Kammerer Road Reconstruction: Award-winning efficiency during the coronavirus lockdowns
Kammerer Road has been a critical transportation link for Elk Grove and surrounding communities for over 60 years. However, as the region grew and weather patterns tested its durability, the road’s limitations became evident. Chronic flooding during storms rendered it impassable, creating significant safety risks for residents and emergency responders. Years of wear and tear left the pavement riddled with cracks and potholes, and the road’s outdated design failed to meet the demands of modern traffic and infrastructure standards.
In response, a comprehensive reconstruction project was launched to address these long-standing issues and transform Kammerer Road into a reliable and resilient corridor.
Award for Government Efficiency
This Connector project was selected in 2024 as the APWA Sacramento Chapter “Project of the Year” in the transportation category due to its expedited construction, which only took nine months. The reconstruction of Kammerer Road serves as a model for future infrastructure projects, demonstrating how smart planning can expedite construction when “Every Day Counts”. This efficiency was made possible by closing the road during the pandemic in 2020, when traffic was significantly reduced due to stay-at-home orders. Without the need for open traffic control, crews were able to focus entirely on delivering a high-quality project.
The Project
The reconstruction of Kammerer Road focused on a three-mile stretch notorious for flooding and deterioration. The project aimed to:
Improve Drainage: Install modern drainage systems to prevent flooding and ensure the road remains passable during heavy rains.
Rebuild the Structural Section: Completely replace the underlying foundation and pavement to enhance durability and extend the road’s lifespan.
Modernize the Design: Upgrade the road to meet current safety and infrastructure standards, ensuring it could support the region’s growing transportation needs.
Construction Timeline
Thanks to strategic planning and an innovative approach, construction was completed in just nine months—an impressive timeline for a project of this scope.
Funding
The $15 million project was primarily funded by local city and county taxes, with $3 million contributed by the State of California. This collaborative funding approach highlights the importance of partnerships between state and local governments in addressing critical infrastructure needs.
Impact
Since its completion, Kammerer Road has delivered tangible benefits to the community:
Enhanced Safety: The new drainage systems have eliminated flooding, ensuring safe and reliable travel for residents and emergency responders.
Improved Accessibility: The road now provides consistent access, even during adverse weather conditions, reducing travel disruptions.
Economic Growth: A modernized road supports local businesses and improves connectivity, fostering economic opportunities in the region.
Looking Ahead
Kammerer Road will now be extended 3 miles to connect with Interstate 5 at the Hood-Franklin Rd interchange.
As the region continues to grow, projects like this are critical to supporting the community’s needs and ensuring its infrastructure keeps pace with development. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a safer, more connected future for Elk Grove and beyond.
