By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council unanimously approved a professional services agreement for the Sunrise Tomorrow Frontage Improvement Project with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., for $449,000 at the April 8 City Council meeting.
The city previously issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking professional engineering firms to assist with frontage improvements along Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane for a Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan Frontage Improvement Project in December 2025.
According to documents released by the city, the project is supported through a Reconnecting Communities grant awarded by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. in the amount of $450,000. The initial contract amount for this phase of the project is $449,090. An additional $35,300 is estimated for the optional task for geotechnical work. If this task is needed, the associated cost will be funded by the multi-modal impact fee program, the city said in its latest agenda packet.
The frontage improvement project aims to transform the frontage area of the Sunrise Mall property beginning by implementing infrastructure upgrades outlined in the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan.
City RFP documents stated the project includes 4,200 linear feet of frontage improvements along Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane. Proposed design elements include a separated multi-use “Green Loop” path, intersection and traffic signal upgrades, specifically the installation of a new signal on Sunrise Boulevard, and the development of a transit center designed to support both conventional bus service and future Bus Rapid Transit operations.
Preliminary engineering tasks will include land and right-of-way surveys, geotechnical analysis, utility coordination, and more. The project is currently funded through the preliminary design phase. The city plans to pursue additional grant funding for the final design and construction phases of the project.
A contract amendment and City Council approval will be needed to authorize work on the ROW, final design and construction phases of the project.
The city says it “desires to construct the project during summer 2029,” but notes that timeline is dependent on funding being secured.
