Mono Way Widening Delayed
Sonora, CA — Most of the work on the Mono Way widening project will not commence until next year.
The project, a joint venture between the city and county, will widen Mono Way to five lanes, between Greenley Road and Fir Drive. The project has been in the works for several years, and City of Sonora Administrator Tim Miller says there are still “a lot of moving parts.” The City has acquired needed permits from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Army Corps. of Engineers. However, the city is still awaiting a water quality permit from the State of California.
Seven pieces of property were needed to be acquired before construction can start. The city has purchased the right-of-way for three of the properties, and there are counter offers out on the remaining four. Miller says he believes the acquisition process will be wrapped up within the next 30 days.
City of Sonora Engineer Jerry Fucillo is still finalizing some of the details related to the overall plan. Project planners are also still working with PG&E regarding the relocation of some utilities, and the completion of a street light plan.
The City Council is tentatively scheduled to request bids from contractors to carry out the project in early August. The plan is for the remaining aspects to be finalized by that time. Miller says a contract will likely be awarded in late August or early September. There would still be time for some of the clearing and prep work to be completed in the Fall, but the bulk of the work would now need to take place next Spring or Summer. City officials had initially hoped that the project would get underway earlier this construction season.
It is one of the topics that Miller discussed on Mother Lode Views over the weekend. Click here to find a link to the entire 30 minute interview. Other topics included the City’s budget, the Vision Sonora effort and the Walmart litigation.
