Getting around Elk Grove by foot or bike can be a joy. With springtime around the corner, it’s also very appealing. Navigating around town isn’t always easy, though. For example, Highway 99 neatly intersects through the middle of Elk Grove, creating a symmetric, yet inconvenient city feature.
Ask anyone who travels Elk Grove by bike or foot about the challenges.
Thanks to a nearly $7 million grant, Elk Grove residents and visitors will soon enjoy access to both sides of the city more easily and safely with a new bridge over Highway 99.
Elk Grove city leaders got the ball rolling on the project through an application for a grant. It was favorably evaluated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, which is a group of local leaders who collaborate on major projects that require expanded resources and support.
Elk Grove applied and received the organization’s Active Transportation Program. This year, there’s more than $45 million in funding for similar projects that promote green transportation options for all residents, especially those who like to get around by foot or bike. El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties are eligible for funding.
Elk Grove is one of 10 major walking and biking projects across the greater Sacramento region happening soon. At the heart of these projects is the enhancement of transportation for widespread community benefit.
The bridge is a welcome addition along Laguna Creek Trail, which is already busy with joggers, walkers and bikers.
Along with the construction of the bridge, the funding gives Elk Grove some room to conduct trail improvements, as part of the city’s Ready, Set, Trails program. The initiative aims to improve the growing network of reliable, scenic and safe walking and biking trails in Elk Grove and beyond.
The trail portion of the project will allow for a continuous 7-mile trail segment of Camden Trail.
While the project is still a couple years away, the ultimate goal is to continually improve the walking and biking paths people enjoy each day and that conveniently connect them to their communities and daily destinations.
City planners envision Elk Grove as the city that gets people moving by foot and bike in high volumes while also decreasing roadway congestion and improving air quality.
Learn more about the regional approach to active transportation here.