Norwalk City Council Approves Design Services for Carmenter Road Improvement Project

City officials in Norwalk are taking significant steps to improve local road conditions, particularly on Carmanita Road, following the cancellation of the Foster Road rehabilitation project. During the recent City Council meeting on August 6, 2025, council members discussed reallocating funds from the canceled project to enhance the design and specifications for Carmanita Road, a crucial thoroughfare in the area.

The council approved an agreement with Onward Engineering, Inc. to provide design services for the new project, which is expected to address long-standing concerns about traffic and roadway quality. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to respond to community demands for better infrastructure, especially in areas heavily trafficked by commercial vehicles.

Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the improvements are durable enough to withstand the high volume of traffic, including semi-trucks. The engineering team highlighted that the new design will incorporate a stronger pavement mix and deeper base layers to enhance longevity, with a projected lifespan of 8 to 12 years for arterial roads like Carmanita.

The council also acknowledged the need for effective communication with residents about the upcoming changes, particularly as construction may redirect traffic to alternative routes. The reallocation of approximately $13,000 from the canceled project to cumulative Prop C funding was also approved, ensuring that the city can continue to invest in vital infrastructure improvements.

As Norwalk moves forward with these plans, city leaders are hopeful that the enhancements will significantly improve road safety and traffic flow, addressing the community's ongoing concerns about street conditions.