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2009: The year of the torn up roads |
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Saturday, 03 November 2007 |
By Lara Kirkner
Mammoth Times Staff Writer
 Dan Wright and Sandy Hogan examine plans for a roundabout at the intersection of Meridian Boulevard and Minaret Road, which was presented as part of last week's Public Works Workshop.MAMMOTH TIMES PHOTO/LARA KIRKNER
The first project, Meridian Boulevard Rehabilitation, which will run from Majestic Pines Drive to Sierra Park Road, has been on the books for some time with preliminary plans being designed in 2002. Shortly after, however, the funds ran out and the project has been on hold ever since.
Phase one of the project involves the reconstruction of Meridian Boulevard from Lower Majestic Pines Drive to Old Mammoth Road. Phase two includes extending the reconstruction one block to Upper Majestic Pines Drive on the west end and two blocks to Sierra Park Road on the east end.
The biggest change that will come with this project, and the portion that received the most questions at last week's workshop, is the roundabout that is scheduled to be installed at the intersection of Meridian Boulevard and Minaret Road. The existing traffic signal at this intersection is scheduled to be removed and relocated to the Meridian Boulevard/Sierra Park Road intersection.
Many at the meeting were concerned about pedestrian traffic at the roundabout, wondering how foot traffic, bikers, and golf carts from the nearby Sierra Star Golf Course would cross. The project will include two bike lanes along this portion, as well as crosswalks that both foot traffic and golf carts would be expected to use when crossing.
“The golf carts would be expected to follow pedestrian rules,” said Peter Bernasconi, Senior Associate Civil Engineer for the Town.
Additionally the project will include new curb, gutter, sidewalks, bus turnouts, lights and improvements to the storm drainage system. Additional right-of-way totaling an acre of land will be required for the roundabout.
Canyon Boulevard Rehabilitation
The second project, also set to begin in 2009, is the Canyon Boulevard Rehabilitation Project, which will run from Forest Trail to Hillside Drive. The project will involve the reconstruction of the road as well as the addition of new curbs, gutters, lighting and improvements to the storm drainage system. Sidewalks are also scheduled to be added along the north side of the street, but they will only be seven-feet wide, the most that will fit due to housing alignment along the road. Also included in the project are six-foot wide bike lanes.
Main Street
The next two projects (also scheduled for 2009) are repaving and restriping the North Main Street Frontage Road from the Post Office to Forest Trail, and adding two more traffic signals on Main Street.
The frontage road project will add curb and gutter to the road, as well as a sidewalk to lengthen the existing sidewalk system. The public in attendance at the workshop requested that the Town do something about people speeding down Forest Trail and Bernasconi responded that one idea the Town has tossed around is making Forest Trail where it empties out onto Main Street, a right turn only street. No definite decisions have been made regarding this and Bernasconi said the Town is trying to avoid it if they can.
The additional stoplights on Main Street are scheduled to be installed at Mountain Boulevard and at the Post Office or Center Street; the second is still yet to be determined. A traffic study is in progress to determine the best location. All the traffic signals along Main Street will be connected with existing signals at Minaret Road and Old Mammoth Road to keep traffic moving.
Airport Access Road
The final project discussed was an Airport Access Road, which was the only one in the bunch not scheduled for 2009. The road will run from the Green Church to the Airport and is scheduled to begin construction in 2011. The road would make it easier to come in and out of the airport, according to Town staff.
For example, say someone were dropping someone off at the airport on their way from Mammoth to Bishop. Instead of going into the airport and then having to turn around and backtrack to U.S. 395, the driver could have a straight shot out the other side of the airport.
The road would also give better access to emergency vehicles coming from the Long Valley Fire Department south of the airport. The road is part of mitigation efforts for a full-blown airport.
All of these projects are scheduled to be paid for by grant funding.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 10 November 2007 )
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