SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Light rail train cars, running along Sacramento Regional Transit District’s (SacRT) Blue Line, whiz through the Sacramento River District every few minutes. The light rail train cars have never stopped to pick up riders in the River District, but that is all changing with the development of the Dos Rios Light Rail Station, SacRT’s newest light rail station. 

On Feb. 19, SacRT hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Dos Rios Light Rail Station at 530 N. 16th St. A litany of elected officials and local dignitaries participated in the ceremonial start of construction on a station that will provide much connectivity for the Sacramento River District and Mirasol Village communities. The station will serve as a multimodal hub connecting SacRT’s Blue Line, which is a key step in the district’s mission to improve mobility and accessibility for Sacramento residents.

A passing rain shower did not dampen the mood at the groundbreaking event, as the speakers took their turn at the podium to celebrate this important transit project.

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07 District) commented on the project: “For many in the community, public transit is not just an option, it is an absolute necessity. When we were building this area here, we said we would have public transit. It was almost a promise, and it is happening now.”

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty added, “This station represents more than just a stop along the Blue Line; it’s about connecting our city. Making sure people in these neighborhoods have mobility. This is one of the gateways of Sacramento, so it is critically important that we focus on improving transit for our communities and making sure we don’t have neighborhoods that are disconnected.”

SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento City Councilman Rick Jennings was the final speaker of the day. 

“It’s an exciting day as we break ground on the future Dos Rios Light Rail Station.” Jennings said. “A project that represents connectivity, opportunity and progress for Sacramento.”

The SacRT website indicates that construction activities for the new Dos Rios Light Rail Station have already begun with the first task being the construction of a retaining wall at the Loaves and Fishes parking lot, adjacent to the new station site. 

Construction of the new light rail station is scheduled to be completed in September 2026. 

During the station construction, there will be service disruptions for Blue Line trains. However, these disruptions will be limited to a total of four weekends throughout the construction term. For more information on Blue Line service disruptions, visit the project website, sacrt.com/dosrios.

The SacRT Board of Directors approved funding for this new station on Jan. 8, 2024. 

In total, the Dos Rios Station project has secured $42.8 million in funding from state and federal sources. This includes $31.2 million in state funding from programs such as the Transformative Climate Communities Program ($17.6 million), the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program ($940,000), Senate Bill 125 funds ($10 million), and the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program ($2.5 million). 

Additionally, $11.6 million in federal funding has been secured, including $9.6 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant, $1 million from the Fiscal Year 2024 THUD Appropriations Bill through Congressional Directed Spending, and $1,200,313 from other local and federal sources.