Avenue 56 Permanent Restoration Improvements Project

The Avenue 56 Permanent Restoration Improvements Project is a forecast effort by Tulare County to implement permanent safety and infrastructure repairs on Avenue 56, a major collector road connecting the community of Alpaugh to State Routes 43 and 99. Following flood damage in early 2023 and subsequent emergency elevation of the roadway by five feet, this project focuses on permanent restoration and stabilization. The scope of work includes roadway profile modifications, embankment fill, and the creation of a 28-foot-wide paved surface with one-foot-wide gravel shoulders and traversable side slopes. Additionally, the project involves the extension, installation, modification, or replacement of existing drainage culverts and headwall improvements to meet current public health and safety standards. The project is located in Tulare County, specifically 2.5 miles east of Alpaugh, spanning three segments from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks to the California High Speed Rail Authority property, extending to the State Route 43 right-of-way, and continuing approximately one mile east from that point. Under NAICS code 237310, the project is categorically exempt from CEQA as it involves the repair and restoration of existing facilities without increasing travel lanes or capacity. Key administrative personnel include Omar Padilla as the Engineer, Reed Schenke as the RMA Director, and Gary Mills and Jessica Wills as planning contacts.