Trinidad staff previews $800,000 STIP-funded Main Street repaving and sidewalk improvements

City staff summarized the 90%-complete design for the 2024 Main Street improvement project, which would grind and repave sections of Main Street, Patrick's Point Drive and Westhaven Drive, expand sidewalks on the south side of Main Street to meet ADA standards, and include safety enhancements. The project is funded primarily by approximately $800,000 in STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) funds.

Staff said the scope focuses on a thinner grind-and-repave (to avoid costlier full-depth work) and on targeted sidewalk widening, driveway tie-ins and visibility improvements. Construction timing discussed in the packet shows bid advertisement in February, bid opening in March, notice to proceed in June/July 2026 and a short, staged construction window that staff said is intended to reduce local disruption. Staff emphasized early business outreach and staging plans to maintain access during construction.

Technical questions from councilors and the public focused on lane widths (11–12 feet in different segments), the number of driveway permissions required for tie-ins, potential parking loss on the south side of Main Street, and whether signage and corner sight-distance standards complied with recent state rules. Planning commissioners and residents asked staff to include a signage inventory and to verify clearances that could affect required parking changes.

Staff said three driveway tie-ins will require permission-to-enter or construction easements. The city will notify affected property owners and businesses well before construction and will return to council if major changes are required. Council voted to receive the report and proceed to the next design and bid steps.