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) - The Rancho Cordova City Council on Feb. 2 approved moving forward with artist contracts for the Zinfandel Drive bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing and accompanying ArtWalk, a nearly $37 million project city leaders described as both a critical transportation link and a future landmark.

The vote authorizes the city manager to approve contracts for four large public art installations planned along a three-quarter-mile multimodal trail connecting White Rock Road and Zinfandel Drive to the SacRT light rail station. The measure passed 3-1, with Councilmember Siri Pulipati dissenting and Councilmember Joe Little absent.

Public Works staff framed the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Rancho Cordova.

“The Zinfandel Drive bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing is going to be an iconic bridge that connects many of the amenities that we enjoy in Rancho Cordova,” said Albert Stricker of the Public Works Department. “The bridge itself is going to be an incredible piece of art, but we’ve also identified additional opportunities for art installations along the corridor.”

Edgar Medina, also with Public Works, said the overcrossing and Artwalk are intended to create a strong sense of place while improving safety and mobility.

“This is truly an opportunity for the city to have an iconic structure and Artwalk element that sets the stage for placemaking and branding,” Medina said.

The trail will eliminate eastbound and westbound off-ramps, improve bicycle and pedestrian access and strengthen connections between neighborhoods and economic centers on both sides of Highway 50.

The infrastructure portion of the project totals $35.3 million, with the Artwalk bringing the cost to just under $37 million, Medina said. About $23.3 million is funded through federal and state grants. Construction is expected to begin this summer, pending right-of-way acquisitions from roughly a dozen property owners, and conclude in spring 2028.

Christine Korty, who presented the art plan, said the City Council approved the framework for the public art component in August 2024. The plan includes four major artworks, along with community signage and wayfinding elements designed to serve as gateways and reflect Rancho Cordova’s identity.

A community-based art review panel, made up of local representatives, artists, educators and public art professionals, oversaw a competitive selection process. More than 170 artists applied across the four sites.

“They provided robust feedback, and we worked closely with artists to refine their concepts,” Korty said, noting that three of the four sites are within Caltrans right-of-way, requiring additional review and permitting.

The proposed installations include a 25-foot steel sculpture titled “Tree Walker” by Sheila Wyne of Anchorage, Alaska, marking the southern entrance to the trail; a ceramic mosaic wall by Adrienne Segal of Alameda that incorporates local fungi and lichen data; an oversized great blue heron sculpture by New York artist Matthew Mazzotta; and a light-based gateway piece called “Cascade” by Portland artist Aaron Stephens at the northern end of the trail.

Segal wrote in her proposal that her work “reflects the natural curiosity of the people of Rancho Cordova, highlighting the collaborative community of organisms living together here.”

Public comment was largely supportive. Cheryl Gleason, a member of the Cordova Community Council who served on the art panels, praised staff and the selection process.

“This is a huge project,” Gleason said. “I almost feel like I’m part of the fabric of this. This will be a destination for people to come see Rancho in an amazing light.”

Resident Chris Osana encouraged the city to think about the project’s visibility from Highway 50.

“This is a good opportunity to make a statement for the city,” Osana said. “It’s one of the most visible locations to identify Rancho Cordova.”

Council discussion reflected both enthusiasm and caution. Councilmember Linda Budge voiced support for the bridge design but stressed safety concerns.

“We need to make sure that what we are doing does not cause traffic to a screeching halt on Highway 50,” Budge said, adding lightheartedly that “every birder in the world will complain” if the heron’s colors are inaccurate.

Pulipati questioned whether some of the artworks would resonate with the public, particularly in terms of placement and visibility.

“We are spending a lot of money on the art so people can see and appreciate it,” Pulipati said. “Not to blend into the background.”

Staff emphasized that the designs are still conceptual and will continue to evolve. Medina noted that the city-owned trailhead parcel will include a plaza near the “Tree Walker” sculpture, creating space for gatherings and future events.

After discussion, Budge made the motion to approve the contracts.

“The bridge is gorgeous,” Budge said. “I will move approval that we authorize the city manager to approve the contract.”

The approval clears the way for final design coordination as Rancho Cordova moves closer to constructing what city leaders hope will become both a functional crossing and a defining civic space.