Caltrans hopes to have roundabout completed by end of year

Editor's note: This story was edited to add information. After three years and two months of construction work here and months-long delays there, Auburn's American Canyon Roundabout could be done by the end of the year. Caltrans scheduled a three-week closure of State Route 49 at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Borland Avenue down to the American River Confluence from Dec. 1-22 in an effort to complete the $13.1 million project. The most recent work stoppage occurred because a permit was needed from Union Pacific Railroad to move an underground sewer line. UP tracks cross over the street within feet of the intersection, and part of the sewer line touched UP territory. As reported in the Auburn Journal in July 2025, the railroad was slow to respond to questions and slower on issuing the permit to allow the encroachment, according to Caltrans spokespersons and city of Auburn officials. Finally, Caltrans received the permit to proceed on Aug. 27, according to Public Information Officer Jeremy Linder, who said in an email to the Journal, "Due to schedule conflicts, the contractor could not return to the project area until after the Labor Day holiday weekend. Once crews were on site, they went back to work from where they left off in 2024 to relocate the sewer line. The new line was installed, tested and tied into the system. From there, stage construction took place to prepare for the extended closure of the highway." Linder said the original plans called for building the roundabout in sections, using shorter closures, but the delays prompted Caltrans to schedule the three-week extended closure. Crews are now working around the clock in an attempt to complete the roundabout "before the end of the year." Before the last delay, Caltrans crews "demolished the old highway, removed the old signal, graded for the new roundabout configuration and started work on the various concrete curbs, splitter islands and truck apron and truck blisters," Linder said, explaining the truck apron and blisters are painted red and stamped and can be utilized by larger commercial vehicles navigating the roundabout. During the full closure of SR 49, crews are paving, "setting the first layer of asphalt and performing tie-ins with the realigned section of highway," Linder said. "This also includes work at the driveway entrance to Jordan Lane. A small section of the old highway will be integrated into a private road for the residence at 141 El Dorado St. and 134 Aeolia Dr., which will connect with Aeolia Drive." Cosmetically, the Auburn City Council approved in November 2024 a request for proposals for public artwork in the middle of the roundabout. Linder is fully aware the numerous and long delays have frustrated residents, travelers, business owners and city officials. "We appreciate everyone's patience and ask for continued cooperation following the detour and planning for some delays," he said.