WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – A traffic enforcement stop on a road without shoulders and a woman in a motorized scooter making her way along a soggy dirt path did not go unnoticed Oct. 21 as Williams officials gathered in a light drizzle of rain to celebrate the groundbreaking of the long-awaited E Street improvement project.
The two scenes provided timely examples of the safety concerns behind a major undertaking that will bring sidewalks, protected bicycle lanes, improved lighting and traffic-calming measures to one of the city’s busiest routes.
Tasha Weaver, representing state Sen. Megan Dahle, drew laughter when she suggested the city had arranged the passing woman and California Highway Patrol traffic stop to demonstrate why the improvements were needed.
Weaver said the project, once completed, would help protect children traveling to school while encouraging motorists to slow down.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a milestone following years of planning and efforts to secure state funding.
City Planner Katheryn Ramsaur said the principal improvements will cover approximately 3,000 to 3,500 feet of E Street between Sunset Drive and Eighth Street. Additional work will extend toward the school and along E Street to Husted Road.
The project includes a major roundabout at E and 11th Street, where the ceremony was held, with center turn lanes designed to improve traffic flow.
Ramsaur said two smaller roundabouts are planned at 12th Street and Pinewood Street. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, with work progressing toward the school. The city hopes to coordinate improvements near the campus with the summer break to minimize traffic disruptions.
City Engineer Dave Harden said the improvements grew out of roadway assessments and safety planning that began in 2016. The city initially secured a $9.1 million Active Transportation Program grant, officials said.
“I know that there’s been lots of discussions about the roundabout and the mini roundabouts,” Harden said. “They really are a safety feature that’s going to provide safe crossings, it’s going to reduce speeds.”
Williams City Manager Yvonne Kimball said total grant funding for the project has exceeded $12 million. She also acknowledged the work of current and former councilmembers, city employees, engineers and contractors who helped move the project forward.
Kimball said the undertaking involves eight separate contracts and considerable coordination among departments.
Mayor Kate Dunlap credited the efforts of city employees and previous councils with bringing the project to the groundbreaking stage, noting that years of work went into securing funding and preparing the city for construction.
Councilmember Alfred Sellers Jr., who has served on the council for 16 years, said he moved to Williams from the Bay Area 25 years ago and had hoped to see the city grow and improve.
“People deserve it,” Sellers said. “We have new families here, people coming in all the time.”
City officials marked the occasion with ceremonial shovels, while the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce and guests celebrated the milestone with the cutting of a red ribbon.