A substantial portion of mature landscaping and shrubbery exists within the median along Greenback Lane. 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The City of Citrus Heights issued a press release Friday Nov. 6, clarifying its plan to remove existing rusty-brown fencing along the median of Greenback Lane from approximately 100 feet west of Merlindale Drive to the Birdcage Street intersection.

The project does not include adding a new median, the city explained, adding that existing post holes will be filled with concrete to match the surrounding median. A summary of the scope of the project also states that portions of the median could be reconstructed at a future date, said Marisa Brown, city communications officer.

“The fencing in the wider sections of the median will remain, along with the existing mature landscaping and heritage signs,” 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.

There are multiple gaps in the steel mesh median along Greenback Lane in this segment where the fencing is completely missing or appears broken.

“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.

The Messenger had previously reported that the city has awarded the construction contract to Ghilotti Brothers Inc. of San Rafael and the contractor (Ghilotti) has not submitted a construction schedule.

The City Council unanimously approved a contract with Ghilotti Brothers Inc. 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.

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. A substantial portion of mature landscaping and shrubbery exists within the median along Greenback Lane.

Further improvements in the project 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, according to the city.