Here is an initial sketch of one of the sites for the Zinfandel Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. Photo courtesy of the city of Rancho Cordova 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - During the Aug. 5 Rancho Cordova City Council meeting, council members debated and passed initial details of the Zinfandel Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing and its accompanying art project, aiming to enhance connectivity and safety across U.S. Highway 50.

The Zinfandel Drive project, estimated to cost $27.32 million, will build a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility along Zinfandel Drive from White Rock Road to Folsom Boulevard. The project is designed to enhance connectivity between the north and south sides of the city as well as improve access to the Zinfandel light rail station, residential areas, jobs and schools.

Funding for the project includes $3.99 million in Traffic Mitigation Impact Fees, $3.38 million in Federal Highway Improvement Program Grants and $19.96 million in State Active Transportation Program Grant Funds. An additional $1.4 million is needed for the proposed art walk and signage enhancements. The proposed internal funding source includes the General Fund or the Community Enhancement Investment Fund, pending future budget decisions.

Public works director Albert Stricker emphasized the project’s potential as a landmark.

“It presents an exceptional opportunity to create a unique environment through architecture, design and public art,” he said.

Stricker noted that the overcrossing will serve as a focal point for a new Art Walk, featuring four artwork sites, four signage locations and four wayfinding signs.

“There will certainly be people utilizing this corridor functionally for travel, to access dining establishments or walking to and from work on either side of Highway 50 and we expect that they will enjoy the artwork as they are walking,” he mentioned. “We also believe this will be a destination for people visiting Rancho Cordova. With completion of this project, we will have this iconic bridge structure so people driving along the freeway know they are in Rancho Cordova.”

During public comment, Sacramento Area Bike Advocates (SABA) executive director Deb Banks and Bike Advocates for Rancho Cordova (BARC) project manager Fayzah Mughal expressed concerns about prioritizing safety and connectivity over art.

“Public art is a desirable enhancement for the community. However, improving access, safety and the connectivity of the project that can reduce vehicular violence injuries and deaths should be the focal point,” said Banks and Mughal in a letter sent to the council. They also cautioned against potential delays of the project caused by seeking additional funding for the art components.

Council members addressed these concerns with reassurances about safety.

“The project is definitely making people safer. We can do both things at once,” said Mayor David Sander, Ph.D.

Councilmember Donald Terry added, “That is exactly why we are putting infrastructure there—to slow cars down.”

Council members also explored ideas for the artwork and lighting. Garret Gatewood suggested integrating Artificial Intelligence technology into the artwork, while Linda Budge emphasized the importance of local artists.

“I appreciate the concept that local artists would have preference, we need this to be local. We have absolute pros here,” said Budge.

Councilmember Budge did however express concern about potential distractions for drivers.

“I’m concerned about the lighting and what we put on the side of the road that is a distraction to the motoring public. We need to make sure that whatever we do is attractive, and it supports the project as opposed to creating something that can be seen from a satellite view,” Budge said.

Stricker and principal engineer Edgar Medina assured the council that safety remains the top priority.

“The California Department of Transportation has a huge priority on safety, and we will ensure that as we go through the details of the design process this is something that is beautiful but not a distraction,” said Stricker.

Vice-Mayor Siri Pulipati advocated for visually striking artwork, suggesting it should be “Insta-worthy” with the use of bright colors instead of something that blends into the background.

“We need something where people will be coming to our city to see it and generate revenue. Should be something that attracts people and a place for our city residents to go to,” said Pulipati.

Council member Terry addressed the differing opinions from fellow council members by saying, “I feel like a design committee may need to be put together. We have people that want to do a lot of light and someone who is concerned about the light plans as they are.”

The timeline for the Zinfandel Drive Pedestrian Overcrossing project is designed to ensure completion by 2027. The City Council meeting on Aug. 5 featured the presentation of the art plan, with the artists selection process beginning after that. By spring 2025, the City Council will approve the chosen artists. Construction awards are expected by the Summer of 2025 with art installation scheduled for 2026.

The next City Council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 at City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova.