Traffic committee approves red curbs to protect sewer lift station access on Rancho Camino Drive

Merced City’s Traffic Committee voted to approve a public-works request to paint red curbs on both sides of the end of Rancho Camino Drive at Granada Court to ensure unobstructed access to a city sewer lift station.

Public works supervisor AJ Dustaceio told the committee the department “contacted all the residents around that area” and asked neighbors to stop parking in front of the gate but that “it has not made a difference.” He said large equipment, including vacuum trucks and tow trucks, sometimes cannot access the facility because vehicles park in the small cutout near the gate.

Committee members asked whether moving the gate or using physical barriers had been explored. A fire representative said crews need room to swing large vehicles and that, “no matter where we move the gate, we’re still going to have to utilize more room.” Juan from public works said he supported the red-curb request, noting that residents sometimes leave large vehicles for long periods and that the curbs would protect access.

Some committee members suggested starting with red paint and adding a chain or posts later if parking continued. A committee member summarized the enforcement benefit: a marked red curb would give police the right to tow vehicles that block the gate.

The committee made a motion to approve the request; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Committee members did not record individual voter names in the transcript. The committee asked staff who will prepare the work order to coordinate implementation.

The approved action directs public works to paint no-parking (red) curbs on both sides of the roadway in front of the lift station and to report back if further physical barriers are needed.