Palm Avenue Reconstruction, Sidewalk and Bicycle Improvements

Funded through the Safe Routes to School (federal SRTS) program, the principal goal of this project was to provide a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and bicyclists between E.V. Cain School and the adjoining neighborhoods. The project promoted bicycling and walking to school as a safe and feasible transportation alternative and improved overall community safety.

Coastland | DCCM’s responsibilities included site evaluation, environmental review, public outreach, conceptual and final design, and engineering construction support services. Features of the project included installation of a 6” PCWA raw water main, gas and electric relocations, retaining walls, private driveways, traffic signal modifications, storm drainage, and construction of a sidewalk on one side of Palm Avenue to connect to the existing pedestrian ramps at Highway 49 and at Nevada Street. Coastland | DCCM also provided bid assistance and construction phase design support. Project challenges included steep hillside construction and drainage, retaining walls, E.V. Cain School and Highway 49 traffic coordination, and extensive coordination with affected property owners.

The Coastland | DCCM team understands there was considerable public interest in this important project, which provided much-needed safety improvements and valuable community connections, but also affected surrounding property owners. Coastland | DCCM and our subconsultant, AIM Consulting provided education and engagement through a  comprehensive and effective public outreach campaign that successfully addressed public concerns by integrating solutions into the design, ultimately gaining overwhelming public support for the project.