Tulare Times

Visalia issued the following announcement on Nov. 24

Major Street closures and detours are slated to begin December 2, 2020 as construction of the City of Visalia’s Santa Fe Street and Tulare Avenue Roundabout Project begins.

 Construction will focus on major street work for the installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of Santa Fe Street and Tulare Avenue. Project details include:

• Santa Fe Street will be closed to north and south traffic between Cypress Avenue and Paradise Avenue; vehicles will be detoured through the area by way of Conyer Street or Ben Maddox Way
• Tulare Avenue will be closed between Bridge Street and Burke Street; vehicles will be detoured through the area by way of Walnut Avenue or Noble Avenue/Mineral King Avenue
• Pedestrian routes will be identified around the construction area
• Local streets and driveways will be open for residents and businesses
• All businesses will remain open during construction

 “Utility crews have been working in the area for almost a year in preparation for this project. It is very exciting that construction of the roundabout is finally starting,” shares Rebecca Keenan, City of Visalia Project Manager. “The City’s Contractor, Yarbs Paving and Grading, will close the intersection to through traffic starting on Wednesday, December 2nd and immediately begin work on adjustments to underground sewer and storm mains.”

The underground adjustments will set the stage for the street improvements, which will include extensive demolition and grading.

The contractor will be using a process known as Full Depth Reclamation to construct the street section. This process rebuilds worn out asphalt pavements by recycling the existing roadway. The old asphalt and base materials are pulverized, mixed with cement and water, and compacted to produce a strong, durable base for the street.

Residents can expect the complete street closure to last between four to five months, with a soft-opening by May 2021, subject to weather conditions.

“After the soft-opening, work will continue on miscellaneous items like landscaping and striping,” added Keenan. “The project is expected to be fully complete by the summer of 2021.”

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes if possible. Businesses and homes in the area will be allowed access at all times.

The City of Visalia has contracted with construction manager NV5, who worked with the City to manage the successful construction of the Akers Street and SR 198 Interchange modifications, to help make sure construction runs smoothly.

For real time text alerts and updates on the Santa Fe Street and Tulare Avenue Roundabout Project, text “Santa Fe” to 31996.

For more information on the Project, contact Bobby Pentorali, NV5 Project Engineer, at (559) 960-2907, or visit www.visalia.city/tularesantafe.

Original source can be found here.