February 20, 2020 -
On Thursday, February 20, there will be an increase in traffic control and some minor traffic delays due to work being on the roundabouts. Crews will be grinding pavement conforms on each leg of the streets approaching each of the roundabouts in preparation for final paving, which will be completed in the middle of March. Drivers will experience additional signage and flagging to guide drivers through or around the work areas. It is anticipated this work will be completed in one day.
And another reminder: California Blvd, between Second and Third Streets, is anticipated to open by the end of the day Monday, February 24. The third roundabout is anticipated to be complete and fully functional by Friday, March 6.
February 7, 2020 -
The Roundabouts project is moving along, and we have some important milestones coming up that we want to share with you!
- California Boulevard, between Second and Third Streets (that has been closed due to construction) is scheduled to open the week of February 17th. As it gets closer, we will have a better idea of timing, and as always, this is dependent upon weather.
- The third roundabout, at Second Street and California Boulevard, is scheduled to be open and functioning the week after California Boulevard opens (the week of February 24th). There will still be some work that needs to be completed but the intersection will be functioning as a roundabout.
- Landscape planting will be on-going for several weeks.
- Final paving will be done in the middle of March, followed by final sign installation and striping.
January 6, 2020 -
HEADS UP: The next important phase of the roundabout construction work will soon be underway. On January 8th and 9th, crews will begin work necessary for the directional change (couplet flip) of First and Second Streets, between California Boulevard and Jefferson Street. This work involves the removal of existing striping and pavement markings followed by the installation of new striping and pavement marking as well as new traffic signage to accommodate the change. During this work residents and customers will still be able to access First and Second Streets during construction.
Once the striping, pavement markings and traffic signage are installed, traffic will be changed and flow in the opposite direction from what it is currently. First Street will become a one-way street with traffic heading East bound (towards downtown), and Second Street will become a one-way street with traffic heading West bound (towards SR29).
To accomplish this work, there will be no parking on First or Second streets starting the evening of January 7th till the evening of the 9th. Residents in this area have been notified in advance and have been requested to park on their property or side streets; however, they will have access to and from their property at all times.
We anticipate that California Boulevard will be open between Second and Third Streets by the end of January, and the third roundabout is expected to open sometime in early to mid-February. Of course, this schedule is weather permitting and significant wet weather could delay this timeline. We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the duration of this project!
December 18, 2019 -
Construction on the roundabouts is moving along and motorists have surely noticed many of the changes underway in the area. There are still a number of road closures and detours in place as crews have taken advantage of a dry fall and combined some project phases to speed up the overall construction, reduce costs and minimize the impact on the public. At this point in time, the project is about 70% complete and is well ahead of the original project schedule which showed an 18-month construction timeframe. Right now, it looks like the project may be completed in March, but that depends on the weather.
First and California Roundabout
As of today, the second roundabout at First and California may be opening for limited use in the next few weeks. Traffic will still access downtown via Second Street. However, drivers may access northbound California Boulevard once the second roundabout is far enough along with construction. Again, this depends on weather. The second roundabout will not be complete but will function as a roundabout for eastbound First Street drivers wishing to go north on California or access Clay Street to enter downtown. is expected to open in the next week or so. Once this second roundabout is operational,
First and Second Street Direction Reversal
The contractor will continue work to reverse the direction of First and Second Streets (called a couplet flip) sometime around January 9th or 10th. Residents and businesses owners will be notified by the contractor directly about this work as well. This work will involve the removal and reinstallation of striping and pavement markings to allow for the direction change. The City will be coordinating with the roundabout project contractor to modify the existing signals and striping at First and Second Streets at Jefferson to accommodate the change in direction. Again, these two phases are weather permitting – and with rain in the forecast, this work could be delayed.
As each phase nears completion, we will continue to share these updates with the community. We appreciate the patience of all the drivers, neighbors and business owners in the area. A large-scale construction project like this can definitely bring a headache or two, but our project partners, Caltrans and O.C. Jones, have worked with the City of Napa to minimize the impacts and speed up the process. We should see the fruits of these labors sooner than expected.
As a reminder, the current detours are as follows:
• California Boulevard between Second Street and Third Street is closed.
o Drivers traveling from Browns Valley and wanting to proceed south on California Boulevard will be required to turn left on eastbound Second Street, then right southbound Seymour Street, then right of westbound Third Street back to California Boulevard.
o California Boulevard northbound will now turn right onto eastbound Third Street, then left onto northbound Seymour Street, then left onto westbound Clay Street back to California Boulevard.
• Eastbound on First Street from Browns Valley Road to northbound California Boulevard will make a right turn onto southbound California Boulevard, the left on eastbound Second Street, then left onto northbound Seymour Street, then left onto westbound Clay Street back to California Boulevard. Drivers wishing to reach downtown may continue on Second Street as before to reach Jefferson Street and downtown.
• Southbound California Boulevard drivers will turn left onto eastbound Clay Street, then right onto southbound Seymour Street, then right onto westbound Third Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard. Southbound California Boulevard drivers wishing to travel west towards Browns Valley or to northbound SR29 may turn right onto westbound First Street as before.
• First Street westbound will turn right onto northbound Walnut Street, then left onto westbound Clay Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard.
December 10, 2019 -
Here is a quick overview of the existing and NEW detours that are in place around the roundabouts construction area. Work is moving along and crews continue to work towards the goal of opening all three roundabouts by early 2020.
• California Boulevard between Second Street and Third Street is closed.
o Drivers traveling from Browns Valley and wanting to proceed south on California Boulevard will be required to turn left on eastbound Second Street, then right southbound Seymour Street, then right of westbound Third Street back to California Boulevard.
o California Boulevard northbound will now turn right onto eastbound Third Street, then left onto northbound Seymour Street, then left onto westbound Clay Street back to California Boulevard.
• Eastbound on First Street from Browns Valley Road to northbound California Boulevard will make a right turn onto southbound California Boulevard, the left on eastbound Second Street, then left onto northbound Seymour Street, then left onto westbound Clay Street back to California Boulevard. Drivers wishing to reach downtown may continue on Second Street as before to reach Jefferson Street and downtown.
• Southbound California Boulevard drivers will turn left onto eastbound Clay Street, then right onto southbound Seymour Street, then right onto westbound Third Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard. Southbound California Boulevard drivers wishing to travel west towards Browns Valley or to northbound SR29 may turn right onto westbound First Street as before.
• First Street westbound will turn right onto northbound Walnut Street, then left onto westbound Clay Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard.
November 22, 2019 -
Our first roundabout is now open! Remember, drive with caution and be safe on the roadways. Slow and steady wins the race.
Now, up next – crews will continue work on the second and third roundabouts, as well as all the other associated improvements such as landscaping, curbs, bike lanes and more. By Christmas, we should see the next roundabout up and running! In the meantime, you can check out this video to see a simulation of how all three roundabouts will work together when completed in early 2020.
Please remember to drive safely and take your time – we appreciate everyone’s patience!
November 18, 2019 -
The first of the three roundabouts, as well as the northbound SR-29 offramp, will open on Thursday, November 21 (a day earlier than originally reported).
To give you an idea of how the roundabout will work and what you can expect as you travel through, check out this visual. The roundabouts were designed to slow traffic and allow motorists from every direction to proceed safely.
This first roundabout will only have a single lane open and will not function at full configuration until additional work is completed in the medians, and other surrounding areas.
Wondering what a roundabout is all about? Well, our friends at @CityofRedDeer, Canada, constructed a roundabout of their own a few years back, and they have generously shared some of their helpful how-to videos with us! The links below will help you learn a little more about roundabouts and how they can improve traffic and safety, as well as how to navigate a roundabout and accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
What is a Roundabout?
https://vimeo.com/user9670035/review/140832506/609d18ae38
Choose Your Lane and Signal
https://vimeo.com/user9670035/review/141416141/001e44a239
Pedestrians and Cyclists
https://vimeo.com/user9670035/review/141858293/906d975281
October 10, 2019 -
HEADS UP: Caltrans is scheduled to begin traffic changes to close multiple the offramps and onramps at First Street in the City of Napa effective Thursday, October 10 during construction of three new roundabouts. The First Street offramp from northbound State Route 29 (SR-29) and the First Street loop onramp from eastbound First Street to northbound SR-29 will be closed effective October 10. Also, northbound and southbound California Boulevard will be remain closed between Second Street and Clay Street and no southbound California Blvd. traffic will be allowed to cross First Street. Existing detours will remain in place. These closures are effective Thursday, October 10 through the end of November 2019. Detour signs will be posted.
Additionally, east and west lanes on First Street through the construction area will be shifted to accommodate the next phases of work. Drivers are asked to be aware of the new lane configurations. lanes will be flipped to the newly paved streets so crews can begin work on the other side.
As you can see from the cool photos, a lot of progress has been made on the project. The first of the three roundabouts is beginning to emerge! We are excited to say that the first of the three roundabouts will be open before Thanksgiving, and the second will be open by Christmas! The project contractor, O.C. Jones, took these great photos and has been working diligently to keep this work moving as quickly as possible. We realize the inconvenience this much construction creates, but appreciate our community’s patience as we move closer to finished roundabouts even more quickly than anticipated.
Detours will remain in place, along with previously announced detours currently in place due to the construction. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes and allow more time to get to their destinations. Delays are expected in the construction area and drivers should exercise caution.
For more information from Caltrans, visit the Napa Roundabout Webpage at https://bit.ly/341VNlL
Work on the three roundabouts is expected to conclude in 2020.
October 3, 2019 -
Caltrans is scheduled to close the State Route 29 (SR-29) Northbound First Street Offramp beginning the week of Monday, October 7 through the end of November to accommodate construction of one of three roundabouts west of downtown Napa.
A detour will be in place, along with previously announced detours currently in place due to construction. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes and allow more time to get to their destinations. Delays are expected in the construction area and drivers should exercise caution.
NEW:
• Northbound SR-29 at First Street, take Lincoln Avenue exit, then right on Lincoln Avenue going east and then right on California Boulevard going south.
• Eastbound on First Street from Browns Valley Road to SR-29 Northbound Onramp will be closed. No access to Northbound SR-29 from Eastbound First Street will be available. As a detour, motorists using eastbound First Street from Browns Valley Road may make a right on California Blvd going south, then left on Second Street going east; next, left on Seymour Street going north, then left on Clay Street going west, then right on California Blvd going north, then left on Lincoln Ave to the northbound SR-29 onramp.
EXISTING:
• Eastbound on First Street from Browns Valley Road will be able to make a right turn on California Boulevard going south to get to Second and Third streets.
• California Boulevard southbound will turn left at Clay Street, then right at Seymour Street, then right at Third Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard.
• California Boulevard northbound will turn right at Second Street, then left at Seymour Street, then left at Clay Street and detour ends at California Boulevard.
• First Street westbound will turn right at Walnut Street, left on Clay Street and detour ends at California Boulevard.
August 27, 2019 -
Caltrans removed the traffic signal light at the intersection of First Street and California Boulevard in Napa the second week of September 2019 to accommodate construction on one of three roundabouts west of downtown Napa.
The closure of California Boulevard at First Street began the week of September 9 and will reopen by late December. Detours are in place. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes. Should drivers travel through the construction area, delays are expected and drivers should exercise caution.
Detour Details
• Eastbound on First Street from State Route 29 (SR-29) will be able to make a right turn on California Boulevard going south to get to Second and Third streets.
• California Boulevard southbound will turn left at Clay Street, then right at Seymour Street, then right at Third Street. Detour ends at California Boulevard.
• California Boulevard northbound will turn right at Second Street, then left at Seymour Street, then left at Clay Street and detour ends at California Boulevard.
• First Street westbound will turn right at Walnut Street, left on Clay Street and detour ends at California Boulevard.
For more information, visit the Napa Roundabout Webpage at https://bit.ly/341VNlL
August 6, 2019 -
Caltrans has announced upcoming detours as the next phase of the Napa Roundabouts project gets underway in the coming weeks. While the actual start date for this round of changes has yet to be announced by Caltrans, "the ’essential shutdown’ of First at California will begin later this month, with the goal of having the first of the new roundabouts operating by Christmas, said Eric Whan, the city of Napa’s deputy public works director. Read more from the Napa Valley Register: https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/motorists-brace-yourselves-major-detours-coming-to-napa-s-triple/article_c79b2c65-09b1-508d-b10d-a1b2b89a3147.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
June 19, 2019 -
Caltrans is scheduled to close the northbound First Street onramp to northbound State Route 29 (SR-29) in downtown Napa this week, lasting approximately through August 30.
The ramp is scheduled to close at 8:00 AM Wednesday, June 19, remaining closed until August 30 of this year to accommodate construction at the northwest corner of the intersection of First Street and California Boulevard in Napa.
A detour will be in place to help motorists on northbound First Street to get onto the onramp to northbound SR-29. Detour signs will be in place to guide traffic to the detour (see map).
Also, southbound California Boulevard at Second Street will be reduced from two lanes to one lane to accommodate construction at the northwest corner of California Boulevard and Second Street. This lane reduction will begin at 8:00 AM Wednesday, June 19, and will be in place up until early fall of this year.
The purpose of the ramp closure and the lane reduction is to accommodate construction on one of the three roundabouts that will be installed in the project. Work on the three roundabouts is expected to conclude in 2020.
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For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay
For real-time information, please visit Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Or follow Caltrans on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/CaltransD4
June 10, 2019 -
Caltrans is scheduled to perform daytime road work on California Boulevard in Napa between Clay Street and First Street Tuesday, June 11 through Friday, June 14. The southbound lane of California Boulevard will be temporarily closed between Clay and First to accommodate the work and a detour will be in place.
The work is scheduled to take place between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM starting Tuesday, June 11 and ending at 5:00 PM Friday, June 14. Motorists who wish to proceed northbound on California Boulevard may do so. The northbound lane will remain open.
A detour will be in place (see map). The purpose of the closures is to accommodate work on three roundabouts that will be installed in the area. The temporary daytime southbound lane closures are scheduled to conclude on June 14. Work on the three roundabouts is expected to conclude in 2020. Learn more about the Project here, including a cool simulation of the Napa Roundabouts, FAQs from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and more: https://www.cityofnapa.org/…/State-Route-29California-Boule…
For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay
For real-time information, please visit Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Or follow Caltrans on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/CaltransD4
#BeWorkZoneAlert
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June 3, 2019 -
Caltrans, the City of Napa and the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) broke ground on Monday, June 3, on the first roundabouts to be constructed in Napa Valley. Three roundabouts will be constructed on State Route 29 (SR-29) in the City of Napa near First Street and California Boulevard, converting existing traffic signals and stop signs to roundabouts.
“Roundabouts provide critical solutions to two major transportation needs: easing traffic congestion and improving public safety,” said Caltrans Bay Area Director Tony Tavares. “This partnership project makes travel safer and more enjoyable for drivers and pedestrians and is emblematic of Caltrans’ mission to improve livability for California’s residents and visitors.”
The project will construct one roundabout at the intersection of the northbound SR-29/SR-128 off-ramp at First Street, another at the intersection of First Street and California Boulevard, and a third roundabout at the intersection of second Street and California Boulevard. The roundabouts will also improve mobility for pedestrians with new sidewalks, ADA upgrades and pedestrian crossing lights.
In a collaborative effort, Caltrans and the City of Napa are working together on the design and construction of these roundabouts with the shared goal of creating a fluid system and increasing public service.
“I am excited that through creativity, collaboration and cooperation, we made this project happen,” said Napa Mayor Jill Techel. “Our community will benefit from improved safety and ease of travel through one of our most well-traveled intersections and streets.”
Kate Miller, Executive Director of the NVTA, said, “The Napa Valley Transportation Authority is proud to partner with Caltrans and the City of Napa on the SB-29/California/1st and 2nd Street roundabouts. “The NVTA has contributed $4 million in state and federal highway funds to the project,” Miller added. Describing the project as “transformative for Napa,” Miller added that the roundabout will greatly improve the operations and safety at these intersections, “significantly improving traffic flow through the area and creating a statement gateway to downtown Napa.”
Caltrans, the City of Napa and NVTA thank residents and visitors in advance for their patience during upcoming construction. Traffic delays should be expected during construction of the roundabouts due to construction staging requiring several changes to traffic patterns. Bicycle traffic will be sharing the main traffic lanes within the project limits.
The project cost is an estimated $19.3 million. Construction work is beginning in June 2019 with anticipated completion in fall of 2020.
Learn more about the project here.
Project Contacts:
Janis Mara, Caltrans District 4
(510) 622-5978
[email protected]
Jaina French, City of Napa
(707) 258-7843
[email protected]