Presently, the CAC and TAC have jointly formulated eight alternatives for consideration. The alternatives have been separated into two categories: 1) Alternatives Requiring Right-of-Way, and 2) Alternatives Requiring Limited or No Right-of-Way.

Alternatives Requiring Right-of-Way

The four alternatives discussed below will require right-of-way along the Hazel Avenue corridor.

Bus Enhancement

With this alternative, roadway widening would be required for the purpose of providing dedicated bus lane(s) along Hazel. Components of the Bus Enhancement Alternative may also consist of traffic signal priority and other operational and physical improvements and programs to promote the use of multiple occupancy vehicles. Traffic signal priority allows busses to proceed ahead of others when a traffic signal turns green. This alternative may incorporate improvements such as bus shelters, turnouts, and boarding islands in the median.

General Purpose Road Widening

This alternative would widen Hazel Avenue to six lanes to provide additional capacity as illustrated in this photo simulation of Hazel Avenue. Roadway widening would be combined with intersection improvements. This alternative could include meandering sidewalks, a landscaped parkway and soundwalls.

Arterial HOV Lane

An arterial High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Alternative would include roadway widening for a dedicated HOV lane. HOV lanes are primarily used during peak periods (rush hours). Busses, carpools and vanpools meeting the minimum number of passengers required per vehicle could utilize the HOV lane.

Frontage Roads

The Frontage Roads Alternative would require widening the existing Hazel Avenue to accommodate a frontage road along one side or alternating sides of the corridor. Additional widening may be considered for general-purpose traffic with this alternative. The dual left-turn lanes would be eliminated with the installation of a frontage road.

Alternatives Requiring Limited or No Right-of-Way

The four Alternatives discussed below will have limited or no right-of-way impacts along the Hazel Avenue corridor.

Bicycle, Pedestrian and Bus Emphasis

This option focuses on alternative modes of travel other than the automobile. A project of this nature would improve bicycle and pedestrian access along the corridor as well as implementing some transit improvements.

Arterial Upgrade with Landscaped Median

This alternative would involve converting the center dual left-turn lane into a controlled left-turn facility with a landscaped median. This strategy would separate conflicting left-turn movements and force all left-turn traffic to an intersection where U-turns would be permitted. Continuous bike lanes and sidewalks would be provided.

Arterial Upgrade with Dual Left-turn Lane

This strategy would utilize the existing roadway lane configuration with the center dual left-turn lane. Minimal intersection improvements could be included such as providing or lengthening turn lane pockets. Although this alternative may involve streetscaping features and soundwalls, it would not provide a landscaped median. Continuous bike lanes and sidewalks would be provided.

Reversible Lane

This alternative would reserve one lane for directional traffic use during peak hours of the day. A reversible lane would increase the capacity of the roadway with minimal widening. Although the lane does not need to be barrier separated, it would likely involve overhead lane controls.

Common Recommended Elements

A number of specific components have surfaced as common elements, which will be analyzed and implemented in all of the alternatives.

These elements are:

• Provide for U-turns at intersections (as right-of-way allows)
• Improve alignment and grade (improve sight distance)
• Provide for continuous Class II bike lanes and sidewalks
• Improve access to the American River Parkway
• Maintain pedestrian access along both sides of the corridor
• Establish reasonable grade on sidewalks (5% maximum for wheelchair accessibility)
• Install curb, gutter, and sidewalks
• Promote additional bus service
• Support Park & Ride lots (i.e. at Hazel Avenue and Madison Avenue)
• Implement signal synchronization and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Incorporate planter strips, and/or landscaped medians, and other streetscape features where viable and appropriate
• Provide soundwalls and/or other noise mitigation strategies were feasible
• Use rubberized asphalt to reduce noise
• Bury utility lines where feasible