Truxel Bridge Concept and Feasibility Study
Project Overview
The City of Sacramento is undertaking an engineering feasibility study for a new multi-modal bridge across the lower American River between Truxel Road and Sequoia Pacific Boulevard to better connect North and South Natomas with the Central City.
In 2013 the City of Sacramento completed the American River Crossings Alternatives Study, and City Council adopted the vision for a new multi-modal crossing at Truxel Road as the preferred alignment. The Truxel Bridge alignment was chosen based on its ability to address limited connectivity across the lower American River which creates a barrier to economic activity, land use development, social exchanges and access to jobs within the Central City by communities just north of the river including South Natomas and North Natomas where a significant portion of Sacramento City residents live, and a considerable amount of residential growth is planned.
Currently, there is a lack of direct multi-modal crossings over the American River, which discourages alternative modes of travel besides driving, therefore resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions, higher vehicle miles traveled (VMT) due to longer trips, inefficient routes for transit services, and reduced public health and air quality. Additionally, this limited connectivity leads to longer emergency response times and can hinder evacuation during future natural disasters.
The purpose of the study is to refine the adopted alternative for the new bridge by conducting an inclusive public outreach and engagement process in collaboration with the detailed engineering and environmental analysis. The neighboring communities, including the priority populations who have been historically under-represented, as well as the larger public will be engaged through community-based engagement to ensure the bridge fits within the context of the existing communities and serves the needs of the community. The project team will gather feedback on bridge configuration concepts, constraints analysis and design drawings. A few of the key elements that will require stakeholder input include avoidance of known constraints, minimizing impacts to the Lower American River and associated wildlife, configuration of right-of-way on the bridge for all modes of travel, and connections to existing bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
A new crossing at Truxel Road will have several community benefits including:
- Improving multi-modal connectivity for the South Natomas and North Natomas communities and overall improved regional connectivity.
- Encouraging alternate modes of travel besides driving by providing safe and efficient routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users across the American River.
- Reducing VMT resulting in lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by providing a shorter, more direct route between communities on either side of the American River.
- Providing a framework for future development and transportation projects in the surrounding area, including a planned Kaiser Permanente medical facility just south of the American River.
- Supporting access for social services, jobs, recreation, local destinations, and education.
COSTS AND FUNDING
The Conceptual Plan for the Truxel Bridge is being funded by a Caltrans Sustainability grant obtained by the City of Sacramento in partnership with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and supplemented by local funds from the Sacramento Regional Transit District and developer fees. The overall cost of the Truxel Bridge, which is expected to exceed $500 million, is anticipated to be funded through a combination of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other federal funds, the Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1) and other state funds, and a variety of local funding sources, including a future transportation sales tax and developer impact fees.
GET INVOLVED
The Truxel Bridge Concept and Feasibility Study includes a robust community engagement program to involve the community throughout the process and obtain input at key touchpoints. Click here to sign up for email updates.
SCHEDULE OF OUTREACH
Stay tuned to learn more about upcoming pop-up events that our team is planning on attending.
RESOURCES
Below is a list of project-related documents for download.
CONTACT
Fedolia “Sparky” Harris, Project Manager
(916) 808-2996
fharris@cityofsacramento.org