Challenge
West Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) is a critical east/west arterial corridor serving the City of Rancho Cucamonga, a community of more than 178,000 residents in San Bernardino County. The corridor experiences high volumes of vehicle traffic while also accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. Over time, the wide roadway cross-section, limited pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and aging infrastructure created safety concerns and limited accessibility for all modes of transportation.
The City’s Public Works Department recognized the need for a complete streets approach—one that would enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders—without sacrificing traffic capacity. This required rethinking the roadway design within the existing right-of-way and integrating multimodal improvements, while also addressing stormwater management needs.
Solution
The City selected HR Green to provide civil design services for the West Foothill Boulevard Complete Streets Improvements. The project scope included:
- Roadway Narrowing: Reducing the existing 90-foot roadway to 54 feet while maintaining traffic capacity.
- Multimodal Facilities:
- Installation of a separated Class IV cycle track and 6-foot sidewalk on the south side.
- Construction of a 10-foot sidewalk/trail on the north side.
- Traffic Signal Upgrades: Modifications to two existing intersections and installation of a new traffic signal.
- Aesthetic and Safety Enhancements: Parkway landscaping, street lighting, and pavement reconstruction.
- Stormwater Management: A comprehensive hydrology and hydraulics analysis of the watershed to design new storm drain infrastructure.
These improvements were designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing right-of-way, allowing the addition of bicycle and pedestrian facilities without widening the corridor footprint. The Class IV cycle track was strategically placed to connect to existing Class II facilities to the east and west, with adjustments made for a safe and smooth transition for cyclists.
Benefit
The West Foothill Boulevard Complete Streets Improvements deliver measurable safety, mobility, and community benefits:
- Enhanced Safety for All Users: Reduced lane widths help calm traffic while providing protected space for pedestrians and cyclists, minimizing conflicts with vehicles.
- Improved Connectivity: The new Class IV cycle track and sidewalks create a continuous and accessible network for non-motorized users, connecting neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: New storm drain improvements enhance flood protection and water quality.
- Community Aesthetics and Livability: Landscaping, upgraded lighting, and improved sidewalks contribute to a more inviting and vibrant streetscape.
By transforming a high-traffic arterial into a complete street, the City of Rancho Cucamonga is creating a safer, more connected, and more livable corridor—one that supports the community’s mobility needs today and into the future.
