Spring 2003
PROJECTS: Task Force Tackles Highway 99 Problems
 Highway
99 is considered by many to be the backbone of the Central Valley.
From Red Bluff to Bakersfield, Highway 99 carries traffic through
the heart of California. Communities located along this vast stretch
of highway are realizing not only the significance of the roadway,
but its potential for improvement as well.
The Great Valley Center’s “Highway 99 Task Force”
is developing a cohesive approach to transform 280 miles of the
corridor into a truly compelling "Main Street of the San Joaquin
Valley.” The Task Force aims to revitalize the key economic
and transportation corridor, from San Joaquin to Kern County, through
beautification and freeway improvements, as well as improvements
to the quality of life for communities along the Highway.
Highway 99 provides the first impressions of Valley communities.
Scattered trash, ugly and intrusive billboards, and abandoned businesses
deter from the Central Valley’s image as an attractive and
dynamic place. To combat this, the Task Force is taking an inventory
of scenic resources and providing it to interested local governments
and other entities. The information collected by the Task Force
can be used to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Valley.
Cleaning up the highway can greatly benefit individual communities
and the Valley as a whole. Emphasizing the Valley’s natural
beauty will increase regional pride and provide a boost for local
business and job markets. Improvements along the highway are already
being carried out by Fresno and Bakersfield, serving as examples
for the Valley to follow.
In Fresno County, a highway beautification committee was formed
to create a scenic corridor along the highway. RRM Design Group
prepared a master plan to guide the committee’s actions. Key
recommendations included establishing community gateways, creating
ordinances to insure attractive development and landscaping along
the highway, enhancing or screening negative views, and maintaining
positive scenery. Since the committee was formed, nearly $8 million
in grants have been awarded to beautify Highway 99.
Bakersfield has also created a master plan for improvements along
the highway. The local task force unveiled the Bakersfield Freeway
Beautification Master Plan at a public meeting in early February.
The plan creates a sense of place by highlighting distinctive landscape
features and through the use of gateways - all easily adaptable
to Caltrans principles and guidelines.
For more information, visit the Great
Valley Center’s web site (http://www.greatvalley.org/).
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