Monday, July 14, 2008
If money were no option...
This week, ValleyVue will highlight five of the most important projects for the Sacramento region. The completed projects could change the way Sacramentans live, hopefully for the better. Most recognize the need for them, but all balk at the price tags attached. And, no, a new arena for the Kings will not be one of the five projects. ValleyVue sees the ultimate need and value of a new arena for Sacramento, but these five projects will be truly transformative, effecting everyone in the area for decades. At some point, it seems imminent that an arena will be built. These other projects will also likely come to fruition, but only if the money works out.
First in the series will be the Beltway. To transport people and goods in and through Sacramento, a freeway must be built from I-5 in Elk Grove to U.S. Route 50 in Folsom/El Dorado Hills, and then from that area to I-80 east of Roseville.
The last major change to the region's maps regarding freeways was in 1972 with the addition of the Business 80 bypass in northern Sacramento. Most of the area's freeways had developed into today's recognizable map placement by 1970. In 38 years, Sacramento city has increased in population by 200,000 people. Also in that time, cities throughout the region have incorporated and expanded wildly. The suburbs of Elk Grove and Roseville each have over 100,000 residents. Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Lincoln, and Rocklin also have significant populations along the route of the beltway.
The Sacramento region is not what it was in the early 70's. As highways in that era were built for the communities of the time, a new freeway must be planned and developed as a reaction to the area's sprawl. Yes, the danger will be that sprawl will follow the new highway, spreading further out from the suburb communities. However, if nothing is done, grid lock will be the result. In fact, by making transportation more efficient in the region, gas can be saved, goods can be delivered more cheaply, and pollution can be reduced. Surely, trying to focus growth in the urbanized areas is of prime importance, but now that the community has expanded, officials must respond. Whenever the money becomes available...
Tomorrow: Light Rail Expansion
First in the series will be the Beltway. To transport people and goods in and through Sacramento, a freeway must be built from I-5 in Elk Grove to U.S. Route 50 in Folsom/El Dorado Hills, and then from that area to I-80 east of Roseville.
The last major change to the region's maps regarding freeways was in 1972 with the addition of the Business 80 bypass in northern Sacramento. Most of the area's freeways had developed into today's recognizable map placement by 1970. In 38 years, Sacramento city has increased in population by 200,000 people. Also in that time, cities throughout the region have incorporated and expanded wildly. The suburbs of Elk Grove and Roseville each have over 100,000 residents. Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Lincoln, and Rocklin also have significant populations along the route of the beltway.
The Sacramento region is not what it was in the early 70's. As highways in that era were built for the communities of the time, a new freeway must be planned and developed as a reaction to the area's sprawl. Yes, the danger will be that sprawl will follow the new highway, spreading further out from the suburb communities. However, if nothing is done, grid lock will be the result. In fact, by making transportation more efficient in the region, gas can be saved, goods can be delivered more cheaply, and pollution can be reduced. Surely, trying to focus growth in the urbanized areas is of prime importance, but now that the community has expanded, officials must respond. Whenever the money becomes available...
Tomorrow: Light Rail Expansion
Labels: air pollution, Elk Grove, Folsom, I-5, I-80, Lincoln, Ranch Cordova, Roseville, Sacramento, traffic, US-50
