Residents Demand Action and Resolution for FixSac99 Issues

The Caltrans FixSac99 project in south Sacramento has been completed for over two years. However, residents living nearby say one issue still hasn’t been resolved: the area is unsafe for drivers and pedestrians.

People in the area feel like they have been forgotten and are not being told anything. A local resident insists that something needs to change. He said the main issue is the lights under the 21st Avenue underpass are not working, and it’s not a new problem. He mentioned this has been an issue for more than a year.

Locals are concerned about how pitch black it gets under the bridge at night. Another resident mentioned that it gets very dark, especially on a bicycle. He said he couldn’t predict what he might come across. He also noted that there’s been a ton of graffiti and trash since the lights stopped working.

In June 2021, the underpass became a hot topic when Caltrans shut down both sides of Highway 99 for four days. Workers removed the old concrete bridge and installed a new pre-made deck. Neighbors said the area started darkening soon after the Caltrans crew left. Those nearby mentioned that the lights turned off a few weeks later and were never switched back on.

Disappointed by the city’s slow response, neighbors tackled the lighting problem themselves. But when they did, the city said it was Caltrans’s job to handle it. This back-and-forth leaves residents in a difficult situation, as they are still dealing with bad lighting and promises that have not been met.

Residents said this issue is about more than just lights—it’s about making their neighborhood safe and ensuring local organizations do their job keeping them safe.

Perhaps the solution is as easy as fixing a broken light. Or maybe, it’s about improving how we keep these organizations accountable, ensuring they meet top standards. We all hope this problem gets sorted out soon, so our neighborhood can again be where everyone feels safe.

The Dangers of Driving and Walking in Poorly Lit Areas

Driving or walking in an area with poor lighting can be pretty dangerous. Here’s why:

• Reduced Visibility: Poorly lit areas make it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead, potentially missing pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. It also hampers pedestrians’ ability to see oncoming traffic, which could lead to accidents.
• Increased Chance of Accidents: Without proper lighting, drivers and pedestrians are more prone to accidents. A driver might not see a pedestrian crossing the road, or a pedestrian might trip over an unseen obstacle.
• Increased Crime Risk: Areas with bad lighting are often targeted by criminals, as committing crimes unnoticed is more manageable. This makes walking especially risky, as pedestrians may be more vulnerable to attacks.
• Harder for Help to Arrive: In an accident or emergency, poorly lit areas can make it harder for first responders to locate the scene, leading to delays in emergency services.

For these reasons, we must advocate for adequate lighting in our communities to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

If you or a family member has been hurt because of inadequate lighting in your area, you could be eligible for compensation for your losses. Talk to a skilled injury attorney about your situation. Check out the video below to understand how our personal injury lawyers in Sacramento can assist you.