News Summary
Sacramento County has commenced the Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project, aimed at enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The construction, which began in March, includes repaving the roadway, improving sidewalks, and adding dedicated bicycle lanes. While local businesses have seen a dip in traffic, there is optimism for future benefits. With around 53,000 vehicles using this corridor daily, the project addresses long-standing safety concerns. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades related to the South Watt Avenue Improvement Project, including bridge replacements, are also underway.
Sacramento County Launches Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements Project to Enhance Safety for All Users
Sacramento County officials are advising drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to exercise increased caution along Watt Avenue due to a significant construction project currently underway. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project, which officially broke ground in March 2023, aims to enhance safety along the busy thoroughfare between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road.
The comprehensive project includes several key upgrades, such as repaving portions of Watt Avenue, improving existing sidewalks, and establishing dedicated bicycle lanes. These improvements are designed to create a safer environment for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The duration of construction has led to noticeable changes in local business traffic. For instance, Haitao Yang, the manager of Furniture Mart, reported a decline in customer visits attributed to the construction activities but expressed optimism regarding the potential benefits once the upgrades are completed.
Watt Avenue is a crucial roadway in Sacramento County, serving approximately 53,000 vehicles daily. In 2019, local authorities identified this corridor for improvements due to various safety concerns, prompting the current project, which has since been prioritized by the Board of Supervisors. Despite being prioritized, funding large roadway projects such as this one poses an ongoing challenge for the county.
In addition to the Watt Avenue project, another significant construction venture is in progress under the South Watt Avenue Improvement Project. This effort aims to tackle various infrastructure concerns concurrently, including the replacement of the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard. The current structure is deemed functionally obsolete, and planning for its replacement has spanned over a decade. The new bridge will feature a width increase to 100 feet and will include additional lanes, sidewalks, and bike lanes. The project is primarily funded by a $9.2 million federal grant, supplemented by city and county funds.
Following Memorial Day, a small segment of Auburn Boulevard related to the bridge project will be closed for approximately three months. This closure aims to minimize disruptions during the summer break at adjacent American River College, with detours directing drivers to Highway 244, linking up with Interstate 80, the Capital City Freeway, and Watt Avenue.
As construction progresses, motorists are reminded to stay alert to road signs, construction crews, and open road sections. Some drivers have noted a slowdown in their daily commutes due to the ongoing work, yet many, including Chris Donaldson, remain hopeful that the improvements will lead to better overall conditions on the road.
The expected completion date for the Watt Avenue Complete Streets project has been revised from February 2026 to a more optimistic late 2023. This timeline reflects the commitment of Sacramento County to enhance safety and accessibility for all road users following a series of serious accidents in former years.
The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements Project exemplifies Sacramento County’s broader initiative to prioritize safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike, addressing concerns raised by the community and aligning with regional transport improvement goals.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
