City engineer outlines R Street intersection, quiet zones and expanded LED streetlight work

Daryl George, Merced City engineer, told the commission he prepared a project list for council consideration in June that highlights three Measure C–funded priorities: a Safe Streets lighting retrofit (about $735,000 remaining), the R Street/Olive Avenue to Northwood Drive intersection upgrade including possible reconfiguration of left‑turn lanes, and the BNSF Quiet Zones project covering several crossings in coordination with the railroad and state agencies.

"That project is an intersection upgrade as well as the potential of changing the the left turn lane into 2 left turn lanes to help traffic travel through that intersection much quicker and smoother and safer," George said.

George also described the ongoing LED streetlight program: ‘‘We replaced 2,500 lights with the first phase of the project,'' he said, adding that a change order has already added about 800 lights and staff are preparing a third change order to add roughly 800–900 more using remaining Measure C funds. He said the team will focus additional replacements in neighborhoods with older fixtures and along arterials to improve corridor lighting.

Engineering staff noted McKee is under construction (curb ramps, concrete work) and that pavement rehabilitation will follow. George invited commissioners to review the project list at the upcoming city council meeting in June and asked for input on priorities.

No formal project approvals were taken at the commission meeting; staff will present the detailed project list to the city council for direction and contract approvals.