Construction on Watt Avenue includes new bike lanes and broader sidewalks for improved safety.
Sacramento County officials have begun construction on the Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements Project to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Stretching from Orange Grove Avenue to Roseville Road, the project aims to address longstanding safety issues by repaving roads, expanding sidewalks, and adding bike lanes. While construction temporarily affects local businesses, the community anticipates long-term benefits as the project progresses, which is now expected to be completed by late 2023, ahead of schedule.
Sacramento, CA — Sacramento County officials have begun a significant construction project aimed at improving safety and transportation conditions along Watt Avenue. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements Project, which started in March, is focusing on creating a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists along a key corridor in the region.
This extensive project stretches between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road and seeks to address longstanding safety concerns on Watt Avenue, a heavily used roadway. The initiative includes repaving sections of the street, expanding and improving sidewalks, and establishing dedicated bike lanes to promote safer mobility for non-motorized users.
Recently, Sacramento County officials issued a public advisory urging motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to exercise caution while passing through the construction area. Drivers are advised to pay close attention to enhanced signage, construction crews, and potential hazards such as open trenches to ensure safety for everyone during the project’s active phase.
In 2019, the Sacramento Department of Transportation identified Watt Avenue as a priority corridor needing improvements due to increasing safety issues and a history of accidents. Watt Avenue is one of the busiest roads in Sacramento County, with an average daily traffic volume estimated at 53,000 vehicles. The project is part of broader efforts to reduce collision risks and improve traffic flow in this vital transportation artery.
The project’s funding primarily comes from local sources, with additional support from state and federal grants. Securing adequate funds for large roadway upgrades remains a challenge, despite the project being prioritized by the Board of Supervisors. Originally scheduled for completion in February 2026, construction crews now aim to finish the improvements by late 2023, well ahead of the initial timeline.
While the construction has temporarily affected local businesses, including Furniture Mart’s manager Haitao Yang, who noted a decrease in customer visits, the community remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of the upgrades. Motorists, including daily commuters, have reported slower travel times but acknowledged that the improvements will ultimately enhance the safety and condition of Watt Avenue.
Besides the Watt Avenue enhancements, other related projects are underway to further improve transportation infrastructure. A South Watt Avenue Improvement Project is in progress, aiming to upgrade intersections and road conditions further south. Additionally, a significant project involves replacing the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard, a structure deemed functionally obsolete after decades of service.
The bridge replacement project, funded chiefly through a $9.2 million federal grant, will feature a wider structure—up to 100 feet in width—including additional lanes, sidewalks, and bike paths. During construction, a section of Auburn Boulevard adjacent to the bridge will be closed for about three months following Memorial Day. The closure is scheduled to minimize disruption during the summer when nearby American River College experiences a break in classes. Detour routes will direct drivers to Highway 244, providing connections to Interstate 80, the Capital City Freeway, and Watt Avenue.
The Watt Avenue Complete Streets Project forms part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety across Sacramento County. This initiative was intensified after several deadly collisions were reported in recent years, emphasizing the need for infrastructural upgrades that accommodate all users safely and effectively.
Overall, these projects are designed to make Watt Avenue safer and more accessible for all forms of transportation, reflecting a broader commitment to reducing accidents and supporting community mobility across the region.
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