By Sara Beth Williams–
In a new letter published Monday, Citrus Heights City Manager Ashley Feeney outlined the city’s continued progress in improving local infrastructure, highlighting major roadway projects and reaffirming the City Council’s commitment to long-term investment in community assets.
Feeney opened his message by emphasizing that infrastructure investment “strengthens the foundation of our city” and creates benefits that extend beyond smoother streets. Fixing roads helps to improve quality of life for residents, and helps support our local economy by encouraging residents to visit local businesses.
The letter celebrated the City Council’s recent award of a construction contract for the 2025 Pavement Strategy, which is part of the city’s Three-Year Pavement Preservation Program. The three-year comprehensive street repair program marks a significant change in both the city’s approach and capacity in terms road maintenance. Before its launch, Citrus Heights resurfaced about two miles of roadway annually, Feeney said. Today, the city is improving up to 52 miles per year.
“This dramatic expansion allows us to improve more streets in more neighborhoods, faster than ever before,” Feeney wrote. Through this current fiscal year, 125 roadways are scheduled for resurfacing, complete with new striping and neighborhood safety upgrades.
Feeney spotlighted the recent completion of resurfacing of Sunrise Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Greenback Lane, describing the project as both a safety improvement and an economic investment. The smoother, cleaner roadway enhances drivability and helps revitalize one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors.
The Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Phase 2, another major infrastructure improvement project expected to continue for another year, is progressing on schedule, Feeney said, with utility undergrounding and corridor enhancements underway. Once completed, the project will transform the corridor into “a modern, vibrant gateway into Citrus Heights,” Feeney said.
He also encouraged residents to support businesses along Auburn Boulevard during construction, pointing readers to the city’s YouTube channel, which features short videos showcasing local establishments in the corridor. Videos can also be found on the city’s Facebook page. As well, the city has launched a new “Love Local” website which highlights multiple local businesses, including at least two dozen located on Auburn Boulevard.
Feeney said Citrus Heights has intentionally budgeted funds from the General Fund to go toward roads, and underscored that few cities commit local dollars directly to infrastructure. By prioritizing safe and reliable streets, the city aims to make the most impactful improvements first, building momentum that benefits all neighborhoods.
Residents can track pavement projects and see when their street is scheduled for resurfacing through the city’s interactive pavement map, available online. The Sentinel has also published a list of roads scheduled for resurfacing broken down by districts within the city.
“These projects are about more than asphalt and paint,” Feeney concluded. “They are about building a city we can all be proud of — safe, connected, and vibrant. Together, we are shaping a stronger future for Citrus Heights.”
