The city of Sacramento soon will begin work on a major improvement to Folsom Boulevard, between Hornet Drive and 65th Street, which will significantly affect traffic at the south end of Sacramento State’s campus for the next five months.

Work also is underway to extend Ramona Avenue, creating a new intersection with Folsom Boulevard.

Construction on the Folsom Boulevard Complete Streets Rehabilitation Project is scheduled to begin in late May and be completed in October. City planners scheduled the work during students’ summer break, to cause the least amount of disruption to campus traffic.

“However, it is anticipated that construction efforts on Folsom Boulevard will continue into the Fall semester, and students returning to the Sacramento State campus are strongly encouraged to use alternate access points to the University,” says Maria C. “Marycon” Young, spokeswoman for the Office of the City Manager.

Motorists using Folsom Boulevard during construction can expect significant delays, with lane shifts, temporary striping, and occasional temporary lane closures.

Work on Ramona Avenue will extend that street from Brighton Avenue to Folsom Boulevard. That work is expected to wrap up in December. Features include a signalized intersection with Folsom Boulevard, a railroad crossing, new sidewalks and median, curbs and gutters, and room for bike lanes.

“Ultimately, the planned improvements will enhance safety for all modes of transportation, especially for those commuting to and from Sacramento State,” Young says.

The Folsom Boulevard Complete Streets Rehabilitation Project was designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility and to provide better access to the Regional Transit station at 65th Street.

Motorists should be aware that work on the Folsom Boulevard/65th Street intersection will take place nights and weekends and will cause traffic delays. In addition, the Folsom Boulevard/Elvas Avenue intersection will be closed for a week while crews complete realignment and reconstruction. – Dixie Reid