Supervisors Approve Changes To Marconi-Fair Oaks Intersection

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors have unanimously approved a resolution authorizing eminent domain for parts of properties at the intersection of and Marconi Avenue related to lane changes but would prefer to settle with property owners, project officials said today.

The supervisors on Tuesday gave the green light to the project that officials say will greatly enhance the intersection, to include new bicycle lanes and modernized Americans with Disabilities Act improvements as well as signal modifications and median improvements.

There are seven partial acquisitions required for the project and offers have been made to the owners of all properties. Purchase agreements had been executed by three owners and an agreement was signed prior to Tuesday's meeting with owners of the , officials said. Negotiations are ongoing with owners for the properties of , Arco/ampm and .

"We're still hopeful for a settlement on those three properties," said Stephen White, a senior civil engineer with the Sacramento County Department of Transportation. "This project will make the intersection more attractive and a gateway into Carmichael."

Landmark signs will be put up similar to ones on Fulton Avenue in the Arden area.

The Carmichael project is a 12-14 month process with construction set to begin in Spring 2012, said Dan Wukmir, program manager for DOT projects in the county's Real Estate Division.

Officials say the intersection is outdated and the turning lane from southbound Fair Oaks Boulevard right onto Marconi Avenue will be eliminated.

The estimated total project delivery cost is $2,231. The project will be funded with MeasureA Sales Tax funds of $1.500 million and developer fees of $731,000. Funding for the project is included in the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2011-12 Adopted Budget.

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