Everyone knows that getting any project, much less a major infrastructure project, from the initial stages through to approval is an extensive and complicated task. As the Connector moves forward, I’d like to highlight a few aspects of the process.

Last time I offered a brief history of the Connector project; now I’d like to get into some of the specifics about how the Connector fits in with regional transportation plans. Is it part of Measure A? Does it fit with SACOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) 2035?

The short answer to both of those questions is: yes.

As we’re talking more about what the Connector means to the region and the benefits it offers, it occurs to me I haven’t really touched upon the project’s history. As with any major infrastructure or construction project, the Connector has undergone a multi-year process to arrive at its current status. I think it makes sense to share some highlights of that process and history.

The Capital SouthEast Connector was originally known as (and is still legally known as) the Elk Grove-Rancho Cordova-El Dorado Hills Connector. A roadway to bypass downtown Sacramento and provide greater mobility in the region has been discussed for more than 30 years, but the idea gained greater momentum over the past few years.