Officials gathered to break ground on the first phase of Placer Parkway on Thursday, July 23. Photo courtesy of Placer County

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Placer County officials joined regional partners in West Placer on Thursday, July 23 to break ground on the first phase of Placer Parkway, a long-awaited transportation project that will improve regional connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and support the continued growth of western Placer County.

Phase I of the Placer Parkway project includes a multi-lane roadway connecting the state Route 65 interchange at Whitney Ranch Parkway to North Foothills Boulevard. The new corridor is designed to improve east-west travel, enhance emergency access and create a key transportation link for one of California's fastest-growing regions.

Eventually, Placer Parkway will connect state Route 65 to state Route 99.

"Seeing this project move from vision to construction is incredibly rewarding," said Placer County Board of Supervisors Chair and District 2 Supervisors Shanti Landon. "Placer Parkway represents our commitment to planning ahead, investing in critical infrastructure and ensuring our communities remain connected as western Placer County continues to grow."

Phase I of the Placer Parkway project includes a multi-lane roadway connecting the state Route 65 interchange at Whitney Ranch Parkway to North Foothills Boulevard. Photo courtesy of Placer County

Placer County worked diligently with regional partners including the Placer County Water Agency, the United Auburn Indian Community, and the South Placer Regional Transportation Authority in order to move forward on Phase 1.

"One of Placer County's greatest strengths is our ability to work together," said Placer County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny. "Projects of this scale don't happen because of one agency or one organization. They happen because local governments, public agencies, tribal partners and private industry share a common vision and remain committed to it over the long term.”

The Board of Supervisors awarded the construction contract for Phase I to Roseville-based Teichert Construction earlier this year. Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated in late 2028 or early 2029.