On Wednesday, April 14th, all of the parties involved in making the first dedicated segment of the Napa Valley Vine Trail possible – Yountville Public Works, CalTrans, NV Vine Trail Coalition, and others – gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking and officially toast all of the hard work that has gone into making the project a reality.

Below is the original press release announcing the construction schedule, and photos from the event can be found on Flickr (click here). Another press release is available (click here) which describes cost of project, contractors involved and other organizations who have provided their support.

MEDIA RELEASE Date: March 29, 2010

Highway 29 Bike Path Project – Yountville Segment

Ghilotti Construction of Santa Rosa is scheduled to begin construction of the $1.3 million Highway 29 Bike Path Project around April 15 and complete the work by July, weather permitting.  The project, funded by a Federal Stimulus grant, includes the construction of about 4,000 feet of Class 1 Bike Path along the east side of Highway 29 from California Drive to Madison Street and provides an attractive alternative walking path around the Town. “We are pleased to start this project which is the first segment of the Napa Valley Vine Trail, will create construction jobs locally, and improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians in Yountville” stated Steve Rogers, Town Manager.

The following is list of major construction activities in chronological order:

• Testing for aerially deposited lead to see if contaminated soil must be hauled to a landfill.
• Placement of temporary K-rail barriers along the east shoulder of Highway 29 to protect workers from errant drivers.
• Excavation for and installation of storm drain pipes.
• Grading and compaction of soil under the path.
• Paving of the path with asphalt concrete.
• Pouring permanent concrete barrier rails along portions of the path within 30 feet of the travelway to protect the public from errant drivers.
• Striping a cross walk at the northbound ramps of Highway 29 and California Drive.
• Striping bike lanes on the south side of Madison Street for both directions of bike traffic.
• Installation of signage, benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, and fencing.
• Removal of temporary K-rail barriers.

The only disruption to highway traffic should be during the placement and removal of temporary K-rail barriers at night. “The Resident Engineer will closely monitor the 8 AM to 6 PM regular construction work hours, noise limits, dust control measures, and the number of allowable working days. There is a $4,000 per day penalty for every day that the contractor delays the substantial completion of the project.” stated Graham Wadsworth, Public Works Director. TRS Consultants is the construction management firm on the project and any questions about the construction should be directed to Jim Adair at 925-570-4866 or jadair@trsconsultants.com, or Graham Wadsworth, Public Works Director, at 707-944-8851.