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Board opens study session on Kettleman City pedestrian bridge; project faces $4.9 million funding gap
Summary
Staff briefed the board on a proposed pedestrian bridge across State Route 41 in Kettleman City with $8 million in SB 170 funds already secured but an estimated $12.9 million total cost, leaving a roughly $4.9 million gap; staff recommended applying for an ATP construction grant and pledged community outreach and continued coordination with Caltrans.
Kings County staff presented a study session on April 28 about a proposed pedestrian bridge in Kettleman City designed to improve safety across State Route 41 and connect east and west neighborhoods.
Deputy County Executive Officer Unchong Perry told the board the county previously secured about $8 million through SB 170 for the project but current total project estimates have grown to roughly $12.9 million, creating an estimated $4.9 million shortfall. Because design is approximately 90% complete, staff recommended applying for construction‑only funding through the Active Transportation Program (ATP) in the medium‑infrastructure category (projects roughly $3.5M–$10M). The application deadline is June 22, 2026.
Public Works engineers reported recent pedestrian counts—an average of about 55 crossings on a weekday and about 19–20 on Saturdays—support the project’s safety case and permit a construction‑only grant application. Engineers also said they examined alternatives (flashing signage, stop controls, undercrossings and roundabouts) and found a pedestrian bridge the safest option to remove pedestrians from the travelway.
Several supervisors and community speakers—including Supervisor Vaia and local residents—expressed frustration that the project’s cost increased after Caltrans requested added clearance and foundation changes tied to anticipated future truck routing on SR‑41. One supervisor recounted earlier community outreach and said staff has had to redesign elements to meet Caltrans’ clearance requirements, which added stair and structural costs and raised the price by roughly $4 million.
State legislative staff from Senator Melissa Hurtado’s office said they would support the county with letters and advocacy and could press Caltrans as needed. Staff agreed to hold two community meetings to document local support for an ATP application and to coordinate letters of support from neighboring jurisdictions.
Because this item was a study session, the board provided direction to staff but did not vote on project funding; staff will proceed with ATP grant preparations and outreach.
