As part of advancements to improve access to active transportation, the City of Sacramento has opened a new shared-use path in Meadowview.
The 0.6-mile South Sacramento Parkway Trail West eliminates a significant barrier created by Interstate 5 and provides a key link for the Sacramento River Parkway.
“This trail is one example of the implementation of the City’s Transportation Priorities Plan and is focusing investments in our communities that lack basic infrastructure,” said Transportation Planning Manager Jennifer Donlon Wyant. “We’re centering equity and providing a vital connection from Meadowview and South Sacramento to open space and active transportation infrastructure.”
People using the trail will be able to access the Sacramento River, Garcia Bend Park and the upcoming Del Rio Trail, currently under construction.
The project received federal grant funds and the total construction cost was $1.3 million.
City staff celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting and were joined by Mayor Pro Tem Mai Vang, Councilmember Rick Jennings and community members.
“The South Sacramento Parkway Trail is breaking down barriers and connecting communities throughout our region,” said Vang. “Too often, residents in South Sacramento lack safe streets and basic infrastructure. This project expands safer, more accessible, and healthier routes for travel. From Freeport to Meadowview to Delta Shores, this critical project is a step towards progress, ensuring accessibility for all residents living in South Sacramento.”
“I am so pleased that the City of Sacramento was able to make this happen,” said Jennings. “By providing a Class I bike trail connection to the Sacramento River Parkway we are able to expand the opportunity for more people to enjoy the beauty of the Sacramento River. This connection increases the City’s investment in active transposition in support of our effort to fight climate change and also provides a safe walking and biking path for a traditionally underserved community to have access to the Sacramento River and the Bill Conlin Youth Sports Complex.”
The Transportation Priorities Plan guides future transportation investments and funding opportunities for approved transportation projects around the city. Investments are prioritized on community values and a Council approved set of criteria and processes.
Investments in active transportation are part of the City’s goal toward Vision Zero.
Vision Zero is a traffic safety philosophy that rejects the notion that traffic crashes are simply “accidents,” but instead are preventable incidents that can and must be systematically addressed.