Two long-term corridor plans aimed at reducing serious crashes and improving pedestrian and bicycle access along Norwood and Howe avenues were approved by Sacramento City Council Feb. 24, advancing the City’s Vision Zero safety efforts.

Both corridors have been identified as high-priority routes for addressing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Council approval allows staff to pursue competitive grant funding for future phases, including preliminary design, environmental clearance, final design and construction.

“These plans reflect detailed analysis and meaningful community input to identify recommended improvements along two critical corridors,” said Charisse Padilla, associate transportation planner with Public Works. “With Council approval, we can pursue funding opportunities and continue advancing safer, more accessible transportation options for people who live, work and travel along Norwood and Howe.”

Norwood Avenue: Lane reductions, roundabouts and separated bikeways

The Norwood Mobility Plan focuses on Norwood Avenue between Main Avenue and Arcade Creek. The corridor is identified as a high priority in the City’s Transportation Priorities Plan and is part of the Vision Zero High Injury Network.

Key recommended improvements include:

• Removing one travel lane in each direction north of Jesse Avenue and south of Harris Avenue
• Installing a separated bikeway in each direction
• Adding roundabouts at Bell Avenue and Silver Eagle Road
• Constructing structures on both sides of the Interstate 80 overpass to create additional space for walking and biking

The planning-level cost estimate to implement the Norwood plan is approximately $91 million.

Howe Avenue: Shared-use path and safety upgrades

The Connecting Howe Avenue Safety and Mobility Plan covers Howe Avenue from Fair Oaks Boulevard to the Power Inn light rail station. Howe was identified among the City’s top six to 10 corridors for traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Recommended improvements include:

• Adding a shared-use path along the east side of Howe Avenue
• Removing one travel lane in each direction between American River Drive and the American River bridge
• Installing signalized crosswalks at U.S. 50 ramp crossings

The planning-level cost estimate for the Howe corridor is approximately $48.8 million.

Planning for both corridors began with a review of relevant adopted plans, followed by an analysis of existing operations and infrastructure. The technical work was supplemented by community engagement that included digital and printed surveys, virtual and in-person workshops, and pop-ins at community association meetings and other events and destinations.

Both plans were funded through Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning grants and will amend the City’s Streets for People Active Transportation Plan to incorporate the corridor-specific improvements.