Hammond Road/70th Avenue Bike Lanes Project

The County of Riverside Transportation Department is undertaking the Hammond Road/70th Avenue Bike Lanes Project to widen both roadways by 18 feet total, adding 9 feet to each side, resulting in new 5-foot-wide bike lanes with 4-foot-wide buffered shoulders between Hammond Road and 2nd Street to the north and 70th Avenue and Sea View Way to the southeast. The project includes widening an existing bridge over the Wasteway No. 1 Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel east of Cleveland Street to accommodate the new bike lane infrastructure, alongside roadway safety and maintenance enhancements. Construction is scheduled in distinct phases: linear grubbing and land clearing from September 1 to October 20, 2026; grading and excavation through May 26, 2027; drainage, utilities, and sub-grade work until October 19, 2027; and paving to be completed by December 31, 2027. The estimated contract value is approximately $2.36 million, covering equipment and execution of earthmoving, paving, utility coordination, and stormwater management activities. Environmental compliance is central to the project, with obligations tied to a Mitigated Negative Declaration and adherence to CEQA, NPDES stormwater permits, SCAQMD Rule 1403, and California Code of Regulations for lead and asbestos control. Mitigation measures include a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, Soil Management Plan, hazardous materials surveys, and utility relocation coordination under SM UT-1 and UT-2. The project site, located in the Mecca area with ZIP code 92254, is classified as a Disadvantaged Community under SB 535 and a Low-Income Community under AB 1550, with a CalEnviroScreen score of 82 and a Healthy Places Index of 5.0, triggering additional environmental justice requirements. Special requirements mandate the presence of qualified biologists and archaeologists on-site, immediate work stoppage upon discovery of cultural resources, 24-hour security for human remains, and compliance with cultural resource protections under Public Resources Code sections 5097.94 and 5097.98. All activities must align with ADA accessibility standards, County and State engineering specifications, and a formal Traffic Control Plan developed in coordination with the County. Contract administration is overseen by Senior Transportation Planner Don Copeland, who serves as the primary point of contact for project communications and compliance