Biola Community Sidewalks

Biola Avenue is the main north-south road in the community of Biola and provides connectivity to the following community destination points: Biola-Pershing Elementary School, the Biola Community Center, Shaw Market, the US Post Office, the Central Business District, and residential homes. Prior to project construction, there were no sidewalks with curb & gutter or ADA curb ramps on the east side of Biola Avenue between the U.S. Post Office and Shaw Avenue, nor did any of those facilities exist on the north side of C Street between the Biola Community Center and Biola Avenue. Due to the lack of the necessary improvements, pedestrians were forced to travel close to or in the roadway to avoid obstacles such as parked vehicles, refuse bins, and uneven, unpaved surfaces. During the rainy winter months, water pooled on the shoulders which caused flooding and muddy conditions, forcing pedestrians to travel in the road alongside vehicles. During the dry summer months, wind can cause hazardous conditions by stirring the dirt from the unpaved shoulders, resulting in unhealthy air quality and low visibility for drivers and pedestrians.  

Community residents, including students and the disabled, will benefit from the project by enjoying safe and convenient connectivity separated from the traffic between the popular destination points. Additionally, the new sidewalks will encourage walking and biking which will contribute to the health and well-being of the community. 

Construction was completed on October 15, 2024 at a final cost of $1.7 million.

The project was nominated for an American Public Works Association (APWA) local chapter award and was given an Honorable Mention in the Transportation (Less than $5 million Construction Cost) category on November 14, 2024.