Temecula's 3 Main Traffic Corridors Are Getting Safety Upgrade

TEMECULA, CA — Bike lane upgrades are coming to large sections of Temecula's three main traffic corridors.

During the Tuesday, March 25, Temecula City Council meeting, council members are expected to give their stamp of approval to the city's Department of Public Works to begin soliciting construction bids for the upgrades.

The upgrades — the plans of which are also expected to be approved during the meeting — call for installing green pavement markings in bike lanes along Winchester Road from Ynez Road to Rustic Glen Drive; on Rancho California Road from Moraga Road to Butterfield Stage Road; and along Temecula Parkway from Wabash Lane to Butterfield Stage Road.

The green pavement markings are designed to improve road safety by enhancing bike lane visibility and making drivers and cyclists more aware of each other.

The city already has some green bike lanes, but the latest project extends the network.

Plans and specifications for Temecula's new bike lane upgrades are complete, and the project is ready to be advertised for construction bids, according to the city. The contract documents are available for review in the director of Public Works’ office.

The project is expected to cost $249,500 and take about 40 working days to complete, according to the city.

The bulk of funding for the project came in the form of a grant. On August 12, 2022, the city submitted a project application for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 funding for the bike lane upgrades. On March 9, 2023, grant awards were announced, with the city receiving $224,550. Funds from Temecula's voter-approved Measure S are expected to cover the project's remaining cost, city documents show.

The HSIP was part of President Joe Biden's massive Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which he signed on Nov. 15, 2021. The HSIP was designated as a core federal aid program for states. The goal of the HSIP is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on public roads.

The latest round of grant awards — HSIP Cycle 12 — announced last month shows Temecula received $552,850 to improve traffic signal hardware and systems for 41 intersections citywide.

Tuesday's 6 p.m. City Council meeting takes place at City Hall, 41000 Main Street. See the full meeting agenda here.