CHICO — Bicycle riders will be able to enjoy a new bicycle path in Chico by fall 2025.
The city of Chico teamed up with Caltrans to build a bicycle path, called Bikeway 99, over East 20th Street. Construction will begin again today. The project is in its fifth and final phase and started in 2016.
The path will be a link between both sides of East 20th Street and Business Lane, which will allow people access to restaurants, businesses, the Butte College Chico Center and the Chico Mall.
Since the project route is separate from vehicular congestion, the bikeway will provide a safe route for pedestrians and bicyclists. The bridge will also link Eaton Road to the Skyway.
The $23.8 million project received funding of $5.6 million from local funds, streets and road funds and transportation funds, $5.8 million from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds and $12.4 million in funding from the Active Transportation Program.
The bikeway will have vegetation management to stop hazards from forming. The ramp structure will include fencing and physical barriers to discourage graffiti and loitering.
“Caltrans is happy to support the city of Chico’s multiuse trail project at the (East) 20th Street northbound on and off ramps which will provide a continuous path of travel for bicyclists and pedestrians to Bidwell Park and surrounding areas,” said director of Caltrans District Three Sergio Aceves.
Access within the project zone will see traffic control and includes temporary delays, detours and some closures which ensures crews can work safely. Some nighttime work will also occur. Drivers should allow extra time or plan other routes so as not to interrupt construction crews.
Related Articles
Baltimore bridge disaster: Could it happen here?
Oroville plans street upgrades, seeks community input
Highway 162 to single lane as PG&E moves power lines underground
Aviation leader lands at Chico Regional Airport
Alaska Airlines flight was headed for maintenance when door plug blew off
“The current absence of a safe and direct pedestrian/bike path poses significant challenges to residents and discourages walking or biking to local schools, job centers, commercial areas and public services,” said Brendan Ottoboni, Chico’s director of Public Works. “The city is committed to bridging the gap and fostering a more sustainable, inclusive community.”
Ottoboni said the bike path is extremely important for the city.
“Caltrans is happy to support the city of Chico’s proposed pedestrian overcrossing and class one multiuse trail project at the 20th Street northbound on/off ramps that will provide a continuous path of travel for bicyclists and pedestrians to Bidwell Park and surrounding areas” said Aceves.
For more information visit https://chico.ca.us/Departments/Engineering/Capital-Projects/SR-99-Corridor-Bikeway-Facility-Phase-5/index.html.
+ There are no comments
Add yours