Video Week 4 - Work Progresses on Elk Grove's Sheldon-Waterman Roundabout

UPDATED August 1, 2016 - See information below

On July 5, 2016, construction commenced on the long-awaited roundabout for the Sheldon and Waterman roads intersection.

Even though the roundabout is in the city's rural area, Sheldon Road has become a major east-west commuter artery for Elk Grove residents who ply the road on their way to jobs in employment centers like the cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova. While Elk Grove has unsuccessfully attempted to become an employment center, its most recent economic development focus has been to transform the city into an international tourist destination.

Since last week's update, the city has installed three pieces of public art including a windmill in the center of the roundabout.

The intersection, which has been closed to accommodate construction, is expected to reopen by August 5, 2016. The video below was recorded on Sunday morning, July 24, 2016.

August 1, 2016 Update

In response to a comment posted on this story, below is information provided by The City of Elk Grove's Public Works regarding the rationale for the installation of sidewalks as part of the Sheldon-Waterman intersection roundabout.

1.       The Sheldon and Waterman Roundabout project is locally funded (ie….there is no federal funding).

2.       The bike/ped paths around the roundabout serve as bike bypass paths.  This allows bicyclists the option to exit the stream of traffic in advance of the roundabout and travel around the roundabout like a pedestrian.  This is an added bicycle safety feature per current roundabout design guidelines.

3.       Per the EG Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Master Plan, a Class 1 Trail is planned for the length of Waterman Rd between the new Sheldon Roundabout and Bond Road.  This future trail will ultimately provide bike/ped connectivity to the new roundabout.  There is currently no City project to design or construct this trail as the developers of property along Waterman Road are conditioned to build the paths whenever the developments proceed.  It is my understanding the timelines for the developments are unknown.

4.       The City currently has a federally funded project (WPR010) to reconstruct Waterman between Bond Road and Sheldon Road.  As part of the reconstruction, Waterman Road will be widened to include 5’ shoulders which will double as bike lanes.  Construction of this project is currently anticipated for the 2018 construction season.