Hilmar Complete Street Project (10-1P140)

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to construct Complete Streets and drainage improvements on State Route (SR) 165 from postmile 32.87 to postmile 34.44 in the City of Hilmar, Merced County. The project would install approximately 15,840 linear feet of new Class II buffered bicycle lanes. Pedestrian improvements would include construction of approximately 6,890 linear feet of new sidewalk, reconstruction of approximately 6,980 linear feet of existing sidewalk, installation of six new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps, and upgrade of 31 existing curb ramps to current ADA standards. The project would also reconstruct 99 existing driveways within the project limits. Roadway improvements would include widening shoulders using Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) (Type A) to accommodate bicycle facilities. Traffic and safety enhancements would include upgrading five signal and lighting systems, upgrading three flashing beacon systems, upgrading two pedestrian hybrid beacon systems, installing two traffic monitoring stations, and installing approximately 1,348 linear feet of crosswalks at six locations. Drainage improvements would include installation of 37 new culverts totaling approximately 3,871 linear feet, 18 drainage inlets, and 16 manholes with frames and covers. The project would also construct one retention basin and one stormwater lift station near postmile 34.21 to address localized flooding and stormwater management needs. Construction activities would require temporary traffic control measures, which may include lane closures, one-way traffic control, and short-term detours to maintain traffic flow and ensure worker and public safety. The project focuses on improving multimodal access and bringing pedestrian facilities into compliance with ADA standards as part of Complete Streets implementation. Improvements to existing nonstandard roadway features are not included in the project scope due to right-of-way constraints; these features are addressed separately in a Design Standard Decision Document (DSDD). The purpose of the project is to improve mobility for roadway users and address stormwater issues within the project limits. The project is needed to address stormwater issues and to bring the corridor within the project limits up to standard in compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.