- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Lakeport receives Caltrans award for citywide sign replacement project
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The city of Lakeport has received a major grant in the latest round of state funding to conduct roadway safety projects.
Caltrans said it has awarded more than $227 million to fund safety projects designed to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on city and county roads. Funding is provided through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.
Lakeport Public Works Director Doug Grider said the city applied last year for the competitive grant to replace the signs identified in a sign inventory the city had performed in 2020.
The grant – which he called “a big one” – is for $261,000. The city received notification last week.
It will replace 547 signs and prevent the city from having to spend general funds on the project.
To be replaced are warning signs – yield, curve and slippery road conditions – along with regulator, guide and city-specific signs, such as street signs, Grider said.
According to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, nearly 64 percent of traffic deaths in California occur on city or county roads, underscoring the significance of funding local safety improvements.
Caltrans selected a total of 266 projects statewide for funding for safety enhancements that include new traffic signals, roundabouts, turn lanes, rumble strips and guard rails, and projects focusing on safety improvements at intersections. There were reported to be 469 grants applications submitted.
“Safety is always our No. 1 priority,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “These projects will enhance systemwide safety features, including expanded access to protected walkways and bikeways, and will move us closer to our goal of reducing serious injuries and fatalities on California roadways.”
“In addition to the upgrades Caltrans is making along state highways, I’m pleased that our district was able to identify and provide funding for local projects to bring safety improvements for communities in Humboldt and Lake Counties,” stated Matt Brady, Caltrans District 1 director.
Grider said the Lake Area Planning Council’s Technical Advisory Committee, which includes the county and the two cities, has work elements like studies that they need to complete, such as the pavement management program.
In addition, the state mandates that every three to five years they come out and check the reflectivity of street signs. “That was coming up due,” Grider said.
The Lake Area Planning Council hired a consultant to do the sign survey for the county, the city of Clearlake and Lakeport, Grider said. That survey listed all of the defective signs.
He said that study was necessary in order to seek the funding. “If you want to get any money, you have to have a study.”
Ukiah-based Davey-Bates Consulting, which works with the Lake Area Planning Council, helps administer the work elements and also assisted the city of Lakeport with putting together its application, Grider said.
Grider credited the firm with helping his staff work through the process, noting the company regularly works with state transportation staff. “That is just a huge help.”
There are still some steps to complete, including sending in some additional paperwork to request the funding. He said there will be environmental rules to follow even for existing signs. “We’re not doing any digging, we're just replacing existing signs.”
He said they will have to put out a bid package for a contractor to complete the project. “This is too big for city staff.”
That contractor bid will need to be approved by the Lakeport City Council, Grider said.
Grider said the city has completed sign replacement before, but he doesn’t think it’s ever been done on this magnitude.
With many Public Works projects now underway, Grider said he expects the sign replacement work will take place next year.
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