DOT PROVIDES UPDATES ON DIAMOND SPRINGS PROJECTS

Published on February 04, 2025

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROVIDES UPDATES ON COMPLETED AND UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN DIAMOND SPRINGS

(PLACERVILLE, CA) – Due to the construction activity that has occurred over the last few years and will take place in the Diamond Springs area, the El Dorado County Department of Transportation (DOT) is providing an update to motorists and the public.

“We want the traveling public to better understand the how and why behind the construction projects they’ve been seeing for the last couple years and will continue to see as DOT works to make that area safer,” said Rafael Martinez, the County’s Director of Transportation.

DOT has scheduled this series of construction projects to avoid overlapping and to minimize traffic impacts. These projects use funding restricted to the construction of infrastructure improvement projects. Maintenance of the infrastructure is funded through separate budget programs. Many Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects apply for state and federal grants designed for a specific type of improvement project, such as traffic circulation, traffic safety, and alternative transportation (transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities).

One such project is the County’s Public Safety Facility, which completed construction in 2019 on Industrial Way off Missouri Flat Road. The main public entrance is on Industrial Drive, and there is a gated staff-only entrance on Merchandise Way. DOT completed the construction of traffic signalizations and improvements at both the Industrial Drive and Enterprise Drive intersections on Missouri Flat Road in June 2024.

DOT established an extensive underground utility district that removes utility poles and overhead lines to improve safety in Diamond Springs using Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) funds. The undergrounding of utility construction was included in the County’s Diamond Springs Parkway Phase 1A project, which realigned and widened SR-49 between Pleasant Valley Road and Bradley Drive. Utility undergrounding was completed along Missouri Flat Road prior to the completion of the traffic signals at Industrial and Enterprise Drive as well, using PG&E funds. All utilities will be placed underground in the upcoming Diamond Springs Parkway Phase 1B project.

Construction was also completed on the westward extension of the El Dorado Trail from Missouri Flat Road to Oriental Street in May 2020. This project was primarily funded by a state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant.

Construction began in August 2024 for the bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing (POC) at Missouri Flat Road, which connects the east and west portions of the El Dorado Trail. This project is on schedule, and we anticipate its completion in May 2025. A state ATP grant is also funding this project.

Finally, construction for the Diamond Springs Parkway Phase 1B project is anticipated to begin in May 2025.  This project provides a new four-lane arterial roadway with concrete curb, gutter, Class II bike lanes, and sidewalk on both sides of the road from Missouri Flat Road south of Golden Center Drive to a new T-intersection with State Route (SR)-49 south of Bradley Drive. The project also includes signalization at the Missouri Flat Road, Throwita Way, and SR-49 intersections. Construction is scheduled to start after the completion of the pedestrian overcrossing to lessen traffic impacts in the area. Complete funding is secured, primarily coming from local and state transportation capital funds. The trail parking lot that is currently closed due to the construction of the bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing project will be reconstructed as part of the Diamond Springs Parkway Phase 1B project. The parking lot will be larger and able to accommodate users of both the El Dorado Trail and Old Depot Bike Park.

“By necessity, there will be temporary traffic control and detours during these ongoing construction projects to ensure motorist and worker safety,” said Martinez. “DOT will post notifications at least one week in advance of closures and traffic impacts and will provide information to the traveling public via the County website, press release, and portable changeable message signs.”

For questions regarding this construction, please contact the County’s Transportation main line at (530) 621-5900 (select Option 3 for Engineering).

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