Council approves $8M‑plus Active Transportation project to add center multi‑use path and roundabout on Hardin Parkway

The Salinas City Council voted Jan. 27 to approve the Hardin Parkway path and Safe Routes to School project and adopt a CEQA categorical exemption that clears the way for design and grant funding allocation.

Consultant Molly Tremblay (Kimley‑Horn) and Adriana Robles presented the project, which was developed from the city’s 2018 Safe Routes to School plan and an Active Transportation grant award exceeding $8 million. The recommended design removes one travel lane in each direction on parts of the corridor, installs a center multi‑use trail, adds stormwater treatment, preserves as many median trees as possible, and adds a single‑lane roundabout at Hardin and McKinnon to calm speeds and improve crossings in front of Hardin Middle School.

Tremblay said the preferred alternative balanced grant requirements, community priorities and emergency access, noting that roundabout geometry has been sized to allow Monterey‑Salinas Transit buses and large trucks to navigate without overtracking. The project would convert temporary Safe Routes curb extensions to permanent improvements along Westminster Drive and formalize buffered bike facilities into permanent raised medians and a multi‑use trail.

Residents voiced concerns about traffic displacement to nearby streets, school‑time parking and access, and whether older residents and children will be protected. Staff said the grant requires a public‑outreach program, a 3‑D rendering for community review, and education and enforcement programs to accompany construction. Council members emphasized the need for school coordination, outreach and helmet/education programs for students.

Council motioned and approved the project and CEQA exemption unanimously. Staff said final design and construction scheduling depend on grant allocation, further outreach, and coordination with emergency services and MST bus operators.