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Project Background

The SR 49 Multimodal Corridor Improvement Project was initiated following concerns from Nevada City residents’ voiced at the May 2018 Nevada County Transportation Commission (NCTC) meeting about high vehicle speeds and the lack of pedestrian crossings on SR 49. In response, NCTC in coordination with Nevada County and Nevada City, prepared the SR 49 Multimodal Corridor Improvements Plan (Plan) to examine infrastructure characteristics, corridor operations, and collision history to inform improvements for safety, operational efficiency, and active transportation. To assit with the development of the Plan, NCTC hosted two public workshops in 2019 to gather input from the community on improvement options. The Plan and recommended improvements were approved by the NCTC in November 2019.

NCTC secured funding to implement the recommended improvements through a statewide Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant in December 2022. Following the approval of the grant funds, NCTC elected to have Caltrans District 3 lead the environmental, design, right-of-way, and construction phases of the project.

Project Overview

The proposed project will construct two roundabouts, crosswalks, multi-use path, sidewalks, left-turn lanes at Coyote Street, and install new lighting and signage on SR 49 to improve safety and operations for motorist, pedestrian, and bicyclist. Improvements will occur at the following intersections: 

• Coyote Street
  • Adding left turn lanes, new lighting, new crosswalks, and flashing signage. 

• North Bloomfield Road/East Broad Street
  • Adding new crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at all four corners of the intersection.

• Maidu Ave/Orchard Street and Cement Hill Road/West Broad Street

  • Adding single-lane roundabout with sidewalks that connect with the multi-use path, new lighting, and crosswalks with raised median islands to assist pedestrians & bicyclist crossing SR 49.

New multi-use path and sidewalk will connect to the existing Hirschman Trail and future Sugarloaf Mountain Trail. The multi-use path starts just west of SR 20 and extends all the way to the Nevada County Juvenile Hall.

At Cement Hill Road/West Broad Street, the roundabout will connect to the multi-use path to the west at the southwest corner, and sidewalk along Cement Hill Road at the northeast corner. A sidewalk will also extend to the north to the Hirschman Trail.

(Caltrans Project Number: 03-0N780)

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to enhance safety along the SR 49 corridor by implementing new multi-use path, sidewalk, enhanced crossings, and four intersection improvements, allowing active users to travel along and across the SR 49 corridor safely and comfortably while accessing destinations. 

Need

The SR 49 corridor within the project area lacks continuous bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure as well as safe crossings, limiting the ability of residents to safely access the Nevada County Government Center, recreation destinations, or connect from those facilities into Nevada City. 

Funding

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) awarded funding to NCTC for ATP Cycle 6. The SR 49 Multimodal Corridor Improvement Project was approved for $13.9 million. 

Partnership

In collaboration with Caltrans District 3 and NCTC, both agencies are working closely to ensure the project aligns with the ATP goals and community needs. For additional information on SR 49 Multimodal Corridor Plan, please visit the NCTC website.

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