The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced a series of westbound State Route 12 (SR-12) closures, set to cause potential headaches for those traveling through Santa Rosa. According to Caltrans, these closures range from partial to full and are a necessary annoyance - part of a critical pavement and concrete slab replacement project.

Starting at 8 PM on Friday, April 5, and lasting until Monday morning, April 8, motorists will need to steer clear or sit tight in significant delays. There will be full freeway shutdowns between Downtown S. "E" Street and Dutton Avenue throughout the weekend during overnight hours. Caltrans has planned detours to help guide drivers around the closures, but those hoping to connect from Route 12 to US Hwy 101 will especially need to plan for an alternative path.

Daytime travel won't be a walk in the park either, with one of two lanes shut down from 8 AM to 8 PM on April 6 and 7. Drivers should anticipate delays or find another route if possible. Caltrans has stated the reasons for these disruptions, and opting for full nighttime and partial daytime freeway closures will help complete the concrete slab work that could drag on for up to a year if limited to typical nighttime lane closures alone. The nighttime closures also boast a safety advantage for workers and motorists on the ground, per Caltrans.

The rehabilitation project commenced in June 2023 and aims to improve a three-mile stretch of SR-12 between Llano Road and Farmers Lane. While the end goal promises smoother rides and enhanced infrastructure, the road to get there is paved with inconvenience. Motorists should prepare for delays, seek alternative routes, and keep abreast of closure times to minimize disruption to their travel plans.