The South Watt Area Transportation Study (SWATS) was approved by the Board of Supervisors in November 2002. This study examined a variety of potential improvements along the South Watt corridor from La Riviera Drive through the Folsom Boulevard intersection to the Kiefer Boulevard intersection. The goal of the study was to identify improvements that would help reduce congestion and improve this corridor for all modes of transportation including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and light rail passengers. Based on study results, SACDOT would then pursue funding for selected projects from various State and Federal sources.

Study Results & Project Implementation

The study process resulted in the selection of a number of near-term and long-term projects that will be implemented by SACDOT as funding allows. Below, is a summary of near-term and long-term improvements:

Near Term Improvements

• Watt Avenue @ Folsom Boulevard Traffic Signal Improvements
  Prior to 2003, the traffic signal computer controller at Watt Avenue and Folsom Boulevard did not have the capacity to optimize signal phasing in conjunction with the light rail crossing. This added to traffic delays. This signal controller has been upgraded to sense incoming light rail trains and clear signal phases appropriately.
• Watt Avenue Light Rail Bridge
  This project includes construction of a light rail bridge over Watt Avenue. By building a bridge for light rail trains over South Watt Avenue, vehicles at the intersection will no longer be subject to delays from light rail crossings. The result will be less delays and congestion for all vehicles using this roadway.
  
• Watt Avenue @ Folsom Boulevard At-Grade Improvements
  These improvements will include construction of: 1) Three through lanes each way on Watt Avenue, 2) Two through lanes each way on Folsom Boulevard, and 3) Dedicated right turn lanes in each direction. The at-grade improvements at Watt/Folsom Boulevard will be "maximized" with available right of way. These improvements has been incorporated into the Watt Avenue Light Rail Bridge project and US 50 @ Watt Interchange Improvement project.

Long Term Improvements

• US 50 @ Watt Interchange Improvements
  This is a State Highway improvement project to modify the existing interchange on U.S. 50 at Watt Avenue, and the intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Watt Avenue. This project will included:
  • Widening the off-ramp lanes and realigning them to traffic signals at Watt Avenue.
  • The addition of through lanes in each direction on Watt Avenue and an exclusive bus only lane.
• Watt Avenue Tunnel Under Folsom Boulevard
  Long term plans call for building a tunnel that will route Watt Avenue under Folsom Boulevard at this intersection. North-south vehicle through movements will be separated via parallel tunnels with a median area to be used for turning movements at grade.

Contact Information

For more information about this series of south Watt Avenue projects contact:

Dan Shoeman, Chief
Planning & Program Division
916-874-6291
shoemand@saccounty.net