SJRC River West Fresno, Eaton Trail Extension Project

Final Design and Permitting Project

In September 2021, the Conservancy Board authorized bond funds, not to exceed $3,104,831, to the City of Fresno to begin and complete final engineering designs and secure permits for the River West Fresno Eaton Trail Extension Project (Project). The Project will extend the existing Lewis S. Eaton Trail approximately 2.4 miles starting at the Perrine Avenue alignment near Highway 41 and ending at the City of Fresno’s Spano Park.  The trail will be 22 feet wide, with a 12-foot-wide paved surface, a parallel eight-foot-wide hard natural surface for equestrian use, and a two-foot shoulder. In addition to the trail system, the Project will include three access points with parking lots- Perrine Avenue, Riverview Drive, and North Palm Avenue. 

On November 18, 2021, the Wildlife Conservation Board approved the project and a grant agreement with the City of Fresno. A notice to proceed for the grant agreement was issued on January 7, 2022. 

The Project is currently being designed by the City of Fresno, through their consultant Provost and Pritchard.  

Project Construction Schedule

It is anticipated that Project Design will be completed in 2025, and construction of the Core Project commencing in or around Summer/Fall 2026. 

The San Joaquin River Conservancy Governing Board authorized funding the Core Project (a portion of the overall Project), approximately $13.5M. 

The Core Project consists of a new vehicular access point with parking lot and restrooms near the end of the existing Lewis S. Eaton Trail and SR 41, the trail system, stairs up the bluff at Palm Avenue, three new fire hydrants, and visitor amenities. 

The San Joaquin River Conservancy Governing Board has yet to authorize additional funding for the remaining components of the Project, which includes two new access points and a bus turnaround. Approximately $13M is needed for the remaining components of the Project.  

Total Project cost estimated to be approximately $26M. 

If you have questions about requesting information from the Conservancy, please send your comments to Info@sjrc.ca.gov.