Caltrans announces a new people and community-friendly direction that will help transform communities across California – and Downtown Redding is the Feature Story!

We have set course on a new mission, established a new vision and adopted new goals to ensure that California has a transportation system that meets the complex needs of the coming century. – Caltrans Director, Malcolm Dougherty

This new direction was announced in Caltrans Performance Report, June 2015.

We are excited to see the feature article in this important publication – Redding, California: New Road Diet Improves Downtown Business!

I was initially concerned and not happy about the idea to go from three lanes to two on California Street. But now I love it – the foot traffic at our business [corner of California & Placer] has increased threefold! It’s fantastic.” – James Mazzotta, Enjoy Store

Thank You and congratulations to our many members and supporters who made this project possible in the first place. Your letters and phone calls supporting this project made the difference.

Read the article: Mile Marker: Redding, CA. New Road Diet Improves Downtown Business

Goals: Triple Bicycling, Double Walking and Transit

Caltrans is committed to supporting an increase of bike trips to 4.5 percent of all trips in California in the next five years, plus increasing walk trips to 33 percent and transit to almost 9 percent of all trips. Read more about this: Streetsblog: Caltrans goals triple bicycling, double walking and transit by 2020

In 2015 Caltrans announced an ambitious new direction.

MISSION

Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability

GOALS

Safety and Health
Stewardship and Efficiency
Sustainability, Livability and Economy Make long-lasting, smart mobility decisions that improve the environment, support a vibrant economy, and build communities, not sprawl.
System Performance
Organizational Excellence

Kudos to staff and leadership at Caltrans District 2 and staff of the City of Redding for the vision, design and planning to implement the California Street project quickly for the benefit of downtown businesses and local people who want to see a more inviting and safe downtown district.

We look forward to further improvements on California Street and downtown Redding for walking, biking, public spaces, parking and driving – though the current planning processes and future project implementations.