Bike/Pedestrian Safety Project underway in Monterey

Ground was broken on an $8.5 million renovation project on a busy roadway Tuesday.

The North Fremont Bike and Pedestrian Access and Safety Improvements Project will not only make the high volume corridor safer for people using all modes of transportation but could also revitalize the business district.

The plan calls for curb extension, ADA-compliant ramps and audible pedestrian signals. They are also trying something different when it comes to bicycle traffic.

“The median bicycle lanes being implemented in this project, because it’s very innovative, it’s a much safer way to go,” said Debbie Hale, executive director for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County. “You don’t have the risk of the right turns turning right, running into the bicyclists going straight. Left turns are much more protected because you can see the bicycles right there and it’s going to look fabulous.”

The project, which should be completed by next summer, is being paid for through Caltrans, TAMC, voter-approved Measures X and P and the Neighborhood Improvement Program.

Kelly Violini, who represents the 50 or so businesses of the North Fremont Business District, hopes the revamping will revitalize the area.

“The viewers might look at it as somewhat of a difficult situation at first because nobody likes construction but eventually it’s just going to be that light at the end of the tunnel and a great project for everyone and really improve our district,” Violini said.

According to TAMC, it’s part of a larger project to link different communities on the Peninsula.

“We’re working with Caltrans to get new bike trail and sidewalks on 218 (Canyon Del Rey) and we’re working with the city of Seaside to extend this North Fremont project all the way from Seaside to the rec trail,” Hale said.

All of these projects could be eligible for SB 1 funds, also known as the ‘gas tax.” With word of a ballot initiative to repeal it, TAMC hopes people see their money is going to good use.