In May 2016, the TAMC Board of Directors adopted the Regional Pedestrian and Bicyclist Wayfinding Plan for Monterey County (“Wayfinding Plan”) and authorized the submission of grant applications to implement the Wayfinding Plan. In 2020, TAMC was awarded $1,931,000 in Local Transportation Funds and State SB1 Local Partnership Program funds for development and implementation of the Wayfinding Plan within TAMC’s boundaries.
The City of Carmel desires to improve driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety by conforming to TAMC’s Wayfinding Plan. Implementing uniform wayfinding signage throughout Monterey County will provide an effective tool for all, especially visitors, and encourage active transportation, by designating clear directions and distances to various assets in the City.
The attached Wayfinding Agreement provides for reimbursement for actual City expenses associated with implementing the Project. The Project consists of identification of appropriate locations and verbiage for Wayfinding signage, and fabrication, installation, and maintenance of such signage.
As shown in Exhibit B to the Agreement, Carmel’s proposed signs will be designed to be as consistent as possible to the regional standards, each with a multi-colored topper sign. The signs will generally be at the locations shown in Exhibit C. Each sign verbiage, legends, and distances will be unique for each location. When completed, there will be 15 to 20 new signs.
Note that the standard, County-wide signs were intended to be made of aluminum and mounted on metal or wooden posts, like most traffic signs. However, to create a more natural, warm, and upscale feel for Carmel, staff requested, and received, approval from TAMC to fabricate these signs entirely out of wood. In exchange, the City will have to submit status reports initially and every three years. Reimbursement is also dependent on following the regional standards for uniform signs.
The estimated reimbursement value of this Project to Carmel is $18,500. Should the City go above this amount by using wood rather than aluminum sign panels, any additional cost would be borne by the City. Volunteer groups for the City have expressed an interest in supporting the Project and may help defer any costs for the City.