Arcata Ridge Trail to be Complete by October, Says City of Arcata

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

The City of Arcata is excited to announce that construction of the final segment of the Arcata Ridge Trail and Fickle Hill Crossing will commence in late August 2022. The City has obtained all necessary permits, completed final designs for the project and secured a contractor for the crossing of Fickle Hill Road. The City has contracted with GR Sundberg Inc. to construct the final road crossing, and City crews will complete the final trail segment through the Sunny Brae Forest. 

The completion of the Arcata Ridge Trail has been a City and community priority for many years. The Fickle Hill crossing will not serve as a trailhead but rather a vital connection along this four-mile trail between West End Road and Margaret Lane in Sunny Brae. Parking or temporary stopping of vehicles near the Fickle Hill crossing will not be permitted. There is sufficient parking near the West End Road and Margaret Lane trailheads to accommodate Arcata Ridge Trail users. There are also trailheads on Diamond Drive and California Drive to access the Arcata Ridge Trail at a higher elevation. 

Community members are asked to be patient during construction and not bypass trail closure notices. The Arcata Ridge Trail on the north side of Fickle Hill Road will be periodically closed during construction and due to private property on both sides of the Arcata Ridge Trail, no detours will be provided to connect trail users to Fickle Hill Road. Residents are advised to plan their hikes accordingly. 

Work will last approximately one month, weather permitting. Portions of the work will require temporary one-lane closures on Fickle Hill Road. Traffic control and flaggers will be in place to help mitigate disruptions in the roadway. Although delays are expected to be minimal, members of the community are encouraged to follow all safety directions. Construction will take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and the project is scheduled to be completed by early October. 

If problems are encountered with this project, please contact GR Sundberg at 707-825-6565 or the City of Arcata at 707-825-2151. Updates on construction progress and project plans can be viewed at cityofarcata.org.