Funds approved to fix state route 116/121 intersection in Sonoma
Project will improve traffic circulation and safety while reducing congestion.
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Included in the 2020 program is funding in the amount of $19M to complete improvements at theintersection of Highways 116 and 121 southwest of the City of Sonoma. The money will become available in 2022. Measure M, the ¼-cent sales tax for transportation, was used to leverage the state dollars in order to fully fund the improvements. Measure M is contributing $5M.
“This intersection has needed updating for a long time, and thanks to Measure M and our partnership with Caltrans, it’s going to be a reality.” said Susan Gorin, Chair of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA).
The project will improve traffic circulation and safety for all users and reduce congestion by removing the current stop sign-controlled intersection and installing a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 121 and 116. The project will also widen the roadway to allow for turn lanes into and out of existing commercial uses.
The Park and Ride lot will be relocated; the parking capacity will remain the same in the new location. SCTA serves as the project sponsor and Caltrans will build the project.
“This is the gateway to Sonoma, and I am really excited to see this great project fully funded,” said Logan Harvey, SCTA Vice-Chair and Mayor of Sonoma. “Without our local sales tax funds and a good working relationship with Caltrans this would not be happening.”
The current cost estimate for this project is $24 million, and construction is currently scheduled to start in early 2023.
The environmental documentation for compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act / California Environmental Quality Act (NEPA/CEQA) and project approval was completed in April 2018. Design and right of way phases are underway and will be completed by 2022.
About the Sonoma County Transportation Authority: The Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) was created in 1990 and is governed by a twelve-member Board of Directors representing each of the nine cities. The SCTA plays a leading role in transportation in Sonoma County by securing funds, overseeing project delivery and long term planning. The SCTA acts as the countywide planning and fund programming agency for transportation-related issues.
