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TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - Deputy Director Jessica Riske-Gomez
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Requested Action(s)
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a) INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION - From Tehama County Transportation Commission and Public Works regarding Lake California Drive Reconstruction Project
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Financial Impact:
None.
Background Information:
Lake California, developed in the early 1970s, faces significant safety and connectivity challenges due to its outdated road design. Serving over 4,000 residents across a rural community of almost 6,000 acres, the single-access, narrow road lacks modern infrastructure to ensure the safety of non-motorized traffic and emergency response efficiency.
Thanks to $6.5 million in Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending, this project is on its way to transforming the corridor by improving safety, mobility, and quality of life. To achieve a fully funded project, it has also been nominated by Local Transportation Commission staff for STIP Augmentation Funding, a critical step toward addressing key challenges.
The project will focus on creating a clear recovery zone, implementing complete streets elements to protect cyclists and pedestrians, and enhancing emergency vehicle access during critical incidents. Verified during the Systemic Safety Analysis Report, the corridor’s hazards include limited shoulders, encroaching vegetation, fixed obstacles, and a lack of lighting, with 63.86% of collisions caused by object strikes. Emergency response times are significantly impacted by road closures during incidents, underscoring the urgency for these improvements.
Building on past planning efforts, including community outreach and regional studies like the 2010 General Plan and the ongoing Safety and Evacuation Routing study, the project reflects community priorities for safety, environmental sustainability, and preparedness for future challenges.
With the combined funding efforts, the Lake California Drive project is positioned to become a fully realized solution that enhances safety, improves quality of life, and strengthens connectivity for the community and the region.