$13 million in infrastructure projects, construction coming to Modesto. Here’s where
A Bay Area construction firm secured a multimillion-dollar contract for several infrastructure projects around Modesto — including an overhaul of Scenic Drive.
The Modesto City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday in favor of awarding the Concord-based Bay Cities Paving & Grading company $13.5 million for the second phases of its Scenic Drive and Dry Creek Trail projects. A first phase of a Kansas Avenue project and a “neighborhood traffic-calming project” also were initiated.
The largest piece of the money, $5.4 million, will go toward Scenic Drive. The project will repave the street, improve signage, paint new stripes, improve the streetlights, build storm drainage and install (Americans With Disabilities Act) ADA ramps, or wheelchair ramps, at intersections.
“This, again, is primarily rehabilitating the roadway asphalt … and bringing it up to current standards,” city engineer Toby Wells said.
These upgrades will also apply to Orangeburg Avenue and Kansas Avenue projects, which will cost $3.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
The Scenic Drive plan covers its stretch between Bodem Street and Oakdale Road — arguably its busiest section. Orangeburg’s project will be between McHenry Avenue and Coffee Road, while the Kansas Avenue project will be between Carpenter Road and Morse Avenue.
ADA ramps also will be placed at 67 locations throughout the city. The locations were based on complaints made to the city, with a special emphasis on being near schools.
Speed pillows — a lower-profile version of a speed bump — will be placed on 11 streets throughout Modesto. Wells said speed pillows would not be placed on the major arteries but rather residential areas. These areas, again located through consideration of complaints and proximity to schools, ranked the highest in a study done three years ago.
Dry Creek’s project will repave the bike path, install new signage, paint striping and improve lighting between La Loma Avenue and El Vista Avenue.
The entire contract will be funded through Measure L — a transportation sales tax approved by voters in 2016.
Mayor Sue Zwahlen and Councilmember Rosa Escutia-Braaton recused themselves on voting for the contract. Zwahlen said she did this because she owns property within 500 feet of one of the projects. Escutia-Braaton said she recused herself because her husband also owns property within 500 feet of one of the projects.
All projects were listed as having an anticipated construction length of 12 months. It was not explicitly stated when construction would begin.
TRC Engineers of Lathrop was listed as an additional awardee, securing a $957,000 contract to manage and inspect the projects.
This story was originally published February 7, 2025 at 3:09 PM.
