Auburn Boulevard project: What to expect as construction continues

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project is slated to be completed by fall of 2026, according to Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney.

In an update to the City Council Jan. 22, Feeney said by the end of February, all joint trench work should be completed on the project, and in March, various utilities should be installing facilities in the new joint trenches. That process is expected to take four to six months, at which point all overhead poles and power lines will be removed.

Feeney said undergrounding all utilities is “a big effort” and requires significant coordination between multiple companies. All underground utility work should be completed by the fall of 2025. Outside of joint trench work, construction will continue in areas that do not conflict with joint trench operations.

Between the fall of 2025 and 2026, roadway improvements will continue, including the installation of new traffic signals, lighting, trees, and other “top side” improvements, along with the installation of the gateway monument at the northern border of the city. Full road resurfacing is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2026.

“We’re looking forward for this to be complete and help us attract new businesses to Auburn Boulevard,” Feeney said, also encouraging residents to continue to support businesses along Auburn Boulevard as they are still open and operating.

Since construction began at the end of July in 2024, at least one lane has remained closed—even outside construction hours. While the city has noted on social media posts that businesses along Auburn Boulevard are still open, many residents have expressed frustration, calling traffic “a nightmare” and describing lane closures as “inconvenient.”

In comments on social media, some drivers have said they were purposely avoiding the area until the work is complete, due to traffic backups.

Business owners also complained of impacts to their establishments during construction on the first phase of improvements on Auburn Boulevard over ten years ago, but celebrated the completion of the project in 2014.

Planned improvements in the second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street project include undergrounding of overhead utilities, installation of bicycle lanes and wide sidewalks, upgrading traffic signals to meet current standards, increasing safety and visibility through decorative street lighting, beautifying the corridor with new landscaping and trees, replacing old storm drain infrastructure, and enhancing transit stops for ADA compliance.

The city also plans to erect a “Welcome to Citrus Heights” gateway structure at the northern city limits and complete a full roadway overlay and new striping.

More information about the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street Project Phase 2 can be found on the city’s website.