By Sara Beth Williams–
A new left turn lane being constructed on Sunrise Boulevard between Sayonara Drive and Arcadia Drive has caused traffic delays for drivers passing by along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
The project began in early August and is expected to be completed by the end of August, according to the Sunrise Marketplace Executive Director Kathlynn Carpenter.
The construction of the turn lane is being done to support SMUD’s upcoming transformer replacement project, which is to take place later on in the year. Due to the size of the equipment being delivered, a wide, unobstructed turning path needed to be constructed ahead of time, Carpenter said.
Construction hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this time both northbound and southbound lanes closest to the median have been closed to allow for tree removal, median demolition, and reconstruction.
Several palm trees were also removed from the median, which left 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 for the project, Carpenter said.
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.
Motorists traveling along Sunrise Boulevard are advised to plan for potential delays and use alternate routes when possible, during work hours.
