Project Initiation Phase:

During the early phase of the project, the team is looking at ways to improve safety and access in the area within the State right of way. The goal of this phase is to develop a Project Initiation Document (PID) with Tribe and public input. The PID helps transform ideas in plans into feasible projects. It is an engineering document used to set the scope, schedule, and budget of the project so that funding can be sought. The Tribe can use the PID to apply for grant funding or nominate State Highway Operations Protection Program (SHOPP) eligible portions for the next SHOPP project cycle.

Project Initiation Alternatives:

As the project continues, the team will keep gathering feedback and exploring solutions that meet local needs, improve safety, and respect the importance of the Klamath River. The team is considering two alternatives to improve safety and access in the area within the State right of way. Organizing the alternatives this way allows for a tiered approach, based on funding as it may become available.

Alternative 1: Grant fundable

This alternative is closely aligned with the Yurok Tribe's Return to the River Plan and includes several design elements that would be fundable through grants and not through traditional Caltrans project funding mechanisms.

• SR 169/U.S. 101 Undercrossing

  • A separated shared use path with high visibility crosswalks and a retaining wall under the bridge

• Post Mile 5.1

  • Install a bridge on U.S. 101 with a shared use path undercrossing to provide safe crossing from Tribal Headquarters to Chapman Street.

• Ehlers Way Intersection to Jet Boat Tours

  • Option A: Install a roundabout at Ehlers Way Intersection and a separated shared use path to the Jet Boat Tours that would eventually connect to the Tribe’s planned trail system.

  • Option B: Widen the roadway to make room for raised medians that would encourage drivers to slow down and provide a pedestrian refuge island for safer crossing. Install a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at Ehlers Way that when triggered by pedestrians or bicyclists would act as a mandatory stop for motorists on Highway 101 to allow for safer crossing to the separated shared use path to the Jet Boat Tours that would eventually connect to the Tribe’s planned trail system.

Alternative 2: SHOPP funding eligible

This alternative is essentially a “minimum alternative” and includes only the design elements that could be eligible for SHOPP nomination.

• SR 169/U.S. 101 Undercrossing

  • Install a sidewalk along SR 169 with high visibility crosswalks and add striping for a bike lane.

• Ehlers Way Intersection to Jet Boat Tours

  • Install a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at Ehlers Way that when triggered by pedestrians or bicyclists would act as a mandatory stop for motorists on Highway 101 to allow for safer crossing to the separated shared use path to the Jet Boat Tours that would eventually connect to the Tribe’s planned trail system.

  • This alternative does not include a pedestrian refuge island.

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