Temple City officials, government dignitaries break ground at March 1 ceremony
With construction on the Rosemead Boulevard Enhancement Project progressing toward its anticipated summer 2014 completion, the City of Temple City and dignitaries attended the ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday.
“When we first conceived the project, the intention was to plan for the Temple City of tomorrow,” said Mayor Vincent Yu. “By addressing safety, quality of life, economic development and sustainability, this roadway improvement plan is comprehensive in addressing issues that’ll face our community over the next 50 years.”
Work underway on the $20.7 million project will bring the city’s first bicycle lanes—also to be recognized as the San Gabriel Valley’s first protected bike lanes; brand new sidewalks; roads paved with Rubberized Asphalt Concrete, a ‘green’ material made from recycled tires; added plant life, including over 500 trees and 5,000 plants; the first public art installments; as well as outdoor dining.
While Temple City community members will most directly benefit from incoming enhancements, this project is funded in partnership with various federal, state and local agencies, with more than 90 percent covered by non-General Fund monies. Among the sources are congressional earmarked transportation funds and various grants, including approximately $2.25 million from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
“This project will provide Temple City with much needed sidewalks, bus stops, shelters and bike lanes,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Michael D. Antonovich. “It will create a safer environment for people to walk and explore alternative modes of transportation.”
To learn more about the project, visit www.rosemeadblvd.com.
-Photo by Terry Miller