WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – Just hours after celebrating the groundbreaking of the long-awaited E Street improvement project, the Williams City Council approved a major underground utility contract and changed a portion of the roadway design in response to public concerns.
The Oct. 21 decisions cleared the way for replacing aging water and sewer lines before construction of new pavement, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, while eliminating a proposed raised median that would have restricted left turns.
City Engineer Dave Harden said the median, planned between 9th Street North and 9th Street South, was intended to improve traffic safety by directing motorists toward intersections with additional traffic controls. However, he could not identify collision records or other evidence establishing its necessity.
“There isn’t data to support it one way or the other,” Harden said. “So it really is a preference with the council.”
Residents had objected to the barrier because it would require some drivers to travel farther or use neighborhood streets to reach their destinations.
City Planner Katheryn Ramsaur said the median had generated considerable opposition, including concerns that motorists would simply drive over the mountable concrete structure.
Mayor Kate Dunlap also recalled discussions about maneuverability for fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
The council voted 4-0 to remove the median, with Dunlap abstaining.
Under the revised design, a two-way left-turn lane will maintain access to adjoining streets and driveways. A raised pedestrian refuge island at the 9th Street North crosswalk will remain and be extended to provide a protected waiting area for people crossing E Street.
Harden said the modification would not affect the project’s transportation grant because the median was not a required feature. Additional engineering expenses are estimated at approximately $10,000, with little change expected in overall construction costs.
In another significant action, the council unanimously approved a $1.47 million contract with Tungsten Engineering Contractors LLC to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure beneath E Street and portions of adjoining streets.
The work includes approximately 2,815 feet of new water mains and 2,140 feet of sewer lines, along with service connections, fire hydrants, manholes and other improvements.
Harden said the underground replacement must precede major roadway construction to avoid cutting into newly completed pavement if deteriorating pipes fail.
The project attracted 14 bids, with Tungsten submitting the lowest qualifying proposal, nearly $1 million below the engineer’s $2.5 million estimate.
City Manager Yvonne Kimball described the utility work as an important final component of preparations for the larger E Street reconstruction.
The council authorized a 10% construction contingency, bringing the underground construction budget to approximately $1.62 million. Including construction management and inspection services, the estimated total cost is $1.74 million, funded through the city’s water and sewer enterprise funds.