Wildomar Identifies Its Priority Street And Sidewalk Improvement Projects

Want to know which Wildomar street and sidewalk improvement projects are on the city’s priority list?  

During the May 15 Wildomar Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners reviewed the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to identify the projects and their funding sources through the 2017-18 fiscal year.  

Here is the list of projects identified and unanimously approved by commissioners Wednesday night: 

Almond Street sidewalk improvements near Elsinore High School: Construct sidewalks and curb ramp improvements on Almond Street (from Bundy Canyon Road to Waite Street). Grant money has been secured for this project and bids are expected to go out with construction anticipated to start in summer 2014, according to Dan York, who serves Wildomar’s Public Works and Engineering.  

Clinton Keith/Hidden Springs Intersection Project: Traffic signal modification to include a left-turn traffic signal phasing at the Clinton Keith/Hidden Springs intersection; includes LED signal heads, relocation of illuminated street name signs, installation of pedestrian push button signals. Upgrade of the intersections corners (and curb ramps). Grant money has been secured for this project and work is expected to be complete before the year’s end, York said. The project coincides with the completion of the Clinton Keith Bridge expansion that is expected to wrap up in August. 

Collier Elementary School Sidewalk Project: Construct new sidewalks on Union Street, from Collier Elementary School to Corydon Street, to close gaps in the existing route to school. The project includes: A crosswalk and curb ramp from this new sidewalk across Trailwood Court to the school’s entrance; crosswalk upgrades at Trailwood Court and Mayhall Drive; and upgraded school crossing legends and signs along Trailwood Court and Alderbrook Road. Grant money has been secured for this project but the city is still awaiting state approval to move forward, according to York. Once bids go out and a contract is signed, York said he anticipates work to begin next spring.  

Bike/Pedestrian Sidewalk Safety Improvement Project along Grand Avenue near David A. Brown Middle and Wildomar Elementary schools: Construct approximately 1,350 feet of new sidewalks on Grand Avenue from Central to South Pasadena Street. This project is currently in the design phase and is being funded by grant money. “If everything goes smooth, construction should begin this fall,” York said.  

Sidewalk Safety Improvements near Elsinore High School and Ronald Reagan Elementary: Construct new curb, gutter and sidewalks. Safety improvements also include a mobile radar speed feedback trailer. Locations of sidewalk improvements include Bundy Canyon, Canyon Drive, and Prielipp Road. The city is in the process of acquiring property to complete this grant-funded project.  

The following un-funded projects are either in the design phase or are being readied for design. The city is hoping to secure TUMF monies (Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees) in order to move forward with construction. TUMF are assessed on developers for the purpose of building and upgrading regional roadways. The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) allocates TUMF for projects. According to York, completing the design and permitting increases the likelihood Wildomar could see future TUMF funding specific to construction for these three priority projects as listed on the Regions Transportation Improvement Program.

Clinton Keith Road Widening: Road widening to four lanes on Clinton Keith Road from I-15 to Copper Craft.  

Bundy Canyon/Scott Road Widening: Road widening to four lanes on Bundy Canyon/Scott Road from I-15 to Sunset Road.  

Palomar Street Widening: Road widening to four lanes on Palomar Road from Mission Trail to Jefferson Avenue.  

During Wednesday’s meeting, Wildomar Planning Commission Chair Stan Smith said he would like to see Grand Avenue improved as well. He argued Grand could assist in alleviating traffic congestion and gridlock that occurs when vehicles detour off the I-15 onto Mission Trail and Palomar to escape backup caused by crashes or other major freeway incidents.  

“All it takes is one accident on the freeway and Palomar and Mission Trail become a nightmare,” Smith said.  

Commissioner Bob Devine also encouraged consideration of a Bundy Canyon Road extension. Currently, the main road dead-ends at Mission Trail. Devine called for a look at extending Bundy to Corydon to “alleviate or relieve congestion at that point.”  

Smith agreed with Devine. The chairman acknowledged the city doesn’t have its own funding for such projects, but said they should be identified on the CIP.  

“If we don’t start today … we’re just going to be further down the pipeline,” he said.  

Wildomar City Council still needs to review the five-year CIP, and it is expected the issue will be voted on during the council’s June 19 meeting.  

Note: Commissioner Veronica Langworthy was absent during the May 15 Wildomar Planning Commission meeting.