Council updates on pedestrian HAWK crossings, sidewalks and test well drilling
May 05, 2026 | Wasco City, Kern County, California
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City officials updated the Wasco City Council on several infrastructure items Tuesday, including pedestrian-safety improvements, sidewalk construction, paving, and an active test well drilling project.
Vice Chair Reyna described longstanding efforts to improve safety at two key crossings — Highway 43 at 8th Street and Highway 46 at Poplar — and said the city will install a HAWK pedestrian-activated signal that initially flashes amber and then turns red to stop traffic. Reyna said Caltrans owns the right-of-way for the affected state highways, so the city had to coordinate and contribute funds; staff estimated project completion around July pending remaining inspections and CALTRANS sign-offs.
On local projects, staff reported paving had been completed on a recently discussed street (utilities were raised and striping was expected in the next few days), and sidewalk construction had started on 5th Street and Sunset, with work to move to additional locations when those segments finish. Council members requested continued updates and asked staff to provide a schedule once design work for Beckes and Palm Avenue street refurbishing is complete.
Staff also confirmed a test well (Pozo in Central) is being drilled; the contractor had reached roughly 200 feet at the time of the meeting and staff said they would provide an update at the next council meeting about completion and next steps.
No formal actions were taken; council asked staff to follow up with timeframes and to continue coordination with Caltrans.
Vice Chair Reyna described longstanding efforts to improve safety at two key crossings — Highway 43 at 8th Street and Highway 46 at Poplar — and said the city will install a HAWK pedestrian-activated signal that initially flashes amber and then turns red to stop traffic. Reyna said Caltrans owns the right-of-way for the affected state highways, so the city had to coordinate and contribute funds; staff estimated project completion around July pending remaining inspections and CALTRANS sign-offs.
On local projects, staff reported paving had been completed on a recently discussed street (utilities were raised and striping was expected in the next few days), and sidewalk construction had started on 5th Street and Sunset, with work to move to additional locations when those segments finish. Council members requested continued updates and asked staff to provide a schedule once design work for Beckes and Palm Avenue street refurbishing is complete.
Staff also confirmed a test well (Pozo in Central) is being drilled; the contractor had reached roughly 200 feet at the time of the meeting and staff said they would provide an update at the next council meeting about completion and next steps.
No formal actions were taken; council asked staff to follow up with timeframes and to continue coordination with Caltrans.
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