OAKHURST, CA – Connecting Oakhurst, the public response survey being run by Madera County, presents a unique opportunity for residents to share their insights on proposed road projects in the area. Last week, we posted a link to the survey aimed at gathering public feedback, and I had the chance to interview Supervisor Bobby MaCaulay to discuss the initiative in more detail.

When asked about the funding for the study, Supervisor MaCaulay explained that it is largely financed through state grants. The county’s only financial contribution comes from staff time dedicated to implementing and analyzing the study.

Goals of the Project

The overarching goal of this project is to enhance the walkability and overall cohesiveness of Oakhurst. “We’ll have contiguous sidewalks throughout Oakhurst,” Supervisor MaCaulay stated. “Our vision is to create a more vibrant downtown atmosphere that residents can be proud of. We hope that this project will spark additional private investment, stimulating business growth and attracting visitors during shoulder seasons when local retailers and restaurants often struggle.”

Partnership with Caltrans

Caltrans has scheduled a major project for Oakhurst in 2029, which will involve a complete restoration of the local roadways (mainly Highway 41 from 222 to Deadwood). Rather than simply repaving existing surfaces, this initiative will remove all existing pavement, repair the roadbeds, and lay down a fresh layer of paving material, resulting in entirely new roads built on a solid foundation.

This timing has created a partnership opportunity between the county and Caltrans. By collaborating, the county can also enhance pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks and crosswalks, while making necessary adjustments to lane configurations. This holistic approach aims to significantly improve traffic flow through town.

Starting the planning process now positions the county favorably for securing implementation funds from the Active Transportation Program (ATP) administered by Caltrans.

Roadway Design Enhancements

The study focuses on transforming a multi-lane roadway into a three-lane configuration, which includes two through lanes and a center two-way left-turn lane. This redesign aims to enhance safety and traffic flow by reducing conflict points and increasing vehicle throughput. Identifying four major chokepoints during the study highlighted the need for these improvements, particularly for ensuring efficient access for first responders during emergencies.

Three of the four signal-controlled intersections in Oakhurst have been identified as suitable candidates for roundabouts. Although they have sparked some controversy, roundabouts are a proven solution for efficiently managing traffic. Their circular design decreases conflict points and has been shown to reduce fatal and injury collisions by 78% compared to traditional traffic signals or stop signs. Additionally, the continuous flow of vehicles through roundabouts minimizes delays.

Community Support and Future Enhancements

While some residents may express concerns about roundabouts, it’s important to recognize that traffic lights can be equally frustrating, often causing significant backups. Viewed through a statistical lens, roundabouts emerge as the superior alternative.

“I believe we have a solid foundation to move this effort forward,” said Supervisor MaCaulay. “With meaningful input from the community, we can enact positive changes for our town. However, there’s still much work ahead after this study. The county will need to secure additional funds for effective implementation to avoid taxing our residents and negatively impacting our general fund.”

Additional proposed enhancements under consideration include:

• High Visibility Crosswalks
• Missing Sidewalk Installations
• Off-Street Trails for Walking and Biking
• Shoulder Widening for Safer Turns
• Curb Extensions

With community engagement and thoughtful planning, the future of Oakhurst’s roadways can be both safe and enjoyable for all residents. We encourage our readers to be a part of the process. Your feedback can be provided by following this link.

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