The roundabouts are proposed on Old Auburn Boulevard at the intersections of Old Auburn Way and Argo Drive, Wachtel Way and Oakwood Hills Circle. Designed by Freepik

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Community members attending a recent Gateway Activation Project (GAP) meeting hosted by the city of Citrus Heights at the Big Oak Mobile Home Park learned how three roundabout street improvements under consideration along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way may help improve the flow of traffic in the years ahead.

The roundabouts are proposed on Old Auburn Boulevard at the intersections of Old Auburn Way and Argo Drive, Wachtel Way and Oakwood Hills Circle and will involve right of way property acquisition to create each traffic feature, according to the city.

City Engineer Leslie Blomquist and Casey Kempenaar, the city’s community development director who led the presentation, described the next steps in the project approval process, and shared project renderings of the roundabout designs which are under consideration.

The city’s goal for the Gateway Activation Project (GAP) is to develop and implement the city’s Complete Street solution to address safety concerns, increase access and mobility connections for all users, said Kempenaar, who also oversees the Planning, Building and Housing Divisions.

Kempenaar said the current GAP project timeline comprises traffic studies, environmental clearance, utility coordination, engagement and right-of-way acquisition. Overall project approval and state environmental review are expected to be completed in spring 2026.

The city intends to apply for grant funding for the project in 2027 and start construction in spring 2028, he said.

Last June, the City Council received an update about the GAP project and then provided directions to begin the project’s environmental review and preliminary engineering phase. A community engagement workshop was held and a flash survey also solicited feedback about the project.

Blomquist said intersection improvements in three locations (Oakwood Hills Circle, Wachtel Way and Oakwood Hills Circle/Linda Creek Court) were evaluated.

“The project team evaluated various intersection treatments to improve safety, reduce delay and provide trail connectivity along the corridor. Ultimately, the use of single lane roundabouts at each of the three intersections best achieves the project objectives of improving safety and circulation and providing trail connectivity,” she said.

The use of single lane roundabouts at each of the three intersections best achieves the project objectives of improving safety and circulation and providing trail connectivity, according to the city.

Recent city survey results show residents generally excited about the project, but there is no clear preference for a preferred option for specific intersection improvements. Roundabouts are either loved or hated, according to results obtained from the survey.

Bloomquist said the construction of the three roundabouts along Old Auburn Boulevard would help reduce traffic speeds, reduce conflict points and create improved pedestrian crossing conditions. The design of each roundabout would also create a gateway within the roundabouts, lower maintenance costs for the city and reduce crash severity.

Further planned improvements will also provide trail connections to future facilities proposed by adjacent municipalities, including the City of Roseville and Sacramento County, she said.  

The project design shows the bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Wachtel Way will extend from just south of Pitalo Way at Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail to Old Auburn Road. A multi-modal trail will be located on the west side of Wachtel Way.

Bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Old Auburn Road will also extend from Auburn Oaks Village Lane on the west to the Placer County line on the east, according to project designs. A multi-use trail will cross at Argo Way and continue along the south side of Old Auburn Road to the Roseville City Limits and future Dry Creek Greenway.

Intersection improvements at Argo Drive/Old Auburn Road which include a roundabout design will also be evaluated, adding a pedestrian crossing and enhanced safety features.

For more information about the city’s Gateway Activation Project (GAP) and to view project specifications, visit: https://www.citrusheights.net/1343/Gateway-Activation-Project-GAP.