CalTrans Confirms Plans for Traffic Calming on Hwy 70 Through Portola

PORTOLA — A plan that would substantially change the flow of traffic through Portola on State Route 70 was proposed initially to the Portola City Council in September 2024 by CalTrans officials and finalized after a public meeting in April 2025.

The plan presented earlier this year would retain a center turn lane and parking on both sides of the road, but would reduce the number of through traffic lanes from four to two and add separated bike lanes on both sides.

However, when contractors laid new pavement on that section of the road this fall, they installed temporary lane markers that appeared to maintain the previous four-lane configuration, leading some residents to speculate that plans for bike lanes and other enhancements had been scrapped.

In response to an email inquiry, the CalTrans Project Manager, Azeddine Bahloul, confirmed that the proposal to reconfigure the traffic pattern through Portola “is going to happen as planned,” but will be implemented in the next construction season when related safety elements are in place.

Portola City Manager Ryan Bonk said in an emailed statement, “As a resident, I am thrilled to see Caltrans implementing this proposal, which will provide a safer experience for both pedestrians and motorists. I also believe this plan emphasizes our small-town charm while laying the foundation for long-term benefits to the community.” He added that many businesses he had spoken to believed the plan would help attract customers to storefronts along the road.