Wolk applauds Caltrans’ advance of $46 Million for Route 12 safety repairs

Caltrans credits advance for Solano County safety repairs to ongoing efforts by Wolk

Suisun City/Rio Vista-Assemblymember Lois Wolk (D-Davis) today applauded the California Department of Transportation’s agreement to advance $46 million for safety repairs on a dangerous stretch of State Route 12 between Suisun City and Rio Vista in Solano County.

Agreement to expedite funding for the project ahead of schedule was a direct result of ongoing efforts by Wolk, according to officials at Caltrans.  Originally, the project was not scheduled for funding until the 2010/2011 fiscal year.  However, at Wolk’s request, Caltrans agreed that improvements for this segment of State Route 12 needed to break ground before the end of the decade.

“We appreciate Assembly Member Wolk’s assistance and support, which will enable us to deliver this important transportation project ahead of schedule,” said Caltrans Director Will Kempton, who met several times on the issue with Wolk, who consistently requested that the safety repairs be expedited.

“We are committed to delivering this project ahead of schedule,” said Caltrans District 4 Director Bijan Sartipi. “Our target is to accelerate and deliver this project in fiscal year 2008/2009, more than two years earlier than previously planned.”

Specifically, the project will provide pavement rehabilitation, operational, and safety improvements to this rural segment of State Route 12.  Improvements include widening of the shoulders, widening various intersections, and increasing sight distance by reconstructing the vertical and horizontal alignments of the roadway. In 2007, rumble strips will be installed to the center median and shoulders areas.

“I applaud Caltrans, especially Director Kempton, for recognizing this project’s importance to safety in my district,” said Wolk. “These sorely-needed improvements will provide a higher level of security for those traveling Route 12. Caltrans’ decision to speed these improvements will be good for Solano County and for all Californians who drive this stretch of Route 12.”