In recent years, multiple portions of the steel mesh median just before the intersection of Greenback Lane and Birdcage Drive where two pocket turnout lanes which were previously damaged by prior traffic collisions were not replaced by the city.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Major roadway improvements are planned along a busy segment of Greenback Lane between Mariposa Avenue and Birdcage Drive in 2027 where an existing rust-colored steel mesh median barrier fence will be removed and the existing median reconstructed, according to the city of Citrus Heights.

The City Council unanimously approved a contract with Ghilotti Brothers Inc. of San Rafael, on Oct. 14 whose base bid of $11 million including two additional curb ramp projects and a 15 percent contingency at an estimated total for the project cost which could reach $12.79 million.

“The City awarded the contract to Ghilotti Bros. (on Oct. 14) and is finalizing paperwork. The contractor has not yet submitted a construction schedule,” said Marisa Brown, city communications officer.

“The project is expected to take one to two weeks once construction starts, but the timing and any temporary impacts to turn lanes will be confirmed once the (construction) schedule is received,” Brown said.

In recent years, multiple portions of the steel mesh median just before the intersection of Greenback Lane and Birdcage Drive where two pocket turnout lanes which were previously damaged by prior traffic collisions were not replaced by the city.

Pending improvements to the median along Greenback Lane in 2027 will be welcome news for motorists who travel along Greenback Lane towards Sunrise Mall, and who may also need to make left or right hand turns from the pocket turn-out lanes which offer little protection from oncoming traffic.

At night, the glare of headlights from oncoming traffic in both directions along Greenback Lane make turns out or into the residential apartment complexes along the route a difficult challenge.

By a general count, there are some 14 well established foliage trees within the existing median along Greenback Lane just after Mariposa Avenue and before the intersection of Greenback Lane and Birdcage Drive which may be impacted by the pending median reconstruction.

Motorists may also notice two heritage signs placed by the city which are written in script and fastened to the steel mesh median heading towards Birdcage Drive.

A substantial portion of mature landscaping and shrubbery which already exists within the existing median may also be impacted by the removal of the existing metal median fencing.

A general landscaping plan which describes what the new Greenback Lane median will look like or what materials it will consist of was not available from the city at press time.

“The City’s planned improvements also include ADA ramp upgrades, traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian enhancements, adding a fourth crosswalk along the westerly side of the Greenback and Birdcage intersection and full pavement resurfacing,” Brown said.