This article will provide you information on the short/long term future, of the 101 safety corridor between Eureka/Arcata. In the short term Cal Trans has a contractor repaving the 101 safety corridor, this will not require a permit - though some re-alignment will take place with the project. In the long term we are looking at an increased speed limit of 65 mph, plus more. Read more below for more details, and to see how you can get involved.
In the short term -
The Eureka/Arcata 101 corridor will be getting a facelift with a repaving project. I've communicated with Todd Lark at Cal Trans whom is project Engineer- North Region Design E3. I asked him a few questions to give our readers an overall feel about this upcoming repaving project.
GW question - I'd like to get some updated information on this upcoming project. Is this still moving forward as intended for the spring season?
Todd Lark - Yes, the project is moving forward this summer
GW - Do you have a timeline of when this project will begin, and how long it will take to complete?
Todd Lark - The Contractor will be doing some preliminary work on metal beam guard rail starting in April. Paving preparation is anticipated to start in May. This paving project will take place during the dry season, and is expected to be complete by October of this year.
GW - What area will the project area include, and what hours of the day will the work take place?
Todd Lark - The project area extends from the Eureka Slough Bridge to the Arcata Overhead (West End Road). Because of the high day time volume of traffic on this section of Route 101, paving work will be taking place on over night shifts.
GW- As I understand it this project will have realignments on both shoulder, and traffic lanes. Can you tell me more about this?
Todd Lark - The construction plans indicates the re-configured lanes to provide a wider 10-foot shoulder from the Eureka Slough Bridge to the Route 255 interchange in Arcata.
* The traffic lane widths will be re-configured to allow for wider shoulders. If you would like to see cross-sections of the new configuartion, you can email me at chris.butner<at>green-wheels.org and I will pass the document onto you!
GW - I also understand that the shoulders will be highlighted with a red color, is that correct? Any other shoulder highlights?
Todd Lark - The right side shoulders will be colorized as indicated on the cross-section. The color will be added to the asphalt concrete paving mixture in the top layer (2-inches thick). The color specified is federal color 30075, which is expected to be similar to a "brick" color.
To further highlight the shoulder between the Eureka Slough Bridge and the Route 255 interchange in Arcata, a 6-inch wide shoulder stripe will be used. The stripes for the project will all be enhanced wet night visibility thermoplastic as well.
GW - Will the rumble strips be returning?
Todd Lark - Yes, the rumble strips will also be included.
Thank you very much Todd for taking the time to update me on the latest information!
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Red shoulder along Colorado Highway. Photo credit - Brock Dittus
Red shoulder in Paso Robles, CA. Photo credit- Path Less Pedeled
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Short term action needed, but long term Cal Trans project goals -
Humboldt Bay Keeper has created a petition for Cal Trans, and your signature is being requested! Look below for more details, and please sign no later then April 9th!
Caltrans proposes to turn the 101 Safety Corridor between Arcata and Eureka into a freeway closing all but two of the crossings, with an overpass at Indianola Cutoff. In May, their permit application for the project will go before the Coastal Commission at a meeting in Marin County. The Coastal Commission rotates its meeting locations, and will be in Humboldt County in September. On March 21, Humboldt Baykeeper asked Caltrans to move the hearing date to September, but they refused.
We believe that this hearing should take place at a location where community members can be heard. This project has been in the works since 2001 and has been very controversial for a number of reasons. Holding this hearing over 250 miles away would eliminate most residents’ ability to participate. Postponing this hearing just a few months would allow the affected community to participate in a hearing in Eureka.
After 12 years, what’s four more months?
Take action – sign the petition to Caltrans. We will also share it with the Coastal Commission.
- Humboldt Bay Keeper - please sign the petition here
