Mountain View plans to paint colorful designs along downtown roadway

Downtown Mountain View is about to get a colorful upgrade, with plans to paint decorative designs on the asphalt along the section of Castro Street that is closed to vehicles.

Starting on May 6, a city contractor is expected to begin installing a “decorative street treatment” along the Castro Pedestrian Mall, which refers to the three block section of roadway that was initially closed to cars during the pandemic and is now intended to be a permanent part of downtown. 

The pedestrian mall encompasses the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Castro Street, running from California Street to West Evelyn Avenue.

The pavement design, called “Ribbons,” will involve brightly colored curving lines that intersect with each other as they wend their way down the center of the street. The selected colors mirror the colors in the city’s logo and other branding.

The project is expected to cost $121,000 and the city will use a water-based pavement coating that can last up to 10 years, although the city may do “occasional touch ups as necessary,” city spokesperson Lenka Wright said.

Installation is expected to take place between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and to be finished within two weeks. Only half a block of the central walkway will be closed at a time and sidewalks will stay open, according to a city press release. Outdoor seating and dining will also remain operational, Wright said.

“The placemaking project will contribute to the welcoming, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of Downtown,” the press release said.

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