2010 Road Projects Wrap Up
Peter Rei, Tuolumne County Public Works Director was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
According to Rei the overdue renovation project of Old Preist Grade between Moccasin and Big Oak Flat, included widening and repaving the two lane roadway along with the installation of 2,600 feet of guardrail.
That major renovation saga actually started in the 1990s with the deaths of several motorists. The county was subsequently sued and ended up paying a heavy price.
In 2002 the County secured a $900,000 Highway Safety Improvement Program grant that will pay 90 percent of the total cost. The County is responsible for the final 10 percent. Rei adds that it took approximately six years to complete all the environmental impact reports.
All the old guardrail was removed over the Summer and the new guardrail now covers every turn where there is potential danger.
Bids were accepted in May and the project got underway in mid-June.
J-59 was also repaved over the Summer. Newer federal regulations did not allow for a passing lane on any part of that roadway, however Rei is looking into the possibility of future widening projects that may allow for an eventual passing lane.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.
Written by mark@mlode.com
