Ukiah streetscape project: phases, utility replacements and a push to close gaps in downtown bike/ped network

City project staff and MCOG presenters gave a detailed briefing on a multi-phase downtown streetscape and urban-core program intended to improve sidewalks, utilities and bicycle connections.

Phase overview: Andrew, a city public-works project manager, said phase 1 rebuilt utilities and installed streetscape elements from Mill Street to Henry, and phase 2 continued similar work; the phase 2 effort cost about $10.3 million and included water-main and sewer replacements, electrical work and undergrounding in some sections. Staff said they coordinated with utility departments and used a mix of utility funds and a local partnership program (LPP) competitive grant to pay for parts of the work.

Phase 3 and future work: Staff said a phase 3 application was submitted but not awarded in the most recent round; if funded, phase 3 would extend streetscape improvements north of the current downtown core and costs were estimated at $9–10 million with a construction duration of roughly 1.5 years. Staff also noted challenges for phase 3, including sections that cannot have undergrounding for electric utilities due to an absence of an undergrounding district.

Transit and accessibility: In response to questions staff said bus pullouts are marked in the streetscape with signed no-parking zones and shelters at some stops; the design preserves space for buses but does not necessarily provide exclusive bus-only lanes in all locations.

Community context: Staff emphasized that earlier planning studies and local sales-tax-funded programs made the project eligible for competitive grants and that local businesses and residents have generally supported the visible downtown improvements.