Overview
Constructed in 1959, the I-80/Sierra College Boulevard Interchange in the City of Rocklin is too low, narrow and short to meet modern needs. The modernization of this interchange will raise the height of the interchange to meet U.S. Department of Defense standards for interstate routes; widen the overpass to coincide with the widening of Sierra College Boulevard to six lanes, and lengthen the junction to accommodate future widening of I-80.
Partners
City of Rocklin – A significant portion of the funding for the interchange is being provided by the City of Rocklin, and they have taken the lead role in the planning and implementation of interchange improvements. City officials are working to integrate the new interchange design with area land use plans, including acquisition of the additional right of way needed to implement the project.
Caltrans – Because the interchange is on an interstate route, Caltrans is required to provide oversight and make sure the improvements comply with state and federal standards. Caltrans has also pledged $11 million of its share of State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding to make sure the new interchange meets all requirements.
PCTPA – As the Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Placer County, PCTPA determines which projects will be funded with the county’s portion of State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding. PCTPA selected the interchange as a top priority project in the county, and will continue to allocate funding to support this effort.
SPRTA – The South Placer Regional Transportation Authority (SPRTA) is a Joint Powers Authority formed by the Cities of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, and Placer County to impose and administer regional traffic impact fees known as the Regional Transportation and Air Quality Mitigation Fee. $39.6 million of this regional fee is slated to fund the widening of Sierra College Boulevard from SR 193 to the Sacramento/Placer County line. To assure a smooth flow, the areas adjacent to the interchange will be widened at the same time as the interchange project.
Status/Schedule
Final environmental document – Completed
Right of way acquisition – Completed
Design – Completed 2006
Construction – Completed
Despite previous funding challenges of this project due to divertion of State transportation funds caused by ongoing state budget shortfalls, PCTPA and City of Rocklin staff have worked together with Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission to explore mechanisms to obtain earlier funding. Specifically, the City of Rocklin has worked with local developers to front most of the project’s cost. The City has put in $5 million, while local developers have put up $20 million in order to build the project sooner, rather than waiting for the State to come through with the money. State funding will pay back the developers and the City of Rocklin over three years, beginning in fiscal year 2008-09. This project was completed in March 2009.