Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oakhurst mobility study advances; county to seek design‑level concepts for pedestrian, bike and circulation improvements
Summary
Madera County presented interim findings from a Caltrans‑funded Oakhurst Area Mobility Study focused on connectivity, safety and economic access for all modes; staff will continue community outreach and refine concept‑level designs for future grant applications.
County planning staff and consultants on June 17 updated the Board of Supervisors on the Oakhurst Area Mobility Study, a Caltrans‑funded planning effort to improve circulation, pedestrian safety and economic access along key corridors including Highways 41 and 49.
Amber Collins of Mark Thomas (project consultant) said the project covers approximately 10 miles of roadway in and around Oakhurst and that the study seeks to “increase connectivity, and the transportation network throughout the community for all modes of transportation.” The effort includes traffic and safety analysis, community outreach, an advisory group of local stakeholders and preliminary concept designs to position the county for future funding and construction.
Consultants reported existing‑conditions work and early engagement results: common community requests include completion of sidewalk gaps, safer crosswalks and improved wayfinding; Caltrans and county staff also raised emergency‑access and evacuation concerns because Oakhurst is a gateway to Yosemite and faces wildfire risk. The study team plans seasonal traffic counts during high tourist periods, refined engineering concepts to 30% design for competitive grant readiness, and a third round of outreach in the fall (including tabling at the October festival and another public workshop).
Board members emphasized local context and feasibility. Supervisor McCauley suggested a “road diet” concept to maintain two travel lanes through town rather than full five‑lane widening that could require property acquisition and harm downtown walkability. Supervisor Poitras asked what makes Oakhurst unique; consultants cited parking constraints, ADA access, emergency‑vehicle preemption needs and the town’s role as a tourist gateway.
The county will refine design concepts, produce visualizations for community feedback, prioritize improvements by roadway segment and return with recommended projects and funding strategies. The presentation was informational; no board action was required.
