Council Weighs Fiber Optic System for Traffic on Portion of Colorado Boulevard

The City Council will vote on a contract with California Professional Engineering, Inc., a La Puente-based construction and engineering services firm, for the installation of new fiber optic cable and advanced communication systems that will provide connectivity to the city’s Traffic Management Center on Colorado Boulevard between San Gabriel Boulevard and  Sunnyslope Avenue.

The proposed upgrades are expected to result in better traffic signal timing and better signal control and automation, which would translate into decreased traffic delays and increased mobility on Colorado Boulevard., which has traditionally been utilized by the Pasadena Police Department and Department of Transportation for inbound and outbound traffic operations during special events at the Rose Bowl stadium.

The advancements will also allow for more sensitive signal timing control during regular non-peak traffic and weekend periods, preserving normal levels of mobility on the street, according to an agenda report prepared by the Pasadena Department of Public Works.

California Professional Engineering, Inc. is one of seven contractors that submitted bids for the project after a Notice Inviting Bids was published in early March.

After reviewing the submissions, the Public Works Department concluded that California Professional Engineering, Inc. is a “responsive and responsible bidder” and can perform the required work within budget.

The contract will cost $90,000, which includes the base contract amount of $62,752 and a contingency of $27,248 to provide for any necessary change orders, the report showed.

Public Works anticipates construction on the project to begin in June 2020 and be completed in August 2020. The proposed dates include the material lead time  required for manufacturing and delivery of items, according to the report.