News Summary
Construction is underway on the Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project in Sacramento County, aiming to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project includes road repaving, sidewalk expansion, and dedicated bike lanes to reduce accidents. While initially set for completion in early 2026, progress is expected to accelerate and finish by late 2023. Despite funding challenges, local businesses are optimistic about the positive impact on traffic and safety, as these upgrades are part of a broader initiative to improve road safety in the area.
Sacramento, CA — Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements Underway to Boost Safety
Construction work has begun on a major project aimed at improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists along Watt Avenue in Sacramento County. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project, which started in March, is expected to significantly enhance the safety and functionality of this busy roadway.
Project Scope and Goals
The initiative covers Watt Avenue from Orange Grove Avenue to Roseville Road. It includes repaving sections of the road, expanding and improving sidewalks, and creating dedicated lanes for bicycles. These enhancements are designed to reduce accidents and make travel safer for everyone using the corridor.
Public Information Manager Matt Robinson explained that the improvements are focused on accommodating all users—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians—by providing safer, clearer pathways and dedicated infrastructure.
Timeline and Progress
The project originally aimed for completion by February 2026. However, due to the progress of ongoing work, crews are now expected to finish by late 2023. This accelerated timeline is intended to minimize disruptions to local traffic and residents.
Alongside the Watt Avenue improvements, a separate project, the South Watt Avenue Improvement Project, is currently underway to further boost safety measures on the corridor.
Funding Challenges and Community Impact
Funding remains a significant challenge despite the project’s priorities, as it relies on a mix of local, state, and federal sources. The Department of Transportation identified Watt Avenue as a critical corridor needing safety upgrades back in 2019 due to a history of safety concerns.
Business manager Haitao Yang of Furniture Mart noted that the construction has caused a decline in customer traffic. Despite this, local businesses remain optimistic that the improvements will attract more visitors once completed.
Traffic and Safety Advisory
As construction progresses, officials urge drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to exercise caution. Motorists are advised to keep an eye on road signs, construction crews, and potential hazards like open holes. Local driver Chris Donaldson acknowledged that commute times have been slower but expressed confidence that the upgrades will enhance long-term travel conditions.
Transportation authorities emphasize the importance of paying attention while navigating the work zones to ensure safety and minimize accidents during construction.
Upcoming Bridge Replacement and Detours
An additional significant project involves replacing the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard. This bridge has been classified as functionally obsolete after over a decade of planning. The new bridge will be wider, at 100 feet, and will include a second left-turn lane, sidewalks, and bike lanes to improve connectivity and safety.
The bridge replacement project is largely funded by a $9.2 million federal grant, with additional contributions from city and county sources. During construction, a small section of Auburn Boulevard will be closed for approximately three months after Memorial Day, mainly to allow work to proceed over the summer when student activity at nearby American River College is lower.
Detour routes will guide drivers to Highway 244, which connects to Interstate 80, the Capital City Freeway, and Watt Avenue itself, ensuring traffic flow continues smoothly during the closure.
Background and Broader Safety Initiative
The Watt Avenue projects are part of a larger effort to improve the safety of the corridor following several deadly collisions reported in recent years. Local officials and transportation agencies aim to reduce accidents and fatalities by implementing safer infrastructure and travel conditions for all users.
Despite funding difficulties, the upgrades reflect a commitment to making Sacramento County roads safer and more accessible, promoting overall community well-being and mobility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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