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City engineering lays out four CMAQ project candidates for trails and sidewalk infill
Summary
City engineering described four projects under consideration for a CMAQ grant: two multi‑use paths adjacent to MID canals and two sidewalk‑infill projects to improve pedestrian connectivity and safe routes to school.
City engineering staff presented four candidate projects the city may submit for a CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality) call for projects: two shared‑use paths along Merced Irrigation District (MID) canals and two sidewalk‑infill projects aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity and safe routes to school.
"This is an item that's gonna come before council in the near future," Mario Govea, city engineer, said. Danny (engineering staff) described the projects: a multi‑use path along Arkilian Park next to an MID canal to Peach Street, a shared‑use path along the future Winton Parkway extension to B Street behind the Livingston Community Health facility, a sidewalk infill on Stephanie between Campbell and Davis with curb, gutter and ramps, and a Newcastle Drive pedestrian link to the Peach market and local high school.
Staff said the CMAQ call will fund transportation projects that reduce emissions and that roughly $8 million is available regionally. Applications must meet program criteria and align with the regional transportation plan (RTP). Danny described probable designs: shared‑use concrete paths 12–14 feet wide (concrete preferred; asphalt possible if required by MID), and standard 5‑foot sidewalks for infill sections with curb, gutter and ramp upgrades.
Engineering emphasized that sections within MID right‑of‑way require formal MID approval. That approval could include requirements for fencing, maintenance and liability; if MID permits use, the city would accept responsibility for upkeep and potential additional insurance/liability obligations. Staff said CMAQ money generally funds new facilities rather than rehabilitation, and that projects were selected to meet both CMAQ criteria and earlier community planning (traffic committee and safe‑routes input).
Staff flagged right‑of‑way, utility and roadway speed constraints (particularly on Newcastle Drive) that will need design review. Council members asked about other candidate sites; staff said they examined multiple options and prioritized projects that met CMAQ rules and public feedback.
Ending: Staff will return with formal project applications for council approval and with the MID coordination details before any final submittal. Applications are time‑sensitive: staff told council they had roughly a month to refine scopes and coordinate with MID before submittal.
