Regional
Auburn Folsom Road Widening Project Continues
Author: Placer County
Published on Nov 25, 2009 - 7:21:21 AM

AUBURN, Calif. Nov. 24, 2009 - In an effort to handle the increasing volume of traffic that moves between Granite Bay, Roseville and Folsom, Placer County Board of Supervisors awarded a contract last week to Western Engineering Contractors for the third phase of construction of the Auburn Folsom Road widening project.

The length of the entire project is 2.2 miles from Douglas Blvd. to the county line near the city of Folsom. Completion of this project will create a four-lane roadway from Douglas Blvd to Hwy. 50.

Western Engineering offered the lowest bid at approximately $4.3 million, far below a preliminary estimate of $7.1 million. Construction for this phase, known as the middle phase, will begin in Spring, 2010 and will cover the stretch of road from Woodchase Drive to Ann Place, approximately one mile. Commuters will notice tree removal this winter in preparation for construction, which is expected to last two seasons.

The entire project, planned in four phases, widens Auburn Folsom Road from two lanes to four lanes with paved shoulder bike lanes on each side of the road. The project begins at the City of Folsom/Placer County line and extends north to Douglas Blvd. The first phase involved the construction of a signal light at Fuller Drive and Auburn Folsom Rd. and was completed in 2006.

Construction for the second phase, known as the south phase, began in April, 2008 and was recently finished. This phase completed the south end of the project, from the county line to approximately 1,500 feet north of Oak Hill Drive. Other upgrades included in this phase were signal lights at Oak Hill, a landscaped median and bicycle lanes. This phase was funded by traffic mitigation fees paid by developers.

The last phase, known as the north phase, will widen the road south of Douglas to approximately 1,500 feet south of Eureka Road. Construction for this phase will be determined as the right-of-way is acquired, funding becomes available and subject to the Board of Supervisors approval.

Total cost for this project is estimated at $21 million.

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