Intersection Improvements

Alternative 3: Integrated Corridor Management (Adaptive Signalization)

The least constrained project is the roundabout concept, the most constrained is the road
widening concept. Integrated into each concept is a focus on wildlife crossings that would enhance
wildlife safety. The roundabout concept addresses new road capacity and would encompass
conversions of nine intersections. Change would be considered for all stop-lighted intersections
except at Ragsdale Drive. Ten percent increase in traffic demands equates to a 45% increase in traffic
delays, demonstrating the strain on this vital roadway connecting the peninsula with the valley and
the need for improvements.

TAMCs project team is beginning a second phase of outreach to solicit public feedback to
assist with determining what transportation needs must be met to ensure the corridors sustainability.
The public is invited to a workshop to be held on:

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017 at 6:00 P.M.

Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) BOARDROOM
19 Upper Ragsdale Drive, First Floor
Monterey, CA 93940