About the project
As part of the scheduled resurfacing of Freeport Boulevard in 2013, the City is also proposing the addition of bike lanes and a motor vehicle travel lane reduction north bound and south bound and/or limited loss of parking between Sutterville and 21st Street. There are no existing bike lanes in this section except for the segment between 13th Avenue and 14th Avenue. Approximately 21,000 vehicles per day travel on this segment of Freeport Boulevard, and there are many bicyclists due to the proximity of Sacramento City College and McClatchy High School. Project Location Map.
Prior community planning efforts, the City’s 2030 General Plan, and requests from the community are a few of the reasons bike lanes are being considered.
What options are being considered to make room for bike lanes and better accommodate bicyclists along Freeport Boulevard and through the Freeport and 21st Street intersection?
Three roadway project design concepts, one being essentially “no project,” are being proposed for the segment while four intersection design concepts for the Freeport Boulevard and 21st Street intersection are being considered. See Segment Design Concept 1, Concept 2 and Concept 3. See Intersection Design Concept 1, Concept 2, Concept 3 and Concept 4.
Will parking be changed?
Yes, parking will most likely be reduced. The number of spaces forfeited will depend on what segment design concept and intersection design concept is chosen, if the project is implemented.
Will median islands be constructed as part of the project?
Median islands will not be constructed.
Will an environmental document for the project be prepared?
Yes, an environmental document will be prepared to consider the potential changes to the environment if the project is implemented. To comment on the enviromental document, you can go to the Community Development Department homepage.
How is the project being funded?
At this time, funding has been secured for planning efforts only. If bike lanes are added, the work will be done as part of the scheduled road resurfacing to reduce construction costs. Additional funding will be necessary and staff will seek competitive outside funding sources.
About the three segment design concepts for adding bike lanes
What is the difference between the three design concepts?
In general, the number of travel lanes, having a center two-way left turn lane, and parking changes are different in two of the three concepts. See Segment Design Concept 1, Concept 2 and Concept 3.
What is the third segment design concept?
A third design concept is also included in the event that the bike lanes are not implementd and four travel lanes are maintained. The resurfaced roadway will have standard lane widths. The limited roadway width may not accommodate bike lanes and parking. See Segment Design Concept 1, Concept 2 and Concept 3.
What type of bike facility is being proposed?
Where right-of-way and travel lanes allow, a five-foot striped bike lane is being proposed. There is an exception, however, near Vallejo Way and to the north. The segment is constrained by a number of factors:
- the number of travel lanes and the two lanes to one lane merge area,
- the desire to establish the bike lane as far north as possible,
- the need to maintain left turn access to businesses in the area,
- parking constraints and the limited available right-of-way.
About the four intersection design concepts for adding bike lane connectivity
to the Freeport Boulevard and 21st Street intersection
The intersection currently does not provide bike lane connectivity across the railroad tracks. Should the project be implemented, bike lane connectivity is paramount to bicycle safety. The intersection design concepts are different from the segment design concepts because of the limited right-of-way available and the uniqueness of the intersection geometry. See Intersection Design Concept 1, Concept 2, Concept 3 and Concept 4.
What is the difference between the intersection design concepts?
In general, the design concepts at the intersection vary in the amount of work required, lane configuration and traffic signal changes, and the type of bicycle facility being considered for implementation. See Intersection Design Concept 1, Concept 2, Concept 3 and Concept 4.
Will some of the intersection design concepts change traffic?
Yes, some of the concepts have the potential to change traffic flow in the community.
About traffic flow
It’s likely that traffic patterns may change. How much is uncertain at this time but will be evaluated during the environmental phase of the project.
Is one roadway segment design concept more conducive to facilitate traffic flow than the other?
Segment design concept 2 will most likely facilitate traffic better as compared to segment design concept 1 because concept 2 includes a two-way left turn lane.
How will the Freeport Boulevard/21st Street intersection design concepts change the traffic operations?
Assuming the project is implemented, the change in traffic will depend on which concept is chosen.
In general, traffic changes along other some north/south streets will be increased, while some side streets will also experience increased traffic and delays. The impact will be evaluated during the environmental phase.
Will the current speed limit be maintained?
If the project is implemented, the existing speed limit of 30 miles per hour will be reevaluated to determine if a speed limit change is necessary.
About the project schedule
- Draft EIR circulated for public comment in summer 2012
- Finalize EIR in fall 2012
- Informational public meeting in fall 2012
- City Council Hearing in fall 2012
- Design* in winter 2011/2013
- Construction* in summer 2013
* Depending on Council direction and funding availability
For project questions, please contact David Edrosolan, 916/808-5974.
For environmental questions or to comment on the project, please contact Dana Allan, 916/808-2762, or go here.
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