Let me say up front that there is a lot of competition for ‘the worst’, but I think the sidewalk and other construction on Capitol Ave between 16th St and 17th St is certainly in the running.
What are the issues?
- No advance warning of sidewalk closure at the preceding corners on 17th St.
- No ADA detectable barrier. The project is using chain link fencing with yellow caution tape strung through the fence.
- Fence bases protrude into the sidewalk, presenting a tripping hazard for blind or low vision persons, or anyone at night.
- No appropriate ‘sidewalk closed’ sign at the point of closure.
- Both sides of Capitol Ave have closed sidewalks, so there is no choice between sides of street.
- The small sign on the fences at 16th St indicate very long detours to reach the entrances of both 1616 Capitol Ave (south side) and 1615 Capitol Ave (north side). Photo below. This sign of course would be of absolutely no use for someone with impaired vision, or anyone on a dark day or early in the morning or late afternoon (at this time of year).
- The bike lanes on both sides of Capitol are partially obstructed by fencing. No signing for bicyclists or drivers indicates this. Bicyclists have to merge away from the fencing into the general purpose lane, with no advance warning.
This is a California Department of General Services (DGS) project, and signing indicates that the construction contractor is Z Squared. I have reported these violations to both the City of Sacramento 311 (case 221130-1423348) and DGS Facilities Management Division.
It is worth noting that his current construction seems to be part of an ongoing construction project that was stalled for about a year. DGS removed the rocks from a sidewalk adjacent area meant to protect walkers from walking into the awkward building buttresses, then fenced these areas. About a year ago. Then, nothing.
There is also construction going on Capitol Ave between 15th and 16th, but I was so depressed by this one that I didn’t include it.
Getting Around Sacramento 