Citrus Heights council to vote on $685k contract for ‘Gateway Activation’

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council will be asked Wednesday to approve a construction contract with Dokken Engineering for an amount of $685,000 for the construction of a Gateway Activation Project, located near the border of Roseville and Citrus Heights.

The goal of the Gateway Activation Project is to implement multi-modal and roadway improvements along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way to, “increase accessibility, safety, and operations” and provide connection to future facilities proposed by both Sacramento County and the City of Roseville.

The planned street improvements include, complete street roadway design for Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way, intersection modifications at Old Auburn Road, extension of the multi-modal facilities on Wachtel Way from the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail to the intersection of Old Auburn Road, and extension of multi-modal facilities on Old Auburn Road from the entrance to the Old Auburn Road Multi-Use Trail to the city’s northern border with City of Roseville, which will provide access to the Dry Creek Greenway and broader Roseville and regional trail network.

In 2022 the office of former assemblymember Ken Cooley coordinated a $700,000 appropriation from the State General Fund for the Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project. In May 2023, a fund transfer agreement was signed between the California Department of Transportation and the City, and the funds have been received and deposited.

In July 2024, staff issued a Request for Proposals for preliminary engineering, environmental documentation, right-of-way, final design, and construction support services for the Gateway Activation Project. Interviews of three consultant teams were conducted in early September 2024. Dokken was determined to be the most qualified consultant, according to the city. The contractor will be paid with the already received appropriation funds.

Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at City Hall at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. See full agenda packet online: Click here. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.