AUBURN – Caltrans announced the completion of the $13.1 million State Route 49 (SR 49) American Canyon Roundabout Project in Auburn, highlighting the department’s perseverance and dedication to safety within Placer County.
This is the third project completed in the Auburn area aimed at improving safety and traffic flow along the corridor.
Improvements include realigning two reversing curves, decreasing weaving and improving sight distance. A new roundabout replaced the signalized intersection at SR 49 and Lincoln Way/Borland Avenue.
“Each project presents its own set of challenges, and this one was no different,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Sergio Aceves. “Our team, in partnership with the City of Auburn, worked diligently to overcome these challenges, ensuring motorists have a safer route when entering and exiting the American River Canyon.”
Earlier this year, crews completed the $33.2 million SR 49 Safety Barrier Project, with a newly constructed concrete center barrier between Lone Star Road and Lorenson Road/Florence Lane and two new roundabouts.
Prior to that in spring 2022, the department completed a $47.4 million roadway improvement and complete streets project between the Interstate 80 separation and Dry Creek Road that widened shoulders, added sidewalks, installed new traffic signals and rehabilitated the roadway.
The department, in partnership with the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, is also in construction on a $14.4 million sidewalk gap closure project that will add nearly 10,000 feet of new sidewalks, upgraded curb ramps, multiple crosswalks across SR 49 between Interstate 80 and Dry Creek Road, and the addition of a pedestrian bridge over Rock Creek. That project is expected to be completed this summer.
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.