BUENA PARK : City Seeking Funds for Street Projects

The city will need $16 million over the next five years to make major street repairs and improvements.

The City Council on Tuesday approved submitting an application for funds to the Orange County Transportation Authority.

If funded, the improvements would involve widening and pavement rehabilitation, said Donald K. Jensen, director of public works. Planned improvements include constructing a road under the railroad tracks at Dale Street and realigning it where it meets Malvern Avenue, Jensen said.

The city is requesting $1.7 million in county funding toward the $9-million cost of the improvements. The rest of the money would come from other sources.

Jensen said the city is expected to know by the end of June if it will receive the money it seeks.

In other action, the council approved a package of street, curb, gutter and sidewalk repairs along with plans to construct wheelchair ramps.

At a cost of about $760,000, various residential streets south of Ball Road will be resurfaced.

Jensen said the project involves rehabilitation of the streets between Cerritos Avenue and Ball Road, from Valley View Avenue to Holder Street. He said it has been at least 17 years since these streets have been resurfaced.

Construction is expected to begin in April and be completed by late May.

Plans were also approved to repair about 6,000 feet of damaged curbs and gutters and 3,000 feet of damaged sidewalk or driveway approaches. Cost is estimated at $300,000 and the project is expected to begin in late March.

Jensen said both of those projects will be paid for with city general funds and gas tax money.

In addition, the council approved plans for the construction of 59 wheelchair ramps in various locations on public sidewalks near William Peak Park and Raymond Temple School.

Jensen said the city has estimated the cost at nearly $38,000, paid for with county funding.

During the last six years, Jensen said the city has installed more than 200 wheelchair ramps throughout the city.

“It will certainly provide a benefit to disabled people who need to use city sidewalks to get to our parks and schools,” he said.