Elk Grove’s $11M project to improve traffic is nearly complete. What will be new?
Elk Grove’s citywide project to improve traffic congestion and safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians is nearly complete.
More than 100 intersections, among the busiest in the city, received improvements, including 20 along Elk Grove Boulevard, 29 along Laguna Boulevard and Bond Road, 19 along Big Horn Boulevard and nine along Whitelock Parkway.
The improvements are “helping traffic move more efficiently while enhancing safety,” said Kristyn Nelson, a city spokesperson.
What changes were made to Elk Grove streets?
Larger signal heads and signal heads with reflective backplates were installed to increase visibility, particularly in low-light conditions or during power outages.
New vehicle detection technology was also installed at multiple intersections.
“Unlike older systems, this technology can identify bicyclists whether they are in bike lanes or vehicle travel lanes, helping signals respond more accurately to real-time conditions,” Nelson said.
To improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, signal heads and push buttons were also upgraded. These changes were made to bring infrastructure into compliance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Nelson said.
Communication with the city’s traffic management center was also improved, and many signals were connected to an adaptive traffic signal system.
“This allows signal timing to adjust automatically based on actual traffic volumes, rather than relying on fixed schedules,” Nelson said. “As traffic patterns change throughout the day, signals can respond dynamically to reduce delays and congestion.”
To do this, the city’s fiber-optic network was expanded and some cellular communication was added.
The city identified the intersections needing improvements through its traffic congestion management plan and Sacramento Area Council of Governments’ Smart Region technology implementation plan for Elk Grove, Nelson said.
How much did the project cost, and how was it funded?
Nelson said the latest estimates on project costs totaled $11.9 million, according to the city’s five-year capital improvement program.
Preliminary engineering costs were $943,110, and construction engineering costs totaled $855,267. The construction contract cost $10,129,989.
Estimated environmental costs totaled $17,905, and other capital improvements cost $2,573.
A majority of the funding, $10,667,200, came from two state grants.
Another $900,000 came from the city’s Measure E, a one-cent local sales tax approved by voters in 2022 and used to fund services the community identified as important. Sacramento County’s Measure A, a half-cent local sales tax addressing transportation and transit projects, supplied $127,500.
An additional $151,000 came from the city’s roadway fee, which is charged to new developments. $103,144 came from the gas tax.
What’s next for traffic in Elk Grove?
Multiple other construction projects are in the works, including an Interstate 5 connection to Bruceville Road, a Highway 99 interchange on Whitelock Road and the widening of Grant Line Road.
While construction on this project is complete, “the project is currently undergoing final review,” Nelson said.
