By Sara Beth Williams–
Several palm trees were removed from the median on Sunrise Boulevard between Sayonara Drive and Arcadia Drive, leaving many residents wondering why.
While many iconic palm trees still remain along Citrus Heights’ most prominent corridor, the recent removal of several trees was necessary is to support SMUD’s upcoming transformer replacement project, and due to the size of the equipment being delivered, a wide, unobstructed turning path needs to be constructed, Executive Director of Sunrise MarketPlace Kathilynn Carpenter said Wednesday.
Eight trees in total in the northernmost median south of Sayonara will be removed to allow for the creation of a wide opening in the median. This is necessary to accommodate large trucks and transformers that will need direct access into SMUD’s substation yard from the southbound lanes of Sunrise Boulevard, Carpenter explained.
On a drive down Sunrise Boulevard Wednesday, The Sentinel found many had already been removed, replaced by construction signs and cones atop upturned dirt. The number removed so far was not immediately known.
The modified median will also include a new left-turn pocket to serve the mobile home park located on the west side of Sunrise Boulevard. A specialized Caltrans design will allow SMUD trucks to drive over the reconstructed median curbs during future deliveries, while still allowing standard vehicle traffic to turn left safely, Carpenter said. The left turn lane onto Sayonara Drive will remain unchanged.
Construction hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this time, traffic control measures will be in place, and both northbound and southbound lanes closest to the median will be closed to allow for tree removal, median demolition, and reconstruction.
While the current construction work is scheduled to conclude by the end of August, SMUD’s transformer delivery and installation project is expected to begin later in the year, Carpenter said.
Motorists traveling along Sunrise Boulevard are advised to plan for potential delays and use alternate routes when possible during work hours.
Dozens of palm trees have been installed in the medians along Sunrise Boulevard in the Sunrise MarketPlace Business Improvement District, which formed in 1999, along with distinctive Sunrise MarketPlace signage and banners.
