Folsom segment of Southeast Connector expressway celebrated in ribbon-cutting ceremony

The completion of the Folsom segment of the Capital Southeast Connector expressway was celebrated Wednesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by federal, state and local officials.

The event was held as a major milestone in the planned 34-mile roadway linking Interstate 5 in Elk Grove to Highway 50 just east of the Folsom in El Dorado County, according to a news release from the city.

The expressway has a 3-mile segment that includes a separated Class 1 bike and pedestrian trail, new traffic signals, improved intersections and bridges over Alder Creek. After the ribbon-cutting, a local cycling group took a first ride on the new section of trail, which “will ultimately be” 35 miles long, according to officials.

Among the dignitaries in attendance: Pat Hume, an Elk Grove councilman, who sits on the Capital Southeast Connector Joint Powers Authority board of directors; Rep. Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove; and Assemblyman Ken Cooley, D-Rancho Cordova.

“(The connector) will improve access connectivity and mobility across all commercial sectors,” Hume said at the ceremony. “From commuters going to and from work, to small contractors going to various jobs, larger transport of (goods) and materials and the agricultural community in the south county and beyond.”

One of the project’s benefits is that it will enable more efficient farm-to-fork agricultural commerce, according to Folsom officials.

“We have built in design standards to accommodate the needs of agricultural equipment and hauling vehicles,” Hume said. “The Connector allows for farmers and ranchers to more easily and safely access their different properties as well as get their (goods) to market without having to go through the congestion downtown.”

Hume said there is no forecast completion date because the project will be constructed in segments and some segments have yet to be funded.

This story was originally published October 27, 2022 at 12:05 PM.