$1.9 million facelift for Vernon Street S curve in Roseville

The Roseville City Council approved plans last week for $1.9 million in upgrades at the Downtown Vernon Street S curve at Atlantic Street. Vernon Street through Downtown Roseville is a two-lane collector road with on-street parking and posted speed limits ranging between 15 to 25 mph. The Downtown Specific Plan cites the need for improvements at Vernon Street, Atlantic Street and Folsom Road. The aim is to improve traffic circulation and accessibility for bikes and pedestrians, with better connections between Historic Old Town and Downtown. The project will include improvements to Vernon Street beginning at Lincoln Street and extend through the S curve up to Yosemite Street, staff said. Work includes enhanced crosswalks, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, green bike lanes, pavement rehab, lane reductions to slow speeds and turning restrictions at low-volume corners to reduce "conflict zones." "All of these improvements are designed to benefit driver, bicyclist and pedestrian safety through the corridor," Roseville Engineer Karen Vences said in the report. The project will also improve corridor aesthetics by including a raised landscaped median upon entering Vernon Street into the downtown area. Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer 2025 and be complete by early spring 2026, authorities said. The project is estimated at $1.9 million, funded with highway grants, highway user taxes and local transportation funds Once the actual construction costs are known, a budget adjustment will be likely at the contract award later, staff said. No general fund resources will be used for construction, said Roseville Public Works Director Jason Shykowski. New landscaping along the corridor will require maintenance by the Roseville Parks Department. The estimated annual cost is $2,000, staff said. The City Council approved the plans for bid April 16 during the consent agenda.