Pinon Street extension one step closer

At their Sept. 6 meeting, the Tehachapi City Council approved Griffith Construction as the firm to complete the long awaited Pinon St. extension from Brandon Ln. to Dennison Rd.

To complete the project, the City of Tehachapi successfully applied for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds that were available through the Kern Council of Governments (KernCOG) for just such a purpose. The funds totaling $885,299 will provide for 88.53% of the project. The project requires an 11% match as the city is responsible for the relocation of the Edison power poles in the area. It will be a two-lane road incorporating a Class II bike lane. No curb or gutter is planned at this time, pending the development of Morris Park that would be located on the south side of Pinon St. Street lights are planned to be located on the power poles.

Mayor Phil Smith, who is the city representative at KernCOG, said the High Speed Rail Authority manager spoke at their last meeting to discuss changes to Highway 58 that would occur during the building of the High Speed Rail through the mountains. Smith said he put forth the suggestion that the addition of truck climbing lanes could be incorporated into the plan for the proposed interchange from Highway 58 to Highway 223.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St., Tehachapi.