PRESS RELEASE

Placer County Transportation Planning Agency Celebrates Completion of Highway 49 Sidewalk Improvements

AUBURN, CA – The Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCTPA), in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the City of Auburn, and Placer County, announced today the completion of the Highway 49 Sidewalk Gap Closure Project. The project added 1.8 miles of new sidewalks along both sides of Highway 49 between Interstate 80 and Dry Creek Road in Auburn, closing longstanding gaps in the pedestrian network.

Where sidewalks once ended, residents and visitors now have continuous walking routes connecting neighborhoods, local businesses, schools, and other destinations. The project also included accessible curb ramps, new crosswalks, and a pedestrian bridge over Rock Creek, making it easier to navigate the corridor on foot.

“The completion of this project is an exciting milestone for Auburn,” said PCTPA Vice-Chair and Auburn City Councilmember Alice Dowdin Calvillo. “By closing critical sidewalk gaps along Highway 49, we’ve created safer, more accessible connections for residents and visitors. These improvements will benefit our community for years to come.”

The project was made possible through a partnership between PCTPA, Caltrans, the City of Auburn, and Placer County. PCTPA led project development and secured a $14.4 million state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant to help fund the improvements, while Caltrans oversaw construction. The project was funded by primarily state and federal funding sources.

It represents more than a significant infrastructure improvement for Auburn. It is a tangible example of PCTPA's long-term commitment to build a more connected transportation system for everyone who lives, works, and travels in Placer County.

Consistent with PCTPA's 2050 Regional Transportation Plan and Countywide ATP, the project improves pedestrian safety, expands transportation choices, and strengthens connections between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community destinations. By eliminating longstanding sidewalk gaps and incorporating accessible crossings and pedestrian facilities, the project helps create a transportation network that better serves people of all ages and abilities.

For more information about the Highway 49 Sidewalk Gap Closure Project, visit www.pctpa.net/highway-49-gap-closure-project.