KING CITY — King City Council recently awarded the bid for implementing the Downtown Streetscape Project to Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE), which started construction on June 12.
The project will expand the corner bulbouts, redesign the medians and add decorative crosswalks on Broadway Street, from Second to Russ streets. The San Lorenzo Avenue intersection will be added as a future phase when additional funds are secured.
Improvements will include new landscaping, benches, planters, trees, public art, trash and recycling receptacles and bike racks.
“The purpose is to revitalize the downtown by beautifying Broadway Street and creating a more pedestrian and activity oriented area,” according to City Manager Steve Adams in a news release. “Completion of the project is projected shortly after the end of the year.”
The contractor will begin the first phase of activities in the Broadway intersections of Vanderhurst Avenue and Second Street. While these activities are in progress, each intersection will be closed to vehicles. Broadway Street will allow local traffic only and have U-turns at the beginning of each intersection.
Detours will be in place for large trucks and commuting vehicles. Vehicle parking will still be available on Broadway Street to allow for pedestrian access to local businesses during construction.
Working hours will be between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All work zones will be secured at the end of each workday for public safety.
“The City and MPE are committed to completing this work quickly, efficiently and safely,” Adams said. “The City and MPE apologize for any inconveniences during construction. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
The $4.5 million project will be funded primarily from State and Federal grants. The initial design was created in 2017 following an extensive public participation process.
In addition, the project will require the olive trees to be removed to address drainage issues, but they will be replaced with twice the number of trees, according to Adams.
Anyone with questions can call the MPE Project Superintendent Remberto Renteria during working hours at 831-277-6125. Visit the City of King’s website kingcity.com for ongoing updated information, or contact City Hall at 831-385-3281.
