Diamond Bar Sets Sights on Transportation, Street Improvement Projects

The Grandview Trail link, the Lemon Avenue interchange project, and the rehabilitation of Pathfinder Road are three projects the city of Diamond Bar plans to tackle as part of its five-year Capital Improvement Program.  

The various projects on the list have been prioritized and would be done through the 2017-18 fiscal year.  

The Diamond Bar City Council voted in favor of the multi-year plan last week in a vote separate from the budget, which included capitol projects for 2013-14.  

Finance Director Dianna Honeywell said that although the plan outlines projects for the next five years, it is subject to change and the council will only appropriate funds one year at a time.  

Public Works Director David Liu said the program includes 62 projects totaling $32 million.  Only 5.7 percent of the funding for the projects, close to $1.8 million, will be paid for out of the general fund, Liu said.  

“This is a five-year planning tool,” he said.  “This updated multi-year Capitol Improvement Plan identifies and coordinates the financing and timing of public improvements in Diamond Bar. Projects can be better coordinated and financed through the use of this five-year CIP.”  

The bulk of the projects are related to street maintenance and traffic management, with parks also in the mix.  

Community Services Director Bob Rose said projects for the upcoming 2013-14  fiscal year include the reconstruction of Morning Canyon Road, which needs pavement rehabilitation due to growing true roots under the street.  

Also planned is the design for the Grand Avenue beautification project.  These streetscape improvements would go from Montefino Avenue to the east city limits  

“This will enhance the streetscape and different street features in this area along Grand Avenue and part of Diamond Bar Boulevard along Grand Avenue,” he said.  

Also in the works for next fiscal year is the Grandview Trail project, Rose said.  The city has received two grants that require matching funds to help pay for construction of the trail link and loop.  

Among the projects on the list for 2014-15 are the Lemon Avenue interchange, which will include on and off-ramps for the 60 freeway, and improvements at Longview Park.  

Liu said the city would work with Southern California Edison to look at underground opportunities for utility and power poles as well.  

Rose said the 2015-16 list includes the rehabilitation of Pathfinder Road from Peaceful Hills to the west city limits, a joint project with Los Angeles County, and the construction of Heritage Park Community Center improvements. 

“The whole idea is to modernize that facility,” he said.  

Also planned are improvements at Starshine Park.  

The city plans to make some improvements to Paul C. Grow and Maple Hill parks in 2016-2017.   

During the 2017-18 fiscal year, the design of the Sycamore Canyon Creek repairs and tot lot wall is one of the proposed projects, Rose said.  

Each of the five years also includes a pavement maintenance slurry seal project in various areas around the city.  

Mayor Pro Tem Ron Everett praised staff for the detailed presentation.  

“This gives me as a council member… a great framework that’s realistic and practical to work with for five years,” Everett said.  “I would challenge anyone in the community, or encourage is a better word, to review this as presented.”  

Everett said he was especially pleased to see the Lemon Avenue interchange project coming to fruition soon. 

“We’ve been talking about this. It’s been in our goals and objectives for several years,” he said.  “We’ve invested literally millions of dollars already. You can see it’s a reality starting in 14-15 and 15-16.”