News Summary
Sacramento County officials are calling for caution as the Watt Avenue Complete Streets Improvements project progresses. Aimed at enhancing safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, the project includes repaving, upgraded sidewalks, and dedicated bike lanes. Although local businesses are feeling the impact of construction, officials expect long-term benefits. The project, initially scheduled for completion in 2026, is now set to finish by late 2023. Additionally, plans for the replacement of the Arcade Creek Bridge are underway to further improve multi-modal transportation in the area.
Sacramento County officials are urging caution among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists as a significant construction project is underway on Watt Avenue. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project, which began in March, is aimed at enhancing safety for all users along this busy thoroughfare between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road.
Key features of the project include repaving various sections of Watt Avenue, upgrading sidewalks, and establishing dedicated bicycle lanes. Public Information Manager Matt Robinson stated that these improvements are intended to create a safer environment for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. The area sees approximately 53,000 vehicles daily, making safety enhancements a crucial priority.
While the construction aims to reduce safety concerns associated with the road, many local businesses are experiencing a temporary decline in customer traffic due to the ongoing work. For instance, business manager Haitao Yang of Furniture Mart reported a noticeable decrease in customers but remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of the upgrades.
The need for improvements on Watt Avenue was highlighted in a 2019 report by the Department of Transportation, which identified the corridor as requiring urgent safety measures. Despite the prioritization of this project by the Board of Supervisors, securing funding for such large-scale roadway enhancements continues to be a challenge.
For those navigating the construction zone, it is advised that drivers remain attentive to road signs, construction crews, and potential hazards such as open holes. Commuter Chris Donaldson acknowledged experiencing slower travel times due to the project, yet expressed a belief that the eventual upgrades will significantly improve road conditions.
Originally slated for completion in February 2026, the Watt Avenue Complete Streets Project is now expected to wrap up by late 2023, signaling a quicker turnaround for an initiative aimed at improving safety for all users of the road. Additionally, efforts are underway with the South Watt Avenue Improvement Project to further enhance infrastructure in the region.
Moreover, a separate initiative concerning the replacement of the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard is also in progress. This bridge has been noted as functionally obsolete for over a decade, and its replacement will be funded primarily by a $9.2 million federal grant, complemented by funds from the city and county. The new bridge design includes an increase in width to 100 feet, the addition of a second left-turn lane, along with sidewalks and bike lanes, showcasing a commitment to improving multi-modal transportation options in the area.
Following Memorial Day, a short section of Auburn Boulevard related to the bridge project will be closed for about three months. This timing aims to minimize disruption during the summer break at nearby American River College. Drivers can expect to detour to Highway 244, which connects with major routes including Interstate 80 and Capital City Freeway, to navigate around the construction.
Through these various projects, Sacramento County is focused on addressing safety concerns that have arisen in recent years following multiple serious and deadly collisions along Watt Avenue. The Watt Avenue Complete Streets Project highlights the commitment to improving safety and accessibility for all road users, while also reflecting ongoing challenges in securing the necessary resources for such comprehensive improvements.
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Additional Resources
- KCRA: Watt Avenue Construction Impacts Sacramento Businesses
- Sacramento Bee: Transportation News
- KCRA: Groundbreaking Held for Watt Avenue Safety Improvements Project
- Google Search: Watt Avenue construction Sacramento
- Sac Observer: Sacramento County Homelessness Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Watt Avenue construction
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