CLEARLAKE >> After much-needed road improvements for the east side of the city, Clearlake has announced construction for the Dam Road Extension Project will commence this month.
The area, commonly known as the Avenues, has shown a need for additional means of egress during times of emergency after evacuations during the Clayton Fire, according to the City.
The project is said to provide an additional exit route by creating a new roadway connecting the Avenues to Dam Road.
“This is one of the most important projects that the City has undertaken in many years and I think the residents of the east side of Clearlake are going to be very pleased with the improved access to the schools, Walmart, and the new Tractor Supply and Big 5,” city manager Greg Folsom said.
Clearlake recently awarded a construction contract to Granite Construction to build a new public road from Dam Road and Center Drive intersection to 18th Avenue and Phillips Avenue. The project will include a two-lane roadway, new guardrail, and improvements to the intersections and the storm drain system.
The project cost is $1,024,000 and is being primarily funded by the City’s Series A Redevelopment Bond fund. Construction is anticipated to begin July 30 and continue through October 1, 2018.
“This is the first new road that the City has built since I’ve been here,” said Public Works Director Doug Herren. “Not only will this project make the Avenues safer during an emergency, but it will take a lot of traffic off Highway 53 that now goes to Walmart, Woodland College, and the Konocti Education Center (KEC) and reduce gridlock on Highway 53 and Dam Road during peak hours.”
