East Tehachapi traffic signal and street improvements project

At their Oct. 5 meeting, the Tehachapi City Council awarded the East Tehachapi Traffic Signal and Street Improvements Project to Cal Prime, Inc. in the amount of $1,346,000. The project consistes of the installation of traffic signals, curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, pavement widening, new traffic signs and striping on Tehachapi Blvd. between Steuber Rd. and Monolith St.

Including design, environmental impact, construction and construction administration, the initial estimated project cost was $1,390,000. The City submitted a grant application to Caltrans in June, 2013 and was awarded $1,250,900 leaving $139,100 to be contributed by the City. In March of this year, Caltrans informed the City that additional funds were being offered as an incentive for early project completion. Development Services Director Jay Schlosser told the council that Caltrans had approved the credits in the amount of $121,100 leaving the City's match component at about $18,000. Additional funds totaling $348,111 for increased construction and design costs were requested from Caltrans and were granted.

In a nutshell, the city will be contributing about $18,000 from the City's Local Traffic Fund to a project valued at over $1,700,000. The City Council chamber applauded Schlosser's efforts to which he added, “We have a good relationship with District 9(Caltrans).”