REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Study Session on the New Traffic Signal at Great America Parkway and Hichborn Drive Related to the Irvine Company Project at 2518 Mission College Boulevard
Report
BACKGROUND
On March 25, 2025, the City Council approved various actions to allow the development of 1,792 residential units, 3,500 square feet of retail, and 4.225 acres of public park by the Irvine Company (Irvine) on 25.74 acres located at 2518 Mission College Boulevard. As part of the project’s conditions of approval, the project is required to construct a new traffic signal at Great America Parkway and Hichborn Drive to mitigate project-related traffic impacts. Due to questions related to the new traffic signal, the Council directed staff to schedule a study session to review the effects of the new traffic signal on traffic circulation under various scenarios and to ensure that the timing of the session does not delay the project.
DISCUSSION
As part of the Irvine project approval process, a traffic operations analysis was conducted by Irvine’s traffic consultant to evaluate project-related trips, site access, and circulation. The analysis determined that the intersections of Great America Parkway/Mission College Boulevard and Freedom Circle West/Mission College Boulevard would both operate at an unacceptable Level of Service (LOS) F during the PM peak hour.
To restore operations to an acceptable Level of Service, the traffic analysis recommended converting Hichborn Drive from a one-way eastbound street from Great America Parkway to a two-way street and installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Great America Parkway and Hichborn Drive (Attachment 1).
During this study session, staff will provide a presentation illustrating the new traffic signal’s impact on surrounding signalized intersections and roadways under various traffic scenarios.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is a study session, and no action is being taken by the City Council that constitutes a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational policy making or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Because this is a study session item, there is no fiscal impact beyond the staff time involved in preparing this report.
COORDINATION
The report was coordinated with City Manager’s Office and Irvine (developer of 2518 Mission College Boulevard).
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and file Study Session Report and provide any feedback on the new traffic signal at Great America Parkway and Hichborn Drive.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. Project Location Map