By Jennifer Wilson -

The apparent demise of the Pine Grove Bypass project was again the topic of discussion at Wednesday night’s Pine Grove Council meeting. Collectively, council members are wondering why and how Pine Grove’s transportation solution became a widening project. Several members of the public showed up at the meeting specifically for that topic, including local Realtor Marc Bowman, local Jay Ollig, and developer Tony Rapini, who is currently working on the Pine Bluffs development project at Ridge Road and Highway 88. In addition to the original three options for Pine Grove, which were a southern bypass, a northern bypass, or upgrading 88 “straight up the middle,” Ollig suggested partial widening in conjunction with roundabouts and frontage roads, and promised to bring a drawn plan to the next meeting.

Additionally, the council voiced fears that if Pine Grove doesn’t “pick a solution,” state transportation funds will be given to another area, such as Martell or Ione. Another fear being heard “around town” is that the five-lane widening project is happening, regardless of the promised upcoming public workshops. To allay those fears, the council agreed to invite a member from both the Amador County Transportation Commission and Caltrans to their next meeting. Charles Field, Director of ACTC, has already confirmed that he will be in attendance. The council has put out a request for a representative from Caltrans to appear. The council is hoping that by having members from these two agencies together in the same room, the council’s and the public’s questions can be answered. Council Chair Andy Byrne hopes the information these to people can provide will help to “dispel the rumors.” The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1st at 5:30 PM at the Pine Grove Town Hall.