New Transportation Capacity Will Improve Mobility

Population and job growth experienced throughout the Highway 50 Corridor in recent years was not anticipated when Highway 50 was constructed in the 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Attributed to a large job base, a variety of housing options and numerous recreational amenities, that growth has resulted in a 93% increase in congestion delays in the last three years alone.

If relief is not provided with new well-planned transportation projects, travel times in the Highway 50 Corridor will grow rapidly and travel speeds will be further reduced in the next few years.  A transportation system that effectively addresses this increasingly serious problem by providing attractive transportation alternatives is critical for the retention and creation of jobs, housing accessibility, and preserving a high quality of life for families and workers.

Sensible and Effective Solutions are Available

The Highway 50 Corridor has in recent years seen the development and increasing use of several transportation alternatives, including a light-rail line that now extends to Folsom, HOV lanes, bus rapid transit, and fleet vehicle and carpool programs.

Local, regional and state government representatives working in close partnership with several landowners in the Highway 50 Corridor have identified a set of near-term priority transportation improvements – to be developed by the end of 2012 – that will significantly improve mobility, relieve congestion and provide more transportation choices in the Highway 50 Corridor.  When developed, these near-term priority projects will reduce vehicle hours of delay during commute hours by 30%.

The partnership’s longer-term recommendations also will reduce dependence on auto travel for the area’s workers and residents, and increase the use of transit, biking and walking for more trips.