Town Hall Update on Pinole Roads

At the Road Repair & Rehabilitation Town Hall held on January 22nd, Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy presented the Road Rehabilitation Plan for FY 2025–26 that include rehabilitating approximately 1.65 miles of roadway on Pinole Valley Road, Shea Drive, and Marlesta Road using slurry seals or grind-and-overlay depending on the road conditions. The project will add at least 26 ADA-compliant curb ramps and install three flat-top speed humps at key crosswalks. Additional improvements include bike facility upgrades under the Active Transportation Plan, with bid documents to be issued in March, Council award in April, and construction targeted for May–June at an estimated cost of $3 million (primarily funded by SB-1 gas tax). This work will include a typical one-year warranty, daily third-party inspections, and coordination with PG&E, EBMUD, and Caltrans. 

The Road Maintenance Plan for FY 2025-26 through FY 2029-30 was also presented, showing the City divided into five different zones that will each have its turn for proactive maintenance over the next 5 years.  Maintenance work underway in Zone 1 include filling of potholes, replacement of damaged and missing signs, and replacement of burnt streetlight bulbs.  In addition, maintenance of pavement markings in Zone 1 will take place in May-June during more suitable weather conditions.  It should be noted that quarterly updates on citywide maintenance activities, capital projects, and permit issuance is submitted to the City Council on a quarterly basis during regularly scheduled Council meetings.

In addition, Public Works Director, Heba El-Guindy, shared during the workshop that the department is in pursuit of Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA3) funds for the addition of a crosswalk equipped with a HAWK signal across San Pablo Avenue and Fifth Avenue, near the new Vista Woods Senior Housing complex.  The funding request is also to add a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the existing crosswalk on San Pablo Avenue at Madrone Avenue.

Town Hall participants were given ample opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns. Many emphasized the need for durable street repairs, such as fixing potholes and base failures “right the first time” with stronger contractor accountability, longer warranties, and thorough inspections. Safety was a major concern, with calls for better lighting along Pinole Valley Road, reflective striping, hazard markers on islands, ADA-compliant ramps, and a crosswalk near senior housing. Attendees urged coordination with utilities and Caltrans to avoid trenching after paving and address freeway lighting and ramp conditions. They also requested a clear maintenance schedule with improved communication. The City will take all of their concerns into consideration and is already working on many of these items. The City will also be committed to warranties, third-party inspections when needed, and ongoing coordination with utility providers and Caltrans.

Learn more about Pinole roads and view the Road Rehabilitation plans.