TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HYE JIN LEE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT
title
Intersection Improvements (Moonspinner Street and West Preserve Loop).
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve the plans and specifications for construction as approved by the Director of Public Works and authorize the solicitation of construction bids for TR271 - Intersection Improvements at (Moonspinner Street at West Preserve Loop).
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FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are currently budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for this project. Funding was identified from two funding sources, Measure I transportation improvement funds and General Fund. The adopted Fiscal Year 2026-27 project budget is summarized below:
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TR271 - Intersection Improvements (Moonspinner Street at West Preserve Loop) |
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Funding Source |
Appropriation |
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Measure I - Fund 322 |
$100,000 |
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General Fund - Fund 100 |
$50,000 |
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*Total Budget: |
$150,000 |
*Total reflects estimated construction costs only; staff will request additional funding once bids are received and project is ready for award.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Positive City Image
• Superior Customer Service
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Revenue: |
Expenditure: TR271 |
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Transfer In: |
Transfer Out: |
BACKGROUND
The TriPointe Homes residential development located at the northeast corner of Pine Avenue and West Preserve Loop began construction of public improvements in mid-2025. One of the developer's conditions of approval was to construct the ultimate street improvements along their frontage on West Preserve Loop. That work included widening the roadway on the east side and establishing a raised median identified in the Preserve Specific Plan. After constructing the median, but before finishing the final pavement resurfacing of the east side of West Preserve Loop, the Developer approached the City regarding a mutually beneficial expansion of their paving limits to capture deteriorating pavement on the west side of West Preserve Loop. After reviewing the developer’s proposed rehabilitation limits, City staff then requested an extension of the resurfacing work approximately 200 feet north of Bickmore Avenue to address additional pavement deficiencies.
Immediately following the Developer’s installation of the raised median, residents of the existing neighborhood bounded by Mill Creek Avenue, Bickmore Avenue, West Preserve Loop, and Pine Avenue contacted the City with concerns regarding changes to their existing access. Prior to the median installation, the neighborhood had three locations where left-turn access movements were permitted. Although the Preserve Specific Plan identified a median along this roadway segment, the newly installed median differed from the long-standing access conditions that had been in place since the neighborhood’s construction in 2008 without the raised median on West Preserve Loop. Residents had become accustomed to this left-turn access point, and the conversion to right-in/right-out at Moonspinner Street and West Preserve Loop has impacted local circulation patterns.
At the October 28, 2025, Infrastructure/Streets Committee meeting, Public Works staff provided this background and update regarding construction of public improvements on West Preserve Loop and a recommendation to request that the Developer assist the City in constructing an adjustment of the median to accommodate a left turn pocket and upgrading curb ramp facilities to meet ADA standards prior to completing their final pavement resurfacing. The Committee was amicable to this approach and staff shared that the Developer was interested in incorporating this work into their schedule. The Developer initially considered the option feasible but ultimately chose not to proceed with the modifications prior to resurfacing due to the effort being cost prohibitive for them. Because these items were not included in the project’s conditions of approval, the City could not require the developer to complete this additional work.
The timing was not in alignment to complete the work with the developers’ resurfacing efforts, however City staff still recognized the need to program these improvements into the City’s CIP. City Council subsequently approved CIP project TR271, Intersection Improvements (Moonspinner Street at West Preserve Loop), as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget adoption.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Recognizing that reopening the intersection to vehicle traffic would also create an opportunity to improve pedestrian connectivity, City staff evaluated whether a pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) would be appropriate at the uncontrolled crossing at the intersection of Moonspinner Street and West Preserve Loop. In July 2026, staff conducted engineering assessments to identify the suitable placement of a marked crosswalk and to evaluate the potential need for an all-way stop. When evaluating whether to install a marked crossing at an uncontrolled intersection, it is standard practice to first determine whether the location meets the criteria for an all-way stop. Staff completed these evaluations in accordance with the 2026 California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), and an all-way stop is not warranted at this location. A summary of these findings is included in Exhibit B. The approved site plan for the TriPointe Homes residential development (east of West Preserve Loop) does not introduce a new vehicle access point along West Preserve Loop. Staff also reviewed the development’s traffic impact analysis and projected volumes at both build-out and in the 2040 future year condition. In all scenarios, the intersection continues to fall below the thresholds to warrant an all-way stop. The development’s internal street layout directs pedestrian access primarily to the south side of the intersection, providing a clear and consolidated pedestrian path consistent with established traffic engineering practice.
On July 28, 2026, staff provided the Infrastructure/Streets Committee a formal update of TR271 scope summarizing the design elements evaluated and incorporated into the current plans. The project addresses the need to reestablish left-turn vehicle access to South Meridian Park and its adjacent neighborhood, which is currently limited by the raised median configuration. The design also responds to identified pedestrian accessibility gaps by introducing a new ADA-compliant crossing facility to connect the developer constructed east side sidewalk to the existing west side sidewalk.
As part of the project scoping, staff evaluated options to enhance pedestrian safety at the uncontrolled intersection of West Preserve Loop and Moonspinner Street. The recommended improvements include adding an RRFB to increase driver awareness and providing a more visible crossing connection to access South Meridian Park from the east side of West Preserve Loop. In addition, the design incorporates a break in the raised median to restore left-turn access for vehicles and bicycles traveling toward the park and the neighborhood to the west.
Following staff’s presentation, the Committee engaged in a detailed discussion about the number and placement of marked pedestrian crossings. Staff explained that local agencies determine crosswalk locations based on engineering evaluations and must follow the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) when designing, installing, maintaining, or evaluating official traffic control devices.
The Committee expressed disagreement with the engineering evaluation and requested that the plans be revised to add a second marked crossing approximately 40 feet north of the consolidated crossing currently proposed. Staff advised that this request conflicts with engineering judgement, and state and federal MUTCD requirements and is not recommended by staff. It was also emphasized that Engineering standards also require that marked crossings outside of stop-controlled intersections be consolidated to align with pedestrian desire lines and reduce conflict points between pedestrians and motorists.
It is important to clarify that while the California Vehicle Code governs vehicle operation and roadway rules, it does not dictate the design or application of traffic control devices. Federal guidance states that installing devices that do not comply with MUTCD standards exposes agencies to legal liability, compromises public safety, and risks the loss of federal funding.
Staff has determined that installing a second marked crosswalk at West Preserve Loop and Moonspinner Street would introduce additional pedestrian-vehicle conflict points. Channelizing all pedestrians through a consolidated crossing location is consistent with MUTCD standards and best practices for reducing exposure frequency and enhancing operational safety for all roadway users. For these reasons, staff recommends not incorporating the additional crossing requested by the Committee. Staff’s recommended plans and specifications are complete, and the project is ready for solicitation of construction bids. Staff recommend that City Council approve the current project design and specifications for construction bids as provided.
Staff anticipate advertising for construction bids in the coming week, opening construction bids in October and returning to Council for award of Construction Contract in November/December 2026. The project is anticipated to begin construction in the first quarter of 2027, after the Holiday Season and pending weather.
Accessibility
The project scope impacts the public’s access-to and alters the public’s usability of the intersection. Prior to the ultimate improvements being built along West Preserve Loop, pedestrian access was limited to the west side of the street for strictly north-south direction travel. Improvements include upgrading existing north-south pedestrian facilities to meet ADA standards and adding an ADA compliant consolidated ped crossing to facilitate east-west access across West Preserve Loop.
Attachments: Exhibit A - ST271 Project Vicinity Map
Exhibit B - Traffic Warrant Worksheets