The City of Sacramento Department of Transportation will be finishing design and starting, if not completing construction, on five projects in 2010 that will specifically benefit the non-motoring public. Sacramento has a bronze level distinction as a bicycle friendly city and has been working toward qualifying for the gold. Additionally, Sacramento in recent years has sought recognition as one of America’s most walkable cities.

“We are ecstatic that in this current financial climate we have the opportunity to put over 325 people to work leveraging $11.4 million of special funding to enhance our transportation system. With these projects, we are rolling full speed toward our quest for the gold for our great City,” said Jerry Way, department director.

DOT is pleased to announce the following projects slated for this year:

 The Interstate 80 Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge goes out to bid in March. The project will lead to the first pedestrian and bike friendly way to get from north to south Natomas over I-80. Currently to make your way on foot or bicycle involves taking high traffic volume streets and then crossing over the freeway. The new pedestrian and bicycle bridge extends over I-80 to connect with a bike trail along the East Main Drain Canal. Design and construction is estimated at $6 million, funded by federal grants. The bridge is expected to be finished in September 2011.

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2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects - 2

 Redding Avenue Bike and Pedestrian Improvements goes out to bid this spring. The project is targeting Redding Avenue from about 400 feet south of 4th Avenue to Folsom Boulevard, where Redding becomes 69th Street. Currently, Redding Avenue is a narrow, two-lane north-south local roadway in an industrial, commercial, and high density residential area near public transit, California State University Sacramento, the American River recreation area, and the redeveloping residential areas south of Highway 50. There are no on-street or off-street bicycle facilities, designated sidewalks or pedestrian crossings for much of the project. The project will widen the road and add features such as separated sidewalks, bicycle lanes, accessible curb ramps, and high visibility crosswalks. When finished in spring of 2011, the project will provide a safer route of travel for all corridor users, including the large trucks serving local businesses. The estimated cost for final design, construction, right-of-way acquisition, and construction management is $3.7 million. Funds are coming from a federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Grant with a matching grant from the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. A rendering of the project is attached.

 The Robla Elementary School Safe Routes to School Improvements Project will mean sidewalks, curb and gutter in front of the school at 5200 Marysville Boulevard. Additionally, 24-hour flashing traffic signals and triple-four crosswalks will be installed at Rio Linda Boulevard and Santa Ana Avenue; and Rio Linda Boulevard and Pinedale Avenue. The project will be bid out in early April and is expected to be finished by the start of school. Funded by the federal Safe Routes to Schools program and $10,000 from the Sacramento County Measure A sales tax, the total project delivery cost is $650,000.

 The American River Bike Trail at Howe Avenue Bridge Access Improvement Project will provide safer access from the existing bike trail on the American River levee to the Howe Avenue bridge. Prior to replacement of the bridge railing in 2008, bicyclists could lift their bikes over the existing concrete barrier and onto the existing bridge sidewalk. In the intervening year, the City has been working diligently to restore the access at the public’s request. The project includes removing a section of the railing; matching the bike trail elevation with the sidewalk elevation; adding a segment of new guard rail and new handrail on the bike trails; and installing new signs and striping. Design and construction is estimated at $46,000, which is being paid for with state Transportation Development Act funds. Bids are expected to go out in July, with completion expected by the end of the year.

 Freeport Shores Bikeway The project will provide a safe link for trail users from the Sacramento River, across Freeport Boulevard via a signalized intersection and along the east side of Freeport to the City's Bill Conlin Youth Sports Complex entrance. Bids will go out in October, with the project expected to be finished by the end of the year. The design and construction of this phase is estimated at $1 million and paid for with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds.

In December, a new bicycle and pedestrian friendly bridge at R Street over Interstate 5, was completed. A grand opening event for the bridge and the first phase of the Docks Promenade walkway is set for early April. Additionally, on February 20, an event will be held to celebrate the completion of the Kroy Pathway, which connects the neighborhood to 65th Street.
 

Linda Tucker is the public information officer for the City of Sacramento Department of Transportation.