SR‑49 multimodal project trims some elements after public feedback; Caltrans design and a $5 million cost gap noted
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Summary
City and county transportation officials reported that the State Route 49 multimodal corridor project is roughly $5 million over the original grant award; after community concerns staff removed some turn restrictions and roundabouts and plan design and right‑of‑way work this spring with Caltrans leading design.
City and county transportation officials updated the Nevada City Council on April 8 on the State Route 49 multimodal corridor project, saying the Active Transportation Program‑funded project has a gap between current estimates and the grant award and that staff are revising the scope to reduce impacts and costs.
Brian McAllister, the city engineer, and representatives of the Nevada County Transportation Commission summarized the project history tied to community safety concerns after a 2018 fatality and reviewed proposed improvements (high‑visibility crosswalks, a 14‑foot class‑1 multi‑use path through the corridor, ADA curb ramps, bus shelters and intersection changes). Aaron Hoyt, deputy executive director of the Transportation Commission, said Caltrans is leading design and that after updates in January Caltrans reported the project is about $5,000,000 over what the grant award covered.
"We were notified by Caltrans that we're about $5,000,000 over what the grant award was," Hoyt said. Staff described several design changes made after public input: removing left‑turn restrictions at Coyote Street while retaining high‑visibility crosswalks and a relocated bus stop and shelter; replacing a proposed roundabout at Maidu/Orchard with enhanced crosswalks and rapid rectangular flashing beacons to limit impacts to narrow Orchard Street; and planning a single‑lane roundabout or other traffic‑calming features near Cement Hill/West Broad as a gateway element. Officials said trimming those elements helps bring the project back toward the grant budget and reduces right‑of‑way impacts to adjacent residents.
Staff also discussed coordination with a potential courthouse relocation, which could change traffic needs in the corridor, and said Caltrans has classified the project for a categorical exemption under CEQA and a categorical exclusion under NEPA, allowing the design and right‑of‑way phases to proceed this spring. Council members emphasized continued targeted outreach to Orchard Street residents and asked staff to keep the council updated as scope‑change approvals from funding agencies are sought.
Design and right‑of‑way work is expected to begin this spring and last approximately one year; staff said additional updates will return to council as the project advances.
