Why this matters
Upgrades to roads, walking paths, bicycle lanes and sewage lines improve people’s ability to travel within a city.
More than $10 million will be spent to upgrade roads, sewage lines and more across National City.
Councilmembers last week unanimously approved the projects that will address flooding issues and improve mobility across the southern San Diego County city. Councilmember Jose Rodriguez was absent for the vote.
The projects include mini-traffic circles and new paths for bicyclists and pedestrians. Some of the work is expected to begin this summer.
Officials are using revenue from local taxes and federal grants to fund the work. The city has said it plans to continue applying for grants to pay for public works projects, setting a goal of securing at least $5 million during the fiscal year that ended last week.
Here are the projects that councilmembers approved.
Mini-traffic circles
Following resident complaints of speeding motorists, National City will spend more than $240,000 to install mini-traffic circles on N Avenue at east 20th and 22nd streets.
The circles typically include a central island and are expected to reduce speeds in the area to 10-15 mph, according to a staff report.
RGC Central Engineering Inc. is the contractor. Staff did not say when construction will begin, but they estimate work to be completed by December.
Sewage lines
The council approved a nearly $4 million contract with Palm Engineering Construction Company Inc. to fix sewage lines on 24th Street.
The project work along East 24th Street from National City Boulevard to N Avenue includes removing and replacing sewer main pipes and existing manholes, lateral connections and installation of backwater valves, staff said.
Construction will begin toward the end of this summer and is expected to be completed in the spring.
Bike and pedestrian rail crossing
National City approved new expenses to advance upgrades to Eighth Street.
Officials will use a portion of a $2.2 million state grant to enhance a bicycle and pedestrian rail crossing on Eighth Street and Harbor Drive, according to a staff report.
The project proposes constructing a two-way path over the railroad tracks. It will include coordination from stakeholders such as BNSF Railway, San Diego’s naval base, the state’s Public Utilities Commission and the Metropolitan Transit System.
The city expects to begin its engineering phase by the fourth quarter of next year. Afterwards, the city will seek approval from Caltrans to use the remaining funds to begin construction. Staff did not specify a timeline for construction.
Cynthia Fuller Quinonez, a member of the city’s Traffic Safety Committee, said upgrades to the walking and bike paths are essential for safety and connecting people to schools and jobs. She also said the upgrades will help prevent flooding in the area.
Eighth and Roosevelt corridor
The council also approved using $7 million in federal and state funds on upgrades on other segments along Eighth Street.
These upgrades include constructing a landscaped buffer for a new shared-use path; installing new lighting, signage and striping; improving irrigation, drainage and landscaping; paving roads; and construction of new curbs and gutters, according to a staff report.
Segments include Eighth Street from the MTS trolley tracks to Roosevelt Avenue; Roosevelt from Eighth to Main Street; and Main from Division to Yama streets.
Staff did not say when construction will begin, but they estimate work for both the rail crossing and the corridor to be completed by summer of next year.
Type of Content
News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
