City of Soledad - Front Street Intersection Improvements

Harris provided traffic engineering and civil design services for the City of Soledad to improve the Front Street (SR 146) corridor and several key intersections in support of downtown revitalization, multimodal accessibility, and future economic growth. The project focused on enhancing traffic operations, improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, rehabilitating aging infrastructure, and creating a more attractive and accessible corridor for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The project encompasses improvements at the intersections of Front Street and Nestles Road, H. De La Rosa Street, Oak Street, and East Street, as well as corridor-wide enhancements extending through Downtown Soledad. Harris evaluated existing and future traffic conditions, developed roadway and traffic signal improvements, and prepared comprehensive plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) to support implementation.

In addition to engineering design services, Harris led extensive stakeholder coordination efforts, presenting project concepts and improvements to business owners, community members, and City stakeholders to gather input and support project development.

Core Elements

The project combines traffic operations improvements, pavement rehabilitation, ADA accessibility upgrades, and streetscape enhancements to create a safer and more connected transportation corridor. Harris collected traffic data, performed signal warrant analyses, and evaluated multiple traffic scenarios to determine warranted intersection improvements and future operational needs. Traffic modeling was completed using Synchro software, while topographic surveys provided the foundation for final design development.

The corridor improvement program includes rehabilitation of deteriorated pavement through crack sealing, slurry seal applications, and Full Depth Reclamation (FDR), along with repairs to sidewalks, curb ramps, curb and gutter, and drainage facilities impacted by tree root uplift. Additional improvements include upgraded traffic signals, enhanced roadway signage and striping, new street lighting, landscaping and irrigation improvements, and pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements designed to support multimodal travel throughout the downtown area.

Major project elements include:

• Traffic data collection and signal warrant analyses at four key intersections
• Traffic operations modeling and intersection analysis using Synchro software
• Topographic surveying throughout the project corridor
• Preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E)
• Pavement rehabilitation, including crack sealing, slurry seal, and Full Depth Reclamation (FDR)
• Sidewalk, curb, gutter, curb ramp, and drainage improvements to address ADA compliance and tree root damage
• Traffic signal upgrades and roadway safety improvements
• Enhanced pedestrian crossings and bicycle accommodations
• Signage, striping, and photometric analysis for street lighting improvements
• Landscape, irrigation, and streetscape enhancements
• Parking and utility evaluations to support future business growth and accessibility needs
• Coordination with Caltrans District 5 and approval of project-specific design exceptions
• Stakeholder outreach and presentations to business owners, community groups, and City representatives

Beyond the Blueprints

The Front Street Corridor and Intersection Improvements project supports the City of Soledad’s vision for a safer, more connected, and economically vibrant downtown. By combining roadway rehabilitation, multimodal transportation improvements, ADA accessibility upgrades, and streetscape enhancements, the project will improve mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit users while creating a more welcoming public environment.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project serves as an investment in Downtown Soledad’s long-term vitality. Enhanced accessibility, improved safety, upgraded lighting, and corridor beautification will strengthen connections between businesses, residents, and visitors while supporting future economic development and community growth.