Sacramento County, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Sacramento County is undertaking significant upgrades along Watt Avenue to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The project, which began in March, includes repaving, better sidewalks, and dedicated bike lanes. Despite temporary disruptions for local businesses, officials expect long-term benefits. With an estimated 53,000 vehicles using this busy road daily, these enhancements aim to address safety concerns and improve road conditions for all users. Expected completion has advanced to late 2023, reflecting a commitment to enhancing roadway safety in the area.
Sacramento
Sacramento County officials are advising drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to exercise caution along Watt Avenue as a significant construction project is currently taking place. The Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project, which began in March, aims to enhance safety along Watt Avenue, specifically between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road.
The project includes repaving segments of Watt Avenue, improving sidewalks, and creating dedicated bicycle lanes. With a focus on increasing safety for all roadway users, these enhancements are intended to alleviate concerns associated with high traffic volume along one of Sacramento County’s busiest roads, where an estimated 53,000 vehicles travel daily.
Matt Robinson, the Public Information Manager, emphasized the importance of the project in making the area safer for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. However, ongoing construction has resulted in decreased traffic for local businesses, such as Furniture Mart, whose manager noted that while customer numbers have dipped, there is optimism about the long-term benefits of the upgrades.
Watt Avenue was identified in 2019 by the Department of Transportation as a critical corridor needing improvement due to heightened safety concerns. Funding for large-scale roadway projects continues to be challenging, despite the Board of Supervisors’ prioritization of such efforts. Nevertheless, the initial timeline for the completion of the Watt Avenue project was set for February 2026, but recent assessments indicate that crews may now finalize work by late 2023.
In addition to the Watt Avenue improvements, a related project is currently addressing the South Watt Avenue area. Moreover, a separate initiative is underway to replace the Arcade Creek Bridge on Auburn Boulevard, which has been deemed functionally obsolete. This bridge replacement has been in the planning stages for over a decade and is primarily funded by a $9.2 million federal grant alongside city and county resources. The new bridge will be significantly wider, measuring 100 feet, and will feature an additional left-turn lane, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
To minimize disruption, a small section of Auburn Boulevard related to the bridge project will close for approximately three months following Memorial Day. This strategy aims to reduce interference during the summer break at nearby American River College. Detour plans will direct drivers to Highway 244, which connects to Interstate 80, the Capital City Freeway, and Watt Avenue.
The Watt Avenue Complete Streets Project is part of a broader strategy to enhance roadway safety following a series of fatal collisions recorded in recent years, underscoring the relocation of priorities towards creating safer environments for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Summary of Key Project Features
- Project Name: Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements
- Location: Between Orange Grove Avenue and Roseville Road, Sacramento County
- Start Date: March 2023
- Expected Completion: Late 2023
- Funding: County and federal grants
- Estimated Daily Traffic: 53,000 vehicles
- Improvements Include:
- Repaving of road segments
- Enhanced sidewalks
- Dedicated bicycle lanes
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Watt Avenue Complete Street Improvements project?
The project aims to improve safety for all roadway users including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians by enhancing roadway conditions and adding dedicated bicycle lanes.
When did the construction begin, and when is it expected to be completed?
Construction began in March 2023, with an anticipated completion date now projected for late 2023.
What specific improvements will be made along Watt Avenue?
The project will involve repaving portions of Watt Avenue, enhancing existing sidewalks, and creating designated lanes for bicycles.
How busy is Watt Avenue?
The road sees an estimated daily traffic of 53,000 vehicles, making it one of the busiest roads in Sacramento County.
How will local businesses be affected by the construction?
Some local businesses have reported decreased customer traffic during the construction but remain hopeful for increased patronage once improvements are completed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
