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New Bridge Breaks Ground
The new Folsom Dam Bypass Bridge has officially broken ground, and they expect to have it finished by the end of 2008. Residents and commuters alike will certainly appreciate the fast (by bridge construction terms) expidition to complete construction, as the Dam Road closure has snarled traffic throughout the city.
* Audio Report from CA Public RadioLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted February 22, 2007
Dam Road May Be Off the Table
Many were very excited to hear that the federal government gave the "thumbs up" to re-open the dam road. Unfortunately, Placer & El Dorado officials are unwilling to pony up some of the money to re-open it. The Folsom Dam Bypass Bridge has now become the priority. Meanwhile, the skyrocketing costs of the Folsom Dam raise have brought the discussion of Auburn Dam back on the table.
* More on the Dam Road ClosureLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted June 30, 2005
Dam Road Opening to Be Discussed
Now that the Dam road has been authorized to open, the city of Folsom is trying to figure out ways to pay for it with strict security standards. Next week they will be meeting with El Dorado and Placer County officials to discuss sharing the burden of the cost. The meeting will be Monday at City Hall, 10 a.m. Details
* More on the Folsom Dam Road closureLabels: Dam Road
posted June 23, 2005
Dam Road Approved to Re-Open
Commuters and many Folsom businesses have been grateful about the decision from the federal government to re-open the Dam Road during commute hours. Pending funding for the project, the road will be opened up in early 2006 after installing new security measures, and may require a $2-$3 toll. The Folsom Dam Bypass Bridge is scheduled to open early 2007. Details in the Bee.
* More articles on Folsom Dam Road closureLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted June 01, 2005
Dam Bridge Routes Proposed
The new Folsom Dam Road replacement bridge has unveiled its likely alignments - 4 different paths that start around the entrance to the current Dam Road, and aligns next to Folsom Prison property. Depending on the design of the bridge, the new bridge may likely have a pretty good view of Folsom Prison. Details in
the Bee.Labels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing, Folsom Prison
posted May 01, 2005
Second Thoughts?
Some may think that with all the traffic issues caused by the Folsom Dam Road closure, residents would be happy to hear that the road will be opened again. Not so. In all honestly, residents aren't thrilled about paying a toll to cross the road, especially when it used to be free. The city will soon be polling residents to gauge public support for the temporary re-opening. Details in the Bee.
* More on the Folsom Dam Road ClosureLabels: Dam Road
posted April 24, 2005
Dam Road to Re-Open
After many felt that the opening of the Folsom Dam Road was never going to happen, it appears Congressman Doolittle has managed to negotiate a way to open up the Dam Road during commute hours, starting Fall 2005. The road will likely be pay-per-use ($2-$3 each way), and the city of Folsom will pay approximately $6.2 million to pay for security upgrades. Details in TheKCRAChannel.com, Sacramento Bee.
* Discuss this in the Forums!Labels: Dam Road
posted April 12, 2005
Sutter Street Seeks Help
Sutter Street merchants know that the best remedy for ailing sales is the construction of a bridge to replace Folsom Dam Road. However in the meantime, merchants are seeking help from consultants to boost tourism to the area. Some of the improvements being tossed around include outdoor patio dining, and improving historic facades. Full story in The Sacramento Bee.Labels: Dam Road, Sutter Street
posted April 11, 2005
Cox Hopes to Streamline Bridge
In an effort to speed up the process of building the replacement bridge for the Folsom Dam Road, Senator Dave Cox has proposed a new bill which would require permits be approved within 75 days. A similar bill of this nature died on the floor last year, however Cox is willing to give it a shot. Details in the Bee.
* More on the Folsom Dam BridgeLabels: Dam Road
posted March 19, 2005
Opinions Differ on Dam Road Closure
We all know the Dam Road closure has impacted businesses and traffic within Folsom. However, the fact remains that The Bureau of Reclamation has identified Folsom Dam as one of the top 5 dams in the country that have the potential for terrorism risk. As the final decision over the Dam Road looms, read an outsider's perspective on the decisions of Bureau officials. Boston Globe article
* More info on the Folsom Dam Road ClosureLabels: Dam Road, USBOR
posted February 07, 2005
Folsom Speaks Up on Dam Road
Folsom officials may have been discouraged by the lack of turnout to the public forum on the Dam Road closure. Not a single resident showed up to the hearing in Sacramento last Tuesday. However around 150 residents and public officials showed up to the hearing on Wednesday evening, a majority of them questioning the closure of the Dam Road. Story in the Telegraph.Labels: Dam Road
posted January 12, 2005
2004 in Review
What a year it has been in Folsom... MyFolsom.com netizens will be sure to tell you that there has been no shortage of Folsom news to talk about. The controversies surrounding the Folsom Library, Dam Road closure, and Ms Teaz are sure to be remembered, but Folsom also had a few "firsts", with the first graduating class from Folsom Lake College, and the first performance from the Folsom Lake Symphony. Read the full story in the Telegraph.Labels: Dam Road, Folsom Lake College, Folsom Library
posted December 29, 2004
Last Chance?
Though the permanent closure of the dam road is not a done deal, many feel it is. The Dam Road closure has caused closed businesses and inconveniences for many. Your chance to speak up about this is coming - on January 4th and 5th, there will be public hearings on the Dam Road closure. Speak up and be heard! Story in today's Bee.Labels: Dam Road
posted December 27, 2004
Folsom Ready to Kick Off Marathon
The California International Marathon is set to kick off bright and early tomorrow morning - Folsom-Auburn Road will be closed beginning at 5 am tomorrow. The route goes from Folsom Dam Road down Folsom-Auburn, taking a right on Oak. Take the appropriate detours and be on the lookout for lost runners!
* Marathon Route
* Marathon WebsiteLabels: Dam Road
posted December 04, 2004
Dam Road to Remain Closed
Federal officials do not intend to ever open up the Folsom Dam Road. Folsom officials are pushing to open it up at least partially during commute hours, however even that alternative is not looking promising. Their plan is to have pre-approved vehicles with stickers that can go over the road during commute hours. Full story in the Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee.Labels: Dam Road
posted December 03, 2004
Bridge Progress
Though it's only $5 million of $66 million needed for a Dam Road bridge, it's a start. The House of Representatives have approved $5 million in spending for the new Folsom bridge as well as $3 million for the 7 foot raise of Folsom Dam. Construction could start as soon as 2006. Details in the Auburn Journal.Labels: Dam Road
posted November 30, 2004
No End in Sight
The effects of the Dam Road closure continue to take its toll on businesses along Folsom-Auburn and along Sutter Street. The latest casualty is Granite Bay Jewelers, who is forced to declare bankruptcy, after its owner lost over $550,000 in debts from trying to keep the store alive. DetailsLabels: Dam Road, Sutter Street
posted November 13, 2004
Help on the Way?
Folsom's Historic Distric (namely Sutter Street) has been in need for something... anything. Since the Dam Road closure, sales have gone down significantly. City Council just approved a plan which will improve traffic flow back in to Old Folsom, by changing some of the traffic barricades and diverters in the area. Full story in the Bee.Labels: Dam Road, Folsom City Council, Sutter Street
posted October 05, 2004
Residents, Owners to Spruce up Sutter Street
Sutter Street, long a popular tourist area, has been in need of a pick-me-up since the Dam Road closure. The Folsom Historic District Association has launched a 4-point plan - organizing, designing, promoting, and economic restructuring, which will hopefully spur more visitors. Full storyLabels: Dam Road, Sutter Street
posted September 29, 2004
Road Closure Causes Another Bankruptcy
Slowly but surely, the closure of the Folsom Dam Road is taking its toll on merchants affected with major traffic issues. The latest victim is Granite Bay Jewelers, which has seen business decline by 35% since the closure. Many Sutter Street businesses have been hit hard as well, and there is no relief in sight. More in the Sacramento Business Journal.Labels: Dam Road, Sutter Street
posted September 22, 2004
Light Rail Delayed
Light Rail to Folsom's historic district has been pushed back yet again from April 2005 to October 2005, due to property negotiations. With the Dam Road closure and increasing traffic along Highway 50, this is not good news for commuters. When the stations open, a trip from Folsom to Downtown Sac should take 40 minutes, the same as driving. Details on TheKCRAChannel.comLabels: Dam Road, Light Rail
posted September 20, 2004
New Bridge By '07
In what is considered a very quick turnaround time, a replacement bridge for the Folsom Dam Road may be built and open by as soon as 2007. Though this is at least 3 years away, this is a short time frame in the scheme of things. The new bridge will be 4 lanes, with bike and pedestrian crossing as well. It is quite contingent on the passing of renewwing Measure A, a tax which has been in place since 1988. Details
* Details from the city
* Doolittle: Open the Dam RoadLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted August 11, 2004
City Officials Pump Measure A
Measure A, a half-cent sales tax passed in 1988, has provided for much needed road improvements over the years, including the Lake Natoma Bridge. The tax is scheduled to last until 2008. City officials would like to extend it to 2039 so we can fund such major projects as the Folsom Dam bridge. This time around, 66% will be required (as opposed to 50%) to pass the bond. Details in the Folsom TelegraphLabels: Dam Road, South of 50
posted July 06, 2004
City Seeks Help For Traffic
As part of the growing displeasure over the Dam Road closure, city officials are adding staff to deal with the added demands caused by it. While the closure is causing much ire among residents, Folsom is making sure other areas of the city are not neglected due to the high profile of addressing the Dam Road closure. DetailsLabels: Dam Road
posted July 04, 2004
Tourism in Full Swing
The closure of the Folsom Dam Road has caused the Folsom Tourism Bureau to do some damage control - namely in the form of TV time in the Bay Area and a new website. The funds came from a new 2% tax on local hotels. VisitFolsom.Com is the new city "tourism" website, which oddly looks familiar to another popular Folsom website we know of... (full story)Labels: Dam Road, USBOR
posted June 27, 2004
Is This Thing Passed Yet?
Welcome to the world of bills in government... in what has seemed like an endless journey, the House panel has approved funds to raise the Folsom Dam and build a new bridge to replace the Dam Road. It will still have to pass through several branches of government before the project is officially approved and under way. Details in the Bee.Labels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted June 12, 2004
Dam to Re-Open?
If given sufficient security to the Folsom Dam, the US Bureau of Reclamation may open up the Folsom Dam Road during peak commute hours. Police Chief Sam Spiegel is already designing a security plan with local and federal law enforcement in hopes of opening the road. In a public workshop last Thusday, comments were collected and information given to the public. Details: Folsom Telegraph
* Send your comments in by June 10Labels: Dam Road, Folsom Police, Sam Spiegel, USBOR
posted June 02, 2004
Dam Raise, Bridge a "Go"
State Senate approved federal legislation allowing a 7-foot raise of Folsom Lake for flood control purposes. Also on the bill was an approval for a bridge to replace the Folsom Dam Road. This was also OK'd. Source: Sacramento BeeLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted May 28, 2004
Give a Dam? Show It
If you are one of the thousands of drivers inconvenienced by the Dam Road closure, now is your time to show up and lobby to open it up. The city is trying to get a big turnout at 2 public meetings about the closure - the bigger the turnout, the bigger an impression of how bad this problem is. The meetings will be this week - 4:30 Wednesday, 828 I St / Sacramento, and 4:30 Thusday, Folsom Community Center.
* City of Folsom news release
* Discuss this on the Folsom Forums!Labels: Dam Road
posted May 23, 2004
Traffic Relief on Way
Folsom and El Dorado Hills broke ground on two new roads, which will hopefully relieve some of the congestion caused by the Dam Road closure. Sophia Parkway will be joined with Green Valley Road, while Iron Point will continue to Highway 50. The roads were not supposed to be in until 2008, but the need was much more evident with the Dam Road closure. More in the Bee.
* Discuss this on the forumsLabels: Dam Road
posted April 27, 2004
Dam Road Closure Open Forum 5/27
Mark your calendars and bring your pitchforks... the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will be holding an open house on May 27 to address residents on the impacts of the Dam Road closure. The bureau is conducting an environmental impact report to study the closure, and your input is needed. Full details in the Folsom Telegraph.Labels: Dam Road, USBOR
posted April 07, 2004
New Bridge By 2007
3 years may seem like a long time to wait for a bridge, however that timeline is 2 years sooner than previously expected for a bridge that is slated to replace Folsom Dam Road. The city has been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to speed up the process, as the Dam Road closure has caused a traffic nightmare in Folsom. Full details: Sacramento Bee.Labels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing, USACE, USBOR
posted January 18, 2004
Jitters Revamps
Sutter Street coffee shop Jitters is undergoing a transformation if you will - from being a knick-knack shop, now focusing on being just a traditional Mom & Pop coffee shop. If you aren't a big fan of Starbucks vs. the World, this place is for you. The coffee shop is now featuring poetry readings to karaoke nights, in an effort to boost business that has been hit hard by the Dam Road closure. Full StoryLabels: Dam Road, Sutter Street
posted January 15, 2004
Sibley Street May Close
Folsom residents are growing weary of traffic impacts of the dam road closure. The latest area that has been impacted is Sibley Street. A plan is underway to close Sibley Street north of Lembi Drive. What is unclear however, is where the traffic will flow to following the closure. Diverting traffic to other residential areas is not the intention, however it is obvious it may be unavoidable. More in the Bee.
* Discuss this in the forumsLabels: Dam Road
posted January 08, 2004
Folsom Canal Hopes to Spring to Life
Ever heard of the Folsom South Canal? Chances are you haven't. This incomplete canal was originally created as a means to deliver water from Auburn Dam, and is now used only minimally. Neglected since the 1970s, it is now a 14-mile stretch from Lake Natoma to Sloughhouse Road, littered with weeds, trash, and is hard to access. The Bureau of Reclamation is now working with a bicycle advocate group in hopes of resurrecting this trail to its intended use. Full article in the Bee.
* About the Auburn Dam ProjectLabels: Dam Road, USBOR
posted January 05, 2004
News Flash: Traffic Here Stinks
Though it's no surprise to anyone here in Folsom, many newcomers to the area are finding that traffic here is a problem during rush hour. The closing of the Folsom Dam Road has caused traffic to logjam in to city and residential streets, frustrating residents and drivers alike. Though the funding is in place for a new bridge, it is estimated that we won't see it for another 6 years. See the Bee for Details.Labels: Dam Road
posted December 11, 2003
California Int'l Marathon Hits Folsom
The 21st Annual California International Marathon will be on Sunday, December 7th, starting in Folsom, at the entrance to the Folsom Dam (formerly Folsom Dam Road). The marathon will go all the way to the State Capitol, however it will block traffic from Folsom-Auburn to Oak Avenue from the 6:30 - 7:30 am time frame.
* California International Marathon 2003
* MapLabels: Dam Road, map
posted December 06, 2003
Help on the Way For Traffic
It may take a while to build, but the funding is about to be passed for a new 4-lane bridge replacing Folsom Dam Road. President Bush is expected to sign the 2004 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which includes a new bridge for Folsom. Coupled with a 7-foot raise of Folsom Dam, it will be one of the biggest construction projects in Folsom since the Dam was built. More in the Folsom Telegraph.
* SacBee EditorialLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted December 03, 2003
Dam Raise Deal Almost Done
The House and Congress approved a package of flood control projects, among them - funding construction of a Folsom Dam raise and construction of a permanent bridge to replace Folsom Dam Road. All that remains is President Bush's signature, which he should sign today. More in the Business Journal and Sacramento Bee.Labels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge
posted November 18, 2003
Flood Deal "Essentially Done" - Includes Commuter Bridge Next to Dam
As part of a historic $420 million flood deal, a 7-foot raise of Folsom Dam will be combined with the strengthening of leveys to protect Sacramento from a 200-year flood. Also part of the deal is a new commuter road over the American River, alleviating Folsom of its traffic problems. Though the deal is not officially done, it's as close as it gets, according to local officials. More in the Bee.Labels: Dam Road
posted November 06, 2003
Traffic Calming Not Well Received By Motorists
The city's attempts at diverting traffic away from residential areas has failed, at least in the eyes of motorists. Drivers are routinely ignoring "no right turn" areas, more than 1 in 4 are breaking the law. Partially to blame are police officers for failing to issue citations, however one thing's for sure, traffic in Old Folsom is a mess. More in the Telegraph. In related news, a federal study is examining the environmental impact of the Dam Road closure in Folsom. Results won't be available until 2005.
* Bee Article on Dam Road Closure StudyLabels: Dam Road, Folsom Police
posted October 22, 2003
9.24.2003
Chamber Hopes to Draw More Business
With the Dam Road closure impacting so many businesses in Folsom, city manager Martha Clark-Lofgren has devised some ways with the Chamber of Commerce to help lure more business in to town. Additional signage towards Sutter Street is being created, and ads are being discussed to be placed in print and TV in Sacramento. See the Folsom Telegraph for details.Labels: Dam Road, Sutter Street
posted September 25, 2003
Mama Ann's Going Out of Business
Mama Ann's Italian Market, voted Best Sandwich Shop by MyFolsom.Com voters in April, will be going out of business. The deli has been a Folsom favorite, however traffic related to the Dam Road closure has caused business to dwindle. In Time Again, Snooks Ice Cream & Candy, and Coffeee Republic have also felt a pinch due to the traffic. More is in the Telegraph.
* Related article in the BeeLabels: Dam Road
posted August 27, 2003
Folsom Dam Raise and Bridge Deal Imminent
The US House of Representatives subcommittee has unanimously approved a bill for the raise of Folsom Dam, which includes a bridge which would replace the Dam Road. If approved, this would put to rest a longstanding feud between Representatives Doolittle and Matsui over flood control measures. Next up is the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and finally, the House of Representatives. More in the Business Journal.
* Bee ArticleLabels: Cash Crossing, Dam Road, Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Lake Crossing
posted July 21, 2003
Traffic Improvements on the Way
With the closure of the Folsom Dam Road, some modifications were needed to improve traffic conditions in Folsom. Most notably, the addition of a lane near the Folsom-Auburn/Greenback intersection, as well as blocking traffic through residential streets of the historic district. All are part of a proposal to improve traffic and will be voted on Tuesday's city council meeting. More is in Sunday's Bee and the Folsom Telegraph.Labels: Dam Road, Folsom City Council
posted July 06, 2003
$50 Million Bridge Draws Nearer
HR-901, otherwise known as the Folsom Dam Road Bridge bill, passed another hurdle by narrowly being approved by the House Resources Committee 22-20. The $50 bridge may have to be of 2 options: a 2-lane bridge 100% funded by the federal government, or a 4-lane bridge that the City of Folsom has to pay 20% for. Next up is a floor vote; if passed, the bridge could be here as soon as 2005. More in the Telegraph.Labels: Dam Road
posted June 20, 2003
Folsom General Plan Needs Updating
The City of Folsom has been growing so much in the last few years, it has already approaching capacity. With the closure of the Dam Road and low-income housing now in the mix, the city looks to the future for planning. By 2009, the city should have almost 70,000 residents, up from 53,000 in 2000. Some of the key elements to be looked at include land use, traffic, open space, and housing. More is in today's Bee.Labels: Dam Road
posted June 19, 2003
El Dorado & Folsom Working on Future Roads
Future roads are being discussed in between El Dorado and Folsom, in part to help alleviate the pains of the Folsom Dam Road closure. East Natoma and Broadstone Parkway will have connections, as will a Silva Valley Parkway - White Rock Road connection. Meanwhile, both El Dorado County and the City of Folsom are continuing pursuit of getting the Dam Road opened up, at least during peak commute hours. More is in the Bee.Labels: Dam Road
posted May 26, 2003
Dam Road Closure Costing City $500,000 a Year
Now that people have started settling in on old habits, the closure of the Dam Road is starting to hit the city financially. Folsom is now paying $10,000 more a week in police and traffic control, not to mention the impact on small businesses. Traffic on alternate routes are up 75%, and a 36% raise in accidents. The city is looking at a traffic consulting firm to see if they can find ways to alleviate these issues, but until another bridge is built, it is likely that Folsomites will have to endure a lot of traffic during peak commute hours. More is in the Bee.
Also See: News10 articleLabels: Dam Road, Folsom Police
posted April 26, 2003
Ose Gets New Bridge Past First Hurdle
Folsom Representative Doug Ose has completed the first milestone towards getting a new 4-lane bridge in lieu of th Dam Road, as he has gotten the bill approved by the House Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Next step is the Resources Committee, then the House. It's long-term chances are unknown, as it may likely get thrown in the Matsui/Doolittle debate over the Folsom & Auburn Dam. More is in the Telegraph. Labels: Dam Road
posted April 09, 2003
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