Groundbreaking Event Celebrates Start of Construction on SacRT's Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project

July 18, 2024 SacRT News

Groundbreaking Photo

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) celebrated a significant milestone today with a groundbreaking event marking the start of construction on the Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project. This ambitious project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall customer experience at one of the region's largest transit hubs. SacRT recently invested millions into the transit center, including upgrading the two elevators, and will invest $26 million in the new improvements over the next two years.

SacRT officials, community leaders, and local stakeholders gathered to commemorate the occasion and discuss the impact these improvements will have on the community. The project includes widening the Watt Avenue Bridge, constructing an open-air stairwell linking Watt Avenue with the transit center, developing a new bus/pedestrian plaza, upgrading I-80 on-ramps, and enhancing the portion of the transit center located beneath Watt Avenue.

"As our community continues to grow, it is imperative that we invest in infrastructure that supports sustainable transportation options," said Congressman Ami Bera. "In Congress, I proudly voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in modernizing and repairing our infrastructure in Sacramento County. The improvements at the Watt/I-80 Transit Center will make it easier for residents to access reliable transit services, helping to reduce traffic and improve air quality in our region."

"The Watt/I-80 light rail project represents a significant step forward for the Sacramento region, enhancing public transit accessibility and fostering sustainable urban growth by connecting more communities with efficient and reliable transportation options," said Congressman Kevin Kiley. "Embarking on this project shows how interconnected our region really is and how critical it is that our transit system is as accessible, safe and easy to navigate as possible. This project moves the ball in the right direction."

"The Federal Transit Administration is proud to support the Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project," said Amy Changchien, Federal Transit Administration Region 9 Deputy Administrator. "This initiative aligns with our goals of enhancing public transportation systems to be more sustainable, accessible and more efficient. We look forward to seeing the long-term positive impact these upgrades will have on improving connectivity and promoting equity in the Sacramento community."

"The Highway 80 corridor connects Placer County to Sacramento in the heart of my district where it is always congested," said State Senator Roger Niello. "Improving the light rail station here at Watt Avenue is one step toward making it easier to use transit, providing travelers options and hopefully reducing that congestion and improving the air quality for our region."

"The Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project is a critical step forward in our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transit services for our community," said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. "These improvements will not only make the transit center more accessible but also more inviting and capable of handling increased ridership."

"Investing in our transit infrastructure is essential for the growth and development of our community," said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. "The enhancements to the Watt/I-80 Transit Center will create a safer and more efficient transit hub, encouraging more people to use public transportation and reducing congestion on our roads."

"We are excited to partner with SacRT and see the Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project come to life," said Matt Click, Executive Director of Placer County Transportation Planning Agency. "These upgrades are vital so SacRT can continue to provide high-quality transit for Placer County residents as we continue to experience rapid population growth."

Construction begins with modifications to the bus lane at the light rail station. While riders will notice construction activities, bus stops will remain unaffected until mid-August 2024. Drivers can expect lane closures on Watt Avenue as crews work on replacing the Watt Avenue median, though access to bus stops on the top level of the Transit Center will remain open during the initial construction stage. The project is expected to be completed in early 2026, promising a transformed transit hub that better serves the needs of SacRT riders and the surrounding community.

For more information about the Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project and updates on construction activities, please visit sacrt.com/WattI80.