By Sara Beth Williams–
One of two planned Arcade Cripple-Creek trail extension projects is moving forward, after the Citrus Heights City Council approved a professional services agreement Wednesday night for almost $844,000.
Citrus Heights General Services Director Regina Cave announced in May that two new extensions are planned for the existing Arcade Cripple Creek trail, including a half-mile extension along Mariposa Avenue and another half-mile extension from Sylvan Road to Stock Ranch Plaza.
The Mariposa Avenue extension of the trail will connect Sayonara Drive, where the trail currently ends, to Mariposa Avenue, following Arcade Creek.
Along with a paved multi-use trail, the extension project will include the addition of Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFP) crossing and related accessibility improvements at trail connection on Sayonara Drive, pathway lighting, bridges across creek crossings, drainage improvements and landscaping.
In 2022, the city received Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funding for the design, environmental documentation, and construction of the Mariposa Extension Project. Matching and leveraging funds are derived from city staff time and Measure A Bike and Pedestrian funding, according to the city.
Though often calculated at only 2.9 miles, the total trail length is over four miles when counting the third-of-a-mile existing trail in Arcade Creek Park Preserve and the three-quarter-mile trail through Mitchell Village, both of which connect to the newly constructed 2.9-mile trail.
Users of the trail can currently walk or ride from Arcade Creek Park Preserve all the way to the northeastern outskirts of the city at Wachtel Way, near the Roseville border.
According to the city’s website, the trail project is part of the city’s effort to “increase walkability and safety and provide improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout a system of creekside trails, passive open space, and parks.”
