News Summary
Sacramento County has initiated significant construction work on Watt Avenue aimed at improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. This project involves repaving roads, enhancing sidewalks, and establishing dedicated bicycle lanes. While business owners report a decline in customer traffic, the expected improvements are seen as a positive step towards reducing accidents on this heavily frequented route. With an estimated 53,000 vehicles using Watt Avenue daily, these upgrades, now scheduled for completion by late 2023, reflect the county’s commitment to improving roadway safety and infrastructure.
Sacramento, CA – Sacramento County officials are enforcing caution for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists along Watt Avenue as a significant construction project is underway. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements Project broke ground in March with the intent to enhance safety measures along this essential roadway, which stretches between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road.
The project will involve repaving sections of Watt Avenue, improving sidewalks, and establishing dedicated bicycle lanes to create a safer environment for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The upgrades aim to reduce accidents and promote a more well-rounded transportation infrastructure.
Business owner Haitao Yang of Furniture Mart reported a noticeable decline in customer traffic due to the ongoing construction. However, he remains positive about the enhancements once the project is complete. The construction is already affecting daily routines for many, including local drivers like Chris Donaldson, who have experienced slower commute times but believe that the improvements will ultimately make road conditions better.
The urgency for improvement on Watt Avenue stems from safety concerns raised by the Department of Transportation in 2019, which identified this busy road as a critical area needing attention. An estimated 53,000 vehicles traverse Watt Avenue each day, underscoring the significance of the ongoing upgrades.
The project’s estimated completion timeline was initially set for February 2026; however, crews now anticipate finishing the improvements by late 2023. This expedited schedule will provide necessary enhancements sooner than expected.
Wider Infrastructure Enhancement Plans
In addition to the Watt Avenue improvements, Sacramento County is also undertaking the South Watt Avenue Improvement Project. This separate initiative focuses on enhancing the infrastructure in this heavily trafficked area. A separate major construction effort also includes the replacement of the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard, which is considered functionally obsolete.
The bridge replacement has been in planning for over a decade and is backed primarily by a $9.2 million federal grant, along with city and county funding. The new design will widen the bridge to 100 feet and introduce a second left-turn lane, sidewalks, and bike lanes, creating a safer crossing for all users. To facilitate the bridge work, a segment of Auburn Boulevard will close for around three months following Memorial Day. This timing aims to minimize interruptions during the summer break at the nearby American River College.
Drivers will be directed to use detour routes, including Highway 244, which links to Interstate 80, the Capital City Freeway, and Watt Avenue, ensuring continued accessibility during construction.
Emphasis on Safety
The Watt Avenue Complete Streets Project is part of a broader effort by Sacramento County to enhance safety measures across roadways in response to a concerning number of deadly collisions in recent years. Officials are urging all road users to remain vigilant, abide by road signage, and be mindful of ongoing construction activity.
While such large roadway projects face challenges in securing funding, they remain a priority for the Board of Supervisors, highlighting the county’s dedication to ensuring public safety on its busiest roads. Continuous outreach and communication will remain critical to keep the community informed as construction progresses, emphasizing the importance of a cooperative approach to urban development.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
