Cathy Perfect
Kern Valley Sun

Change is in the wind for the downtown Kernville landscape, thanks to a Transportation Enhancement grant to Kern County Roads Department.

County engineering managers Barry Nienke, Mark Evans and Patsy Ebel spent Thursday evening with Kernville residents, informing them of the progress of the Walkable Communities project.

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“I’m thrilled to report we received a Transportation Enhancement Act grant of almost $1 million,” Ebel announced. “This is the largest project funded in all of Kern County and we’re here tonight to spend it.”

“At our last public meeting, about a year ago, and subsequent letters of support from the public, we heard that the residents of Kernville want primarily two things: A safer downtown and a more walkable community,” Evans said.

For years, people have been requesting crosswalks in Kernville, but, “I’ve been reluctant to that because of the 35 mph speed limit and a curve running through town,” Nienke said. “Now, with a 25 mph speed limit, I think we do that.”

The design calls for one lane of traffic in each direction, with a two-way left turn lane stretching from Burlando Road to the “T” at Sierra Way. Sidewalks, parking, bike lanes and curbs are included in the project, as well. “We’re trying to accommodate all modes of transportation in Kernville,” Evans said.

“A portion of the road work could begin within a week or two, when we begin the chip seal paving on Kernville Road,” Nienke said. “The proposed design calls for the removal of the center medians on Kernville Road, from Sierra Way to the bridge. It’s logical to accomplish both tasks at the same time,” he added.

One of the snags in the current configuration and traffic flow, according to Nienke, is traffic entering Kernville. “At both ends of town, incoming traffic is traveling on two single lanes. They come into Kernville with that four-lane and take off,” Nienke said. The proposed construction should eliminate that situation, he said.

Evans, Nienke and Ebel encouraged residents to contact them with their ideas and/or concerns. “I’d love to come up on a Saturday and do a walk-through to hear what you want, to get ideas from the people who live here,” Evans said.

“It’s going to be important to get that word out to the community and the businesses, so they know what’s coming,” added Evans.

“Supervisor Jon McQuistion is very interested in seeing an ADA-compliant platform that disabled people can use to fish or simply enjoy the view,” said Ebel. Engineers were reminded that design must take flooding into consideration.

Chris Brayman asked if donations could be made to the project. “Absolutely! If you’re familiar with Carpenteria, there a lot of benches with plaques commemorating the donors.

We anticipate a start time for construction spring 2012.