Why are we doing this?

This stretch of Espola Road has been the subject of discussion for more than 25 years as it’s one of the few sections that has not been upgraded along this widely-travelled corridor.

At one point, the City Council looked at – and rejected – the idea of widening it to a four-lane roadway. Staff later proposed a compromise: a three-lane roadway (a travel lane in each direction plus a continuous center left-turn lane) along with a list of other improvements that would relieve traffic, increase capacity of the existing roadway and improve safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. City Council ultimately decided that while there wasn’t a significant enough need to widen the road, the other safety improvements were needed. (Agenda report for Oct. 1, 2013 Council Meeting

Most of this section has no pathway, outside of a narrow dirt trail directly alongside the busy road. Pedestrians navigate uneven walkways, utility poles, street signs and more – all while keeping an eye on cars travelling at speeds of 45 miles per hour (and higher).

Show All Answers

1. What is this project?
2. Why are we doing this?
3. How much is this going to cost and how will it be paid for?
4. Will this project improve traffic?
5. What impact will this have on the residents living along this stretch of road?
6. How long will the project take to complete?
7. How will traffic be impacted during the construction period?
8. Why is construction being done during the school year, instead of over breaks or even at night?
9. Who is involved in the project?
10. Why aren't there construction crews working every day?