There are big changes coming this winter to downtown Arcata streets. Eighth and Ninth streets will be converted to one-way travel between I and K streets as part of the Eighth and Ninth Street Improvement Project. Construction is currently underway and expected to be completed soon. As a result, the City of Arcata is providing a reminder and some details of how the transition from two-way to one-way travel will occur.
The City is first providing public notification to increase awareness of the impending change. Changeable Message Boards will be placed throughout the project area to provide additional notification for those who travel through or frequent that route.
Next, more specific notification will begin when the official one-way conversion takes place. For this project, the conversion will happen when the new pavement markings and striping are being installed. The actual date has yet to be determined because the final work is weather dependent; however, it is expected to be in late December or early January. At that time, Eighth or Ninth Street (only one street at a time) will be closed to through traffic between I and K streets for a few hours. Residents and traffic going to and from businesses will have access during the closure; however, it may be limited at times. Once the new pavement markings and striping have been installed and the new signage is uncovered, the street will be re-opened with the new configuration for one-way travel. From there, the contractor will move over to the remaining street and repeat the process.
Additionally, temporary signage will remain onsite for two to four weeks to help provide additional awareness and reminders of the new traffic pattern. Once the actual date of the planned conversion is determined, further information will be provided.
The City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks residents for driving safely during and after the transition.
Planning for this conversion has been underway since the Plaza Task Force’s 2020 recommendation to enhance access for all users along Eighth and Ninth streets, between K and I streets. In early 2022, the City, in conjunction with consultant CSW/ST2, formed a Block Ambassador Stakeholder group of staff and community members to better understand the corridor and to study and recommend community driven design alternatives for the new one-way travel corridors. The main goals of the project are to improve connectivity between the Plaza, Cal Poly Humboldt and the Creamery District; implement complete streets design by improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities; to increase safety for all road users and to address crossing concerns at K Street.
For more information on the project planning process, check out the City’s Featured Project webpage at: cityofarcata.org/980/8th-and-9th-Street-Improvement-Project. More information will be posted on the Current City Construction Projects page as it becomes available. The project is expected to be completed by January 2024.
If problems are encountered with this project, please contact RAO Construction at (707) 443-2118 or the City of Arcata at (707) 825-2175. Updates on construction progress and project plans can be viewed at cityofarcata.org.