LIVE COVERAGE Planning Commission Meeting of September 2, 2026

The Salinas Planning Commission held a meeting on September 2, 2026, primarily focusing on the Williams Road Safe Street Corridor Improvements Project. City staff and consultants presented detailed plans for the project, which includes the installation of three roundabouts, protected bike lanes, raised medians, and enhanced pedestrian crossings along Williams Road. The project is funded by nearly $24 million in grants from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program and the Active Transportation Program, with additional local matching funds and coordination with PG&E for undergrounding overhead lines. Commissioners discussed project timelines, community outreach efforts, design alternatives, and safety benefits, particularly emphasizing the need for effective public engagement and coordination with stakeholders such as schools, emergency services, and Monterey Salinas Transit (MST). MST provided comments on lane widths and bus stop accommodations to ensure transit compatibility. The commission also addressed concerns about parking impacts, pedestrian safety, and the integration of bicycle infrastructure as mandated by state grants. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussion highlighted ongoing capital improvement planning and grant-funded infrastructure projects in Salinas.