MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for the areas between Salinas and North Monterey County from Sunday, January 29, through Sunday, February 5, 2012

Prunedale Improvement Project: February 1–2

• Night work on Hwy 101 between Ralph Lane and Pesante Road will have traffic on the highway crossing over to the other side for two nights – Wednesday, February 1, and Thursday, February 2, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Crews will be removing the falsework on the new Blackie Rd. overcrossing
• Traffic detours will be clearly marked
• CHP will be on-site to help direct traffic

Highway 101/Airport Blvd. Project: January 30–February 3

• Due to the rain last weekend, paving on Airport Blvd. will need to be done during the day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday, January 30, to Friday, February 3.
• The SB onramp to Hwy 101 will be subject to closure from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Traffic will be detoured to Terven Ave. to Sanborn Rd. to Hwy101
• Motorists are advised to use an alternate route if possible to avoid 10 to 15 minute delays

Highway 183: January 31–February 2

• There will be a lane closure on HWY 183, between Cooper Road and Davis Road, from January 31 to February 2. Hours are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Crews will be repairing the pavement
• Motorists should expect delays of up to 5 minutes

Highway 1 Barrier Improvements: November 2011–March 2012

• A 14-mile project to install metal beam guardrail and make concrete barrier improvements along Hwy. 1 from Trafton Road in Monterey County to just north of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz
• Project will result in overnight alternating lane closures Mondays through Fridays from 9 pm to 6 am.
• Minimal delays are anticipated
• Roadwork is expected to be completed by March 2012, weather permitting

Highway 68: March 2012

• Monterey County Public Works continues its work along HWY 68 and San Benancio, which will go on through February 2012. This work is being done during the day; drivers should be alert. Most work will be done behind the concrete barriers that are set up, but minor delays can be expected.

• TRANSPORTATION EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED
  The Transportation Agency for Monterey honored outstanding Monterey County individuals, projects, and programs in the field of transportation at the tenth annual Transportation Agency for Monterey County Excellence Awards Ceremony. Those receiving awards have shown exceptional hard work and dedication in improving transportation in Monterey County. The Agency also congratulated outgoing Chair Maria Orozco, City of Gonzales Mayor, for her services.


• TRANSPORTATION AGENCY ELECTS OFFICERS FOR 2012 TERMS
  The Transportation Agency Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers for the 2011 calendar year as follows:
  Chair: Simon Salinas, 3rd District Supervisor
  1st Vice Chair: Jerry Edelen, Del Rey Oaks City Mayor
  2nd Vice Chair: Jane Parker, 4th District Supervisor
  Past Chair: Maria Orozco, Gonzales City Mayor
  City Representative: Kimbely Craig, Salinas City Councilmember
  County Representative: Fernando Armenta, 1st District Supervisor


• MONTEREY BAY 511 TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEM STUDY BEGINS
  The Monterey Bay Area may soon see a 511 traveler information phone system, and a website with a traffic map and multimodal transportation information, if local officials agree to proceed with an implementation plan for the system.


• MONTEREY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY PROJECTS REVISED
  The Transportation Agency approved a revised list of top regional transportation priorities for the next five to ten years. The original list was a result of the Transportation Agency’s strategic planning session held in May 2011.


• NEW BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE COUNCIL MEMBER
  The Transportation Agency approved Tony Prock to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee as an alternate representing the City of Pacific Grove. Mr. Prock currently serves on the City of Pacific Grove's Traffic Safety Commission, and he is passionate about bicycling and pedestrian safety.

Here, through the magic lens provided by Caltrans, are the concept drawings for several of the interchanges

This is the new Crazy Horse Canyon Interchange, the view is from Hwy 101 traveling south toward Salinas.

This view shows the Crazy Horse Canyon Interchange from a northbound Hwy 101 perspective.
To the right is the off ramp to Crazy Horse Canyon and Echo Valley Roads. To the far left is the on-ramp for southbound Hwy 101

This is the southbound view of the new Sala Road interchange.

And here is what the new Russell/Espinosa under-crossing will look like, heading west.

Prunedale Improvement Project: January 23–26

• Night work on Hwy 101 between San Miguel Canyon and Tustin Rd. will close one lane in each direction from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Monday, January 23, to Thursday, January 26.
• Crews will be working on the superstructure at San Miguel Canyon

Highway 101/Airport Blvd. Project: January 26–27

• Due to cold night time temperatures, paving on Airport Blvd. will need to be done during the day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, and Friday, January 27.
• The SB onramp to Hwy 101 will be subject to closure from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Traffic will be detoured to Terven Ave. to Sanborn Rd. to Hwy101.
• Motorists are advised to use an alternate route if possible to avoid 10 to 15 minute delays.

South Monterey County: January 23–27

• Slab repair work in King City will result in lane closures on Hwy 101 at First St. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Highway 1 Barrier Improvements: November 2011–March 2012

• A 14-mile project to install metal beam guardrail and make concrete barrier improvements along Hwy. 1 from Trafton Road in Monterey County to just north of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz
• Project will result in overnight alternating lane closures Mondays through Fridays from 9 pm to 6 am.
• Minimal delays are anticipated
• Roadwork is expected to be completed by March 2012, weather permitting

Highway 68: March 2012

• Monterey County Public Works continues its work along HWY 68 and San Benancio, which will go on through March 2012. This work is being done during the day; drivers should be alert. Most work will be done behind the concrete barriers that are set up, but minor delays can be expected.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for the areas between Salinas and North Monterey County from Sunday, January 15, through Sunday, January 22, 2012

Please note: Because this week's Cone Zone Report is coming to you on Thursday, instead of Friday, there may be some information about road and lane closures that is not included because it was not available. For a complete list of all of Caltrans' scheduled road and lane closures for next week, please visit the Caltrans website

Prunedale Improvement Project: January 16–19

• Night work on Hwy 101 between San Miguel Canyon and Tustin Rd. will close one lane in each direction from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Monday, January 16, to Thursday, January 19.
• Crews will be working on the superstructure at San Miguel Canyon

Highway 101/Airport Blvd. Project: January 16–19

• Reversing lane closures will be performed on Airport Blvd. at night from Monday, January 16, through Thursday, January 19, between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Traffic shifts on Airport Blvd. will also be performed during the day, from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., from Monday, January 16, through Thursday, January 19.
• The reason for the shifts and closures is to install traffic loops

Highway 1 Barrier Improvements: November 2011–March 2012

• A 14-mile project to install metal beam guardrail and make concrete barrier improvements along Hwy. 1 from Trafton Road in Monterey County to just north of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz
• Project will result in overnight alternating lane closures Mondays through Fridays from 9 pm to 6 am.
• Minimal delays are anticipated
• Roadwork is expected to be completed by March 2012, weather permitting

Highway 68: February

• Monterey County Public Works continues its work along HWY 68 and San Benancio, which will go on through February 2012. This work is being done during the day; drivers should be alert. Most work will be done behind the concrete barriers that are set up, but minor delays can be expected.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for the areas between Salinas and North Monterey County from Sunday, January 8, through Sunday, January 16, 2012

Prunedale Improvement Project: January 9–12

• Night work on Hwy 101 between San Miguel Canyon and Tustin Rd. will close one lane in each direction from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Monday, January 9, to Thursday, January 12.
• Crews will be working on the superstructure at San Miguel Canyon
• Night work on HWY 101 between Mallory Canyon Rd. and Echo Valley Rd. will close one northbound lane between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night from Monday, January 9, through Thursday, January 12.
• Crews will be drilling the foundation for a new temporary conveyor bridge

Highway 101/Airport Blvd. Project: January 9–12

• The southbound on-ramp to Hwy101 at Airport Blvd. will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday, January 9, through Thursday, January 12, for landscaping work.
• Motorists will be detoured to Terven Ave
• Detour signs will be in place

Highway 1 Barrier Improvements: November 2011–March 2012

• A 14-mile project to install metal beam guardrail and make concrete barrier improvements along Hwy. 1 from Trafton Road in Monterey County to just north of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz
• Project will result in overnight alternating lane closures Mondays through Fridays from 9 pm to 6 am.
• Minimal delays are anticipated
• Roadwork is expected to be completed by March 2012, weather permitting

Highway 68: January

• Monterey County Public Works continues its work along HWY 68 and San Benancio, which will go on through January 2012. This work is being done during the day; drivers should be alert. Most work will be done behind the concrete barriers that are set up, but minor delays can be expected.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for the areas between Salinas and North Monterey County from Sunday, January 1, through Sunday, January 8

Prunedale Improvement Project: January 3 – January 5

• Night work on HWY 101 will close one lane of traffic in each direction between Moro Road and Dunbarton Road on January 3 and 4, between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Highway 1 to Highway 68: January 3 – January 5

• Daytime work will close the Highway 68 connector to southbound Highway 1, and the northbound Highway 1 offramp to eastbound Highway 68 on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 3 and 4, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m
• A detour is available via Casa Verde
• There will be daytime lane closures on Highway 68 near Toro Park on Wednesday, January 4, and Thursday, January 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m

Highway 1 Barrier Improvements: November 2011 – March 2012

• A 14-mile project to install metal beam guardrail and make concrete barrier improvements along Hwy. 1 from Trafton Road in Monterey County to just north of 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz
• Project will result in overnight alternating lane closures Mondays through Fridays from 9 pm to 6 am.
• Minimal delays are anticipated
• Roadwork is expected to be completed by March 2012, weather permitting

Highway 68: November – December

• Monterey County Public Works continues its work along HWY 68 and San Benancio. This work is being done during the day; drivers should be alert. Most work will be done behind the concrete barriers that are set up, but  minor delays can be expected.

• TRANSPORTATION AGENCY APPROVES STUDY FOR TOLLING ON HWY 156

  A vital connection between Highway 101 and the Monterey Peninsula, Highway 156 is frequently congested during the summer, holiday weekends, and during special events. As a result Highway 156 is a major interregional bottleneck. Because of this roadway's importance for Monterey County's economy and hospitality industry, the Transportation Agency has been examining all options for funding the $60 million widening. One of the options under consideration is congestion pricing/ tolling.

• MONTEREY COUNTY PROPOSES FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM FOR STATE TRANSPORTATION FUNDS

  A number of projects, such as the US 101 San Juan Road Project and the Highway 156 Widening are closer to construction with the Transportation Agency approval of the resolution adopting the Monterey County 2012 Regional Transportation Improvement Program, which proposes programming projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program for funding. The 2012 State Transportation Improvement Program will allocate funding for the next five years with a target amount for Monterey County of $46,860,000. This funding is made available from state and federal gasoline taxes and is allocated by the California Transportation Commission, a board appointed by the Governor and the state legislature.

• TRANSPORTATION AGENCY AND AMBAG WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE REGIONAL COORDINATION

  After six months of research the Transportation Agency received a final report on a single-county Metropolitan Planning Organization proposal. The Agency directed staff to work with the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) to reduce duplication of efforts, improve the regional travel forecast model and increase coordination and collaboration among agencies.

• CONSULTANTS APPROVED FOR TRANSPORTATION MARKETING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
  

  Monterey County cities may now use a list of well-qualified on-call marketing and graphic design consultant, approved by the Transportation Agency Board. This list will help local agencies to streamline the consultant selection process for design and marketing services.

• FREE BICYCLE RACKS AND LOCKERS AWARDED TO MONTEREY COUNTY BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS

  Bicyclists will now find it easier to park their bicycles at local businesses and schools with the Transportation Agency approval of the Bicycle Protection Program, which will provide free bicycle racks and lockers to local businesses in need of the facilities. Having a secure facility in which to store bicycles provides a strong motive for travelers to bicycle to work, school or to restaurants..

• MST RECEIVES FEDERAL RURAL TRANSIT FUNDS

  South Monterey County residents will continue to benefit from Monterey Salinas Transit Line 23 services to Salinas for one more year with the allocation of $370,869 in federal rural transit funds to operate line 23 between Salinas and South Monterey County. Line 23 not only provides an alternative to driving it also reduces the number of vehicles on Highway 101 and local roads.

• INCREASED TOW TRUCK SERVICE FOR PRUNDALE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

  In order to keep traffic flowing on US 101 and provide a safe travel environment, the Transportation Agency approved an agreement to provide additional tow truck services on behalf of Caltrans as needed along the 8-mile stretch of the Prunedale Improvement Project.

• 2012 CALENDAR OF MEETINGS
  

MONTEREY COUNTY – On Wednesday, Nov. 23, the speed limit along a 10-mile stretch of Highway 101, between Boronda Road in Salinas to just beyond Echo Valley Road in Prunedale, will be reduced—from 60 mph to 55 mph. This area is where Caltrans' Prunedale Improvement Project (PIP) is currently under construction.

The lower speed limit is being implemented throughout the PIP construction corridor to increase safety for motorists and those working in the area. In 2009, there were 46 fatalities in highway construction and/or maintenance work zones in California; 45 of those were vehicle occupants.

Signs advising motorists of the new speed limit have been clearly posted along the corridor.

In addition to the lower speed limit, drivers need to be aware that fines for moving violations are doubled in the PIP construction area and in most Caltrans work zones. Signs about the double fines were posted along the highway when construction on the project began last spring.

The 101/Prunedale Improvement Project addresses safety and operational concerns along the Highway 101 corridor between North Salinas and Echo Valley Road by upgrading the corridor to freeway status. This upgrade includes closing at-grade intersections and driveways along the Highway 101 corridor that allow left-turn movements across Highway 101.

The $80 million project is scheduled to be done in winter 2014/15.

Highway 101 traffic will access Russell Road and Harrison Road via Boronda Road

MONTEREY COUNTY – On Monday, November 7, 2011, Granite Construction and MCM Construction, Caltrans' contractors for the 101 Prunedale Improvement Project, will close the on and off ramps from northbound Highway 101 to Russell Road in Salinas.

The closure is necessary to construct a new undercrossing that, when completed, will allow local traffic on Espinosa and Russell Roads to cross beneath Highway 101. Crews will also be working on a new interchange, which will be called the Sala Road Interchange. This new interchange will allow traffic to enter and exit Highway 101 unimpeded by local west-east traffic circulation.

During construction there will be no direct entrance to Russell Road or Harrison Road from Highway 101. Highway 101 traffic heading to Russell Road will need to exit the highway at Boronda Road and head east to Main Street, then turn left on Main Street to Russell Road.

The Highway 101 Prunedale Improvement Project. addresses safety and operational concerns along the Highway 101 corridor between North Salinas and Echo Valley Road.

• FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION BILL AND GAS TAX EXTENDED
  The Transportation Agency Board heard a report on Federal Legislation. The Federal Surface Transportation Authorization bill and the federal gas tax were extended to March 2012, keeping transportation programs funded for another six months. This is the eighth extension of the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act–a Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU). The funding source for transportation projects, the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax, was also extended.


• DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE ON REALIGNMENTOF PUBLIC AGENCIES
  The Transportation Agency Board discussed the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments response to the idea of the Transportation Agency taking on the federal metropolitan transportation organization (MPO) responsibilities that are currently handled by the multi-county Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments. AMBAG contemplates keeping the current separate agency structure however performance improvements and streamlining are anticipated.


• MST RECEIVES STATE TRANSIT FUNDS
  The Transportation Agency adopted a resolution allocating over $2,700,000 to Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) in State Transit Assistance funds for RIDES paratransit operations. State Transit Assistance funds are generated through the state sales tax on diesel fuel and are used by transit operators for capital improvements such as new bus purchases.


• TRANSPORTATION AGENCY REQUEST FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
  The Transportation Agency has issued a Request for Qualifications for on-call consultant(s) to assist the Agency and the member agencies with projects that require marketing and graphic design assistance. To view the Request for Qualifications visit the Transportation Agency website at: http://www.tamcmonterey.org/information/bids_prop/index.html or contact Kristen Hoschouer at: Kristen@tamcmonterey.org.


• GREENFIELD RECEIVES STATE TRANSPORTATION FUNDS
  The Transportation Agency allocated more than $3,000 in Regional Surface Transportation Funds to the City of Greenfield to complete the City's Speed Study Project.

Spring has arrived in Monterey County—bringing with it warmer temperatures, tourists and increased traffic on the roadways. It also brings the beginning of construction on the Prunedale Improvement Project (PIP) along a 10-mile stretch of Highway 101 between Boronda Road in Salinas to just beyond Crazy Horse Canyon Road in Prunedale, which will continue for the next three years.

The PIP construction area, and all Caltrans construction zones, is clearly marked with signs—some indicating reduced speed limits, others warning that “Fines Double in Construction Zones.” The reason for these changes and seemingly harsh fines is safety—for those working along the highways and, particularly, for drivers and vehicle occupants.

Safety Tips for Driving in Highway Construction Zones

• Expect the Unexpected
• Slow Down
• Keep a Safe Distance
• Pay Attention
• Obey Road Crew Flaggers
• Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions
• Keep up with Traffic Flow
• Check Road Conditions
• Be Patient and Stay Calm