Earlier this week, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Department of Public Works, hosted a groundbreaking event to launch the Road Rehabilitation Project in Guinda and Rumsey.

The Tuesday event took place early in the morning in Guinda, where Supervisor Angel Barajas, Vice Chair Sheila Allen, Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, and Public Works Director Todd Riddiough delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the project for the Capay Valley region. The Capay Fire Department and local residents were also in attendance to show their support.

Supervisor Barajas, who has represented his constituents since 2021, played a pivotal role in addressing the community’s long-standing concerns about the deteriorating condition of rural roads. In direct response to residents’ calls for safer infrastructure, Barajas worked collaboratively with his Board colleagues and county staff to secure additional funding and prioritize road improvements in historically underserved areas.

“This project is about equity and safety,” Barajas stated. “These road improvements are an investment in the safety, connectivity, and quality of life for our residents.”

Vice Chair Sheila Allen echoed that sentiment, saying the project will benefit the region, including rural areas.

“Supporting projects like this is what the Board of Supervisors is all about—making sure every part of Yolo County, including our rural communities, gets the attention and investment it deserves,” she said. “It’s great to see this work moving forward for the people of Capay Valley.”

Frerichs also shared his appreciation for the project.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the agricultural communities of the Capay Valley, as well as celebrate much-needed infrastructure that supports residents and the local economy,” he said.

This summer, Yolo County will utilize a portion of its gas tax funding to resurface approximately 50 miles of roadway as part of the 2025 Pavement Preservation Project. Roadwork will include localized pavement repairs followed by three sequential surface treatments across the full roadway width: a micro-surface Type III seal, an asphalt rubber chip seal, and a micro-surface Type II seal. Final restriping will follow the last treatment.

For years, many residential roads in rural, unincorporated Yolo County had been overlooked, leading to deteriorated infrastructure. This project aims to reverse that trend and improve safety, similar to the successful roadwork completed in Yolo and Esparto in 2023 and 2024.

Residents are encouraged to follow posted instructions from contractors and to avoid parking on roads scheduled for treatment. Each road will receive three treatments, typically spaced about a week apart, and must be clear on each scheduled treatment day.

Yolo County remains committed to investing in rural infrastructure and ensuring all communities, regardless of size or location, receive the attention and resources they deserve. The Road Rehabilitation Project in Guinda and Rumsey marks a significant step toward safer, more connected, and more resilient communities throughout the Capay Valley and beyond.