The Mount Shasta City Council reviewed a draft Safety Action Plan prepared under a federal Safe Streets for All grant and approved a separate contract to design the reconstruction of Lake Street.

A Kimley Horn representative summarized the draft plan’s data-driven approach, noting intersections account for a majority of the city’s injury crashes and identifying corridor priorities such as continuous sidewalks, bike lanes, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, rumble strips and targeted sight-line improvements. The presenter highlighted that the plan also serves as a gateway to state and federal funding programs.

"The plan really lets us look at what's going on on the city roadways, how people are driving, what kind of intersections and roadway segments you have, and how that aligns with best practices," the presenter said during the briefing.

Council members asked for clarity on rankings and crash counts; the presenter noted the study window showed a low absolute number of crashes (17 in the five-year sample cited) and that different ranking systems (aggregate vs. subcategory) can place the city differently on comparative lists.

Separately, council approved a contract with Kimley Horn for plans, specifications, construction estimate and contract documents associated with Lake Street reconstruction. Staff said two qualified proposals were received; the highest initial proposal of $463,000 was negotiated down to a $349,325 contract. Funding for the contract includes an allocation of $100,000 from STIP with the remainder covered from gas-tax funds. Staff said a construction estimate for a full reconstruction package is roughly $2.2 million and that a phased approach or additional grants (Active Transportation Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program through Caltrans, ADA transition planning grants) will be pursued to cover sidewalks and complete-streets elements.

City staff indicated Kimley Horn will begin work in January and the construction package is expected to be advertised in mid-year, with best-case construction start in late 2026 or fiscal year 2027.