Brace yourselves, Sonoma County commuters, as Caltrans embarks on a year-long, $10 million project starting late April to overhaul the aging railings on four key Highway 101 overcrossings. The sites targeted for an upgrade include Mendocino Avenue, Shiloh Road, Fulton Road, and Limerick Lane. Santa Rosa City's announcement warns drivers to expect traffic rerouting and significant changes.
Managed by Ghilotti Construction Company, the project will address railings that have weathered decades and no longer meet the safety standards that today's vehicles and travelers require. According to plans made public, all four overbrushings will see work carried out simultaneously, indicating a well-staged dance of construction that won't soon end.
The closure of westbound Mendocino Avenue at its overcrossing is particularly impactful for local drivers. Caltrans has determined that this direction of travel will be funneled south towards Bicentennial Way to cross Highway 101 for safety reasons and to allow workers the space they need. While eastbound traffic will breathe a sigh of relief, remaining open throughout the project, the detour will become a familiar path for many.
The Mendocino Avenue overcrossing currently showcases a mix of old and new: a traditional banister-style railing sitting across a tubular barrier, both of which will be replaced by concrete barriers. The new fixtures, designed for improved safety and maintenance efficiency, will nod to the aesthetic, banister-style elements affixed atop the concrete, comparable to those seen at Baker Avenue Overcrossing.
Details on the traffic detours and additional specifics on the project will be made available by Caltrans as the start date nears. In the meantime, commuters are urged to plan for longer travel times and to stay informed as new information surfaces.
