Better ask Barry: North Fremont Street roadwork

Where some people see congestion and inconvenience, the City of Monterey sees the beginnings of a multi-modal corridor.

Soon cars, bikes and pedestrians will share North Fremont Street in harmony.

Cyclists will ride down the center of the street – on a Class IV separated bike lane protected by concrete curbs on either side.

For pedestrians, curbs at intersections are being extended to reduce crossing distance and improve visibility.

There will also be new signals, landscaping and bike-protected intersections.

Officially, it’s known as “the North Fremont Street bike and pedestrian access and safety improvements project.”

That’s a long name. Drivers say it’s gone on for a long time.

A viewer named Skip asked, “When is it going to be finished?”

City leaders say it won’t be too much longer. They say work began last June, so it’s not yet been a full year, and bad weather delayed work. Crews lost 30 days to rain.

There were also unexpected issues with underground utilities and times when PG&E crews were called away to repair storm damage.

The city says it understands construction fatigue and hopes drivers will stay patient a little longer.

The city expects the project to be completed in August.

After that cars, bikes and pedestrians will share a new, multi-modal transportation corridor.

If you have a question, click here to Better ask Barry.