SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission was presented Phase II of the Pioneer Trail Pedestrian Improvement Project, a continuation of the first phase when covered the road from US50 to Larch Avenue in 2013/14. This next phase is about one-half mile long and goes from Larch Avenue to Ski Run Boulevard. Pioneer Trail is used by many pedestrians and bicyclists and the dark stretch that will be addressed in this new phase will create sidewalks, eliminate an intersection, add a bike lane and lighting.

During their meeting Thursday, the commissioners voted to adopt a resolution finding that this project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 and approved the Design Review and Special Use Permit.

One of the bigger changes involved in this project will be the closing of the intersection of Willow and Sonora avenues with Pioneer Trail. A cul-de-sac will be created where the current intersection is and along Pioneer Trail a sidewalk and bus pullout area will be added on the reclaimed right-of-way. This will eliminate the current conflict of vehicles, pedestrians and bikes along the long intersection.

Other changes:
A five-foot sidewalk on the north side of Pioneer Trail that continuously runs from Larch Avenue and connects to an existing sidewalk at Ski Run Boulevard.

A five-foot sidewalk on the south side of the Pioneer Trail that continuously runs
from Larch Avenue to Ski Run Boulevard.

At all street intersections (Spruce Avenue, Tamarack Avenue, Wildwood Avenue,
Markofer Way, Keller Road, and Larch Avenue), new ADA accessible pedestrian
ramps will be installed.

Striping on both sides of Pioneer Trail for a four-foot to six-foot wide Class II bike lane.

Installing bus shelters at four existing bus stops on Pioneer Trail.

Modifying the intersections of Spruce Avenue, Wildwood Avenue, Markoffer Way,
and Larch Avenue to provide a perpendicular approach to Pioneer Trail. This will
improve safety, increase sight distances, reduce traffic conflicts, and slow vehicle turning movements from Pioneer Trail. The current angled approaches have long been a safety issue.

Converting the Markofer Way intersection to a right turn only access onto Pioneer
Trail in order to address distance issues and to reduce traffic conflicts. Turns onto Markofer Way from Pioneer Trail will be eliminated.

Landscaping at the intersections of Spruce Avenue, Wildwood Avenue, Larch
Avenue and at the Willow Avenue and Sonora Avenue separation from Pioneer
Trail.

City standard pedestrian light standards throughout the project area. Electrical outlets will be added to the new lights for possible future decorative displays such as Christmas lights.

The project is grant-funded and construction will start in 2022.

One resident made public comment to suggest closing off the Larch Avenue intersection like the Sonora intersection. The required right-of-way for the street would be 80 feet, and there is only 40 feet in the area. Comment came before the resident learning about the directional change of the intersection, a move he was happy with.

The Special Use Permit was approved since the proposed project will provide benefits to neighborhoods along Pioneer Trail. This alternative transportation route for pedestrians and bicycles will create the opportunity to reduce vehicle miles traveled, air quality impacts, and greenhouse gas emissions, benefitting the entire community. The improvements have been planned to minimize potential negative impacts to the neighborhoods and provide safe sight distance and safe turning movements for vehicles entering Pioneer Trail.

Staging for construction is proposed to be located on either side of Ski Run Boulevard between David Lane and Needle Peak Road. The construction staging area will not require the closure of Ski Run Boulevard.

In 2016, the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Department applied for and was
awarded $420,000 in FY 17/18 Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds
(STBG) to develop plans, specifications, and environmental review for this project. On November 13, 2018, the City Council accepted and appropriated these grant funds to the project account. These funds have a required match of 11.47 percent, which the City Council also appropriated to the project from Undesignated General Fund Reserves for a total project budget of $474,415. They are seeking other grant funds for the project.

Also during the meeting, new Commissioner Gavin Feiger was welcomed and sworn in along with returning members Mason Hibbard, Natalia Wieczorek, Kili Rahbeck, and Douglas Williams. Hibbard will once again be chair, and Wieczorek the vice-chair.