NE Sacramento News

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 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 two elevators, and will invest $26 million in 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 air quality for our region.”

SacRT is an award-winning agency recognized by several national awards for innovation in safety and security. SacRT operates approximately 82 bus routes; 43 miles of light rail serving 53 stations; ADA paratransit services within a 440-square mile service area throughout Sacramento County.

“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 growth,” said SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy. “The enhancements will create a safer hub encouraging more people to use public transportation.”

“We are excited to partner with SacRT,” said Matt Click from Placer County Transportation Planning Agency. “These upgrades are vital so SacRT can continue providing high-quality transit for Placer County residents as we experience rapid population growth.”

Construction begins with modifications to bus lanes at the light rail station while maintaining access until mid-August 2024 when lane closures on Watt Avenue are expected during median replacement work.

For more information about updates on construction activities visit sacrt.com/WattI80.