A Walk Down Shady Lane

Location

21st Avenue & Sierra St.

City or County Responsible for Project

Kingsburg

Category

Roads: Efficient and Sustainable Road Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects.

Author

Alex Henderson

Organization

City of Kingsburg

Address

1401 Draper St.

Phone

559-897-6528

Project Description

21st. Avenue, also known as ‘Shady Lane,’ is an iconic street in Kingsburg, CA. The nickname stems from the now 100-year-old Camphor trees that line both sides of the street. Planted in the early 1900s, the trees have blossomed into a mature canopy that covers the entirety of 21st Ave and have helped define the street for several decades. Of course, with large trees often comes issues related to the conflicts of root systems and road/sidewalk infrastructure. For nearly 15 years, repaving the road was avoided as many believed the only long-term solution was to remove the now iconic symbol of 21st – the large trees. In fact, as adjacent roads were repaved, rumors spread of the impending work on 21st Ave (Which led to more rumors of tree removal). Local residents started Facebook pages “Save the 21st Ave Trees” – showing how important this street is to residents. While tree removal was never city officials plan, the issue of root intrusion and long-term damage to the road and sidewalk would require a more creative approach. First, city staff held half a dozen public meetings with residents of the street. After initial input, engineers crafted three different versions of how the street could be redone. Ultimately, a final plan was conceived, and work begin in earnest. Project Goals included: 1. Protect the trees 2. Reconstruct sidewalks to provide pedestrian and ADA access 3. Replace the street asphalt 4. Minimize impacts on historic properties 5. Maintain on-street parking 6. Improve Drainage 7. Add street lighting; In order to accomplish these goals, work consisted of the installation of curbs, reconstruction of sidewalks and curb ramps, addition of drainage facilities, replacement of pavement and the installation of new LED pedestrian lighting. Perhaps most importantly, the finished results have been well received by residents and shows a willingness to help preserve history. The addition of lighting coupled with now accessible sidewalks has turned ‘Shady Lane’ into a walker’s paradise for years to come. The entry is innovative and unique – Project required innovative and creative approach to addressing the long-term viability of the trees, as well as the new improvements. Included utilizing engineered fill to protect the root barriers and raise the profile of the street. • The entry’s positive outcomes are continuing/sustainable – Accessibility, lighting and making improvements that are environmentally friendly will ensure the benefits are long-term. • The cost-effectiveness of the program/project • The entry has positive effects on the environment – Helped save over 30 100-year old Camphor trees. •The extent to which the results and benefits are publicly verifiable, measureable, replicable, and useful to other cities and counties – The reconstruction of pavement turned a street rated as low as 3 in some sections into 100 (based upon pavement management ratings).