Due to the congested traffic at the Highway 50/Howe Avenue interchange, the city of Sacramento will be expanding the road from College Town Drive and Folsom Boulevard to 6 lanes.

The construction project will improve on-ramps, add ramp metering, and widen the turn lane at La Riviera Drive.

The area has been a problem spot for the city with its lack of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular security.

“We want to ensure that our residents and our visitors can move through the Howe Avenue area safely and efficiently. This investment is going to have a big pay-off in terms of improving traffic flow and paving the way for future economic development and growth,” council member Dave Jones said.

The widening of the road will help to alleviate these impending hazards and help to get people through one of the most notoriously sluggish intersections in Sacramento.

This potential luxury will not be attained without provisional sacrifices.

The left turn lane from northbound Howe Avenue at College Town Drive will be closed permanently until the projected conclusion of the renovation in the summer of 2003.

Detours will be plenty, with northbound traffic on Power Inn Road turning left on Folsom Boulevard and right at Hornet Drive, and west bound traffic on Folsom Boulevard continuing through the Power Inn Road intersection and turning right on Hornet Drive.

Most of the construction will occur during the night and early morning. Occasional traffic control can be expected.

“Anyone interested in learning more about the project or anyone with comments may call a special project information line, 24 hours a day,” Jones said.

The number is 916/554-0809.