Is Wider Better When It Comes to Hazel Ave.?

By Lakiesha McGhee, The Sacramento Bee, Calif.

Feb. 23–Curiosity, concern and a bit of excitement set the atmosphere of an open house last week, where more than 200 area residents learned about plans to widen a traffic-choked section of Hazel Avenue. "Certainly something has to be done to move traffic from Highway 50 to (Interstate) 80," Gold River resident Jeff Busley said as he examined one of several displays outlining the project at the California State University, Sacramento, Aquatic Center. "But I’m not sure if this is the right way to go." Tony Launey of Fair Oaks said he attended the Feb. 16 event to learn how the proposal might affect area property values, safety and the environment. The Hazel Avenue widening project is estimated to cost $60 million. It involves widening a two-mile stretch of the roadway to three lanes in each direction, from Highway 50 in Gold River to Madison Avenue in Fair Oaks. The goal is to reduce sometimes maddening traffic congestion for the thousands of drivers who consider Hazel Avenue their only option. The Sacramento County Department of Transportation said its proposal also aims to beautify the area and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, automobiles and public transit with as little disruption to the nearby American River Parkway and adjacent properties as possible. The project also would feature a parkway with landscaped areas, a pedestrian-bike path and sound walls where appropriate. The proposal will be heard March 1 by the Fair Oaks Community Planning Council as the first step in the approval process. "So far we have had very positive feedback from residents and commuters," said Tom Zlotkowski, county transportation chief, adding that the project has been in development since May 2000. "Traffic on Hazel is becoming intolerable because of the noise, congestion and pollution. This is a better overall use of the corridor." The federal government seems to agree, earmarking $2.8 million for the project in a federal transportation bill approved last fall that provides $280 billion nationwide for transportation projects through 2009, Zlotkowski said. County transportation officials also are hoping to get an additional $10 million in federal funding and up to $15 million from state sources to widen Hazel Avenue. The rest of the project would be funded by developer fees and the county through Measure A – the half-cent sales tax approved by Sacramento County voters in 2004, Zlotkowski said. Funding and plans to acquire 45 properties along the project area will determine when construction will start and end. If approved by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, the first phase of construction could begin as early as spring 2007 from Curragh Downs Drive to Highway 50. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2010.

Another alternative for Hazel Avenue includes maintaining the roadway with four lanes and implementing other improvements, including a landscaped median, bicycle lanes and sidewalks with landscaping. However, studies show widening the road to six lanes in addition to other roadway improvements is preferred to address problems, Zlotkowski said. Such problems include traffic exceeding the roadway capacity during peak commute hours, a problem that is expected to worsen as a result of anticipated growth, the county reports. Hazel Avenue has the capacity to serve 36,000 vehicle daily. Heavy truck traffic from businesses along the corridor also has been identified as a problem in terms of noise and safety. Carbon monoxide levels also exceed air quality standards, the county reports. Bus service is limited, and sidewalks and bicycle lanes are substandard. The issues are addressed in a draft environmental impact report/environmental assessment submitted in January. The public can comment on the report at the March 1 meeting. ———— TIMELINE Milestones in the Hazel Avenue widening project. Summer 2006: Begin final design of first phase of approved project. Spring 2007: Implement first phase of approved project. Start construction from Curragh Downs Drive to Highway 50. Construction will be phased according to available funding. Spring 2007 – spring 2008: Appraisal, offer, relocation process for affected properties. Summer 2007 – spring 2008: Building demolition, sound wall construction and utility work. Summer 2008 – spring 2010: Project construction and completion. Source: Sacramento County Department of Transportation

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