BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – With State Senator Shannon Grove’s announcement that nearly $2 million will be funneled into Kern County to fund safer roads in Oildale, the county has released new details on the upcoming projects.
The Oildale project is part of the “Safe Route to School” initiative, aiming to make it safer for children and families to work and travel throughout their communities.
Kern County Public Works said the project in Oildale will include the installation of “rectangular rapid flashing beacons,” thermoplastic markings, signs and accessible ramps at “existing uncontrolled multi-lane crosswalks” at seven schools adjacent to the road.
A spokesperson for the county agency added that the $1.8 million in funding will also go toward upgrading six existing multi-lane crossworks on both arterial and collector roads in unincorporated areas of Oildale and east Bakersfield.
The six intersections that will see improvements will be at:
Olive Drive and Teakwood Drive in Oildale
Roberts Lane and Higgins Drive in Oildale
Roberts Lane and Plymouth Avenue in Oildale
Bernard Street and Lynn Street in East Bakersfield
Mt. Vernon Avenue and Monterey Street in East Bakersfield
California Avenue and Bates Avenue in East Bakersfield
Public Works said the nearby schools that will see the benefits are Horace Mann Elementary, Mt. Vernon Elementary, North Beardsley Elementary, Beardsley Jr. High, Standard Middle School, East Bakersfield High School and College Heights Elementary.
The agency said the project is currently in its design phase and more details about it will be available once the project is complete.
Sen. Shannon Grove announces $1.8M in funding for Oildale transportation, safety
In a statement on Friday Aug. 31, Grove — a Republican Senator representing Bakersfield — said parents in Oildale shouldn’t “have to worry that their kids can’t get to school safely.”
“Every child deserves a safe walk to the classroom, whether that is a first-grader holding a parent’s hand or a student crossing a busy street on their own,” Grove said. “This $1.8 million investment will install warning beacons, better signs and ADA ramps at uncontrolled multi-lane crosswalks so children and families can travel more safely.”
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