Highway 12/26 Intersection Improvements

Valley Springs, CA– Calaveras County proposes to improve the intersection of Highway 12 and 26 in Valley Springs. A public workshop to review the Environmental Impact Report will be held on January 11th.

The project will provide a merge lane from the northbound HWY 26 onto eastbound HWY 12/26. The existing right turn lane, from eastbound HWY12 onto southbound HWY26, will be widened. The project also includes a 540 foot left turn lane along westbound HWY 12/26 onto southbound HWY12. The intersection will be restriped with 12 foot travel lanes, bike lanes, and ADA ramps will be included at all four corners of the intersection. A short retaining wall may be built in the southeast quadrant of the intersection along HWY 12/26.

The study determined that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
The improvements to the intersection will reduce motorist delay and improve mobility throughout the intersection and on surrounding streets.

Earlier plans that were scrapped included $4.1 million for a traffic signal and $2.5 million for a roundabout. According to Calaveras County Public Works Project Engineer Jared Brown it is important for the county to keep the costs under $1 million to minimize the involvement of Caltrans in the project.

Also addressed in the report is the impact to the Century 21 Tri-Dam Realty office at the southeast corner of the intersection. The building is not considered to be historical, and would either be removed or moved further back from the intersection.

The Open House will be at Valley Springs Elementary from 6 PM to 8 PM with a 15 minute presentation at 6:30 PM. The workshop will provide an update on the project, an opportunity for the public to comment and review the environmental document.