Construction Begins Along Major Citrus Heights Streets

Two well-traveled streets in Citrus Heights are currently undergoing facelifts — both under- and above-ground.

This week, construction began along Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road to update roads and make intersections more pedestrian-friendly.

Here's a look at the major street improvements that began this week and how you may be affected:

Auburn Boulevard Revitalization and Roadwork

Two construction projects have recently started on Auburn Boulevard: The second segment of Auburn Boulevard revitalization project and street resurfacing on the boulevard. Both projects began early this week, according to Regina Cave, Management Analyst II with the City of Citrus Heights.

The Projects:

Monday, construction crews began digging trenches and preparing for lane closures from to Sycamore Drive along Auburn Boulevard. The one-mile stretch will undergo upgrades that will ultimately feature 230 additional trees along the streets, 9,600 lineal feet of sidewalks and bike lanes, 100 energy efficient streetlights, in addition to road improvements, according to city documents. The project also includes underground utility improvements of electrical and water.

Segment two of the boulevard’s revitalization is expected to be a one-year project and weather-permitting will be done in August or September of next year, Cave said.

The third segment is expected to begin in the summer of 2013 and once finished, will mark the completion of phase one.

According to city documents, this Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project is the City of Citrus Heights' largest Public Works project. It involves more than 100 businesses and more than 50 property owners, the city reports.

"This has been a long project in the making," Cave said.

For more information on Auburn Boulevard revitalization, visit www.ABCupdate.net.

Also earlier this week, resurfacing began on Auburn Boulevard just north of Rusch Park to the northern city limit.

Cave said this separate project includes concrete repairs, streetlight improvements and resurfacing. Crews will be updating traffic signals with Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA-approved, upgrades and ramps. This project is expected to last through the end of October or early November, Cave said.

Driver Impact:

What does this mean for drivers? Expect some traffic congestion along Auburn Boulevard near Rusch Park.

Cave said the outside lane will be closed for construction. According to city documents, there will be times when only one lane will be open to traffic in both directions along Auburn Boulevard.

“It’s much more cost effective and easier on drivers” to have one lane continuously closed during construction instead of shifting lane closures.

Business Impact:

Auburn Boulevard is home to many businesses, which may be affected during construction. Business driveways will be torn up, but Cave said business access will not be blocked. Trench plates will allow drivers access to the businesses by at least one driveway at all times, Cave said. The city also plans to post signs to let residents know that businesses are open during construction.

Antelope Road Improvements

Nearby, improvements also began this week along Antelope Road. On the south-side of Antelope Road, between Lauppe Lane and just west of Auburn Boulevard, crews are working to create new sidewalks and intersection enhancements as part of the city’s Safe Routes to School program.

Ultimately, residents will notice another crosswalk at the east-end of the Antelope Road intersection, new LED streetlights, ADA-approved ramps, storm drain upgrades and road resurfacing, Cave said.

Construction is expected to last through November.

How have these construction projects affected you? Tell us in the comment section below.

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