A new signalized crossing at Jackrabbit Trail and Arena Boulevard provides a formal crossing for people walking and biking along the eight-mile trail in North Natomas.
The City of Sacramento and North Natomas Jibe celebrated the project’s completion Monday, Oct. 26, with a ribbon cutting featuring Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes, Councilmember Lisa Kaplan and project partners. A community bike ride coordinated by North Natinas Jibe followed the event.
The trail runs between Elkhorn Boulevard and Garden Highway alongside the Natomas East Drainage Canal and connects North Natomas to the American River Parkway and beyond.
“Jackrabbit Trail helps connect our neighborhoods to the American River Parkway and trails throughout the region,” said Vice Mayor Talamantes. “I’m grateful to North Natomas Jibe, our City staff and state partners for working together to make this crossing possible and give more residents the opportunity to get out and enjoy our trails.”
“The opening of the safe crossing for Jackrabbit trail marks a vital step forward in our ongoing commitment to making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone,” said Councilmember Kaplan. “Investments like this are essential to giving families and commuters the peace of mind they deserve when navigating our city.”
Before the project, trail users informally crossed Arena Boulevard through a break in the median intended for maintenance vehicles. The project formalizes that crossing while maintaining maintenance access along the canal.
“This project addresses a crossing that people were already using and makes it a more visible part of the trail,” said Jesse Gothan, supervising civil engineer with the City’s Department of Public Works. “It helps people continue their walk or bike ride across Arena Boulevard while maintaining the access needed to care for the canal.”
“People need useful connections along the routes they walk and bike,” said Mellissa Meng, executive director of North Natomas Jibe. “We’re pleased to help bring this crossing improvement to the community and celebrate it with a ride on the trail.”
The $1.5 million project received $500,000 from North Natomas Jibe and $200,000 from the California Natural Resources Agency, secured by Mayor Kevin McCarty while he served in the state Assembly.