Gold Rush Multi-Use Path Phase I Project
Project Description
1.5 miles of the “Gold Rush Mutli-Use Trail”, a paved shared use path along State Route 49, which will extend 14 miles ultimately connecting the historic gold rush towns of Columbia, Sonora, and Jamestown as well as the Chicken Ranch Tribal lands. Phase 1 of the project improvements are divided in three sections in Sonora: S Green Street to Woods Creek Drive, Woods Creek Drive to Mother Lode Fairgrounds, and Woods Creek Drive to Snell Street. Phase 1 aims to provide a non-motorized access from residential areas to health services, education, a grocery store, employment, recreation areas, and downtown Sonora by constructing a Class I pedestrian and bicycle path, ADA improvements, and restriping portions of SR 49 to narrow and shift the existing lanes.
Project Benefits
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the "Gold Rush Multi-Use Trail" is to construct a non-motorized shared use path along SR 49 providing a safe bike and pedestrian connection between Columbia, Sonora, and Jamestown that currently does not exist today. There is a need to improve bike and pedestrian safety along SR 49 and address the lack of facilities for these users.
Current Schedule
Fall 2024
Begin Project
Fall 2026
Project Approval & Environmental Document
Winter 2027
Right of Way Certification
Spring 2028
Ready to List
Spring 2028
Begin Construction
Summer 2029
End Construction
Documents
Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration - July 2021 (PDF) 4,740 KB
Funding Source
Project is funded using California Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 6 and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ).
Project Status
Project is currently in Environmental phase and the City of Sonora are planning to circulate the Environmental document for public review in July 2026.
Project Cost/Programmed (x$1,000):
| Programed Project Cost | Allocation $ | |
|---|---|---|
| Project Approval & Environmental Document | $433 | |
| Plans, Specifications, & Estimates | $520 | |
| Right of Way | $700 | |
| Construction | $4,765 |
| Projected Cost as of July 1st, 2026: | Planned $ | Expended $ |
|---|---|---|
| Project Approval & Environmental Document | $433 | $358 |
| Plans, Specifications, & Estimates | $520 | $0 |
| Right of Way | $700 | $0 |
| Construction | $4,765 | $0 |
City of Sonora - Project Manager
Mike Pugh
Office Cell: (916) 822-3974
Email: MPugh@Dewberry.com
Caltrans District 10 - Program Project Management
Sridhar Kidambi
Office Cell: (209) 986-1223
Email: Sridhar.kidambi@dot.ca.gov
Public Information Office
Phone: (209) 948-7977
Email: District10PublicAffairs@dot.ca.gov
Address: P.O. Box 2048, Stockton, CA 95201-2048
Title VI Information
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) assures that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and Federal Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations).
Caltrans will make every effort to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether they are federally funded or not, and that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people, regardless of race, color, or national origin. In addition, Caltrans will facilitate meaningful participation in the transportation planning process in a nondiscriminatory manner.
- Title VI Brochure (English, PDF)
- Title VI Brochure (Spanish, PDF)
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Caltrans Information)
