Nov 18 – Construction of Sacramento’s Dos Rios light rail station near Marisol Village in the River District marks first event in its 2-year schedule today. Today’s site preparation will see the closure of Ahern Avenue and Sproule Avenue. The retaining wall construction at Loaves and Fishes parking lot will see fruition in late 2024 to early next year.
The Dos Rios Light Rail Station project had earlier on faced setbacks during the approval process. This dates back to November 13th 2023 when the project was halted by the Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) Board of Directors. The same board in a meeting in January of 2024 reversed their decision, giving a go-ahead to the plans for the project.
This was a “new-years’-gift” to the residents of Marisol Village as they were promised the light rail station way-back when the affordable housing redevelopment project was taking shape.
What derailed the Dos Rios Light Rail Station in the first place
The project earlier stalled due to financial concerns and constraints, among other factors.
Katie Valenzuela, Sacramento City Councilmember, remarked that the light rail station was part of the redevelopment plan but “the cost went way up”.
The other contributing reason to the halting was the soil contamination in the area as the Councilmember put it in this statement, “There was more contamination than we thought so we needed to fill a budget gap to make the project happen.”
Dos Rios Light Rail Station finances
The cost of the Dos Rios Light Rail Station project capped at $43 million. The light rail station also leveraged Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant worth $23 million in 2018 from the California Strategic Growth Council.
Expected disruptions from the construction of the light rail station
Construction of the public transit amenity will affect some roads – forcing their extended closures. The closure will be in effect for two years, with only the locals having access. The roads affected are:
- North 12th Street
- Ahern Street
- Sproule Avenue
There will be no through traffic to North 12th Street or Sunbeam Avenue from Sproule Avenue. Through traffic to Sproule Avenue from Sunbeam Avenue will also be affected. The left turn off North 12th street to Ahern Street or Sproule Avenue will also face disruption.
Criticism on the Dos Rios Light Rail Station
This Sacramento light rail project has had its fair share of criticism. Much of this appeared to revolve around the red-light that flagged the project off-course. The Mayor for Citrus Heights thought of it as a “terrible slap in the face to taxpayers”. Mayor Daniels insinuated that the project is not worthwhile as he made the following remarks, “We are going to spend approximately $43 million so that somebody doesn’t have to ride in a bus for one mile and take 3 minutes…”.
Others like Devin Strecker, River District Executive Director, expressed their optimism and delight towards the project, and termed the project approval in January, a “huge win” for them. This sentiment was echoed unanimously by area residents who pointed out the improved accessibility the light rail station will bring to the area’s transportation.
Overview of the Dos Rios Light Rail Station project
Location: East side of North 12th Street, South of Richards Boulevard
Cost: Capped at $43 million
Dos Rios Construction Timeline: November 2024 – September 2025
Gross Site Area: 19,712 sf
Architect: Salazar Architect
Design Scheme: Rio Azul Design
Project Manager: SacRT
Project Partners:
- Sacramento Area Council of Governments
- Urban Strategies
- Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA)
- Center for Public Interest Design (CPID)
Transit utility: Will serve the East end of River District
The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) will also be developing affordable housing on the other half of the site, and adjacent to the light rail station once the project is completed. This is however “some years away” from taking shape, as put by a credible source from the SHRA.
The Rio Azul “Blue River” Design Scheme
Some distinct features of the selected scheme for the Sacramento light rail station include:
- Rich blue terrazo floors
- Powder coated metal roofs
- 110 Solar panels within shade canopies – they will generate approx 47,080 kWh / yr
- Rain gardens – ecological gardens that provide rainwater catchment
- Space for farmer’s market and community events
- A public toilet on the plaza
The Dos Rios light rail station design scheme was selected because it is reflective of the ecology and communities in the area, it is also perceptive of sustainability, functionality, and support to the community.
Horn Road Station and The Blue Line
Alongside the Dos Rios Light Rail Project is the Horn Road Station. This will connect Downtown Sacramento and Folson in a related but separate plan. The $23 million light rail station is expected to make transit more reliable, improve mobility to the residents, and support local businesses. The Horn Road Station is also under the SacRT and got a funding boost from the Intercity Rail Capital Program grant.
The construction of Dos Rios and the Horn Road are both compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and are expected to feature fully automated signaling equipment.
The Blue Line, that the new Dos Rios Light Rail Station lies in, will also see a revamp to 17 other stations. The modernization of the old light rail designs to newer low-floor designs is capped at a cost of $24 million.
The light rail stations will need trains, and according to different sources, Siemens is up to task with that. Siemens has a train factory in South Sacramento.
Also read about the $7.1 billion project connect light rail set to break ground in 2027 and the East San Fernando Valley light rail transit project
