Soledad council approves $3.03 million contract for West Street road-diet and safety upgrades

The City of Soledad on Wednesday approved a $3,029,693 construction contract with Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE) to build the West Street Road Diet and Complete Streets project.

Alex Ramos, the city’s engineering project manager, told the council the project — originally funded by a 2023 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) grant of about $2.7 million and a 2025 supplemental award of roughly $882,480 — is intended to make West Street safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. “Proposed improvements included buffered bike lanes, pedestrian facility enhancements, traffic calming measures, landscape medians, crosswalk improvements, and pavement rehab,” Ramos said.

The bid process produced five bids on April 14, 2026; MPE was the low bidder at about $2.9 million. Ramos recommended a construction contract not to exceed $3,029,693, which includes a 5% contingency. Staff said most of the project will be paid from grant funds and recommended using SP1 (SB‑1) funding to cover the remaining shortfall and contingency.

Council members asked about specific project elements and operations. Don Wilcox, public works director, said the corridor will be reduced from four lanes to two travel lanes with added safety features. “That roadway is not wide enough for 4 lanes safely. That’s why we’re doing a complete streets safety project,” Wilcox said. The project will add rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) at a new crosswalk, buffered bike lanes, a speed table and targeted lighting upgrades using the city’s existing streetlight standard.

Council member concerns focused on crosswalk placement near the high school, irrigation and plant maintenance for landscaped medians, and the long‑term effects of narrowing the roadway. Ramos said irrigation for landscaped medians is included in the project and that plantings will use drought‑tolerant native species; staff confirmed potable water will not be used for irrigation when recycled options are available.

Council voted by voice to adopt Resolution 6359, approving the contract with MPE and authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement. The motion carried.

The council and staff said they will continue public education about why lanes are being reduced and when construction will occur. The city indicated it will present the SB‑1 (SP1) funding submittal at an upcoming council meeting to formalize the supplemental funding source.