Safety improvements to North Main Street Get $11 Million Boost in Federal Funds
Published: 12/13/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec. 13, 2023
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
Safety improvements to North Main Street Get $11 Million Boost in Federal Funds
Rep. Mark Takano delivers funds from federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A $13.8 million plan to increase safety along North Main Street just south of Highway 60 has taken a major step forward as a result of Rep. Mark Takano securing $11.1 million in funding from the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program.
“Everyone wants and needs safe streets,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “We now have more resources and funding on the way to help create safer streets for our residents, thanks to the strong advocacy of Congressman Takano and our partners at the federal level.”
The project will convert Main Street between Highway 60 and Third Street to a single lane in each direction divided by a traffic median with additional parking, landscaping, and pedestrian walkways. The effort is designed to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians by slowing traffic, creating bikeways, and beautifying a major gateway into Riverside.
“I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which established the SS4A Grant Program, enabling the Department of Transportation to fund important community safety projects,” Takano said. “Delivering these funds to develop comprehensive safety plans and implement infrastructure upgrades like bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks will protect commuters and pedestrians on busy streets.”
The City is working to find another $2.7 million in non-federal funds and move forward with project design before continuing with competitive bidding and a public engagement effort. Construction is scheduled to start in March 2026 and be completed by February 2027.
“This is the vision of the Northside Specific Plan coming to life and getting national attention,” said Mayor Pro Tem Erin Edwards, who represents the area. “I cannot wait to see how this will enhance the neighborhood for children walking to elementary school, people visiting local businesses, such as local restaurants, markets and gyms, and extending the Main Street corridor from the downtown into the vibrant Northside neighborhood.”
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