SACOG Approves $4 Million For Fair Oaks Blvd. Project

Special to Carmichael Patch

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments Board of Directors approved $4 million in funding for the Improvements Phase 2 project earlier this month.

This roadway infrastructure project is part of a comprehensive plan to turn a portion of Fair Oaks Boulevard into a “main street” for Carmichael. The “main street” district is located from Kenneth Avenue to Engle Road. The Phase 2 project provides improvements from south of Landis Avenue to Engle Road. This
project fits in with SACOG’s Blueprint effort to promote compact, mixed-use development and more transit choices, board members said Dec. 15.

In September, the to help guide revitalization and enhancement of Fair Oaks Boulevard. The overall goal of the plan is to facilitate development of a pedestrian-oriented town center for the Carmichael community including a “main street”. The development of the plan included substantial public involvement with the local , a citizen’s advisory committee and many public meetings.

"Main Street" efforts are moving forward with a Phase 1 project that is currently out to bid for improvements to the Fair Oaks Boulevard at Marconi Avenue intersection. The Phase 2 project will build on Phase 1 work with major pedestrian, bicycle and roadway enhancements from south of Landis Avenue to Engle Road.

“These two important project phases will hopefully act as a catalyst to get the 'main street' concept off the ground and running and spur private investment to help to get other projects moving forward," said Supervisor Susan Peters. "I know the entire community is looking forward to breaking ground for the Phase 1 project in 2012, with Phase 2 to follow.”

The Phase 2 project is the most substantial project to emerge to date resulting from the Fair Oaks Boulevard Corridor Plan and once completed will provide the roadway infrastructure needed for a portion of the “main street” district.

Future “main street” project phases will be developed as funding becomes available. More detailed information about the Phase 2 project is listed below:

• The project includes various improvements to Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael- from south of Landis Avenue to Engle Road- to improve capacity, safety and mobility for all travel modes in the corridor and to implement transportation elements of the Fair Oaks Boulevard Corridor Plan.

• Proposed improvements include installation of landscaping and streetscape elements, improvements for ADA compliance and transit access, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and traffic signal modifications.

Estimated Phase 2 costs are $5 million, with anticipated project construction in 2014. SACOG Community Design Funds will provide $4 million for overall project costs.

In addition to the Phase 1 and 2 projects, the Fair Oaks Boulevard Corridor Plan
calls for monument signs to be installed at the Fair Oaks Boulevard at Marconi Avenue intersection to provide community identity for Carmichael and the “Main Street” district.

Conceptual designs will be presented and discussed at the Jan. 18 meeting of the
Carmichael/Old Foothill Farms Community Planning Advisory Committee to be held at 7 p.m. at the , 5605 Marconi Avenue. The public is invited to attend.

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