LAKE COUNTY — Caltrans has scheduled a number of highway improvement projects during 2008.
“I have good news and bad news for you,” Project Mike Yancheff said before the Lower Lake Community Action Group.
“The good news is that there will be at least 12 construction and improvement projects, with most of the work done at night. The bad news is that there will be at least 12 construction and improvement projects.”
Speaking about traffic impacts, “It”s the nature of roadwork,” Yancheff said. “We try to avoid tying people up with congestion when we can.”
The presentation was accompanied by a map showing several locations of various construction and improvement projects. “You”re looking at more than $60 million in improvements,” said Alan Escarda, Caltrans district 1 construction engineer.
Clearlake residents can expect to see road widening at the intersection of State Route 53 and Lakeshore Drive (MPM 3.0) to include left-hand turn pockets.
Shoulder widening will take place near Lower Lake on SR 29 from Hofacker Lane to 0.4 miles north of Hofacker Lane.
Capital-improvement maintenance will take place on SR 29 near Lower Lake from Seigler Creek Bridge to 0.2 miles south of Main Street.
“These are approximately the limits of the Lower Lake Expressway Project, but this is not it,” Yancheff said, adding that actual expressway construction should begin in 2012. “We”re working now with environmental documents.”
Curve realignment continues along SR 20 headed east toward Williams. “This project is about half done and will continue in April,” Yancheff said.
Caltrans representatives stressed the importance of safety when managing road construction. “You can expect minor delays but people like you help me do my job,” said Oungkar Narine, Caltrans resident engineer. “If you see something unsafe, you will have our numbers and you can call us.”
To reach Caltrans Dist. 1 office for general information, call 445-6600. Project Manager Mike Yancheff is available at 441-2097.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
