Tehachapi News

Tehachapi Continues To Improve!

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City of Tehachapi

Public Notice Regarding Road Reconstruction Projects

November 10, 2009

Tehachapi Continues To Improve!

            As you may have heard or read, the City of Tehachapi will be performing a variety of street related maintenance and construction projects during the winter and early spring.  These projects will be completed with a variety of funding sources including grant funds and traffic mitigation fees collected from new development.  To stay informed about the upcoming construction and what it means to you, please read the brief project descriptions below.  Should you have any questions or concerns that arise before, during or after construction, please do not hesitate to contact Christopher Kirk, Capital Projects Manager, at (661) 822-2200 ext 104 or by e-mail at ckirk@tehchapicityhall.com. 

1.     Tehachapi Signalization Project - In order to further implement the City’s traffic improvement plan, the City plans to install a modified traffic signal at the intersection of Valley Boulevard, Mountain View Avenue and Aspen Street.  In addition, this project will also include the installation of left-turn arrows for both north and southbound traffic on Curry Street at the intersection of Valley Boulevard.

2.     Curry Street Rehabilitation Project - As part of its maintenance program, and paid for with a grant through the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) administered by the California Department of Transportation, the City plans to repave Curry Street between Tehachapi Boulevard and Valley Boulevard.  This process will grind up the existing pavement and replace it with a new asphalt overlay.  Additionally, the project includes the reconstruction of various drive approaches and handicap ramps in this area. 

3.     Mill and H Street Rehabilitation Project - As part of its maintenance program, and paid for by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (better known as “stimulus money”), the City plans to rehabilitate portions of H Street and Mill Street by recycling the existing roadway material.  This process grinds up the existing pavement and mixes it with cement, creating a stabilized asphalt material suitable for reuse.  This rehabilitation process, called Full Depth Reclamation, will greatly extend the life of the surface and is more cost effective than total replacement of the roadway. 

4.     Valley Boulevard Rehabilitation Project - As part of its maintenance program, and paid for with State funds authorized by California voters in Proposition 1B of 2006, the City plans to rehabilitate Valley Boulevard between Tucker Road and Oakwood Street.  This will include the application of a pavement surface treatment known as a chip seal.  This process combines a layer of asphalt with a layer of fine aggregate and places it over the top of the road surface. Additionally, the roadway will undergo complete reconstruction in select locations. Together, these rehabilitation processes will extend the life of the road and create a smoother driving surface.

As you can imagine, these projects will require dedicated coordination and oversight from City Staff.  To ensure that these projects proceed smoothly and expeditiously, the City Staff is requiring each contractor to provide detailed traffic control plans for the duration of each project.  This does not mean that there will not be delays from time to time so we ask for and appreciate your patience and understanding.  City Staff will work diligently to minimize any inconveniences so that these important projects can help to increase the quality of life in Tehachapi by providing safer, smoother and longer lasting roads.