CLEARLAKE >> As part of Clearlake’s Public Works plan, construction on one of the first major road projects in several years will begin on Monday, June 5. The city was successful in securing money from local, state, and federal sources to fund the $2.1 million rehabilitation of Phillips Avenue and 18th Avenue.
Phillips Avenue will be widened to provide two 11 foot traffic lanes and two 4 foot bike lanes from 40th Avenue to 18th Avenue. Similarly, 18th Avenue will see work between Highway 53 and Boyles Avenue.
This project is primarily funded through grants, but there is also some Measure V funding allocated to the project.
Traffic in this area will be impacted for several months while construction takes place. Drivers in the area should consider alternative routes as there will be detours and potential traffic delays during the hours of construction. Access to and from St. Helena Hospital Clearlake will be maintained at all times.
Team Ghilotti out of Petaluma was the successful bidder on this project and is busy making preparations to begin construction next week.
“We have put in a lot of time on this project and we are excited for Team Ghilotti to get started,” Clearlake Public Works Director Doug Herren said. “Not only will this project improve the road surface of 18th Avenue and Phillips Avenue, but it will also allow for bike lanes which will support and encourage bicycling as a means of transportation.
Herren acknowledged traffic delays during the construction period could be aggravating. He asked the public to be patient as road improvement work continues.
“This is the first of many road projects that are in the works that will help to make Clearlake a much more drivable community,” Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom observed. “Staff did a great job in securing grant funding for the majority of this work. This is also the first road project to have Measure V funding allocated to it, although we hope to not need it.”
More Measure V projects are scheduled to begin this summer.
Along with the improvement of Phillips Avenue and 18th Avenue, other projects listed to begin over the next few months include park related roadside upgrades, the restriping of crosswalks, and a Dam Road extension to Phillips Avenue.
