(from the Grapevine Independent)

The Franchise Tax Board got eco friendly this week, hosting its third Green Fair. Approximately 30 vendors answered questions, provided demonstrations, statistics, samples and some hearty words of encouragement to the 2,000 FTB employees during the fair.

Several booths featured vanpool, mass transit, carpool and bike-to-work information as well as Spare The Air Day information.

FTB employees even have an in-house bicycle group called BUG: Bicycle Users Group. The BUG group participates in May's Bike To Work month, last year racking up over 40,000 collective miles said Dave Castle, an IT manager at FTB and active BUG member.

-photo has to be taken within the city of Rancho Cordova

-photo must promote healthy lifestyles and activities

-must be relevant to the associated Master Plan

-quality of the photograph

For more information, contact Travis Evans: (916)851-8906

Beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday evening, drivers heading east on U.S. 50 will be detoured off the highway at Watt Avenue.  Wednesday evening, the California Highway Patrol will assist in directing motorists to exit at southbound Watt Avenue.  From there, traffic will be directed to head east on Folsom Boulevard and then south on Bradshaw Road where they can re-board U.S. Highway 50.  The detour is scheduled to be completed by 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 22.  Drivers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes. 

This detour is necessary so workers from the partnership of DeSilva Gates Construction and MCM Construction can erect false-work to construct a new bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing over Highway 50 near Manlove road. 

This work is just part of a $108 million project by Caltrans, Sacramento County, the City of Rancho Cordova, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and the Sacramento Transportation Authority that will help unclog traffic congestion and reduce air pollution by adding 15 lane miles of new bus/carpool lanes  between Watt Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard in Rancho Cordova. In addition to new bus/carpool lanes, the project also includes:

• More than four miles of new sound walls at a dozen locations

• Community enhancements, such as improved lighting and landscaping

• Replacement of two bike/pedestrian overcrossings at Manlove Road and White Rock Park to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards

• New ramp meters, changeable message signs, and traffic cameras

Bus/carpool lanes typically carry 2-3 times more people at peak traffic hours than conventional mixed-flow lanes.  When the bus/carpool lane project between Sunrise Boulevard and Watt Ave is completed in 2013, there will be continuous bus/carpool lanes on U.S. Highway 50 between Bass Lake Road and Watt Avenue, a distance of approximately 21 miles.

Effective Friday, January 1, 2010, RT will implement a parking fee at three park-and-ride lots.

RT will charge a $1 parking fee at the following light rail station park-and-ride lots:
   Watt/I-80 (243 spaces)
   Watt/I-80 West (248 spaces)
   Roseville Road (1,087 spaces)

Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may pay either by cash (exact change is required), credit card or debit card.

RT has made paying to park as easy
as 1-2-3...

1. Park your car and make note of your parking stall number

2. Pay at the parking payment kiosk located near the station platform (you will be prompted to enter your parking stall number) or by mobile phone

3. Ride light rail to your destination

Monthly Parking Pass: $15
You can also purchase a monthly parking pass online for $15 at www.sacrt.com or at RT's Customer Service and Sales Center located at 1225 R Street (adjacent to the 13th Street light rail station). Monthly parking passes are also available at Bel Air markets located at 1039 Sunrise Avenue (Roseville) and 7901 Walerga Road (Antelope); or by calling 916-321-2849. Passes purchased by phone and online will be sent by first-class mail (shipping and handling charges apply to online purchases).

RT staff will be available at all three park-and-ride lots from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. to assist you with the new parking payment kiosks, answer questions and sell monthly passes on the following dates:

Monday, December 14, 2009 - Watt/I-80
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - Watt/I-80 West
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - Roseville Road
Thursday, December 17, 2009 - Roseville Road
Monday, January 4, 2010 - Watt/I-80, Watt/I-80 West and Roseville Road
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - Watt/I-80, Watt/I-80 West and Roseville Road
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - Watt/I-80, Watt/I-80 West and Roseville Road
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - Watt/I-80, Watt/I-80 West and Roseville Road
   
For more information about the Park-Pay-and-Ride program and the citation process, visit www.sacrt.com.

This letter was printed in the Mountain Democrat last week....

Who is responsible for bike trail safety?

When I see all the people out walking, riding bikes, skateboarding, riding their horses, walking the dog, or "wheeling" in a wheel chair, etc, on our latest additions to the El Dorado trail I feel very good. Along with the good feeling, I have a growing concern; avoidable accidents are occurring on the trail. In emergency work, many of us use the term "situational awareness"; it is a term that has served us well and kept us safe in some pretty dangerous situations. Situational awareness requires people to be aware of what is happening all around them and continuously assessing the risks to their safety. Most people practice situational awareness before walking down a dark alley in a strange city.

At this point you should stop reading if you want to follow the herd and subscribe to "what all the other kids are doing it" approach to life. Reading on may challenge you, because I am advocating that all walkers need to walk on the left side of a bike trail or road and face the danger posed by faster moving vehicles. I am saying our mothers or grandmothers were right when they told us "walk on the left side of the road so that you can see the approaching cars" (the danger). She did not discuss treating bike trails as roads because they were very rare.

Here is a test that will help you assess your situation when walking:

1. On which side of the road must cars drive?

(Answer-Right)

2. On which side of the road must bicycles ride?

(Answer-Right)

3. TRICK QUESTION-On which side of a sidewalk should bicycles ride?

(Answer-Bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, training wheels are OK)

4. On which side of a sidewalk do people walk?

(Answer-Generally folks walk on the right side of sidewalks, but it is not required)

5. On which side of a bike trail are bicycles required to ride?

(Answer-Right, just like a road )

6. Is there a difference between a sidewalk and a bike trail?

(Answer-bikes are not supposed to be on sidewalks-people on sidewalks can walk wherever they want)

7. Are you comfortable with an unseen Prius coming up behind you at 35 mph? A bicycle coming from behind at 15 mph?

(Answer-your decision)

8. Are bicyclists required to say "on your left" or sound a bell when passing walkers choosing to walk on the right?

(Answer-No, but trail courtesy needs to be observed by all to help prevent accidents)

So who is ultimately responsible for your safety, ...a 12 year old learning to ride a new bike rapidly approaching you from behind as you walk with the herd or ...???

Bob Smart

Diamond Springs

Caltrans wants the public to know about a new law signed by the governor that requires motorists to move over or slow down when they see a Caltrans vehicle flashing warning lights.

The new law, Senate Bill 240 (State Senator Roderick Wright), adds Caltrans vehicles displaying flashing amber warning lights to the list of vehicles for which motorists must slow down and, if safe, move over to a lane not immediately adjacent to the stationary vehicle.

"This protects the safety of our workers," said Caltrans Director Randy Iwasaki. "Highway workers face the same dangers from fast moving traffic as emergency personnel and tow-truck operators. We appreciate the leadership and recognition of the legislature and governor for the need to provide a safer working environment for our employees."

Since 1924, 174 Caltrans workers have lost their lives in the line of duty. On July 23, 2009, Caltrans worker Don Lichliter was struck and fatally injured by a passing truck on Highway 99 in Lodi. He was with another worker applying a fertilizer treatment to keep eucalyptus trees healthy. Their truck was parked on the shoulder.

To date, 45 other states have enacted similar laws requiring motorists to move over or slow down. Violation of the new provision is punishable by a fine of not more than $50. The new law also makes the safety protections permanent by removing the sunset date (January 1, 2010) from existing law.

Pick a week in October to try an alternative to driving alone for any of your daily trips and you could win a $50 gift certificate.

Carpool, vanpool, take transit, telecommute, bike or walk ...they will all save money, reduce your time in traffic and improve our air quality - in addition to giving you a chance to win $50.

Visit www.sacregion511.org and tell us how you changed your travel for the low-car challenge for your chance to win.

If you don't have easy internet access, please call 916-340-6229 to request a participation form.

The Honda dealdership at Folsom Boulevard Auto Mall is the newest member of the 50 Corridor TMA. The dealership is located south of Folsom Boulevard near Hazel Avenue.

Effective, September 6, schedule changes will be implemented on the following routes: 20 (Cottage), 23 (El Camino), 25 (Marconi), 36 (Folsom), 55 (Scottsdale), 72 (Rosemont - Lincoln Village), 75 (Mather Field), 81 (Florin - 65th Street), 83 (14th Ave.), 141 (3rd/16th Streets), 142 (9th/10th Streets), 210 (La Riviera Dr.), 211 (College Greens), 212 (14th Ave. - 21st Ave.), 213 (Fruitridge Rd. - Stockton Blvd.), 214 (Broadway - Stockton Blvd.) and 261 (La Riviera - Rosemont - Lincoln Village).

Route changes will be implemented on the following routes: 63 (24th St. - Hogan - City College) and 212 (14th Ave. - 21st Ave.). Saturday service will be discontinued on Route 73 (White Rock). Sunday/Holiday service will be discontinued on Route 5 (Meadowview - Valley Hi). The following routes will be discontinued: Route 37 (Tahoe Park - 21st Ave.), 140 (Ziggurat - Downtown) and 249 (Florin Rd. - 24th St.).

For detailed information, passengers are encouraged to pick up a new pocket timetable. For route, schedule and fare information, call 916-321-BUSS (2877) or visit www.sacrt.com.

Airshow attendees can save money and avoid traffic hassles by pre-purchasing an Airshow admission ticket, which is valid for complimentary rides on all RT buses and light rail trains on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2009.

With over 100,000 spectators expected to attend the two-day show, RT will provide a much-needed transportation alternative.

Airshow attendees are encouraged to park at one of RT's 17 park-and-ride lots and take light rail to the Mather Field/Mills Station, and transfer to the California Capital Airshow buses to the event. Light rail service on the Blue Line and Gold Line begin at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 5 a.m. on Sundays. Light rail service from the Historic Folsom Station will begin at 7:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday (extended service on Sunday).

Routes 21, 28, 72, 74 and 75 will not operate in the Mather Field/Mills bus loop on Saturday or Sunday. These routes will be relocated to the bus stop on Folsom Boulevard north of the light rail station.

RT officials caution that the Mather Field/Mills park-and-ride lot will be closed on both days, and any cars parked in the lot on this weekend will be towed at the owner's expense.

For more information about the California Capital Airshow, visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com. For route and schedule information, call 916-321-BUSS (2877) or visit www.sacrt.com.

We've re-arranged some of our web site features to make them more accessible to our users; and, we've added a few new features.

New features include a tool for briefly reporting on your morning or evening commute and a way to upload some of your favorite commute tunes.

Corridor Talk users and readers can see the latest postings from the Home Page now, as well as an opportunity to see a photo (or graphic representation) of the person doing the posting.

Another new feature is a video spotlight on one of our employers and their efforts to improve congestion and air quality along US 50.

Give us your feedback by posting on Corridor Talk, or sending a private email message.

The bridge will temporarily close from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for blasting activities, Monday through Friday, for blasting activities required as part of excavation for the spillway. The excavation is to be completed this fall.

The bridge will not be closed on weekends or holidays.

For pedestrians and cyclists, the closures will begin about 1 p.m. to allow sufficient time for individuals to cross the bridge.

Late night noise and vibrations have been challenges.   Caltrans Resident Engineer Bob Ericksen says these issues have been unavoidable because of the size of the project. “Each night 500 truck loads of road material need to be delivered to the site,” Ericksen says. “To accommodate those trucks during the day would require multiple lane closures and daytime commutes would be severely affected.”

The road material is known as aggregate base, which must be compacted using a machine known as a vibratory roller. Each night the roller must compact more than 10,000 tons of the base material in preparation for the pavement. “It’s like we’re building a battleship every night,” says Ericksen.

Realizing the need to complete the job, prime contractor DeSilva Gates has advanced its work schedule. Originally this section of U.S. 50 near Watt Avenue was set to be completed in August.   Now the base material will be in place by mid-June.   A two-week interlude will then take place with the paving project beginning in early July.   Once this section is complete, the construction team will move west on U.S. 50 toward Yolo County. The entire 13-mile project is set for completion in 2010

A light breakfast will be served near the light rail station in Folsom at 6 a.m., with the ride beginning at 6:30 a.m. Cyclist are welcome to join the ride in Folsom or at any point along the American River Parkway.

The Bureau of Automotive Repairs will be hosting an energizer station for participating cyclists at Hagan Park near Rancho Cordova.

These new everyday riders are finding cycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town. Because of the world-wide depression, this year is
expected to be the largest Ride to Work Day demonstration ever, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit organization.


According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America's 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.


Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how these vehicles make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.

Learn more at http://www.ridetowork.org

 - only 8 spots left, sign up now -

Anatolia residents who carpool can collect an extra $50, May through October, by signing up for a special carpool incentive program. Anatolia residents must agree to carpool to their worksite or the Sunrise Light Rail station a minimum of three days a week and record their commute trips on the Commuter Club's commute diary. See the special promotion to the right on this web page. The promotion is limited to the first 40 who apply. As of Sunday, there is room for 14 additional residents.

The program is made possible through a special transportation assessment applied only to the Anatolia community.

After a public hearing on April 2, 2009 and at the continuation of that meeting on April 14th, the El Dorado County Transit Authority Board of Directors approved service modifications and set a public hearing for May 7, 2009 to discuss proposed fare increases.      

Effective June 29, 2009, minor service reductions will be implemented on the local weekday Pollock Pines, Cameron Park and El Dorado Center routes. Saturday bus service will provide reduced schedules on the Placerville and Pollock Pines routes. El Dorado Transit will discontinue the underutilized Cameron Park and Diamond Springs Saturday bus service. El Dorado Transit does not provide Sunday bus service.

Included in the approved service reductions were the elimination of one (1) afternoon Sacramento commuter bus route and the reduction of the Iron Point Light Rail Connector route from the current seven (7) weekday runs to four (4) weekday runs.

Weekend Dial-A-Ride will remain intact however, weekday Dial-A-Ride will be reduced by 1 vehicle per day. Sac-Med and Senior Day Care services will continue at the current level of service with fare increases.

Proposed fare increases to be discussed at the public hearing include raising the one-way Sacramento Commuter bus fare in phased, 50¢ increments from the current $4.00 to $4.50 ($162.00 for a monthly pass) on July 1, 2009 and to $5.00 ($180.00 for a monthly pass) on January 1, 2010.

Fare adjustments are under consideration for the Sac Med, non-emergency medical transportation service; including an increase to the current one-way fare from $5.00 to $10.00. An increase in the current one-way fare from $1.50 to a maximum of $4.00 for the Senior Day Care program will also be discussed.

The Public Hearing is set for Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 1:10 pm at 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA. Written comments received prior to May 5, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. will be included as testimony in the staff presentation. Send comments to mmauk@eldoradotransit.com or El Dorado Transit, ATTN: Matt Mauk, 6565 Commerce Way, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. Members of the public also have the opportunity to attend the hearing and submit written or verbal comments.

The two shuttle vans run every 15 minutes from the Cordova Town Center, north of Highway 50 at Folsom Boulevard and Olson Drive, to stops located south of Highway 50 along White Rock Road, Prospect Park Drive, and Zinfandel Drive.

Click here for schedule and route.

The $30 million project will remove the existing guardrail, replace the direct median with a paved surface, and construct a concrete median barrier. Approximately 30 overhead signs will also be replaced. Completion of the project is expected in May 2010.

The Hazel Avenue Bridge over the American River will be closed for the weekend, starting June 11. The closure is needed so crews can lift new bridge girders into place as part of the Hazel Avenue Widening project.

The overall widening project includes:

• Widening Hazel Avenue from four to six lanes from Highway 50 to Curragh Downs Drive, the first traffic signal north of the river.

• Construction of a new bike and pedestrian walkway, including bike lanes and a barrier separating bicyclists, walkers and horse riders from vehicle traffic on the bridge.

• Decorative street lighting and modest architectural treatments on the bridge.

• And finally, a less steep connection from the bridge to the American River Parkway.

The bridge, built in 1966, is one of the most congested areas in the region. An essential link across the river for Fair Oaks and Orangevale residents, the workhorse span carries 50,000 to 58,000 vehicles each day. It was designed to carry 36,000.

The bridge is one of only a handful of ways that motorists can travel across the American River. And the shortage of lanes on the Hazel Avenue bridge causes traffic to back up onto nearby Highway 50 during the evening commute.

Long-term, county transportation officials know they will have to widen Hazel north of Curragh Downs Drive. That project, perhaps four years away, is in the right-of-way acquisition and design phase.

The following detours will be available:

Westbound
Motorists will be detoured at Mosquito Road. The detour will proceed south to Main Street. Motorists will then be directed west on Main Street and then north on Bedford Avenue. Bedford Avenue will return motorist back to westbound U.S. Highway 50.

Eastbound
Motorists will be detoured at Spring Street. The detour will proceed south to Main Street. Motorists will then be directed east to Broadway. Broadway will then return motorists to eastbound U.S. Highway 50.

This lane closure is part of a $35 million project to improve U.S. Highway 50 through central Placerville. Project completion is expected in the fall of 2009.

These tips and techniques for driving in the rain are offered by www.edmund.com ....

When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction. Less obvious is the fact that rain reduces driver perception — it's harder to see through the rain — and also decreases visibility through its action on headlights, windshields and the road itself. While most people know to slow down in the rain, there are definitely other tips that will help keep you, and those who share the road with you, from becoming a statistic.

Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Continued rainfall will eventually wash away the oil, but the first few hours can be the most dangerous.

Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Keep in mind that traffic is likely to be moving slower as well. There's also the possibility that your preplanned route may be flooded or jammed. Whatever the case, rushing equals higher risk.

Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you're slowing down. Also, be more meticulous about using turn signals, so that other drivers know your intentions, and take turns and curves with less speed than you would in dry conditions.

Most of America's roads are crowned in the middle, which means that the water will run off to the sides. If possible, stay toward the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles.

Don't use cruise control. If you hydroplane, there's the chance your car could actually accelerate. Cruise control also allows drivers to be less vigilant and to take their foot away from the pedals — not a great idea when reaction time is so important.

If you see a large puddle up ahead, drive around it or choose a different route. It could be that it's covering a huge gaping maw into the front door of hell. Well, maybe not, but water splashing up into your car's engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems. Also, a pothole may be hiding under the water, just waiting in ambush to damage a wheel or knock your suspension out of alignment. If you can't gauge the depth, or if it's covering up the side curb, try to avoid it.

Don't attempt to cross running water. This ain't an SUV commercial, and you'll probably get into a heckuva lot of trouble if the force of the water is greater than the weight of your vehicle. All-wheel drive isn't going to be much help if your vehicle is being pushed sideways. Don't end up like those folks on the nightly news who had to abandon their cars to Mother Nature.

After you cross a puddle, tap on your brake pedal lightly to dry off some of the water on your rotors.

Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you. However, don't blast your high beams in the rain or fog — it'll obscure your view further, as the light will reflect back at you off the water droplets in the air. If your car is equipped with foglights, you may find it helpful to turn these on, as they throw a little extra light on the road while making your car easier to see.

Watch out for pedestrians. An ordinarily observant pedestrian may become distracted by fiddling with an umbrella or a rain slicker. Plus, raindrops deaden sound, so the usual audio clues for measuring car distances become obscured. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.

If it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you, pull over and wait it out.

Track the car ahead of you. Let the car ahead pave a clear path, so to speak, through the water.

Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.

Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on both front and rear defrosters and make sure the air conditioning is turned on. Most cars' climate control systems will automatically engage the A/C when the windshield defrost function is selected.

If you start to hydroplane, don't brake suddenly or turn the wheel, or you might spin into a skid. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case you can put your foot down).

Now that you know how to drive in the rain, take some precautionary measures to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to get you through a downpour.
Stay on top of your car's condition. Its brakes, tire pressures, tire tread depth and defroster operation should be checked regularly so that you'll be ready to deal with a deluge when the time comes.

Most vehicles are available with antilock brakes these days, and safety features like traction control, stability control and all-wheel drive are becoming increasingly popular as well. Although all-wheel drive is really only necessary if you frequently drive in snow and ice, traction and stability control can be very handy on rain-soaked roads. Traction control helps you maintain grip by putting the brakes on the tire(s) that don't have traction, while a stability control system monitors your steering input, intervening with the brakes and/or reducing engine power as needed to keep you on your intended path.

Although several tire manufacturers design tires specifically for wet roads, a good set of all-season tires will do the job for most drivers. Trouble is, some tire models are better than others in the rain. If you aren't happy with the wet-weather performance of your car's original equipment tires, we suggest you check out the Tire Decision Guide at Tire Rack. Along with helping you identify tires that fit your car and your driving habits, Tire Rack allows you to see how other consumers rate the tire in a variety of categories, including wet-weather traction. An experienced tire store manager can also be a good source of recommendations.

Make sure that your wipers are in good condition and functioning properly. If the blades are brittle or damaged, replace them before you're caught in a downpour. Some wipers are definitely better than others, so ask your retailer for recommendations.

If there's a chance of freezing rain, double your precautions. Carry snow chains, as well as a supply of salt, sand or kitty litter (the non-clumping kind). If you're stuck and uselessly spinning your tires on a patch of ice, stop what you're doing and place some of said material around the drive wheels to gain traction. Then give it another go, giving the car as little gas as possible. If your car has a manual transmission, it also helps to start out in second gear rather than first. If you live in a particularly harsh climate, consider keeping a small shovel in the trunk to remove excess ice and snow from around the tires in the event that you get stuck.

Mirkarimi recently authored an ordinance requiring employers with 50 employees or more to offer the federal commuter tax benefits to their employees. The ordinanace has been called a win-win since both employers and employees can save money by implementing the tax program.

For more information, click here.

Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 17, 2009.

The HOV project was stilled due to a lawsuit filed by the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) which believed more environmental review was needed.

A compromise was reached between ECOS and Caltrans which allows the HOV project to proceed with Caltrans contributing to the cost of double-tracking the Gold Line between Folsom and Sunrise to allow for 15 minute headways.

Normal service will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

For more information or a complete listing of holidays, please call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383 or visit our website at www.eldoradotransit.com.

If you have already purchased Single Fare Tickets with the new price ($2.25 per ticket), they can still be used on the busses, as they are surrendered to the driver. If you try to validate at the light rail stations and it does not work, please just HOLD the ticket during your trip so you can show it to the Transit Officer if they should start checking tickets.

Refunds for this non-working merchandise will be available at some point after new tickets are available. There is no estimated time when new merchandise will be available.

If the trend holds up for the year's last two months, highway deaths could reach their lowest level in the 42 years since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began keeping records.

NHTSA said Thursday there were 31,110 auto fatalities the first 10 months of 2008. That's a 9.8 percent decline over the same period in 2007, when there were 34,502 fatalities.

The traffic safety administration has been tracking auto fatalities since 1966, when there were more than 50,000 deaths on the highways. The number of deaths peaked in 1972 at 54,589, then generally declined over the next two decades. The total has hovered above 40,000 the past few years.

"For the second year in a row we are seeing historic lows in deaths on our nation's roads," Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said in a statement. "Every American can be more confident than ever they will arrive at their destination safe and sound." NHTSA did not cite a cause for the dramatic decline in highway deaths, but it is one of several related transportation trends.

The El Dorado County Transit Authority will not operate on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 27 or the Friday after.

El Dorado Transit’s business office and dispatch center will also be closed. Normal operation will resume on Saturday, November 29.

The dispatch center will be accepting Dial-A-Ride reservation requests for November 29th, 30th and December 1st on Tuesday, November 25th. Dial-A-Ride reservation requests for December 2nd will be accepted on Wednesday, November 26th. Reservations requests for December 3rd and 4th will be accepted beginning on Monday December 1st.

Sac-Med reservation requests for Tuesday, December 2nd must be placed no later than Tuesday, November 25th.

For more information or a complete schedule of El Dorado Transit holidays call us at (530) 642-5383 or visit our website at www.eldoradotransit.com.

Motorists are advised to proceed past Stockton Blvd to the Capital City Freeway-northbound, exit at N Street, turn right onto Alhambra Blvd and then turn left onto Stockton Blvd as a detour. The detour route will be posted.

This work is part of a $15,000 repair project by Caltrans to replace the wires feeding electrical power to four street lamps and one overhead sign that were stolen by thieves.

1) AM and PM “Red” buses will be routed to service 8th & I, H & 11th St. and H & 14th St. After stopping at J & 6th St, the RED route buses will turn onto 8th Street, stopping at 8th and I St, then onto H St; making stops at H & 11th St. and H & 14th St. NOTE: J & 11th St. and J & 14th St. will not be serviced.

2) The 15th & K St. stop will be reinstated on the new AM and PM “Red” routes.

3)The Placerville Station Park & Ride will be added to PM Route #2 as a REQUEST STOP.

4)The El Dorado Hills Park & Ride will be added to PM Route #3 as a REQUEST STOP.

5)Minor time point adjustments have been made to both the AM and PM schedules as a result of the above changes and will reflect consistent route performance.

The new schedules and route maps will be available for preview at the following link: www.eldoradotransit.com. New route brochures will be distributed prior to the effective date.

Parking capacity is more than doubled for this years’ shuttle service with the addition of a second parking lot in Camino. Free shuttle parking will be offered at Schnell School in Placerville and the U.S. Forest Services Placerville Ranger Station, just off Highway 50, on Eight Mile Road in Camino. The Apple Hill® Shuttle is the ideal way to visit some of El Dorado County’s most popular orchards, ranches, wineries and family attractions, during the peak of the harvest season, without the headaches of traffic and parking. Visitors get on and off the shuttles as many times as they like at any of 29 designated Shuttle stops throughout Apple Hill®.

El Dorado Transit will operate five (5) buses and a trolley on a continuous loop, every 15-20 minutes from two (2) satellite parking lots just off US 50 in Placerville and Camino. Schnell School is located at 2871 Schnell School Road, 0.1 miles north of U.S Highway 50. The Placerville Ranger Station is located just south of U.S. Highway 50 in Camino at 4260 Eight Mile Road. “This new parking facility on the eastern side offers Apple Hill® visitors from the Reno/Tahoe area an opportunity to take advantage of the same convenient service visitors traveling from the west have enjoyed,” said El Dorado Transit Executive Director, Mindy Jackson.

To ride the FREE Apple Hill® Shuttle from Placerville, take exit #48 off US Highway 50 (Schnell School Road) and follow the signs 0.1 miles north to the Schnell School parking lot, located on the right. To catch the shuttle in Camino, take exit #54 (Cedar Grove) and follow the signs to Eight Mile Road; the Ranger Station entrance is on the right. Coordinators at the parking lots can supply you with maps and all the information you need to make the most of your Apple Hill® visit.

The Regional Transit Master Plan will entail light rail extensions, express buses that mean faster journey times, new local bus and shuttle routes, and, an exciting addition to Sacramento, streetcars. Your input will help prioritize investments that support a high quality and high frequency transit system that best serves the needs of our communities and our maturing region. Broad community participation is necessary to make this a reality.

To RSVP call 916.556.0302 or e-mail rsvp@sacrt.com

Should a blasting misfire, the highway could be delayed for up to 30 minutes.

The first blasting is scheduled for Thursday. The following 4 blastings will be annouced via electronic signs.

Motorists should attemp to avoid this area during blasting.

You can also sign up to have traffic alerts emailed to you or sent to your cell phone.

Sacramento County, in collaboration with Sacramento Regional Transit and Rancho Cordova, is working on a strategy for implementing transit oriented development along the Folsom Boulevard light rail corridor near the Butterfield, Sunrise and Hazel light rail stations.

The process is addressing possible revisions of current zoning ordinances to accomodate transit oriented development.

The Sept 4 meeting will review draft Special Planning Area planning documents, including proposed land use plans.

For more information, click here.

For more information on Marshall's commute program, contact Ann Schmidt.

To RSVP, call Megan McMurtry at 851-8782.  The workshop will be held at City Hall.

Overnight and weekend work will continue. This work includes final paving along the shoulder of southbound I-5 and at the P and Q Street on and off-ramps. Electrical and drainage work associated with Boat Section's 20 new monitoring and three new de-watering wells will also continue alongside the project. These new elements will one day allow Caltrans engineers to closely monitor the hydrostatic forces at work beneath the Boat Section.

Final completion is expected in late September or early October.

Caltrans plans to build seven miles of high-occupancy lanes in each direction on Highway 50 between Sunrise Boulevard and Watt Avenue. Carpool lanes exist on the freeway between Sunrise and El Dorado Hills boulevards.

The Environmental Council of Sacramento and others sued, arguing they believe carpool lanes increase car usage, and contending that Caltrans failed to present analyses that showed otherwise.

Caltrans said its environmental review was sufficient.

The fourth and final stage of the project, which is the full closure of northbound I-5 through downtown Sacramento, is now scheduled to begin Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m. The re-opening of those northbound lanes is now scheduled for Monday, July 28 by 5 a.m.

The Sacramento area’s recent heat wave dramatically reduced work time for crews placing the polyester-based concrete onto the roadway. That polyester concrete will serve as the final driving surface for the rebuilt lanes of I-5’s Boat Section between L and S Streets in downtown Sacramento. Due to extremely high temperatures, paving crews lost valuable work time in each day of the stage.

For more information please visit www.fixI5.com

The night time ramp closures are being utilized to minimize impacts to daytime motorists during reconstruction of the ramp.

Construction on the U.S. 50 - Missouri Flat Road Interchange is expected to be completed in fall 2008.

Each year, typically during the hot summer months, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) declares several days as “Spare the Air” due to high atmospheric ozone levels. In an effort to improve air quality in our region and encourage the use of public transit options, El Dorado Transit and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District are sponsoring free transit on all “Spare the Air” days in 2008. The region experienced five (5) “Spare the Air” days during the 2007 summer smog season.

El Dorado Transit operates community shuttles, six days a week, throughout the western slope of El Dorado County including the towns of Placerville, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines, Camino and Diamond Springs. In addition, El Dorado Transit offers twelve (12) week day commuter routes to and from downtown Sacramento as well as connector service to the Light Rail in Folsom.

Sponsorship of El Dorado Transit’s “Spare the Air” Free Fare project will come in part from a grant for motor vehicle emission reduction projects awarded by the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District in July, 2007. The overall goal of such projects is to reduce air pollution emissions from motor vehicles in the Sacramento Federal Ozone Nonattainment Area. The program is funded by DMV Surcharge Fees.   

For further details on all of El Dorado Transit’s services or trip planning assistance call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383 or visit our website at www.eldoradotransit.com

Results from the recent Transit Improvement on-line survey will be discussed.

An agenda, along with meeting minutes and other related docuemtns, can be found in the Transit Improvement box to the right on this page.

Project updates will resume when Stage 3 of the project gets underway with a closure of southbound I-5 between Richards Blvd. and the U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway interchange beginning at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8.

June 18 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.: El Dorado County DOT will host a workshop to discuss the Ponderosa Road/South Shingle Road Interchange Improvement Project on US 50. The project is currently in the planning and environmental analysis phase. The two workshops will be held in the El Dorado County Planning Commission Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court, in Placerville. For more information, contact Jennifer Maxwell at 530-621-5987.

June 19 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - El Dorado County DOT will host a wokshop on Cameron Park Drive and Green Valley Road Intersection improvements. The project includes widing Green Valley Road, adding auxiliary lanes along with bike lanes, curbs, gutters and sidewalks, installing retaining walls and upgrading the signals at Green Valley Road and Cameron Park Drive. The workshop will be held at the Cameron Park Community Services District at 3200 Country Club Drive.

June 25 at 6 p.m.: The El Dorado County Transportation Commission is hopting an open house in the "old" gym at Camino Elementary School to discuss the Camino Corridor Project Study Report (PSR). The purpose of the open house is to present the goals and objective of the PSR and solicit feedback and input from the community.

Below is a summary of Friday night's activities:

-Hoe rams and excavators completed work to remove the old pavement in lane #2 of the Boat Section. This work was expedited when crews got an early start by saw cutting the old pavement Wednesday and Thursday nights. By the end of the day on Saturday, crews hope to complete work to install new drainage elements and place rebar. The southbound side's first concrete pour is scheduled to begin Sunday.
-Crews also began saw cutting the #4 lane as preparation for concrete removal today.
-Painting crews are completing preparations for the staining of the west retaining wall with the Boat Section's new color scheme. Staining will begin today.
-On the north end of the project, crews continued work to remove and replace damaged slabs at various locations in both directions. Drivers will see some northbound lane closures again tonight and tomorrow morning as work at that location continues.
-Drillers also cored for two more monitoring wells - so far, crews have drilled 10 of the 20 new wells, which will one day allow Caltrans engineers to monitor hydrostatic forces at work beneath the Boat Section.
-The Traffic Management team reports a quiet night through the "Cone Zone". No major incidents were reported. Early Saturday morning, drivers slowed on northbound I-5 where three of the four lanes were closed as planned for slab replacement. The closures, combined with traffic that was much heavier than anticipated, triggered an early morning slowdown. By 9:45 a.m. - three of four lanes were re-opened and traffic was back on the move.

Engineering staff reports that work crews appear better prepared for work on the southbound lanes - thanks to experience gleaned during Stage 1 of this project. At this early stage, crews are on schedule to meet or beat the June 23 deadline.

Below is a summary of work completed yesterday and early this morning.
--After a 24-hour curing period, temporary striping and delineation was placed on all lanes of northbound I-5 between the U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway and Richards Blvd.
--Final paving of the ramp from westbound U.S. Highway 50 to northbound I-5 has also been completed.
--Work to repair damaged pavement on northbound I-5 approaching Richards Blvd. has also been completed using a rapid-set concrete with a four-hour cure time.
--Drainage work has been completed in the newly-paved center medians of northbound I-5 approaching the U.S. Highway 50 Capitol City Freeway and Richards Blvd.
--Coring samples were also taken from the pavement of southbound I-5 to allow engineers to have a better idea of what to expect when workers begin removing pavement from those lanes starting Friday, June 13.
--In the overnight hours, crews changed or took down traffic control devices and signage in preparation for today's re-opening.
Motorists are reminded that this is not the final driving surface and to expect rough, unfinished pavement with temporary striping and delineation.

Please stay alert and remember that the speed limit has been lowered to 55 miles per hour. A final layer of polyester concrete and a sealant will be applied to finish these lanes during Stage 3 of the project scheduled between June 26 and July 3.

Data collected by the Caltrans Traffic Management team shows that traffic on northbound I-5 through the Fix I-5 project was cut by more than half -- thanks to commuters who took alternate routes, utilized transit, rode bikes and worked with their employers to telecommute, change work hours or even take vacation. Their help and cooperation will be needed again during Stage 2 of this project which begins Friday, June 13 with a complete closure of southbound I-5 between Richards Blvd. and the U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway interchange.

All lanes of I-5 will remain open until Stage 2 of this project begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 13.   

Also, you can find six new I-5 traffic cameras (above) on 50 Corridor's three camera shots. The new camera locations are listed at the bottom on the three camera menus. Click on the down arrow to access the menu.

The Traffic Management Center reports several accidents stymied last night's commute. The worst occurred at 3:53 p.m. when a big rig accident caused metal and wood debris to be spilled into the two right lanes of northbound I-5 at Fruitridge Road/Seamus Avenue. Thanks to a quick response, the debris was moved onto to the shoulder by 4:09 p.m.

Caltrans reminds drivers to stay alert as they approach the closure and to "Slow for the Cone Zone."

Project engineering staff remains optimistic that all lanes will re-open by Monday, June 9.

The project calls for approximately two weeks of lane and ramp restructions to each direction of 1-5 fromt he Capitol City Freeway/US 50 interchange to Richards Boulevard. During the construction period, contractors willreplace freeway drainage and pavement.

Caltrans is recommending that commuters plan for alternative routes and alternatives modes of transportation.

The weekend festival is planned for September 12-14.

For more details, check out the video announcment on the Corridor Cam Channel to the right.

The City of Rancho Cordova and Regional Transit will host an open house on Wednesday to receive input on future transit needs. The open house will be held at Rancho Cordova City Hall, in the Council Chambers, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.sacrt.com/tmp.

The free luncheon is open to the first 80 who RSVP. It begins at noon and ends at 1 p.m.

RSVP by emailing Rebecca@50corridor.com before May 16th.

All elementary schools in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District and in El Dorado County are eligible to compete.

Starting week two, Green Valley School has logged the most carpool trips with Camino School logging the most school walk trips and school bus trips. FCUSD's Navigator Elementary has logged the most school bike trips. 

Students have all month to register their trips. For students to sign up or to monitor the competition, go to www.SmartRoutesToSchool.com.

The Smart Routes program is part of the 50 Corridor TMA's effort to reduce school-related trips along the corridor. Kaiser Permanente is the funding sponsor for the May competition.

Parents or school representatives can get posters to promote the program by emailing rebecca@50corridor.com.

This campaign encourages bicycling by recognizing that all your trips by bicycle are important - errands made by bicycle instead of by car, recreational cycling for health and fitness, and bicycle commuting.

To date, Franchise Tax Board has the most registrants with 148, followed by Intel (34) and Vision Service Plan (19).

For more information, go to www.mayisbikemonth.com/.

Once you're on the site, click on Register Now! in the menu at the right. Help the region achieve its Million Mile goal by pledging your cycling miles and start logging them on May 1. (miles logged in the Commuter Club will automatically be counted.)

Theere's a new feature that makes it easy and fun to challenge your friends or co-workers, and once again we have friendly challenges among employers.

You can also make nominations for a Bike Friendly Award. Categories include:

- Bike Friendly Employer
- Bicycling Advocate of the Year
- Commuter Cyclist of the Year
- Student Cyclist of the Year

Winners will be selected at a local level, then advance to the regional level to compete with other local winners for the Regional Award. Deadline for entries is Friday, May 9th. Regional Winners will be announced May 23rd.

This off-road bike ride will demonstrate a section of the rail-trail anticipated for construction at the end of the summer. Please bring a bike suitable for off-road riding and a helmet. Lunch will be provided for participants if you pre-register by Friday, May 2 to jrice@edctc.org. Meet at Building A of the El Dorado County Government Center located at 330 Fair Lane in Placerville.

Motorists are being advised to use the I-80 Rocklin Road Interchange as an alternate route and to expect delays. Changeable message signs have been placed along the highway alerting motorists of the closure and to mark the detour provided. Unexpected schedule changes may occur, motorists are advised to check roadside message boards for the latest closure information.

This closure is part of the $25 million project to rebuild and modernize the I-80 Sierra College Blvd. Interchange. This project will upgrade the overcrossing to five lanes, install bike lanes and increase the vertical clearance. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2008.

A $42 billion package of transportationimprovements planned for the region over the next 28 years contains several project in and around Rancho Cordova.

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) approved the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 2035 last week. Two years in the making, the plan attempts to tackle the question of how to keep traffic moving and air clean as the region grows by another million people over the next 30 years.

The projects which will most directly benefit Rancho Cordova include enhancements along the Highway 50 Corridor and proposed Elk Grove-Rancho Cordova-El Dorado connector:

Express buses running the US 50 capool lanes with higher frequencies.

Bus rapid transit and enhances bus service through the Sacramento State campus, connecting to the 65th Street Light Rail Station.

Additional new transit services for ADA paratransit, neighborhood shuttles and increased local bus service.

A streetcar starter line at the Rancho Cordova Town Center ($88 million) This would include a seven-mileloop that would cross over US 50 to the south and reconnect to another light rail station. That project is slated for 2017.

Track improvements between Sunrise Boulevard and downtown Folsom ($80 million).

New light rail stations at Horn Road and the former Mineshaft location ($8 million).

Grade separations which will bring light rail trains over or under Bradshaw Road, Mather Field Road, Routier Road and Zinfandel Drive ($100 million).

Construction of the new Easton Valley Parkway parallel to US 50 between the new Rancho Cordova Parkway andHazel extensiosn (six lanes): east to Prairie City Road with four lanes ($90 million).

Construction of new auxiliary lanes between El Dorado County and Sunrise Boulevard ($65 million)

New carpool lanes from Sunrise Boulevard west to WattAvenue ($165 million)

Rancho Cordova area improvements planned as part of the Elk Grove-Rancho Cordova-El Dorado connector project include:

BRT/enahnced bus service connecting South Sacramento to Rancho Cordova via Florin, Bradshaw and Old Placerville Roads.

BRT/enhanced bus service between Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova via Bradshaw and Grant Line Roads and Sunrise Boulevards.

New bus connections between El Dorado County and Rancho Cordova via White Rock Road, Oron Point Road and Folsom Blvd.

Additional new transit includes ADA paratransit, neighborhood shuttles in Rancho Cordova,increased local bus services throughout Rancho Cordova and expanded freeway express bus service on US 50.

Grant Line Road expanded to four lanes between Bradshaw Road and White Rock Road with right of way preserved for later expansions ($49 million)

White Road Road widened to six lanes and operational improvements from Rancho Cordova Parkway to El Dorado Hills ($272 million).

Old Pacerville Road improvements combined with a new six lane International Drive parallel to US 50 ($156 million)

New Hazel Avenue extension from US 50 to White RockRoad ($33 million).

The article goes on to say that some projects will begin almost immediately, others will take years.

The CSMP provides for the provides for the integrated management of travel modes and roadways so as to facilitate the efficient and effective mobility of people and goods within California's most congested transportation corridors. Each CSMP presents an analysis of existing and future traffic conditions and proposes traffic management strategies and transportation improvements to maintain and enhance mobility.

The off-ramp from eastbound U.S. 50 to Missouri Flat Road is also completely closed weeknights through April 18th, 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. each evening Monday through Thursday. In addition, the ramp will be closed from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. every Friday night. The off-ramp will remain open daily with reduced traffic lanes to allow for the reconstruction of the off-ramp in stages. During this time, the right through lane on southbound Missouri Flat Road will also be closed between the eastbound off-ramp and Motherlode Drive.

When the eastbound off-ramp is closed, no other ramps at the U.S. 50/Missouri Flat Road interchange will be closed. Traffic on U.S. 50 and on Missouri Flat Road will not be affected.

The night time ramp closures are being utilized to minimize impacts to daytime motorists during reconstruction of the ramp.

Construction on the U.S. 50 - Missouri Flat Road Interchange is expected to be completed in fall 2008.

The building features more than 300 free parking spaces, most with a three hour time limit to accommodate Sutter Street visitors. The $13.6 million structure also includes a ground level bike station and 4,000 square feet of retail space.

Opening festivities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, entertainment provided by a mixed barbershop quartet, classic cars courtesy of the Cappuccino Cruisers, pedicabs and refreshments.

The brick-façade building features a 19th century architectural design that complements the historic buildings on Sutter Street. The building has a large clock tower facing Sutter Street, three-story window openings, distinctive iron work and a parapet that camouflages rooftop parking.   

“Many community members had a hand in the extensive design review process for this distinctive new building, and we think they will be very pleased with the end result,” said Mayor Eric King. “After it opens, we’ll see many more exciting changes on Sutter Street. The Railroad Block Partners will soon break ground for the Historic Folsom Station, with four buildings for retail, restaurants, office and residential uses, and a public plaza. And, a facelift for four blocks of Sutter Street is also on the horizon as part of a revitalization program.”            

The Historic District parking structure project architect was Stantec, Sacramento and the contractor was Howard S. Wright Construction.

Click on the "Learn More" button to the right and you'll find a link to the on-line survey. The survey takes about 2 minutes to complete. The information from the survey will be used by transit providers, including Roseville Transit, El Dorado Transit and Regional Transit to evaluate potential new service. Results will be reported in May.

The real time traffic is still here, with a few more camera options. And Corridor Talk continues to chatter on as before.

New features include our own version of YouTube, new electronic commuter postcards, and a special interactive section dedicated to improved transit along the 50 Corridor.

You can also see who makes 50corridor.com possible, as we have listed our funding sponsors right on the home page.

Visit us often and experience a calmer commute!

Motorist traveling on I-5, State Highway 113 and State Highway 128 on Tuesday, February 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. can expect intermittent delays as competitors in the “Tour of California” bike race travel through Sacramento and Yolo Counties:

State Highway 113 (Davis and Yolo County): at the Russell Blvd. off-ramp. Traffic will be detoured to Hutchinson Blvd. to the south and Covell Blvd. to the north. Local police will be managing traffic in Davis.

State Highway 128 (Woodland): from the Yolo County Line to West Main Street: The California Highway Patrol will assist with full rolling lane and ramp closures and traffic breaks.

I-5 (Woodland): southbound only, from the Junction of I-5/State Highway 113 in Woodland south to the River Road exit. This route will be affected only in the unlikely event that County Road 22 is flooded due to heavy rain. If County Road 22 is open, only the north and southbound County Road 102 off-ramps from I-5 will be closed.   The California Highway Patrol will assist with full rolling lane and ramp closures and traffic breaks.

Tower Bridge (State Highway 275) (Sacramento): Cyclists will enter Sacramento from West Capitol Avenue to ride over the Tower Bridge heading toward the finish line in downtown Sacramento. The California Highway Patrol will assist with full rolling lane closures and traffic breaks.

For additional information about the event, log onto: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

During the daytime, the road will be striped with temporary traffic markers. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and be aware of temporary shifts in lane configurations.

The new alignment should be complete by Friday morning.

The next Task Force meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27 at 3 pm. at Rancho Cordova City Hall.

Eastbound US 50 will be closed from 9 p.m. Thursday (17th) to 5 a.m. on Friday.

Both eastbound and westbound US. 50 will be closed 9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Detours will be posted.

Next year's prizes include coffee cards, movie passes, t-shirts, mouse pads, tote bags and a $10,000 Cash Wheel!

Commuter Club membership is free! Sign up below.

You can also check traffic along US 50 between Prairie City Road and Capital City Freeway by calling the traffic hotline: 1-866-698-7232.

There will be various eastbound lane closures from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Shingle Springs Road to Greenstone Road.

Lane and ramp closures will also take place from the El Dorado over-crossing to the Vietnam Veteran's Bridge from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

From the Ray Lawyer Drive over-crossing to the Clay Street undercrossing, motorists can expect east and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

At the Placerville Drive on-ramp, there will be a full ramp closure from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

From the eastbound on-ramp from Placerville Drive to the Clay Street under-crossing, motorists can expect the eastbound #2 lane to be closed from 4 a.m. to noon on Thursday and Friday.

Unexpected schedule changes may occur. For up-to-date information on roadwork, delays, road conditions and emergency closures, call 800-427-7623.

Two 50 Corridor Commuters have won $500 each as a result of their on-line Commuter Club participation. Gail Noriega of Franchise Tax Board and Helen Lovelace of AXA Advisors both earned spins on the Commuter Club's Cash Wheel and came up big winners.

Public meetings will be held at two different locations on: Friday, December 7^th . The purpose of these meetings is to discuss findings of the first Technical Memorandum and accept public comment. Topics will include a review of existing transit services, transit needs, route performance and issues that should be the focus of the remainder of the Transit Plan update.

To find out more about this important project or to give your input, check the following website: http://www.lsctahoe.com/ElDoradoCounty2008SRTP.html

The Placerville Downtown Association will sponsor the the service from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, November 23 for the Festival of Lights event.

For more information, go to www.eldoradotransit.com.

Work continues on the $35 million project to improve US 50 through Central Placerville, with completion expected in the fall of 2009. Here's what motorists should look for next week:

*at the Ray Lawyer Drive over-crossing to the Clay Street under crossing: Motorists can expect various east and westbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following day, for|INDENT|underground utility work to be done.

*at the eastbound Placerville Drive on-ramp: Motorists can expect a full ramp closure from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following dayfor underground utility work.

*from the eastbound on-ramp from Placerville Drive to the Clay Street under crossing: Motorists can expect the eastbound #2 lane closed from 5 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. A contractor is scheduled to do miscellaneous construction work.

One of the nation’s leading banks for consumers and small businesses, WaMu was recently named “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the West/Pacific Region” by J.D. Powers and Associates. The Sacramento Regional Transit District buyout is part of WaMu’s broader “Thank you, California!” campaign currently underway statewide. WaMu operates more than 30 retail bank stores in the Sacramento area.

The 50 Corridor TMA is fostering a Smart Routes To School program this year in hopes of encouraging students to use alternative transportation modes for school trips. It is estimated that up to 25% of the morning's overall peak hour traffic congestion can be school-trip related. For more information, check out www.smartroutestoschool.com.

The Apple Hill Shuttle is the ideal way to visit some of El Dorado County's most popular orchards, ranches, wineries and family attractions during the peak of the harvest season without the headaches of traffic and parking.

El Dorado Transit will operate five buses and a trolley on a continuous loop, every 15-20 minutes from a satellite parking lot just off US 50 in Placerville. Visitors get on and off as many times as they like at any one of 26 designated stops throughout Apple Hill. To park free and ride the shuttle, take exit #48 (Schnell School Road) and follow the signs 0.1 mile to the Schnell School parking lot, located on the right.

For more information, call 520-642-5383 or go to www.eldoradotransit.com.

The lane reductions are necessary in order to widen the Spring Street Bridge. Concrete barriers will be used to separate the work area from the roadway. Work at the Spring Street Bridge will include demolition of existing barriers, curbs and sidewalks; construction of new foundations for the extension of the bridge deck; and the construction of new traffic lanes (four northbound and one southbound), sidewalks, decorative barriers and new lighting.

This work is part of a $35 million project to improve US 50 through central Placerville. (9/5/07)

The lunch is free to the first 50 who RSVP through the on-line Commuter Club.

School-related trips can account to up to 25% of the morning peak-hour congestion. Find out how you can reduce congestion and encourage young students to find a healthier, more active lifestyle.

For a peak at the supporting web site, go to www.smartroutestoschool.com. Log in as a "Smart Kid" by typing in the word "demo" as the email address and the password.

The traffic breaks and delays are scheduled to occur on Saturday and Sunday mornings for the next six to eight weeks in order to allow the contractor to do needed blasting work. The blasting work is a necessary part of construction activities associated with the $45 million Foothill Oaks Boulevard Interchange project currently under construction. Completion of the project is scheduled for the fall of 2008. (7/28/07)

A temporary signal will be put into place at Missouri Flat Road and Mother Lode Drive to accommodate the realignment of both the northbound and southbound Missouri Flat Road traffic lanes.

Sponsorship of El Dorado Transit’s “Spare the Air Free Fare” project will come in part from a grant for motor vehicle emission reduction projects awarded by the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District in November, 2006. The overall goal of such projects is to reduce air pollution emissions from motor vehicles in the Sacramento Federal Ozone Nonattainment Area. The program is funded by DMV Surcharge Fees.   

For further details on all of El Dorado Transit’s services or trip planning assistance call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383 or visit our website at www.eldoradotransit.com.

Experts will be on hand to discuss the land use plan, open space, environmental process, infrastructure, residential housing, retail, economic development, traffic, Measure W, the development time line and more. You'll also have a chance to make written comments.

View the draft SOI Land Use Plan at: www.folsom.ca.us.

-The Library and Government Center Parking Lots on Fair Lane in Placerville -The Wal Mart® on Missouri Flat Road and Forni Road
-The Park & Ride Lot at Mother Lode Dr. and Missouri Flat Rd. just south of U.S. 50.

Shuttle service will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday from the Missouri Flat Road Park & Ride.

This free Fair shuttle service is sponsored in part by the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District, the El Dorado County Fair Association and El Dorado Transit.

For more information, click here for a map of all the shuttle parking locations or call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383.

Four-car trains will run every 15 minutes through out the system with the exception of the stations east of Sunrise. Light rail riders will transfer at the Mather Field/Mills Station to a fleet of 50 shuttle buses to the airfield. Service is free for people with air show tickets. Shuttle buses will run on their own exclusive street, Routier Road, free of cars, and will enter via a bus-only gate. The bus ride should take 12 minutes and will drop passengers near the show's ground display of aircraft.

Parking is free at RT's park-and-ride lots, and RT officials will be at high-use stations to advise people unfamiliar with the light rail system.

The proposed interchange includes a large bridge structure across US 50 between Sunrise and Hazel. The eastbound ramps connect to the bridge with a 4-way signalized intersection and the westbound ramps connect with a signalized "T" intersection. The bridge structure includes a wide median to facilitate truck turning movements. A bicycle trail will also be provided on the north side of the structure that will provide pedestrian access between Tenderfoot Drive and future commercial and transit opportunities south of US 50.

The project is slated to be begin in 2010 and will take approximately 2 years to complete.

To volunteer to be part of the community input group, contact Steve White at 874-5354 or whitest@saccounty.net. Group members will be expected to participate in four to five evening meetings over the next six months.

Cyclists in the region have collectively logged 565,797 miles, still short of the million mile goal set for the end of May.

For more information, go to www.bikecommutemonth.com.

At 5:30 p.m. the results and winners of the Million Mile May Challenge will be announced and Regional Awards will be presented to Cyclist of the Year, Cycling Advocate of the Year, Student Cyclist of the Year and Bike Friendly Employer of 2007.

After the Finale, the RiverCats June 14th home game is sponsored by Bike Commute Month. Cyclists, and their families, with tickets will join the party on the lawn at the game.

For more information, call (916) 321-9000

For cyclists who want to log a few extra miles prior to the lunch, meet at 11:45 a.m. at the Historic Folsom Light Rail Station for a bike parade to City Park.

In addition to a free lunch, cyclists can win gift certificates to local bike shops, helmets, and bike tune ups.

Please RSVP before Thursday at noon to Hazel@50corridortma.org.

The committee carefully read and considered each of the 168 applications received. Those applications were first screened for following the rules and accurate completion of the application process. Sixty-eight applications did not advance from the first screening.

Most common mistakes included failure to register for the on-line Commuter Club and not complying with the $300 request limit.

From the applications that advanced to the second round of screening, attention was given to the written explanation provided and the texts ability to convince the selection committee of the commitment by the applicant to become or continue as a regular bicycle commuter.

Applicants who did not receive a subsidy are eligible to submit another application for the fall subsidy program.

The following are those selected. They must make their approved purchases and mail the receipts to 50 Corridor TMA - Bike Subsidy Receipts, 2365 Iron Point Road, Suite 300, Folsom, CA, 95630. Checks will then be returned to the approved applications within 4 weeks. A reminder that successful applicants must complete a 50 Corridor commute diary for the next 12 months.

Subsidy recipients are:

Russell Allen, Intel, $300 for a new bicycle;

Hiu Chan, Intel, $300 for a new bicycle;

Barry Chrissinger, FTB, $100 for replacement parts;

Silvano Gutierrez, FTB, $150 for bicycle accessories;

Micah Van Der Kamp, FTB, $300 for new bicycle;

Edward Iniguez, FTB, $150 for a new bicycle;

Dave Cassel, FTB, $100 for bicycle accessories;

Sandra Cason, FTB, $50 for bicycle accessories;

Chuck Noller, VSP, $75 for bicycle accessories;

Richard Detwiler, VSP, $150 for bicycle accessories;

Jonathan Kuhn, VSP, $300 for new bicycle;

Dawn Fowler, Healthnet, $300 for new bicycle;

Jeff Hiroshima, Heathnet, $100 for bicycle accessories;

Phil Smith, Wily Fox/Healthnet, $100 for bicycle accessories;

Mike Higgins, EDCTC, $75 for bicycle accessories;

Beverly Wilkie, El Dorado Transit, $150 for bicycle accessories;

Mark Carey, HDR Engineering, $150 for a new bicycle;

Matthew Miller, DR Horton, $150 for bicycle accessories;

Adam Scheblein, Intel, $300 for new bicycle and accessories;

Al Simons, Intel, $200 for a new bicycle;

David Sierra, Intel, $150 for a new bicycle;

Ajay Chandramouly, Intel, $200 for a new bicycle;

Katerina Kalyandra, Intel, $200 for a new bicycle;

Thomas Zimmerman, Intel, $200 for a new bicycle;

Kory Harris, Intel, $200 for a new bicycle;

Mary Shuller, Intel, $200 for a new bicycle;

Peggy Stapp, Intel, $150 for a new bicycle;

Sadiq Mohiuddin, Intel, $100 for a new bicycle;

Elizabeth Chase-Crouse, Intel, $150 for a new bicycle;

Joseph Watson, Intel, $50 for a tune-up;

Tom Cunin, Intel, $50 for a new wheel;

Adam Gwilliam, Intel, $50 for a new wheel;

Chris Vadnais, Intel, $50 for accessories;

Ken Walker, Intel, $50 for accessories;

David Witte, Intel, $50 for Panniers;

Barry Gordon, Intel, $50 for a light;

Amanda Bronson, Intel, $50 for bicycle accessories;

Jeremy Weinstein, $50 for bicycle accessories;

-No traffic interfering work is anticipated this week as workers add auxiliary lanes between Mather Field Road and Zinfandel Drive.

-Work has begun on a $1.7 million project to add and stripe eastbound auxiliary lanes on US 50 from Scott Road to El Dorado Hills Blvd./Latrobe Road. Motorists can expect several eastbound lanes to be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from White Roack to Latrobe.

-From Hazel to Buffalo Creek, westbound motorists can expect a full ramp closure at Hazel and the several westbound lanes to be closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday. On Friday night the closures will continue to 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

-At the State Route 99 junction, motorists can expect a full highway closure from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m through Saturday. The bridge will be repaired.

The Joint Powers authority for the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor is beginning discussions about the use of the old railroad corridor for rail excursions.

Potential safety improvement strategies to be discussed include:

US 50/Lower Carson Road under-crossing

Newtown Road connection

Median barriers

Technology, CHP enforcement and various other improvements

The Wednesday meeting will held at Folsom Rotary Clubhouse, 7150 Baldwin Dam Road, Folsom. The Thursday meeting will be held at Cavitt Junior High School, 7200 Fuller Drive, Granite Bay.

The primary purposes of the meetings are to: (1) raise awareness among members of the surrounding communities regarding the scope of flood control, dam safety, and other construction projects planned or underway at Folsom Dam over the next 10-15 years and (2) provide community members an opportunity to share thoughts and suggestions for consideration in completing these projects.

One project, between Mather Field Road and Zinfandel Drive, is anticipated to cost $3.3 million with completion expected summer 2007. The second project adds eastbound auxiliary lanes from Scott Road to El Dorado Hills Blvd./Latrobe Road with completion also set for summer 2007.

The hotline would probably follow a Seattle model, which since 1984, has used a statewide toll-free number. The first time an ineligible solo driver is reported driving in the carpool lane, the car's owner is sent an educational brochure. More reports result in letters from the Highway Parol, which uses the information to pick areas to look for carpool cheaters.

Is it working in Washington? Officials say that less than 7 percent of the complaints they receive are about repeat offenders. Although the national average for carpool cheating is between 10 percent and 15 percent it's less than 5 percent in Washington.

Currently, the state gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon.

50 Corridor projects approved on Wednesday include:

US 50 HOV and Auxiliary Lanes, Sunrise to Watt ($88.275 million).

US 50 HOV Lane Extension from the County Line to Bass Lake Road. ($23.496 million).

Widening/Straightening White Rock Road between Sunrise and Prairie City Road. ($22 million).

They also endorsed two additional project of importance to the 50 Corridor: widening White Road Road to four lanes from Grant Line to Prairie City Road and the widening of Hazel to six lanes.

The projects are currently being considered for special Proposition 1B Mobility Improvement funds.

Roschen is the featured program for the February Commuter Club Luncheon onthe 27, noon - 1 p.m. at the Mills Station Community Room near the Mather Mills Light Rail platform. (10057 Mills Station Rd., Rancho Cordova, CA.)

The luncheon is free to the first 50 Commuter Club members who RSVP. To join the Commuter Club (which is also free), click here.

On September 13, 2006, the Board of Supervisors approved the project and the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Hazel Avenue Improvement Project. The project will widen Hazel Avenue from four to six lanes from Madison Avenue to US Highway 50 and includes 5-foot bicycle lanes and 10-foot sidewalks separated from the roadway by an 8-foot landscaped buffer strip.

The Folsom South Canal, which runs parallel to and under US 50, will be the subject of some creative thinking on February 13 when the Folsom South Canal Partners host an open house to solicit ideas for turning the canal corridor into more than a water storage facility.

The Open House will be held at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center from 4 - 6 p.m.

To check out more about the canal and its possibilities, visit the FSC Partners' web site.

For you chance to win coffee cards and movie passes, join the Commuter Club and submit one week's worth of commute diaries. Commuters can also win "spins" on the special Cash Wheel which will be available in December.

   We'll make it easy for you to communicate with us, plus we'll give you direct email links to key decision-makers on the 50 Corridor.

   Another feature will be a 50corridor.com on-line store where you can purchase t-shirts, caps and coffee cups.

   We'll be monitoring your feedback by asking for your suggestions on our new look on Corridor Talk, which, as one of our most popular features, won't be going away or undergoing any changes!

   The luncheon begins at noon on Tuesday, January 23. The location is the community room at Mills Station at the Mather Mills Light Rail Station (Mather and Folsom Blvd.)

   Lunch is free but you are required to be a member of the on-line Commuter Club, and you must put your name on the RSVP list. Click here if you aren't yet a member: http://cc.stli.com/commuter_club/cc_register.asp. RSVP by clicking on Commuter Club Events from the menu on the left.

   The proposed project will add bus/carpool lanes (a.k.a. High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes) in the existing median of U.S. Highway 50, in both directions, from downtown Sacramento to Sunrise Boulevard in Sacramento County

   This project will add up to 20 lane miles to the existing bus/carpool network along U.S. Highway 50, replace pedestrian over-crossings at White Rock Park and Manlove Road and construct soundwalls at various locations.

   The public is invited to exchange information, provide input and review project alternatives. The Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment will also be available for review. Maps and information will be on display and Caltrans personnel will be available to answer questions.

   The prize wheel includes coffee cards, movie passes and chances to spin the $5,000 cash wheel at the end of the year. You can use your spins as you earn them or bank them for use any time prior to December 1, 2007. More prizes will be added during the year.

   The cash wheel, which will be available during the month of December, will feature 3 $500 cash prizes, 10 $100 cash prizes, and 50 $50 dollar cash prizes.

   The Commute Diary is easy to complete. Commuters can track their morning and evening commute modes daily or at the end of each week. The information gained from the diaries helps the region monitor and track commute travel trends.

   In addition to the prize wheel and the cash wheel, Commuter Club members also have access to special program and services offered by the Regional Rideshare Program and the 50 Corridor TMA.

Sacramento Regional Transit will once again offer the Sacramento community a gift of free rides on its holiday bus this season.  The holiday bus will run on various routes through Sunday, January 7.  For information regarding the bus routes, visit www.sacrt.com.

   This week, travelers can expect lane and ramp closures from Placerville Drive to Clay Street from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Friday.  A contractor will be doing underground utility work and paving. 

   Competion of the entire project is expected for Fall 2009.

The new Park and Ride lot has been expanded bringing the total number of parking spaces to 76. The facility also boasts improved lighting, a new bus shelter, new bike lockers and a designated bus turn out.

The expansion project, spearheaded by El Dorado Transit Director Mindy Jackson, represents a successful partnership between Caltrans, the El Dorado County Department of Transporation and El Dorado Transit.

   Projects that could benefit from the funds include the extension of carpool lanes on US 50, construction of El Dorado County components of the Elk Grove-Rancho Cordova-El Dorado connector, the Missouri Flat Road interchange and the western Placerville interchanges.

   The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the Building C hearing room, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville.

   The Holly Jolly Trolley will be FREE of charge this year and will run every 15 to 20 minutes between the Mountain Democrat and the Placerville Post Office. The Trolley route services several stops along Broadway and Main Street including the newly expanded free parking area at Placerville Station on Mosquito Road

   The Placerville Downtown Merchants are sponsoring shuttle service on the Trolley from 5 - 9 p.m., Friday, November 24^th for the Festival of Lights Event.

   For more information on the Holly Jolly Trolley, or any other El Dorado Transit services, call (530) 642-5383 or visit our website at www.eldoradotransit.com.

   Register online at www.sacog.org/mtp/2035.

   Come to this month’s Commuter Club luncheon on October 24th and enter a drawing for the chance to “ride along” with the California Highway Patrol! This month’s special guest speaker is CHP’s Officer Liz Dutton who will answer your questions regarding traffic safety and other pertinent issues regarding our public highways. Officer Dutton will also illustrate one of the greatest threats to safety on our roadways: impaired driving. Using special glasses Officer Dutton will demonstrate the dangerous aspects of driving under the influence.

   Don’t miss this opportunity to see this very special presentation and to win the chance to ride along with the CHP! One Commuter Club member will be selected to accompany a CHP officer during his/her patrol shift; the winner must be present at the Commuter Club luncheon to win.

   The Commuter Club luncheons are free each month to the first 50 Commuter Club members who RSVP. This month’s luncheon will be on Tuesday October 24^th, noon to 1:00 at Mills Station

   El Dorado Transit operates five (5) buses and a trolley on a continuous loop, every 15-20 minutes from a satellite parking lot just off US 50 in Placerville. Visitors get on and off as many times as they like at any one of 26 designated Shuttle stops throughout Apple Hill^®.

   To park for FREE and ride the FREE Apple Hill Shuttle, exit 50 at Schnell School Rd. and follow the signs 0.1 miles to the Schnell School parking lot, located on the right. Coordinators at the bus stop can supply you with maps and all the information you need to make the most of your Apple Hill^® visit.

   The Apple Hill Shuttle is sponsored by the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District, the Apple Hill Growers Association and the El Dorado County Transit Authority.

   For more information on the Apple Hill Shuttle or any of El Dorado Transit’s services, call (530) 642-5383 or visit us online at www.eldoradotransit.com.

   "If you would like to witness and participate in this historic event there is near by parking at Raleys," says a notification released by the Chamber on Monday.

   Students at these schools who arrive Wednesday morning on foot or by bike will receive free tickets to the Folsom Zoo and a chance to win a pizza party for his/her class.

   Parents who participate by escorting their students will be treated to coffee and donuts.

   Approximately 20% of all peak hour trips are school related trips.

   The lunch is free to the first 50 who RSVP. The location is the Mill Station Community Room at the Mather/Mills light rail station.

   To RSVP, click on Contact Us (to the left) and send your name and employer.

   For information, schedules or trip planning assistance visit us on the web at www.eldoradotransit.com or call (530) 642-5383.

   Design plans call for creation of a landscaped intersection that replicates the character of vernal pools, which abound in abundance just south of the intersection on former Mather Air Force Base.

Monday through Saturday the Iron Point Connector will provide public transit options for El Dorado County residents with direct service to the Iron Point light rail station, Folsom Lake College Campus in Folsom and the Folsom Stage bus stop at Kaiser in Folsom.

Passengers may board the Iron Point Connector at the Placerville Wal-Mart stop and at the following park and ride lots – Fairgrounds, Ponderosa (on Wild Chaparral Road), Cambridge (temporary lot at Church of the Foothills on Merrychase), and El Dorado Hills (corner of Post and White Rock Road).

First bus leaves Placerville Wal-Mart stop at 5:45 AM with service every two hours from all El Dorado County stops.    One-way fare is $2.50 with free fares on Fridays through August 25^th.

For maps and schedules call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383 extension 201 or check the website www.eldoradotransit.com

• an improved signal system
• the extension of Placerville Drive to connect to a new alignment of Forni Road and Main Street
• Bedford Avenue Pedestrian overcrossing
• relocation of a sewer line from Hangtown Creek.

   Unexpected weather or equipment problems may prolong or cause the work to be rescheduled. Roadside message boards will be used to post the latest information. Caltrans urges all motorists to use caution in this area and to "Slow for the Cone Zone".

   Prizes will also be given to individuals and employer teams who decorate their helmets for the ride.

   TO RSVP, go to www.bikecommutemonth.com and click on "events." Find the Bike To Lunch story and the RSVP link.

The city will mark the official opening of the new trail section from Mosquito Road to Clay Street from 10 a.m. to noon in the Ivy House Parking Lot at Clay and Main. Residents also may participate in the annual spring cleanup. Recycle bins for general recycling, yard waste trash and electronic items including computers and televisions will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the El Dorado County Library parking lot, 345 Fair Lane.

City and state Department of Transportation officials will answer questions and receive suggestions from residents and merchants regarding the US 50 improvement project that is to begin this spring.

   The luncheon, free to the first 50 RSVPs, will begin at noon at Mills Station at the Mather Mills Light Rail Stop.

   Caltrans Public Information Officer Mark Dinger will be the featured speaker. TO RSVP, log on to the Commuter Club (at left) and look on the menu for Commuter Club Luncheons.|INDENT|Scroll down to the November luncheon and click on the RSVP button. You will need to register for the Commuter Club, if you haven't already, in order to access the Commuter Club page of benefits and services.

   Hales will talk about national trends in transit and land use.

   Hales is a strategic planner with a focus on livable communities, transit innovation, and public-private partnerships.   As an elected member of the Portland City Commission, he was the lead commissioner for Planning and Transportation. Hales established a record as a national leader in the integration of land use planning and transportation project design, in pedestrian and transit-oriented development, and in innovative financing for infrastructure projects.   He has become a national resource for the American urban renaissance, helping cities craft the policies and investments which make them more livable, sustainable places.

Hales' background includes leading the team that built Americas first new streetcar line in fifty years, as well as creating a wide variety of citywide and neighborhood plans.   His public administration background also equips him to help implement these plans, developing financing strategies for parks, street improvements, transit projects and other community investments.

Since 2002, Hales had led HDR's transit planning practice, covering the transit spectrum in heavy rail, light rail and streetcar projects, as well as Transit-Oriented Development, citywide and downtown master plans, and Federal Transit Administration Alternatives Analysis.

In addition, Hales helped organize the Community Streetcar Coalition, and is an active member of the New Starts Working Group.   During the fall of 2005, he will serve on an ad-hoc panel which will prepare draft rules for the Federal Transit Administrations new Small Starts program, which Congress recently created to fund community-scale transit projects.

   The new extension which links the Sunrise Station to Historic Folsom via the Hazel Station, the Iron Point Station and the Glenn Drive Station, has also prompted new bus service in and around the city of Folsom. For a look at the new Folsom Stageline service, visit http://www.folsom.ca.us/upload/files/Folsom%20Stage%20Line%20Fixed%20Route%20Schedule%20Sept.%2029.xls.

   Light rail trains will run every half hour, from 5:01 a.m. to 7:01 p.m. on weekdays; 7:31 a.m. to 7:01 p.m. on Saturdays; and 10:01 a.m. to 7:01 p.m. on Sundays. The trip to Sacramento (16th Street Station) will take about 50 minutes.

   A ticket for $1.75 is valid for two hours; transfers cost 25 cents. Vending machines are available at each station. Customer assistance staff will be available through October 18 at the Hisstoric Folsom, Glenn Drive and Iron Point Road stations.

   For more information on light rail, call 321 BUSS; for more information on Folsom buses, call 355-8347.

The trains will run for the next two weeks from 5:01 a.m. until 7:21 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10:01 until 7:21 p.m. on weekends.

   Holderness, who is known for his many transportation contributions, will get his own recognition on October 14 when the TMA sponsors the Bob Holderness Roast. Among other things, Holderness was instrumental in getting light rail extended to Folsom. He was also instrumental in the construction of the Lake Natoma Crossing.

   Tickets to the Holderness Roast ate $75, with proceeds going to the 50corridor.com Commuter Club. For more information, email Rebecca.

Photo to left:  Mayor Miklos, former Mayor Holderness and former TMA Executive Director Art Smith.

   Recognizing that reckless driving is a behavior and typically occurs on a regular basis, this reporting function gives local law enforcement an advantage in finding and stopping reckless drivers.

   "As you report a bad driver, realize that your willingness to get involved may literally save a life of someone you love, said Henry Serrano, Chief of the Citrus Heights Police Department.

   Sam Spiegel, Folsom Police Chief, also endorses the reporting system. "Statistics show that nearly 30% of all traffic collisions in Folsom are due to unsafe speed," he said.

   Once the same vehicle is reported a number of times on the same street or geographical area, law enforcement is notified so they can be on the look out for the vehicle.

   Brauner will talk about ways to maintain your automobiles in order to conserve fuel.

   Commuter Club luncheons are held at the Mills Station Community Room, located at the Mather Mills Light Rail Station.

   Click here for on-line registration.

   The 20-mile ride will take place on the American River Bike Trail, beginning at Oak Meadow Park. The ride will travel to Sunrise and then back to Oak Meadow Park (around 4:30 p.m.)

   The entry fee is $25 per rider and all the proceeds will benefit the Mustard Seed School.

    Email questions here.

If you are interested in joining this van, email Linda.Madden@fire.ca.gov.

   He noted the following behaviors as ones that are considered especially dangerous: speeding, tail gating, frequent and unnecessary lane changes and improper merging techniques.

   He also encouraged drivers to be attentive, be patient, never drink and drive, always buckle up, and in minor, non-injury collisions, pull over at the nearest exit to exchange driver/insurance information.

   The westbound US 50 on-ramps and off-ramps will be closed from 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays. When the ramps are closed, signs will be posted directing motorists to alternate routes.

   In addition, a single lane on southbound El Dorado Hills Boulevard will be closed from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for several days beginning Tuesday (for drainage improvements.) One southbound lane will remain open at all times, but County DOT officials say motorists should expect significant delays on southbound El Dorado Hills Boulevard and on Serrano Parkway.

   Alternate routes to US 50 include the Sophia Parkway connection to Empire Ranch and Broadstone, or the new connection from Silva Valley Parkway to White Rock Road.

   If you have questions, contact John Kahling at 530-642-4974.

   The Commuter Club program has awarded $100 prizes each week to 50 Corridor Commuters since June. 

   To be eligible to win next week's $100 cash prize, join the Commuter Club (if you haven't already) and complete this week's commute diary. The more days you complete your diary, the more chances you have to win. Next week's winners will be announced next Tuesday.

   The proposed interchange is intended to provide traffic relief for Sunrise Blvd and to accommodate future growth.

   Work hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Work will begin at the Historic Downtown station and will proceed south toward Glenn, Iron Point and Hazel stations. There is some grinding noise that will accompany this process. Also, the grinding process creates sparks. RT has obtained a fire permit from Folsom and the appropriate fire prevention measures are in place. Additionally, the Folsom fire department has been informed of the upcoming work. RT preforms rail grinding on all new extensions prior to opening up for regular service.

   Project maps will be on display and handouts will be available.

   As part of the project, Caltrans is analyzing the feasibility of HOT lanes - High Occupancy Toll Lanes.

   From July 1^st through September 30^th, the 50 Corridor TMA will pay $100.00 a week in Commuter Club "Cool Cash" to members who log on and complete their Commute Diary – each daily entry earns a chance to win so the more weekly diary entries you have, the more chances you have to win!

   Overall 66 percent of people around the region consider traffic congestion a big problem, according to a poll released Friday by CSUS.

   Of those who have lived here at least 20 years, 73% say traffic congestion is a big problem, and only 4% say it is no problem at all.

   But those who have lived here six years or less, just 55% say it is a big problem, and a notable 18% say it is no problem at all.

   What does that mean? Simple. If you've lived here a long time, you remember how free and easy driving once was. If you've just arrived, chances are you are from the Bay Area, and you are used to bad traffic.

   Vehicles to be blessed should be parked along Wool Street between Figueroa and Mormon Streets. That block of Wool Street will be closed to other traffic from 5:30 -7:30 p.m.

   After a prayer service in the church, the Rev. Charles Cornell will bless the assembled vehicles. A free barbecue supper will follow.

   For more information, call 985-2495.

   Under the new configuration, westbound trains on the Sunrise line will end at St Rose of Lima Park.

   To help passengers navigate the new configuration, RT employees will be at the Broadway, 16th Street and St. Rose stations from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on June 19 and from 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. June 20-22.

   The students cycled from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery along the American River Parkway to Beale's Point.

   A local development group has purchased the historic restaurant and an adjacent parcel. The 7-acre project preserves one of Rancho Cordova's few historic buildings and meets the worthy goal of placing housing and retail adjacent to light rail.

   The closures are scheduled from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

   Lanes of Hazel will be closed between US 50 and Winding Way. One lane will remain open in each direction.

   Two lanes in both directions on Sunrise will be closed between Fair Oaks and Gold Country Blvd.

   Lanes on Watt Avenue between US 50 and Fair Oaks Blvd. will be closed with two lanes remaining open in each direction.

   RT Fare Restructuring Open House - begins at 7 p.m. at Mills Station at the Mather Mills Light Rail Station. A presentation will be made at 7:30 p.m. covering fare restructuring, June services changes, paratransit service and security.

   Folsom-El Dorado Transit projects - begins at 5:30 at the Folsom Community Center (a similar meeting is scheduled for the El Dorado CSD Pavilion on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.). The meetings are intended to provide opportunities for the public to comment on potential transit projects along the Folsom-El Dorado-US 50 corridor.

   New Folsom Bridge - The City of Folsom and the Corps of Engineers will host meetings from 4-6 p.m.and 7-9 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center to display plans for the bridge planned to span the American River below Folsom Dam.

   To contribute miles, register at www.bikecommuteweek.com. Those who pledge a minimum of 50 miles during the month will be rewarded with a Bike Commute Week t-shirt.

   Bike Commute Week is May 16-22. A special rally will be held on May 20 in Historic Folsom at the Railroad Block near Sutters Street.

   In preparation for the Million Mile Challenge, Safety Clinics are being held along the corridor to insure that new cyclists will have an enjoyable bike commute. Leading one of those safey clinics, at the left, was Gerald Shupe (seated), bike commuter and executive with Wells Fargo. Attending the Mather Safety Clinic was Phil Manley, Ameriquest, and Sue Daly, Sacramento County.

Detours include: WEST - Mather Field to Armstrong, west, to Schriever and north to Peter McCuen. EAST - Schriever south to Armstrong and east to Whitehead and north to Peter McCuen.

For more information, call 874-7056.

   For details, register for the Commuter Club (at the left) and click on "My Commute Diary." To be eligible, members must complete a commute diary each week, April through November. If you employer is a 50 Corridor Transportation Management Association (TMA) member, you'll get one additional chance to win.

   Five winners will be drawn at the November Commuter Club luncheon. Other prizes will be awarded, also.

   It's not necessary that you use alternative transportation to win. We are gathering information on 50 Corridor commute information and behavior.

   Caltrans installed signs last week on US 50 at Bradshaw Road and on the freeway's westbound lanes at Scott Road.

   Leidesdorff, who lived from 1810 to 1848, acquired a 35,000-acre land grant covering what is now Rancho Cordova and Folsom. In addition to being a sailing master, Leidesdorff was a succesful diplomat and businessman. He funded the state's first public school and captained the first steamship in California before the Gold Rush.

   These potential changes will b the topic of two public workshops, 2-4 p.m., and 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 29 in the West Room of the Communitycenterm 52 Natomas Street.

   "Our new transit routes will provide service to the Folsom light rail staions currently under construciton at Iron Point, Glenn Drive and Historic Folsom," said Kent Gary, Transit Superivsor for Folsom Stage Lines.

   For more information, contact Anne Novotny at 340-6215 or Kent Gary at 355-8368.

   The bridge spans Humbug Creek near East Bidwell and Blue Ravine in Folsom.

   Thanks to Jim and his volunteers, the city was able to save "tens of thousands of dollars," compared with the cost of a contractor-built bridge.

(Photo by Dave Cassell)

Work is still underway on the construction of a light rail extension to Folsom from Sunrise Blvd in Rancho Cordova. Light rail service to Folsom is expected to be operational byOctober.

Employers qualify for the list by meeting national standards for excellence in commuter benefits programs. In exchange for meeting the standards, employers receive public recognition and support and guidance to maintain their programs.

Providing commuter benefits helps employers reduce parking expenses, lessen traffic congestion, improve employee recruitment and retention, and minimize environmental impacts associated with traditional single-occupant vehicle trips.

Its easy to participate! Employers must apply to EPA by March 10 using a simple online form. Further information is available at www.bwc.gov. If you need assistance with the form contact Nancy Kays or Aimee Hagen at (916) 321-9000.

Employers who make the list will be announced on April 21. Don't delay, apply today!

   It offers an alternative from Green Valley Road toEast Natoma Street, Broadstone Parkway and Iron Point Road . The new connection is expected to reduce congestion on El Dorado Hills Blvd, and on Blue Ravine Road and East Bidwell Street. The mile-long project cost about $3.2 million.

7th & J Intersection - Night Work
   Night work at this intersection is on hold. We anticipate 4-5 more nights of work at this intersection, but the exact nights are not known at this point.

7th Street (At H Street)
   Crews continue installing the remaining sections of the 48" sewer line on 7th Street near H Street. 24-hour lane closures will continue to be in effect on 7th Street. One lane on 7th Street between H and I street will be open at all time. The contractor hopes to be done with this section of work by February 25. There is no night work anticipated at this time.

H Street (Between H and I Streets)
   Crews will begin installing an 8" water line on 7th Street between H and I streets. Traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane on this block. This work should be completed by February 25.

8th Street (Between H and I Streets)
   Crews will be installing an 8" water line on 8th Street between H and I streets. The water line in this block will be located on the east side of the road. Anticipate lane closures in this area. The contractor hopes to be done with this block of work by February 18.

H Street (Near 5th Street)
   Crews will continue with SMUD work near the Amtrak Depot entrance. Lane closures will be in place, so please use caution when driving in this area. This SMUD work should be done by February 25.

   Installed on the buses' exhaust systems, the controls are expected to cut emission of particulate matter by 85 percent and nitrogen oxides - a prime contributor to smog - by 25 percent.

   Funding for the systems included a grant from the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District and local transportation funds.

   RT's Director of Safety, Rufus Francis, cautions that overhead wires are extremely dangerous and the public should stay clear of high voltage areas. The lines carry 750 volts of electricity and any contact with the wires could result in death.

   "Before the light rail trains are tested on the Folsom line, RT must activate the high voltage catenary system," Frances explained. The cantenary, located above the light rail tracks, provides electricity to the light rail trains and is considered 'hot' once activated."

   As with any high voltage electricity, the catenary system is dangerous. The public is advised to stay clear of the light rail tracks and equipment, and more than ten feet from the wires and poles.

   Vehicles with two or more occupants can use the carpool lane on the southbound Sunrise Blvd. onramp to bypasss the meters.

   The Hazel Avenue onramps to westbound US 50 will be activated in early March.

   On the west end of the extension, work in Downtown Sacramento continues along 7th, 8th and 9th Streets.

   Watch for the following construction areas:

    Click here to have your voice heard on changes that are needed for more efficient transit service: online survey.

   When light rail service to Folsom begins, Folsom Stage Line commuter express bus service to the Butterfield Station and downtown Sacramento will be discontinued. Local Route 10 will be restructured to provide connecting bus service to the three new Folsom light rail stations: Iron Point, Glenn and Historic Folsom.

   Folsom Stage Line is seeking input from Highway 50 commuters to help plan changes to the City of Folsom's commuter bus service when light rail service to Folsom begins in October 2005. Survey responses will impact future bus service planning for Folsom Stage Line and will provide information on how to better serve 50 Corridor commuters with viable alternative transportation options.

   Signs will be posted on both sides of the bike path. Cyclists on the Lake Natoma bike loop will be detoured under Folsom Boulevard and up the bike lane between Folsom Boulevard and Gold Lake Drive.