Improvement Projects

The City of Madera has begun a $2 million project to install new sidewalks, curb ramps, and gutters in 13 areas across the community. Work is focused near schools and in locations where sidewalk gaps have long existed, with the goal of improving walkability, accessibility, and safety for all residents.

Project Goals

• Improve Safety for All Users
  New sidewalks and curb ramps will create continuous, accessible pedestrian routes, especially in school zones.
  
  
• Enhance Walkability and Accessibility
  The project addresses long-standing sidewalk gaps to make it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to get around safely.
  
  
• Support Safe Routes to School
  Areas near schools are prioritized to ensure children have safe, convenient routes for walking to and from school.
  
  
• Preserve the Urban Environment
  Staff carefully plan each site to minimize impacts on mature trees and landscaping while completing necessary improvements.
  
  
• Leverage Grant Funding
  The project is funded through the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program and Local Transportation Funds, helping the City deliver key infrastructure upgrades efficiently.

Project Progress

Construction is already underway, with visible improvements along Clinton Street and Schnoor Avenue. Additional work will continue in neighborhoods throughout the City, creating safer streets and more walkable communities for children, families, and pedestrians of all ages.

Presentations

Downtown Madera Street & Pavement Improvement Project – Presentation (July 31)

The intersection of Lake Street, 4th Street, and Central Avenue is located in northeast Madera, within the urbanized city limits. It lies south of the Fresno River, east of State Route 99, and northwest of Highway 145.

Project Purpose

This study evaluates and identifies feasible alternatives to improve the intersection, focusing on the following goals:

• Improve Safety
  Implement measures to reduce collision risk and create a safer environment for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
  
  
• Reduce Traffic Delays
  Develop solutions that minimize congestion and improve overall traffic flow.
  
  
• Enhance Mobility for All Modes
  Accommodate multiple forms of transportation, including vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and public transit users.
  
  
• Support Planned Growth
  Prepare the intersection for future traffic volumes associated with ongoing and anticipated development.
  
  
• Improve Access and Circulation
  Facilitate smoother and more efficient access for residents, visitors, and businesses.

The project aims to create a more efficient, safe, and accessible transportation node that supports Madera’s long-term mobility and development goals.

Project Documents

• Lake Street, 4th Street, and Central Avenue – Intersection Control Evaluation Report (February 2019)
•  Lake Street / 4th Street / Central Avenue – Public Meeting Handout

Presentations

• Lake Street / 4th Street / Central Avenue Intersection Improvements – Community Presentation (January 2020)

When complete, the Downtown Main Street Project will integrate a variety of enhancements aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and aesthetics for all users. The project will incorporate many of the following objectives, as well as additional features found to be feasible during design and implementation:

• “Road Diet” Implementation
  Improve bike, pedestrian, and transit connectivity by reducing lane widths or the number of lanes to enhance multimodal access for nearby residents.

• Bicycle Infrastructure
  Add bicycle lanes (Class I, II, III, and IV) or appropriate markings on SR 145 or parallel streets, as determined feasible.

• Traffic Flow and Safety Enhancements
  Include conceptual designs for improved traffic signals, bulb-outs, refuge islands, and enhanced crosswalks.

• Pedestrian-Scale Lighting
  Install energy-efficient, pedestrian-friendly street lighting along SR 145.

• Green Street Features
  Integrate sustainable elements such as stormwater planter boxes, shade trees, and porous pavers where possible to support environmental goals.

• Street Furniture and Design Features
  Add amenities such as benches, planters, trash receptacles, and other elements to create a more welcoming and comfortable streetscape.

• Improved Parking
  Increase and enhance parking availability through the addition of diagonal parking or clearly marked parking stalls.

• Sidewalk, Curb, and Street Maintenance
  Recommend repairs and resurfacing to address deterioration and ensure ADA compliance, including the correction of gaps or uneven surfaces.

• Transit Coordination
  Align transit routes and/or schedules (see Exhibit H) to better reflect regional land use, socioeconomic conditions, and travel patterns while helping reduce roadway congestion.

• Traffic Calming Measures
  Introduce design features such as parklets, sidewalk bulb-outs, and median enhancements to promote traffic calming and enhance the pedestrian experience.

These improvements reflect a vision for a more connected, attractive, and user-friendly Downtown Main Street that supports the community’s mobility, environmental, and economic goals.

• Contractor: Tosted Asphalt, Inc.

• Budget: $841,019

• Scope: Reconstruction of nearly one mile of existing pathways, replacing weathered decomposed granite surfaces with new asphalt trails featuring defined edging and striping.

• Objective: Provide safer and more accessible routes for walkers, joggers, and families who frequent the park.

• Status: Crews have mobilized and begun work on site.