UC Davis Health Project

We’re partnering with UC Davis Health to help grow essential healthcare services in our community. This includes supporting their long-term expansion goals with electrification of their Central Utility Plant at their Sacramento Campus on 50th Street. To support this work and meet the campus’ future electrical needs, we’re building critical infrastructure including a new transformer and underground power line from our East City Substation to the UC Davis Health - Sacramento Campus. We don’t anticipate any power interruptions from this project.

Project benefits

  • An all-electric Central Utility Plant which reduces UC Davis Health carbon emissions by over 33,000 metric tons annually by 2030 and supports the University of California’s 80% GHG emissions reduction goal.
  • Efficient and reliable utility services to support UC Davis Health growth and mission-critical facilities including a Level 1 trauma center.

Location

The underground power line begins at the East City Substation at SMUD Headquarters, continues east on S Street, south on 65th Street and west on Broadway to the new Central Utility Plant on 50th Street at the UC Davis Health - Sacramento Campus.

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Community considerations

Noise

Construction may cause short noise disturbances near residential areas along the underground power line route.

Street closures

To ensure public and worker safety, temporary lane closures are necessary during potholing and underground power line installation. We’ve prepared a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to maintain traffic safety and flow and provide clear signage and detours. Traffic control measures including flaggers and barriers will also ensure safe passage for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and to always maintain emergency access.

Timeline

Construction activities will begin in late 2025 and continue through 2029:

  • Potholing along the path of the new underground line begins in early December and will last about 4 months.
  • Construction trenching is estimated to begin in Q3 of 2026 and will last about 3 years.

Ongoing stakeholder engagement and project planning are in progress to minimize impacts and inform impacted communities.

We’re committed to keeping the community informed about this project and will update this page with information about schedule, construction and progress updates.

Questions?

For questions about this project, contact community.relations@health.ucdavis.edu.

To learn more, visit UC Davis Health Government and Community Relations.