By Sara Beth Williams–
The second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project is on track to be completed next year, officials said last week.
Citrus Heights Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber confirmed with The Sentinel during an Auburn Boulevard business walk this month that the major construction project along Auburn Boulevard should be completed by June 2026, barring any unforeseen delays.
Currently, sidewalks have been completed along much of the route, but the construction of a median through the center of the boulevard has yet to begin.
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.
Some businesses have complained about the negative impacts of construction work in front of their buildings, saying the construction causes confusion for drivers, and restaurants along the route have noticed a sharp drop in customers.
Those businesses that offer services by appointment or offer order-based services through online booking, have been less impacted, as they do not rely on foot traffic but online traffic.
Since construction began at the end of July 2024, at least one lane has remained closed—even outside construction hours. While the city has noted on social media posts that businesses along Auburn Boulevard are still open, many residents have expressed frustration, calling traffic “a nightmare” and describing lane closures as “inconvenient.”
In comments on social media, some drivers have said they were purposely avoiding the area until the work is complete, due to traffic backups.
To address questions and concerns, the city invites residents to contact the its General Services Department at (916) 727-4770, or to email ABC2@citrusheights.net to schedule a meeting.
Detour signs have also been placed along neighborhood streets near Auburn Boulevard to help drivers circumvent problematic areas, and the vehicle gate leading from the neighborhood into and out of Rusch Park has also remained open.
As well, bright orange signs with directional arrows indicating that businesses are open have been placed at entrance driveways.
Business owners also complained of impacts to their establishments during construction on the first phase of improvements on Auburn Boulevard over ten years ago, but celebrated the completion of the project in 2014.
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.
More information about the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street Project Phase 2 can be found on the city’s website.
