New project along Highway 49 aims to connect sidewalk gaps

Construction projects are planned for State Route 49 this year as Caltrans and the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCPTA) team up to tackle improved pedestrian access along the highway. Caltrans is scheduled to go to bid this month on a $14.4 million project which includes constructing 2.8 miles of sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements along Grass Valley Highway between Fulweiler Avenue and Dry Creek Road. Construction is slated to begin in April with utility work potentially beginning in February. "It's a state highway but it functions more like a boulevard in the community," said Rick Carter, deputy executive director for PCTPA. "There are businesses and schools along the route and we wanted to improve the pedestrian access." The purpose of the project is to fill gaps in the existing sidewalks by providing continuous ADA-compliant sidewalks on SR 49 from Elm Avenue to Dry Creek Road, at least on one side of the highway. The work will also include construction of a pedestrian bridge at Dry Creek Road. The proposed work includes new sidewalks, sidewalk and driveway improvements, curb ramps, a pedestrian bridge, pedestrian passageways, curb and gutter, asphalt dikes, concrete ditches, culverts, retaining walls, Midwest guardrail system, utility and signal relocation, landscaping and irrigation, slope paving, pavement marking and striping and bus stop relocation. Sidewalks will be the standard width of six feet and will be constructed at the following locations: • Elm Avenue to Palm Avenue (east side) • Private driveway to Palm Avenue (west side) • Nevada Street to Luther Road (west side) • North of Willow Creek Drive to Education Street (west side) • North of Quartz Drive to south of Dry Creek Road (west side) • Locksley Lane to south of Dry Creek Road (east side) At the request of the city of Auburn and Placer County, PCTPA agreed to lead a multi-agency effort to fill in sidewalk gaps along the Highway 49 corridor. PCTPA applied for and was awarded a $14.4 million grant to construct 2.8 miles of infill sidewalk. The grant included funding to develop and implement a Safe Routes to School program at five area schools in partnership with the Placer County Department of Public Health. The schools in the corridor include Auburn Elementary, E.V. Cain Middle School, Maidu High Independent Study, Confluence High School and Placer High School. While PCPTA oversaw the planning and design for the project, Caltrans will manage the construction contracts. Carter said the whole project is $20 million, with $14 million for construction and $4 million for right of way and utility relocation work. The construction is estimated to conclude in fall of 2025. For more information on the project, visit pctpa.net/highway-49-gap-closure-project.