News Summary
Sacramento County officials highlight the Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project aimed at enhancing safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project focuses on the busy stretch between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road, where significant safety concerns have been identified. With an extensive plan including repaving, upgraded sidewalks, and dedicated bicycle lanes, officials are optimistic about long-term benefits despite temporary disruptions to local businesses. The project aims to address urgent safety issues as well as support concurrent improvements in the region.
Sacramento, California – Sacramento County officials are emphasizing the importance of caution for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists along Watt Avenue as a significant construction project unfolds. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project began in March with the goal of enhancing safety for all users along this busy roadway.
The project targets the stretch of Watt Avenue between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road, where safety concerns have been prevalent. Recent evaluations conducted by the Department of Transportation in 2019 identified this corridor as needing substantial improvements. With an estimated 53,000 vehicles traveling this route daily, officials recognize the urgent need to address safety issues for motorists and non-motorists alike.
Key improvements planned for the project include repaving portions of Watt Avenue, upgrading sidewalks, and establishing dedicated bicycle lanes. These upgrades are designed to create a safer environment for everyone using the road. However, the construction has temporarily disrupted local businesses, with some owners reporting a decrease in customer traffic. Despite this setback, business leaders remain hopeful about the long-term benefits of the infrastructure enhancements.
In addition to the Watt Avenue project, Sacramento County is also managing the South Watt Avenue Improvement Project. These concurrent efforts illustrate the county’s commitment to improving safety and accessibility in the region. Another notable project includes plans to replace the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard, which has been deemed functionally obsolete and was identified as needing replacement for over a decade. This bridge replacement is being funded primarily through a $9.2 million federal grant, alongside additional support from the city and county.
As construction progresses on Watt Avenue, drivers are urged to remain vigilant. Public Information Manager Matt Robinson noted the importance of adhering to road signage and remaining aware of construction crews and open holes in the area. Motorist Chris Donaldson reported experiencing slower commute times due to the construction but expressed confidence that the upgrades will lead to improved road conditions in the future.
The initial timeline for completing the Watt Avenue project was set for February 2026; however, recent updates indicate that crews expect to finish the project by late 2023. This expedited schedule reflects the county’s determination to enhance roadway safety in the face of rising safety concerns, particularly after a series of deadly collisions in previous years.
As construction continues, the community will see significant disruptions, including the anticipated three-month closure of a short section of Auburn Boulevard related to the bridge project starting after Memorial Day. Detours will guide drivers to utilize Highway 244, facilitating connections to major roadways such as Interstate 80, the Capital City Freeway, and Watt Avenue, which is crucial for traffic management during the construction period.
Overall, the Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project is part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. With substantial financial investments and careful planning, the county hopes to enhance the functionality of this vital corridor and improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
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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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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
