NORTH FORK – The 3-way stop near the Mono Museum in North Fork will soon be completely redesigned and turned into a roundabout.
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Roads 274 and 225.
The current 4-leg, 3-way stop allows for the eastbound, or uphill traffic on Road 225 to continue without slowing to a stop. According to District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler, this system was originally put in place to accommodate loaded trucks traveling uphill, as well as logging trucks accessing the Mill Site, which closed in 1994.
The decorative Native American monument normally situated at the northeast corner of the intersection — which has been temporarily removed for repairs — will be relocated, in coordination with the Mono Tribe, such that pedestrians may access the monument without creating a traffic hazard.
Advanced flashing beacons may be necessary to make motorists aware as they approach the roundabout, and opportunities to landscape the center median without the need for a water source may be considered.
The roundabout is intended to improve circulation of traffic in the intersection and alleviate the delay of the stopped traffic, as well as reduce air pollution and improve safety.
The proposed project is federally funded through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program and local transportation funds, with no fiscal impact to the County’s general fund.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2017, with completion anticipated in late October. To view the entire plan, click here and scroll to item M in the Consent Calendar, then click RFQ proposal.
