The City of Chowchilla embarked on a transformative civil engineering project spearheaded by the expertise of Yamabe & Horn Engineering, aimed at enhancing the urban infrastructure and livability within its bounds. The project, culminating in March 2024, addressed the pressing need to overhaul existing dirt alleys that had long plagued the community with potholes, dust, and inadequate drainage. With a budget totaling $871,000, sourced from a blend of Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds, Local Gas Tax revenues, and contributions from the Measure T Tax initiative, the city was primed to undergo a comprehensive transformation.

At its core, the project set out to provide much-needed asphalt surfacing and efficient drainage facilities to the previously neglected dirt alleys. Recognizing the critical role these alleys played in facilitating access for essential public utilities such as trash collection and water meter services, the initiative aimed not only to improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood but also to enhance its functionality and accessibility. The inclusion of the CMAQ funding stream underscored the project’s alignment with broader environmental and air quality improvement objectives, dovetailing neatly with the city’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

With meticulous planning and execution, Yamabe & Horn navigated a myriad of challenges inherent in such a multifaceted endeavor. This included intricate coordination efforts with homeowners to address existing fencing encroachments into the alley space, ensuring minimal disruption to residents while maximizing the project’s efficacy. Additionally, the project team grappled with the complexities of relocating various utility facilities belonging to entities such as AT&T, PG&E, and Comcast, necessitating careful negotiation and strategic planning to mitigate potential conflicts and delays. Moreover, seamless coordination with trash services was imperative to minimize disruptions to daily routines while construction activities were underway.

From the initial preparation of the CMAQ funding application to the final stages of construction and inspection, Yamabe & Horn played a pivotal role in shepherding the project to fruition. Their expertise encompassed every aspect of the project lifecycle, from detailed design and engineering to direct communication with contractors and meticulous project oversight. In doing so, Yamabe & Horn facilitated the realization of a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable urban landscape for generations to come.