Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Merced Announces New Sidewalk Projects Funded by Measure V and CMAQ Grants

Merced, Calif. – (July 26, 2024) - The City of Merced today announced the commencement of two significant sidewalk projects funded by Measure V and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants. These projects aim to enhance pedestrian safety and improve the quality of life in the residential neighborhood south of Olive Avenue. Slated to begin construction at the beginning of August, these initiatives demonstrate the city's commitment to infrastructure improvement and transparency.

Project Details: The two projects will focus on the construction and installation of approximately 7,700 linear feet of sidewalk, 20 access ramps, cross-gutters, and driveways. The work will be performed on Olive Avenue, Parsons Avenue, Alexander Avenue, Hansen Avenue, Nottingham Lane, Tamworth Court, and Buckingham Court. The installation of sidewalks in this area will directly benefit the community by providing students and their families with a safe path of travel to the sidewalks located in surrounding areas.

Specific Enhancements:

1. Replacement of six non-compliant ADA ramps
2. Construction of residential driveway approaches
3. Modification of existing fences and gates due to sidewalk construction
4. Additional asphalt concrete cutback work for new concrete installation
5. Removal of trees conflicting with the new sidewalk
6. Addition of retaining curbs to preserve residents’ soil/lawn adjacent to the new sidewalk
7. Modification of existing street sign poles with safer "breakaway" poles

These sidewalk projects build on prior CMAQ-funded initiatives in south Merced, including sidewalk improvements on R, S, T, and Stuart Streets, as well as projects at 7th, 8th, and Linda Streets, and the Motel Drive Multi-Use Path, which includes Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements between Carol Ave and Merced Ave.

Future sidewalk projects are planned for Melody Lane from G Street to Arch Rock Street, and on McGregor Street, Windsor Ave, Home Ave, Woodward Ave, and Parkwest Ave.

Background: Measure V is a local transportation sales tax measure approved by Merced County voters to fund various transportation improvements. These projects, funded by Measure V with CMAQ grants, typically focus on reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

In addition to these sidewalk projects, the City of Merced is also working on a notable traffic signal synchronization and controller upgrade project along Olive Avenue and other key corridors like R Street, M Street, G Street, and Yosemite Avenue. This project aims to improve road operations and safety, with a completion year set for 2026.

Public Transparency: The City of Merced is committed to transparency and public engagement in its infrastructure projects. This press release serves as one of the multiple mediums through which we are promoting these projects, fulfilling the requirements of our funding sources, and keeping the community informed.

For project updates, visit www.engage.cityofmerced.org and select the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Site. For more information about these projects and other initiatives funded by Measure V and CMAQ grants, please contact the City of Merced Engineering Department at (209) 385-6860 or visit our website at www.cityofmerced.org.

Media Inquiries

CONTACT: Jennifer Flachman, Public Information Officer

(209) 564-0235

flachmanj@cityofmerced.org