FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2025

SACRAMENTO, CA – The League of California Cities (Cal Cities), County Engineers Association of California (CEAC), and California State Association of Counties® (CSAC) proudly announce the winners of the 2025 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards. These awards celebrate innovative and cost-efficient programs across California that preserve and protect investments in local streets, roads, and bridges.

Sponsored by Cal Cities, CEAC, and CSAC, the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards will be presented to six groundbreaking programs during the Cal Cities Public Works Officers Institute/CEAC Spring Conference on March 19 in Universal City.

“Counties and cities across California are leading the way in developing smart, sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance safety, improve mobility, and protect our environment,” said David Leamon, President of the County Engineers Association of California and Stanislaus County Director of Public Works. “By leveraging innovative techniques and cost-effective strategies, local governments are extending the lifespan of their streets and roads, reducing environmental impacts, and ensuring communities have safe and reliable transportation networks for years to come.”

This year’s overall winner, the City of Elk Grove, is recognized for its recent surface treatment project. This project used an innovative, cost-effective approach to road preservation that increased safety and enhanced public access.

“Californians rely on safe, dependable local streets and roads, and local governments are investing in important infrastructure projects that strengthen their communities,” said Scott Smith, Cal Cities Public Works Department President and Fountain Valley Public Works Director. “These award-winning projects exemplify the cutting-edge innovation happening at the city and county level to improve road safety and help meet our state’s environmental goals.”

Brief descriptions of the winning projects are included below. Full descriptions of winners and finalists are available on the Save California Streets website.

Overall Winner:

City of Elk Grove Surface Treatment Project

The City of Elk Grove’s surface treatment project used an innovative, cost-effective, and staff-led approach to road preservation. By applying optimal treatments—slurry seal, micro-surfacing, cape seal, and overlay—the city maximized pavement longevity, safety, and public access. Dividing roads into 113 subzones minimized disruptions and reduced costs, ensuring more funds went directly to streets. Completed on time within a $10.3 million budget, the project improved the Pavement Condition Index from 68 to 80, earning it the overall winner award.

Roads: Efficient and Sustainable Road Maintenance, Construction, and Reconstruction Projects

Castaic-Hasley Hills South, County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Public Works completed the Castaic–Hasley Hills South Project which reconstructed 5.8 miles of deteriorated residential roads. The project used cold central plant recycling and cement stabilized pulverized base to reuse in-place materials instead of traditional reconstruction methods. This approach improved road quality while reducing costs by $3.5 million, cutting landfill use by 135,000 cubic yards, and significantly lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Bridges: Efficient and Sustainable Bridge Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects

Avenue 25 Bridge Replacement at Ash Slough, County of Madera

The Avenue 25 Bridge Replacement Project in Madera County replaced a structurally deficient 343-foot, 16-span bridge with a more durable 320-foot, 9-span reinforced concrete slab bridge. The $4.5 million project, which received federal funding, used innovative techniques like pipe pin connectors, cast-in-drilled-hole piles, and fiber-reinforced concrete to enhance durability, reduce material use, and improve seismic resilience. Environmental sustainability was a primary focus for the project, and minimizing environmental impacts, flooding, and preserving water quality were all considered.

Safety or Intelligent Transportation System Projects

Downtown Burbank San Fernando Boulevard Reconfiguration, City of Burbank

The Downtown Burbank San Fernando Boulevard Reconfiguration, a 12-month pilot project, improved safety and accessibility on a busy three-block corridor. As part of the Complete Our Streets Plan, it removed a travel lane and converted the street to one-way northbound. This reduced vehicle-pedestrian conflicts by 50%, increased crosswalk yield compliance to over 80%, and naturally slowed vehicle traffic. The project also added street parking and commercial loading zones to support the needs of businesses.  

Complete Streets Projects — TIE

Rumrill Boulevard Complete Streets Project, City of San Pablo

The Rumrill Boulevard Complete Streets Project transformed a 1.6-mile corridor linking Central Richmond and the BART station to key San Pablo destinations. The project was a community-driven plan focused on enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety while addressing chronic stormwater challenges. Improvements include wider sidewalks, ADA ramps, 21 upgraded crossings, 3.4 miles of Class IV bike lanes, transit shelters, and 230 new trees. The project cut collisions from 145 to 50 annually, nearly eliminating fatalities. It also achieved significant environmental benefits by treating stormwater and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Danville Boulevard – Orchard Court Complete Streets Improvement Projects, County of Contra Costa

The Danville Boulevard – Orchard Court Complete Streets Improvement Project enhanced safety and accessibility for all travel modes. This project transformed a wide arterial roadway into a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly corridor with a landscaped roundabout, new sidewalks, bike lanes, shorter crosswalks, and pedestrian refuge areas. Sustainability was a key focus with an emphasis on preserving roads in good condition, using recycled materials, and reutilizing materials in-place during construction. The project reduced vehicle emissions, improved water quality, and preserved mature oak trees.

To learn more about the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards and explore previous award-winning projects, please visit the Save California Streets website.