Now that homes are gone along the north side of the street and the sound wall is up, city officials officially broke ground today on Bakersfield’s 24th Street widening project.
“Eleven years in the making,” said Alan Tandy, Bakersfield city manager.
It’s a project that has been under development since 2007. The plan is to add a lane in each direction between State Route 99 and M Street and improve the the 24th Street and Oak Street intersection.
“It’s three times more dangerous than the other arterial streets in town, more accidents and in the morning and the evening it does stack up,” said Tandy.
The plan also includes installing a new storm drain to address drainage issues along the corridor and to finish landscaping in the residential area of 24th Street.
“This is a big day for Bakersfield, this project is a big deal for all of us that commute throughout the city,” said Andrae Gonzales, councilman.
A big project that now has an anticipated completion date set.
“In 14 months we’ll have open traffic flow and safe roads to drive on,” said Tandy.
Construction is set to begin next month. Work in the residential area will take place during daytime hours and work in the commercial district will happen at night. However, these schedules are subject to change without notice.
“It is important for all of us to be a little patient, to take alternative routes, to give ourselves extra time between our destinations to make sure we work together to get this project done as safely and as quickly,” said Gonzales.
Construction Schedule
Fall 2018 – Winter 2019
Carrier Canal culvert box, retaining wall at southwest corner of 24th Street and Oak Street; sound side sound walls from canal to Beech Street alley; drainage basin improvements at 24th Street and Oak Street; eastbound 24th Street widening from Kern River Bridge to Beech Street; improvements on north side of 23rd Street between C Street and SR 178; northwest portion of Oak Street widening
Spring 2019
Improvements on north side 24th Street widening west of C street; south side of 23rd Street widening between C Street and SR 178; south side sound walls of “S” curve; overhead sign structure at Kern River Bridge; construct portion of westbound SR 178
Summer – Fall 2019
Construct center median between Oak Street and B Street; improvements on north side of 24th Street between C street and SR 178; begin landscape installation
Winter 2019
Improvements on south side of 24th Street between C Street and SR 178; south side 24th Street widening West of C Street; continue landscape installation
Spring 2020
Place final asphalt overlay throughout project area; bridge treatment; final striping, delineation and signage
