Major Mobility Enhancement Project Kicks Off in Fullerton

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Community members enjoying the new mobility enhancements in Fullerton.

News Summary

Fullerton has officially launched the Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Enhancement Plan, aimed at improving safer walking and biking experiences along Nutwood Avenue. The plan focuses on enhancing the Brea-CSUF-Santa Ana River Trail, boosting safety with new pathways and a bridge, and utilizing $7.14 million in State Active Transportation Program funds. The project, designed by Kimley-Horn & Associates, aims for completion within a year and emphasizes community engagement and connectivity.

Major Mobility Enhancement Project Kicks Off in Fullerton

Welcome to Fullerton, where big changes are on the horizon for pedestrians and cyclists! The city has just given the green light for a brand-new Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Enhancement Plan, an ambitious initiative set to invigorate walking and biking experiences in some of the area’s most underserved locales. Exciting, right?

What’s the Plan?

The spotlight is on Nutwood Avenue as the project gears up to improve a crucial section of the Brea-CSUF-Santa Ana River Trail. This stretch will span from State College Boulevard all the way to Placentia Avenue. It’s a move that promises to enhance transportation options and safety for everyone who loves to bike or stroll.

Safety First!

One of the key aspects of this initiative is creating secure pathways that will allow folks to traverse safely beneath the 57 freeway, along with the planning of a future pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The focus is not only on connectivity but also on ensuring that all trail users feel secure as they navigate these improvements.

A Smart Investment

Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. has been tapped to handle the project design. They’ve managed to bring their proposal cost down to $1,249,643, which fits nicely into the city’s budget of $1,300,000 for design services. The city is putting its funds to good use, ensuring that this project stays economical while still achieving its goals.

Timeline for Improvements

In terms of timing, residents can expect the project to wrap up within a year. After completion, there’ll be presentations to various City committees and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) plans to be involved too. Community engagement will play a pivotal role, as the project lines up neatly with the Fullerton Bike Connection Plan while directly addressing prevalent safety concerns within the city.

Join the Discussion!

If you’re keen on finding out more or voicing your inputs, mark your calendars! The City Council will be discussing this exciting item during their meeting on March 4 at 5:30 PM, which will be held at City Hall, located at 303 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton. Your opinions matter, so don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this transformation!

Funding the Future

Fullerton is in a fortunate position, having secured $7,140,000 in State Active Transportation Program (ATP) Grant Funds from the California Transportation Commission (CTC), ensuring that the Nutwood Avenue project has the financial backing it needs. The total budget for this project works out to $7,290,000, which will cover everything from design engineering and construction to environmental studies and management services.

Connecting the Community

This project is all about bridging gaps in accessibility and enhancing connectivity along Nutwood Avenue. Not only will it improve connections to the Brea-CSUF-Santa Ana River Trail, but it will also create nearly a mile of new bike paths, buffered bike lanes, and protected bikeways, transforming what used to be less formal Class III bike routes.

Modern Enhancements Ahead

As plans progress, residents can anticipate significant enhancements, such as the widening of Nutwood Avenue beneath SR-57, plus ADA-compliant ramps and clear markings to distinguish conflict zones. The project won’t just improve biking and walking; it will also bring about new lighting, updated traffic signals, and overall beautification through landscape and hardscape improvements. All this serves to make Nutwood Avenue not just more functional, but also more attractive to both residents and visitors alike.

Bridge to the Future

In exciting news, CSUF is in the early stages of designing a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Nutwood Avenue. This new bridge is anticipated to create seamless access to CSUF facilities, helping to connect students, faculty, and staff on both sides of the avenue. Coordination between the City and CSUF is underway to ensure that this bridge complements the overall improvements being made in the area.

Looking Ahead

As authorization for bidding and construction of the bridge is eyed for Summer 2025, Fullerton residents can prepare themselves for a revamped, safer, and more accessible community. It’s an exciting time for everyone who walks or bikes in the area, bringing with it a sense of proud progress. Stay tuned for more updates, Fullerton!