By Sara Beth Williams–
Phase 2 of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project is nearing its projected halfway point, and progress is continuing on schedule, according to the city.
Citrus Heights General Services Director Regina Cave reported at the end of May that all of the joint trenching is done, and utility companies are currently dropping lines into the ground. Simultaneously, contractors are working on the west side of the boulevard, working on civil improvements like sidewalk construction. Once utility companies complete undergrounding utility lines, construction will move to the east side.
Project costs are expected to remain at approximately $35 million, the city reported in its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program report, with $14 million of that cost being spent this year and another $4 million in the following year. The major capital works project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.
History of the project
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.
Businesses have consistently complained about the construction, telling The Sentinel the constant construction along points of entry creates confusion for customers, and at least one business has said customers frequently call asking if their store is still open.
To address questions and concerns, the city said it is holding weekly drop-in office hours at Rusch Community Park’s Community Center from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Thursday during the construction project, where construction management team members will be on hand.
Residents can also contact the city’s General Services Department at (916) 727-4770 or email ABC2@citrusheights.net to schedule a meeting.
Detour signs have also been placed along neighborhood streets near Auburn Boulevard to help drivers circumvent problematic areas, and the vehicle gate leading from the neighborhood into and out of Rusch Park has also remained open.
As well, bright orange signs with directional arrows indicating that businesses are open have been placed at entrance driveways.
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 construct 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.
