By Sara Beth Williams–
The City of Citrus Heights is currently working to improve safety on a section of Old Auburn Road from Sunrise Boulevard to Fair Oaks Boulevard.
The city announced that crews began roadwork on Oct. 6. Construction is scheduled to continue through Oct. 17. Work will run weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the city said.
The two-lane roadway begins at Sylvan Corners and eventually turns into South Cirby Way at the Roseville-Citrus Heights border.
The stretch of roadway, and particularly the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Old Auburn Road, have experienced numerous crashes over the years, including over 40 instances where a vehicle has struck the planter box while attempting to turn left at the three-way intersection. The intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Old Auburn Road has also experienced its fair share of collisions.
Related: Planters damaged again at Fair Oaks and Old Auburn Rd. – Citrus Heights Sentinel
Since incorporation, the city said on its capital improvement information page that it has “routinely received concerns from residents regarding safety along Old Auburn Road.” Concerns include excessive vehicle speeds, lack of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, safe crossings, increased congestion and a history of collisions.
In 2018, 69 percent of residents surveyed by the city indicated they wanted pedestrian improvements in their neighborhood and 62 percent said they would walk more if there were better sidewalks and crosswalks. Over 50 percent of respondents did not feel safe from cars while walking.
A $7.4 million Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Plan was adopted by the Citrus Heights City Council in 2020, despite some residents’ opposition to the preliminary design renderings. Planned improvements include resurfacing, traffic signal upgrades, street lighting, storm drains and separated bike lanes.
Also in 2020, the city reduced the left turn lanes from northbound Fair Oaks Boulevard down to one lane in an effort to curb the number of vehicles colliding with the planter. The move has reduced the overall number of collisions at the intersection, Citrus Heights Police said in 2023 following collision number 40 with the infamous planter.
Related: Planter at the end of Fair Oaks Blvd struck again – Citrus Heights Sentinel
