Sacramento County officials are in the final design phase of a road improvement project aimed at widening South Watt Avenue and increasing its capacity along a 3-mile stretch between Jackson and Florin roads.
The project is set to include the addition of a through traffic lane for vehicles in each direction, expanding South Watt to four lanes, as well as the incorporation of 6 miles of sidewalks and bike lanes in south Sacramento County.
South Watt Avenue is considered a crucial transportation corridor, facilitating north-south freight and commuter access between Highway 50 and Elk Grove.
According to Matt Robinson, a county spokesman, the goal is to enhance travel options not only for drivers, but also for bike riders and pedestrians, as part of the County’s Active Transportation Plan.
The South Watt Avenue Improvement Project also includes plans for future transit stops, improvements to five signalized intersections, and replacement of the Morrison Creek Bridge south of Alder Avenue. The overarching goals are to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety.
A report on the project from April 2021 revealed that this portion of South Watt lacks complete bicycle and pedestrian facilities has seen 99 crashes with three fatalities from January 2014 through December 2018.
Construction on South Watt is anticipated to commence next year, with the majority of the work scheduled for 2025. County officials are also in the process of acquiring property to accommodate the additional space required for the project.
The projected construction cost estimate for the project is $37 million, with funding sourced from the California Active Transportation Program, which aims to increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking while enhancing safety and mobility for non-motorized users.
