Public review open for 2025 County Regional Transportation Plan

COLUSA, Calif. — The Colusa County Transportation Commission has released its draft 2025 Regional Transportation Plan, a 20-year blueprint that will guide transportation investments and improvements throughout Colusa County through 2045.

The plan outlines goals, projects, and funding strategies to maintain and improve roads, bridges, airports, bus service, and active transportation systems. It was developed in partnership with Caltrans District 3, local governments, and tribal communities, and is now open for public review and comment through Oct. 30.

The Regional Transportation Plan, known as the RTP, is a long-term document that helps the county qualify for state and federal transportation funding. It identifies what projects are needed, how they will be paid for, and how they align with state and local goals for safety, maintenance, and accessibility.

According to the report, the plan’s regional vision is to maintain a safe, efficient, and convenient transportation system that serves residents, businesses, and visitors. It includes all travel modes, from highways and local streets to public transit, airports, bike routes, and pedestrian walkways.

The RTP lists 91 total projects for the county, including short-range and long-range improvements. More than $47 million in near-term projects are planned, with an additional $122 million identified in long-term needs. These projects cover roadway maintenance, bridge repair, transit upgrades, and bicycle and pedestrian enhancements.

High-priority projects include pavement rehabilitation across county and city roadways, bridge maintenance and replacements, intersection improvements for safety, and upgrades to sidewalks and crosswalks near schools and business districts. The plan also supports continued investment in the Colusa County Transit system, which provides dial-a-ride and flex-route bus services to communities including Colusa, Williams, Arbuckle, Maxwell, and Princeton.

The plan emphasizes maintaining existing infrastructure before building new roads. Pavement data in the report show that Colusa County’s average pavement condition index is rated at 61, which is considered “at risk.” The plan’s focus on regular maintenance, chip seals, overlays, and drainage repairs aims to extend road life and reduce future costs.

Bridge safety is another priority, with 149 bridges in the county identified, 11 of which have sufficiency ratings under 50 and need replacement or rehabilitation. The total estimated bridge repair and replacement cost is $82 million.

Beyond maintenance, the plan calls for better connections between modes of travel. Bicycle and pedestrian projects include new and improved bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks designed to make it safer to walk and bike, particularly in disadvantaged communities and near schools. The plan encourages coordination with Caltrans on highway improvements and seeks to improve freight movement on major corridors such as Interstate 5 and State Routes 20, 45, and 16.

Safety is a key focus throughout the RTP. Collision data show that the county’s overall crashes have declined over the past five years, but fatal and severe injury collisions still occur most often along I-5 and Highway 20. The plan calls for improvements to road design, signage, guardrails, and visibility, as well as safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Environmental and climate resilience are also addressed. The plan includes strategies to prepare for extreme weather, flooding, and wildfire risks by improving drainage systems, maintaining evacuation routes, and promoting climate-resilient pavement technologies. It supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting walking, biking, and cleaner vehicles.

Public feedback collected earlier in the planning process showed that road maintenance and safety remain the top concerns for county residents. Other priorities included improving pedestrian and bicycle access, maintaining reliable transit options, and supporting economic development through transportation investments.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and share comments before it is finalized. The draft 2025 Regional Transportation Plan is available online at https://www.countyofcolusa.gov/1101/2025-Regional-Transportation-Plan and in person at the Colusa County Department of Public Works, 1215 Market Street in Colusa.

Written comments may be submitted to Colt Esenwein, Director of Colusa County Public Works, by email at cesenwein@countyofcolusaca.gov or by mail to the address above. Comments must be received by Oct. 30.

A public hearing to consider adoption of the plan will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in the Board Chambers at the Colusa County Government Center, 1215 Market Street, Colusa.

Once adopted, the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan will serve as Colusa County’s guide for transportation decisions through 2045, helping ensure that local, state, and federal dollars support safe, efficient, and reliable travel for residents, workers, and visitors.