By Sara Beth Williams–
The construction of a new gateway arch and stoplight at the border between Citrus Heights and Roseville is ongoing, with crews seen Friday on a construction lift continuing progress on pillars that will serve as the foundation for the arch.
A rendering of the new gateway arch shared with The Sentinel by the city show that the arch will display “Welcome to Citrus Heights” written across the arched top, with one pillar on each side constructed of brick.
Additionally, each side of the arch will have the city’s logo displayed at the top and signs on each pillar will read “Gateway District.” on the left when heading southbound, and “Auburn Boulevard” on the right. The left-hand side of the arch will also have an historic Lincoln Highway placard installed. The renderings also show a tree on each side as well as planter boxes with flowers at the base of each pillar.
The city also confirmed that a new signal light will be integrated into the gateway arch design, though there are not yet renderings available for the stoplight, and the gateway arch rendering does not include stoplights in its design.
Underground conduit and stoplight foundation have recently been laid. The signalized light will be located 375 feet south of Whyte Avenue, at the driveway entrances to the Citrus Grove and Tea It shopping centers.
The main entrance on the Citrus Grove shopping center side has already been modified with some changes, including extending curbs and protecting parking spots to improve future traffic flow and safety. Modifications to the main entrance to the Tea It shopping center are also planned.
Once the signal is completed, drivers will be able to turn left into and out of both shopping centers using the new traffic signal. Meanwhile, access to Whyte Avenue will remain open, but with some modifications for safety.
Planned improvements in the second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street project include undergrounding of overhead utilities, installation of bicycle lanes and wide sidewalks, upgrading traffic signals to meet current standards, increasing safety and visibility through decorative street lighting, beautifying the corridor with new landscaping and trees, replacing old storm drain infrastructure, and enhancing transit stops for ADA compliance.
Project costs are expected to remain at approximately $35 million, the city reported in its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program report, with $14 million of that cost being spent this year and another $4 million in the following year. The major capital works project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.
The city is no longer hosting weekly drop-in office hours for businesses due to lack of attendance. For those who wish to express concerns or have questions about construction progress, meetings are now held per request and can be scheduled by contacting the Citrus Heights General Services Department.
Want to share your thoughts on the Auburn Blvd project, or gateway arch? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column: Click here.
