Shirk Capacity Enhancement Project

Shirk Capacity Enhancement Project

Project Type: Roadway widening, street lights, installation of sewer and storm drain lines and curb and gutter.

Schedule: Construction is set to begin March 17, 2025 and will run through March 2026.

For Updates: For project updates, text SHIRK to 1-888-477-3146.

For Questions: Contact City of Visalia staff member Diego Corvera, PE, LCI, Senior Civil Engineer at [email protected] or (559) 713-4209 or contact Construction Manager Kolton Walker, PE, NV5, at (559) 355-9506 or [email protected].

Project Updates: 

January 16, 2026 - Road construction continues on Shirk Street, as the City of Visalia’s Shirk Capacity Enhancement Project drives forward.

The current phase, known as Phase 2C, includes construction work from Pershing Avenue to Goshen Avenue, with Shirk Street closed from Pershing Avenue to Goshen Avenue. The Goshen Avenue and Shirk Street intersection continues to be closed to southbound traffic, but will remain open to east, west, and northbound traffic until Phase 3 begins as noted below. 

Work on Shirk Street from Pershing Avenue to Goshen Avenue is scheduled to be completed on Friday, March 6, 2026.

On Monday, February 2, Phase 3 of the project begins, which includes construction work from Goshen Avenue to Doe Avenue, with Shirk Street closed from Goshen Avenue to Doe Avenue. The Goshen Avenue and Shirk Street intersection will be closed to northbound and southbound traffic but will remain open to eastbound and westbound traffic.

Work on Shirk Street from Goshen Avenue to Doe Avenue is scheduled be completed on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Detours will be posted at Goshen Avenue, Doe Avenue, Plaza Drive, Akers Street, Hillsdale Avenue and State Route 198. Travelers are asked to proceed through the work areas cautiously and slow for the cone zone. Those who live, work, or are visiting businesses on Shirk Street will be able to access the area. 

Summary: The Shirk Capacity Enhancement project, which includes the installation of a 48” mainline sanitary sewer line, storm drain line, curb and gutter, median curb, signalization and street lighting, striping, and roadway widening of Shirk Avenue. The City of Visalia is working with engineering firm VRPA Technologies, Inc. and construction management team NV5 on the project.

Project Improvement Schedule:

- Phase 1 (Shirk Street from Riggin Avenue to Doe Avenue): Substantially completed May 2025, striping improvements pending.  

- Phase 2 (Shirk Street from Hillsdale Avenue to Goshen Avenue): On-going through March 2026. In Phase 2, this section of roadway will need to be closed to complete the sewer and roadway improvements, hard closures will be adjusted to allow local traffic to access the area as work is completed.

- Phase 3 (Shirk Street from Goshen Avenue to Doe Avenue): Kicks off February 2026 and continues through early April 2026 as work continues and wraps up on project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Will I be able to get to my home or business?

Yes, access will be provided for those who live and work in the area.  Access points may change during construction, but access will always be available.

Will shops and businesses be open during construction? Will driveways be open during construction?

Yes, the contractor will provide access points to all those who live and work in the area, as well as access to shops and businesses. If needed, the contractor will build temporary ramps to allow vehicles access to driveways.  Where there are multiple access points, some driveways will be closed.

How long will construction last?

Construction will begin March 2025 and is scheduled to continue through three phases with the project being completed in April 2026.

How do I stay up to date on updates and road closures?

To receive text message updates on this project directly to your phone, text the word SHIRK to (888) 477-3146.

Public Meetings Info: The Project Public Kick-Off Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Ridgeview Middle School. The meeting covered the project's benefits to the community, the duration of the project, planned detours and road closures, pedestrian, bicycle and property access.

If you were unable to attend, view the presentation here.