Hazel Project Continues to Reach Completion
The Hazel Avenue Project has been a fact of life in this area since 2006. As Phase II roars ahead toward completion, some commuters are asking questions about the commuter delays the project has spawned. Beyond the annoyance of traffic jams, residents are questioning whether the construction was on target.
Hazel Project Overview
The Hazel Avenue redo was broken into three distinct phases from the start. Phase I was finished in 2011. It involved increasing the width of Hazel Avenue from four lanes to six from Curragh Downs Drive to Highway 50 and putting in new trails for bikes and pedestrian traffic to keep them separate from vehicular traffic. Architectural and structural aspects of the American River Bridge were enhanced, and changes in traffic signals in some areas were also completed.
Phase II
Phase II is currently underway, and completion is expected in the summer. It involves putting utilities underground and erecting sound walls. It also involves making the roadway wider from Sunset to Curragh Downs Drive. In addition, a water main is being replaced on Hazel Avenue. At the end of Phase II, the area will boast new sidewalks, a median with landscaping, new bike trails and bus stops as well as improvements for disability access.
Phase III
Phase III is expected to begin in 2019. It will address the stretch of road from Madison Avenue in Orangevale to Sunset, where Phase II left off. It will add similar improvements.
Commuter Complaints
Some commuters, after years of construction work, are wondering why paving recently laid down in Phase II was disrupted to put in a new median. A Sacramento County project manager explained that was actually part of a contractor’s systematic approach. According to the manager, the initial layer of asphalt was laid, after which the median area was dug up. Once the median is finished, another layer of what is described as rubberized asphalt will be applied to the roadway. This protocol is reported as being more efficient and allows for ease of traffic diversion.
Why Roadwork Benefits the Community
Overall, improving roadway conditions improves the economy of a community. Adding wider sidewalks, beautifying roadways and enhancing bike trails helps residents enjoy outdoor activities and makes it easier to get around. Above all, it can prevent accidents. Poorly maintained roads can lead to an increase in car and motorcycle crashes. Dimly demarcated roads or those without sufficient lighting can be a root cause of many accidents. Allowing trees or other foliage to hide stop signs can make it difficult for motorists to see signage. Not allowing enough buffer space for cars to stop is also a problem. For instance, if a car must stop within 115 feet, the speed cannot exceed 20 mph. This would provide sufficient buffer space. Traffic signage and devices need to be place far enough away for drivers to stop without braking to a quick halt, making rear end collisions all the more common. If proper steps are not taken, someone injured in a construction zone can file a claim against the contractor or the government agency in charge.
Construction Site Accidents
Car accidents happen commonly in construction zones, particularly in areas of high traffic. Some causes are the site itself, drawing driver attention away from the road and debris that is often found on the road near construction sites. In addition, lack of proper signage can cause driver confusion about the often found lane changes. Drivers may also try to pass through a construction zone without obeying speed limits or other restrictions.
Car Accident Lawyer in Orangevale
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Orangevale. While the completed roadway project will be welcome for local residents and commuters, in the meantime, they have to deal with driving through a long-term construction area. If you are involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, call me at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. If you are calling from outside the area, I have a toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. You can also use our contact form online.
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