The City of Santa Rosa announced plans to jumpstart a major infrastructure project to overhaul the weathered pavement at the Downtown Transit Mall, a nexus of regional public transportation. Slated to begin right after the holiday on September 3, the construction will rejuvenate Second Street's stretch between B Street and Santa Rosa Avenue. Officials say the project is expected to span two to three months, according to the City of Santa Rosa.
Decaying pavement has been causing more than its share of nuisances, from disrupting bus services to presenting trip hazards. The city plans to mend these issues, ensuring ease of passage for pedestrians and the long-term viability of this transit corridor. As a result, Second Street Transit Mall will be out of commission to the public during the refurbishing phase. However, transit authorities plan to keep the wheels turning by moving operations to a provisional hub on First Street, between Santa Rosa Avenue and D Street, near City Hall.
Preparations for the temporary Transit Mall include installing makeshift shelters, seats, signage, and a portable restroom trailer to accommodate the daily flow of commuters. Santa Rosa CityBus, alongside Sonoma County Transit, Golden Gate Transit, and Mendocino Transit Authority, will redirect passengers to this interim arrangement. The customer service desk, too, will shift to the City Hall Annex, where people can continue to purchase bus passes and Clipper Cards.
