About the West Ione Roadway Improvement Strategy
"Ione Bypass"

What is the Western Ione Roadway Improvement Strategy?

The Strategy will define a precise “preferred” alignment for a significant new road. Previously, this project was referred to as the “Interim West Bypass.”

The project consists of two segments, a north-south segment on the west side of the City of Ione and an east-west segment on the south side of the City of Ione. The north-south segment consists of a combination of a new roadway and improvements to existing roadways. The east-west roadway would consist primarily of a new roadway.

Why is the project name being changed from “Interim West Bypass?”

The name “Interim West Bypass” was first given many years ago when the City of Ione and the Amador County Transportation Commission were studying a number of possible new roads to provide traffic relief in downtown Ione. Other new roads that were studied included an “eastern bypass” and an “ultimate west bypass.” That naming system was important at the time to provide simple identifiers for purposes of communication and informed public input.

What is the purpose of the Western Ione Roadway Improvement Strategy?

The proposed project provides an alternative route for some trips that currently go through downtown Ione. In particular, heavy-duty trucks have a difficult time legally navigating the 90-degree turns resulting in:

• Safety issues for other traffic, parked vehicles, legal golf carts, school children and other pedestrians, bicyclists, and historic buildings;

• Traffic congestion when trucks temporarily block the existing roadway; and,

• Negative impacts on the health and quality of life from exhaust, noise, and vibration.

Is it legal for long trucks to drive through downtown Ione?

The answer involves a number of technicalities, but in the case of most trucks the answer is “yes.”  Although the section of State Routes 104 and 124 through downtown Ione have been given ‘advisory’ status due to the tight intersections, the City cannot restrict legal trucks from traveling through downtown. The City can provide an alternate route that is more accommodating for longer trucks.

How will the project be funded?

Part of the current study is to develop a funding strategy for the project. At this time it is known that different funding strategies will apply to each segment of the project. For instance, one segment will be constructed by the already-approved Castle Oaks development.

When will the project be built?

Part of the current study is to develop a conceptual phasing strategy for the project. The phasing strategy will consider the timing for constructing each segment. Factors that influence the ultimate timing and phasing will include available funding, need, and conditions placed on private development.

Many individual segments of the Western Ione Roadway Improvement Strategy will be useful without completion of the entire project.