California city will get a new “welcome monument” built to greet Highway 101 travelers

FORTUNA, Calif. – Travelers passing through Fortuna will soon be welcomed by a brand-new monument and refurbished concrete islands near the Main Street connector ramps to U.S. Highway 101. This project, made possible by a grant from the Clean California initiative, officially broke ground yesterday in a ceremony attended by representatives from Caltrans and the City of Fortuna.

The Clean California Fortuna Gateway Project aims to revitalize the city’s northern gateway by enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of two prominent, but currently deteriorating, concrete islands. The islands, which have cracked surfaces and are overgrown with unwanted vegetation, will be transformed with modern hardscaping and drought-tolerant plants. In addition, a new welcome monument will be constructed to greet visitors entering the city.

City officials are excited about the long-awaited improvements. "Improving the aesthetics of this important northern gateway has been a community desire and a city goal for decades," said Shai Meads, Fortuna’s Community Development Director.

The Clean California Fortuna Gateway Project aims to revitalize the city’s northern gatewayPhoto byCourtesy Photo