Transforming West Texas Street: Bridging mobility and community identity
At a glance
The City of Fairfield, California, is transforming West Texas Street from a car-dominated corridor into a vibrant, community-focused gateway. Spanning 1.5 miles from Interstate 80 to downtown, this ambitious project prioritizes multimodal transportation, equity and a strong sense of community identity. Through precise planning and meaningful public engagement, Fairfield and GHD are creating a dynamic space that serves the needs of all residents and visitors.
The challenge
West Texas Street was historically designed as a high-speed, five-lane arterial roadway connecting Interstate 80 to downtown. The corridor lacked essential pedestrian infrastructure, such as safe crossings, wide sidewalks and sufficient lighting, creating conditions that were unsafe and discouraged walking.
To address this, Fairfield initiated a large-scale public engagement campaign. Over 1,200 residents participated in workshops, pop-up events and discussions on social media to share their concerns. Their message envisioned a safer, walkable street encouraging business activity and fostering a sense of belonging.
Traffic studies validated these concerns, revealing that high speeds and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure created dangerous conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. The challenge wasn’t just to slow vehicle speeds or add sidewalks, but to rethink the entire corridor as a space prioritizing people over cars.
Our response
Fairfield partnered with GHD to implement a comprehensive redesign aimed at addressing these issues. The centerpiece of this transformation was a road diet, reducing the five-lane roadway to three lanes. This allowed for multimodal enhancements, improving safety and accessibility for all users.
Key improvements:
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Wider sidewalks and landscaping
New, 7-foot sidewalks with landscaped parkways accommodate pedestrian lighting, green infrastructure and trees to improve both safety and aesthetics.
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Separated bikeways
Class IV bikeways, physically separated from vehicle traffic, provide a safer option for cyclists.
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Enhanced pedestrian crossings
High-visibility crosswalks and curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act improve accessibility and safety across intersections.
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Traffic calming measures
Landscaped medians and curb extensions visually narrow the roadway, reducing vehicle speeds.
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Upgraded transit stops
Seating, shaded waiting areas and improved connectivity at transit stops enhance the experience for riders.
These upgrades will have a particularly significant impact on vulnerable populations, including students and their families. With over 80 percent of nearby schoolchildren receiving free or reduced lunches, walking or biking to school is essential for many families. The redesign improved safety and made daily travel more convenient and comfortable.
Data-driven decision-making
GHD conducted detailed traffic modeling and scenario analyses to guide the project. Traffic studies confirmed that reducing lanes would minimize unnecessary “cut-through” transit while maintaining capacity for local drivers.
By grounding every decision in technical analysis, we achieved a plan that balanced safety, accessibility and practicality.
The impact
The transformation of West Texas Street is all about creating a safer, more welcoming space for everyone in the community. By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, the project encourages active transportation, promotes healthier lifestyles, and fosters a stronger sense of community connection. Features such as shaded seating, tree-lined sidewalks, and decorative paving will redefine the gateway to downtown Fairfield, making it a vibrant and inviting destination.
With improved access to schools, parks and local businesses, the redesign strengthens community ties while supporting local commerce. At the same time, rerouting vehicle traffic to regional roads reduces congestion and keeps things running smoothly for drivers. The project has earned strong support from community members, local stakeholders and validated traffic models, reflecting a shared vision for Fairfield’s future.
This redesign goes beyond transportation and creates a people-centered space that reflects Fairfield’s identity and values. West Texas Street is on its way to becoming a hub for connection, growth and pride for the entire community.