Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Porterville targets 30 lane‑mile annual goal, roundabouts and pedestrian safety upgrades
Summary
Staff told the council Porterville will aim to increase self‑performed street work toward 30 lane miles per year, pursue CMAQ and federal grants for roundabouts and corridor projects, and install multiple pedestrian safety improvements this fiscal year.
City staff outlined a broad slate of street and transportation projects, including an increased target for the city’s self‑performed pavement program, several federally funded roundabout projects, the Olive Avenue bridge work with county partners, and multiple pedestrian safety upgrades near schools.
Public Works Director Javier Sanchez described trends in federal CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality) funding and why roundabouts and traffic synchronization now receive more emphasis than shoulder stabilization. "Roundabouts are, tested to be more efficient, which means less idling," Sanchez said, adding that the CMAQ formulas also shifted focus from PM10 to PM2.5 standards and that the city is working with TCAG and Caltrans on timing and project windows.
Pavement preservation and self‑performed work - City crews have increased pavement work over recent years: staff said the program rose from roughly 9–10 lane miles a year to 20–22, and the council set a new aspirational target of about 30 lane miles in the coming budget cycle. Assistant City Manager Michael Knight and Public Works staff credited Measure I revenue and internal capacity building for allowing that increase. - Staff noted the city’s pavement management system (PCI) guides treatment selection (fog seal, microseal, overlay) to avoid unnecessary full reconstructions.
Union Avenue, Main Street and corridor work Council members raised Union Avenue and other long‑deferred sidewalks. Staff said Union Avenue design and right‑of‑way work are included in the CIP but construction remains unfunded and has been delayed in part by changed eligibility for shoulder projects and by complex right‑of‑way and utility issues.
Pedestrian crossings and signals Staff said the city will add multiple HAWK (High‑intensity Activated crossWalK) crossings and rapid‑flashing beacons this fiscal year and is prioritizing school crossings. Several planned signal projects (for example, the Newcomb/Mulberry location near Monache High School) remain contingent on equipment lead times and design schedules.
Ending: Staff asked the council for direction on priorities and said some projects depend on grant timing, right‑of‑way acquisitions and interagency coordination with Caltrans, TCAG and the county.
