NEW NORTH FREMONT!
Things to know about the North Fremont Bike and Ped Access and Improvements Project
No City General Fund was used! Project construction cost = $9.4 million, made up of the following funding sources: CalTrans - $6.5 million; TAMC - almost $2 million; Measure P/S and Measure X - $1.5 million; Neighborhood Improvement Program (funds that come from TOT) - $200k; the balance paying for construction management costs. The project is on budget and on time, even with losing a month of work due to a heavy rainy season.
YOU GET:
- Much more than bike lanes. The bike lane will get utilized and will provide a vital connection for the FORTAG bicycle and pedestrian network. No improvements would have been funded without the addition of the bike lane! We are the first in California to have a Class IV bike lane in the median - and many cities have shown interest in this design to create an important multi-modal transportation system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and growing demand on our transportation network.
- New stormdrain systems were installed to include storm chambers that are placed under the sidewalk to reduce flooding on North Fremont during heavy rains therefore, improving safety. The City spent over $1 million dollars on stormdrain improvements along the corridor.
- Smart traffic signals - New state-of-the-art technology vehicle detection and systems were installed that will allow us to deploy an adaptive signal system. By the end of 2019, North Fremont will be running on an adaptive traffic control system that adapts to real time conditions and minimizes delays through the corridor as well as side streets.
- Safety and accessibility - The project significantly improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians benefit from shorter crossing distances which also improves operations for drivers as less time is needed to cross the street. New state-required Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps were built at the intersections. These improvements increase the safety for users of all abilities.
- Improved aesthetics - North Fremont had not had significant improvements in over 50 years. It looks so much prettier and newer!
- Encouragement to get outside and exercise. It never hurts to be encouraged to include physical exercise in your day. This project also benefits the high percentage of those who are weary of commuting by bicycle by providing a very safe alternative!
- Community pride. Everyone can feel more community pride when the infrastructure looks great and works well. Protected bike lanes have shown to increase repeat business and improve property values.
- Improved business climate along the corridor. We all win when we have a revitalized and successful North Fremont Business District of Monterey.
This is just the beginning! The City of Monterey is committed to improving the lives of its residents, maintaining a healthy balance between economic development and job creation, with sustainability and preserving the environment.
We THANK YOU for your patience during the work.
Now, let’s celebrate a new beginning for North Fremont Street!