Sidewalks are coming near schools in west Modesto and in Waterford, and maybe also in Empire.
The California Transportation Commission approved key funding for the projects Dec. 6. They will help pedestrians avoid mud puddles in winter and dust in drier times.
The west Modesto project is on Robertson Road between Carpenter Road and Hammond Street. It got a $1.6 million state grant to go with about $230,000 from the Measure L sales tax in Stanislaus County.
Sidewalks are entirely lacking on the south side of Robertson and on parts of its north side. Two elementary schools are in the area: Robertson Road and Kirschen. Sidewalks already are in place right at the campuses and on many of the nearby blocks.
Stanislaus County Public Works is planning the project, which will be completed next fall, said an email from senior civil engineer Joe Giulian. It will include making crosswalks in this stretch more visible.
The state grants are from the Active Transportation Program , which seeks to ease the dominance of motor vehicles. Along with sidewalks, the money can go to bicycle lanes and better access to buses and trains. Sidewalk work includes ramps for wheelchair users.