Old Town Sidewalk Improvements

For the City’s Old Town sidewalk improvements project, MNS created a new network for pedestrian access to improve walkable connections to businesses and to promote alternative modes of transportation. In this older mixed-use neighborhood, urban roadway design standards have changed significantly. Many of the original streets are narrow, lack sidewalks, and some pathways end abruptly. By installing a network of sidewalks on one side of the area streets, the project also removes access barriers. The project provides curb, gutter, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps to encourage pedestrian traffic. The City’s goal was to expand safe connections to transportation options by making the area more functional for all modes of street travel (walking, bicycling, public transit, and driving). This vital link to the residential neighborhoods north of Hollister Avenue and along Pine Avenue, and south of Hollister Avenue also enhances community health by encouraging active forms of transportation. The City received a California Active Transportation (ATP) grant for the environmental, right-of-way (R/W), final design, and construction.

The project scope included the following:

• Constructing curb and gutter on both sides of the street to improve drainage and stormwater run-off quality
• Installing potential new connections to the existing storm drain system
• Retaining walls
• Angled parking
• Maximizing vehicle travel lanes, bicycle lanes, and new four-foot-wide sidewalks (as applicable)
• Installing ADA accessible ramps
• Restriping
• Adjusting utility locations
• Removing private encroachments in the public R/W (as necessary)
• Improving street lighting as applicable

MNS provided engineering (design, project reports, and planning), surveying, and a proactive public outreach program with a project website, mailings, fact sheets, and community meetings.