$1 million in PG&E credits are going to this Fresno block

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Fresno block slated for millions of dollars in renovations just got more good news – the city announced Tuesday the county supervisor has decided to allocate credits from PG&E to create “a safer, more attractive corridor for the residents and businesses of Southwest Fresno.”

Every year, under PG&E’s Rule 20A program, the utility provides local governments with credits to convert overhead utility lines to underground service in areas that meet specific public interest criteria. On Tuesday, the City of Fresno announced that $1 million in unassigned credits will go toward the Martin Luther King Jr. Active Transportation Project.

The city says the undergrounding will not only enhance visibility, and safety but also improve the overall streetscape along Church Avenue between Walnut Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Boulevard and a portion of Walnut Avenue from Church Avenue to just south of the community college.

The city broke ground on the MLK Active Transportation Project last Monday.

Once complete, the corridors around Church, Jensen, Walnut, and MLK Boulevard will see improvements, including widened roadways to include Class II bike lanes, new sidewalks, curbs, gutters and ADA-compliant ramps, enhanced street lighting, upgraded traffic signals and pavement reconstruction.

Phase 1 of the project focuses on the north side of Jensen between Knight Avenue and MLK Boulevard. Phase 2 is set for construction in 2026 and will address the south side of Church Avenue between Walnut Avenue and MLK Boulevard. Phase 3, will begin in 2027 and consist of a new traffic signal and intersection improvements at Church and Walnut avenues.