We want to thank Christopher Andriessen for inviting all of us to the media presentation at CalTrans today. Damon Cherenzia discussed three projects that will be happening this summer.

We are giving you a synopsis of the project and will be rolling out specifics over the next few days. Trust me, MC and my brain exploded with all the information.

It is important to note that CalTrans is doing this in phases, and the construction crews cannot move on to the next section until the completion of the current section. This is to ensure that we have the least amount of disruption.  When sidewalks are removed, they will be replaced with boardwalks to keep pedestrian traffic moving. They are also offering a 10-day incentive program to the construction crews. If you finish early, you get paid a bonus. If you go over, the construction crew pays CalTrans. I did ask the question to ensure we do not have the median disaster of Main Street repeat by companies trying to finish early and possibly cutting corners, but that is where the 10-day penalty will come into action, plus CalTrans is deeply monitoring the projects.  In the short term, this will disrupt some of our daily life patterns and make things a little more difficult, but CalTrans planned this out very well.  In the long run, this will beautify our communities and make it safer for driving, walking, and cycling.

The three projects are:

1. Bishop Downtown
2. Meadow Farms ADA
3. Fish Spring Pavement Project and Big Pine

Here is what you need to know. CalTrans has spent over 6 years working to get the project to come to fruition.

Bishop Downtown:

• New sidewalks on Main Street and Line Street
• Line Street will be losing some of its existing parking to make room for bike lanes.
• New Paving – Paving will be limited to two blocks at a time and will occur at night.
• There will also be a dedicated pedestrian walking space southbound on 395 around the Fairgrounds area.

The timeline for the downtown project:

• Soft Start April 28, 2025 (Fencing work around the Fairgrounds area for about 2 to 3 weeks)
• Work Recess from May 19 to 30, 2025 to accommodate Mule Days
• Duration 14 months with an expected completion in June of 2026

 

Meadow Farms ADA

This project is set to begin in June 2025 and be completed within a year by June 2026.

Key components of the project include:

• A widening of the bridge by the Coons Gallery and building a separate pedestrian bridge.
• Roadway Construction: Structural improvements will involve roadway saw cutting and replacement with Hot Mix Asphalt and Aggregate Base to enhance durability.
• Traffic Management: Construction will be divided into 4 work areas to minimize disruptions. Advance notice will be provided to impacted businesses, and traffic flow and pedestrian access will be maintained
• Pedestrian Access: Key locations, such as Mahogany Smoked Meats and Indeigo Tasting Room will have continuous pedestrian access during construction
• There will also be new crossing areas, and the most needed is at the canal north of the Fairgrounds and HWY 395.

 

Fish Springs Pavement Project and Big Pine Area

This project will be focusing on:

• Asphalt Milling and Filling
• ADA compliance Construction
• Drainage improvements
• Improve traffic devices, such as signage, markers, delineators, striping, and railing.

Why:

• Existing pavement is showing signs of distress and structural deficiency
• Portions of the pedestrian facilities and ADA ramps are not compliant with current regulations
• Drainage improvements are necessary along Highway 395 to prevent standing water and improve safety.

 

The timeline for the completion of this phase of the project is April 2026

We will be providing you with more information soon on the deeper details of the project and how traffic will be managed. We will also provide graphics to where new lit and hybrid crosswalks will be located. We will also include in the future the specialists who are running the projects.