If you are a commuter on Hazel Avenue, it’s clear that lots of construction is underway as progress on Phase 2 of the Hazel Avenue Improvement Project moves forward. The purpose of the overall project is to reduce congestion and increase safety and mobility for all transportation modes along the two-mile stretch of Hazel Avenue between U.S. Highway 50 and Madison Avenue.
A Phase 1 project was completed in September 2011 and included roadway improvements from U.S. Highway 50 to Curragh Downs Drive, including the widening of the American River Bridge.
The current Phase 2 project includes the following:
- Utility Undergrounding: Much of current project work includes undergrounding of overhead utilities (except 69kV electric). Utility trench work is completed, and utility companies are now stringing underground systems together. This phase of the project includes much cooperation with utility providers like AT&T, Comcast, SMUD and CCI.
- Soundwalls: Soundwall construction is completed and will help to reduce roadway noise for local residents.
- Roadway Widening: The Phase 2 project includes widening Hazel Avenue from four to six lanes between Curragh Downs Drive to Sunset Avenue. Curb, gutter and sidewalk work is underway. Once this work is completed, road widening and pavement overlay work will begin.
- Water Main Replacement: Sacramento County is partnering with the Fair Oaks Water District on replacement of a 12-inch potable water transmission line on Hazel Avenue.
The completed Phase 2 project will include new sidewalks (separated from traffic in some locations), bike lanes, landscaped medians, disability access improvements, new bus stops, traffic signal upgrades and additional landscaping enhancements. The Phase 2 project is scheduled to be completed in December 2017.
Phase 3 of the project is scheduled to start up in Spring of 2019, and will make improvements similar to Phase 2 efforts from Sunset Avenue to Madison Avenue.
Sacramento County appreciates the patience of local residents, commuters, bicyclists and pedestrians as we work to complete this important addition to our roadway infrastructure.