FAQs First Street & Downtown

First Street

When is construction going to start?
Some utility work began in fall 2004. The main project began in early 2005.

Are the Bluestone sidewalk pavers staying?
Yes.

Will there be additional Bluestone pavers added?
Yes. The Bluestone sidewalk will be extended along First Street to Maple St./Railroad Avenue

What are the project limits for the First Street reconstruction?
Maple St./Railroad Avenue to L Street

Are the existing trees staying?
A limited number of trees will be removed. However, the number of trees will be doubled by planting additional trees within the flexible zone.

What is a flexible zone?
A flexible zone is an area (adjacent to the sidewalk) that can be used for diagonal parking, outdoor dining, outdoor retail vendors or art displays. The surface will be a special paving material to distinguish the area from the travel lanes.

Where is all the traffic going?
First Street will become a pedestrian-oriented environment. It will no longer serve as a main commute route. Local traffic will be encouraged to use Railroad Avenue and Fourth Street. Railroad Avenue will be widened to two lanes in each direction in April 2005. Regional commute traffic will be directed to the new State Route 84 along Isabel Avenue. The truck route is now officially designated as SR 84. Only trucks with a destination point to or from the downtown will be permitted on First Street.

How long will construction take for the First Street project?
Construction should be completed by the 2005 holiday season.

Why is the road being narrowed?
As a result of the city visioning project and Downtown Specific Plan workshops, the community expressed as a high priority the need to reduce traffic on First Street by removing its designation as a state highway. The accomplishment of rerouting State Route 84 has allowed the City to plan for and create a pedestrian-oriented destination. Narrowing the road will slow the traffic and create an area that is more conducive to leisurely walks, dining/shopping in the new flexible zones, and enjoying a vibrant downtown environment.

How is traffic going to be affected during construction?
In the construction zones, traffic access will generally be restricted to one lane, with anticipated delays. Alternative routes are recommended during construction.

Where am I going to park during the construction?
Downtown customers may use available parking in the surrounding blocks, and the new parking garage located on Railroad Avenue.

How is the flexible zone going to be regulated?
The City is currently drafting policy specifications for use of the flex zone.

Are there going to be new stop signs along First Street?
Yes. There will be stop signs at McLeod and K Streets. The existing flashing crosswalk will be removed and a new stop sign installed at K Street. At J Street there will be one crosswalk equipped with a flashing indicator (similar to existing K Street crossing)

Are there going to be new traffic signals with the First Street project?
No. The existing traffic signals will be modified at Maple Street/Railroad Avenue, Livermore Avenue and L Street.

Other Downtown Issues:

How many new housing units will be constructed in the Downtown?
The Downtown Specific Plan allows for a potential 2000 new residential units in the Downtown.

What is going to happen to Railroad Avenue?
Railroad Avenue will be widened and re-striped as necessary to provide two lanes of traffic in each direction in April 2005..