Gateway Activation Project (GAP)

The Gateway Activation Project (GAP) is a planned transportation and infrastructure improvement project focused on Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way in Citrus Heights. The project will implement multimodal (walking, biking, transit) and roadway improvements to create a Complete Streets environment that enhances safety, accessibility, mobility, and regional trail connectivity. It aims to connect existing and future pedestrian and bike facilities, including local multi-use trails and those in neighboring Roseville and Sacramento County. 

The project is currently in the preliminary engineering and environmental review phase. Previously, the alternative analysis and selection phase was completed, which culminated in a comprehensive presentation to City Council in 2025, where Council approved the current concepts and directed staff to move forward into the current phase.  To hear the details of the alternative analysis, please click the following link to watch the Council presentation: https://www.youtube.com/live/DLhEaVjIYQU?si=o-hr0fLC40X4RACo&t=2681  

The current phase is expected to continue through the environmental clearance process into Spring 2026. 

An MND, or Mitigated Negative Declaration, is a document prepared for a project undergoing environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It states that although the project may have significant environmental impacts, those impacts can be avoided or mitigated to a level of insignificance through specific measures. Essentially, an MND indicates that with the implementation of defined mitigation strategies, the project will not have a substantial adverse effect on the environment. 

The GAP mitigation measures aim to minimize environmental and community impacts during project implementation. They address air and water quality, noise control, biological resource protection, and public safety through best management practices and monitoring. 

Examples: 

• Air Quality: Apply dust suppression techniques and use low-emission equipment during construction.
• Noise Control: Limit work hours and employ noise-reducing machinery near sensitive areas.
• Biological Resources: Conduct pre-construction wildlife surveys andestablishprotective buffers around sensitive habitats.

Refer to the MND for full list of mitigation measures 

Construction would occur following environmental approvals, final design, and the securing of grant funding. While the City is actively advancing design and environmental clearance to remain competitive for future grant opportunities, no construction funding has been identified at this time. As a result, the timing of construction will depend on the availability and award of grant funding and is anticipated to be several years away. 

The current preliminary phase is funded solely by a state appropriation secured through then-Assemblymember Ken Cooley’s office. In 2022, the State General Fund allocated approximately $700,000 for GAP’s early engineering and outreach work. These funds were transferred to the city through an agreement with Caltrans and must be used for this project’s pre-construction activities by April 2026. 

The money received through the state appropriate cannot be used for any other purpose. 

The Main Goals of the GAP include: 

• Create trail and active transportation connections along the Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way corridors.
• Improve connectivity between local neighborhoods, the regional trail network, and neighboringjurisdictions.
• Complete planning, engineering, and environmental work needed to position the project for grant funds for future construction. 
• Enhance safety for all roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
• Evaluate and implement traffic operation enhancements at the existing dual all-way stops at Wachtel/Old Auburn and Oakwood Hills/Old Auburn.
• Support multimodal access consistent with Complete Streets principles.
• Provide opportunities for gateway features at a key entry point into theCity.

Roundabouts are proposed to address existing operational and safety challenges at key intersections along the corridor. Under current conditions, intersections controlled by dual stop signs experience long vehicle queues, inefficient operations, and driver confusion. Currently, Stop sign violations and excessive speed are commonly reported at and near these same intersections, particularly during peak periods. These locations also present challenging and uncomfortable pedestrian crossing conditions, with limited opportunities and long crossing distances. 

Roundabouts improve traffic flow by reducing conflict points and vehicle delay, calm traffic speeds, and create shorter, more predictable pedestrian crossings, making it easier and safer for people walking and biking to move through the corridor. In addition, because roundabouts reduce frequent stopping and starting, a reduction in traffic-related noise is a probable outcome. They also better support trail connections and provide opportunities for gateway features that help define entrances into the City. 

The Gateway Activation Project is a key link in a broader, long-planned regional trail network. The GAP will connect the recently opened Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail to the Old Auburn Road Multi-Use Trail, creating a connected trail corridors through Citrus Heights.  

Outside the City of Citrus Heights, Sacramento County’s Bikeway Master Plan anticipates additional trail construction east of Citrus Heights towards the American River trail.  The Sacramento County Bikeway Master Plan is available here: http://www.sacdot.com/Documents/A%20to%20Z%20Folder/Bikeways/SCBMP_North_Wallmap_Rev4.pdf (Note: this is a very large file and may take several minutes to download depending on connection speeds.) 

In addition, the future City of Roseville Dry Creek Greenway East project terminates on the eastern end of Old Auburn Road, at the limits of this project. The Dry Creek Greenway connects to the west through downtown Roseville, under Interstate 80 and ending at Cook Riolo Road and further west in Placer County. 

Together, these trails connect to key locations necessary to achieve a regional vision of a linked system of off-street trails that ultimately provides a continuous, low-stress route between points north in Roseville to Folsom Lake.  

By closing critical gaps and improving crossings and intersections, the project strengthens regional recreation, commuting, and mobility options for people walking and biking of all ages and abilities.