The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has planned multiple weekend closures of both northbound and southbound segments of State Route 87 (SR-87) to fast-track a roadway rehabilitation project. According to an announcement on Twitter, the closures are set to take place on the weekends of September 22 and October 20, 2023. CaltransD4 aims to work on one direction at a time, with detours available for commuters, although significant delays are expected.
In a more detailed report on the Caltrans website, it is revealed that the 56-hour closures will allow major pavement repair work to take place on SR-87 in Santa Clara County. Opting for full weekend closures will not only improve safety for the workers and the public but also significantly shorten the project's completion time. With this approach, CaltransD4 anticipates finishing the project by 2024 instead of late 2025.
Taking a closer look at the project scope, the primary objective is to improve ride quality, enhance safety, and extend the pavement's service life. With decades of exposure to heavy traffic use, the roadway has become worn and is in urgent need of major repair work. The rehabilitation plan involves upgrading 28 curb ramps at six intersections, resurfacing sections of a parallel bikeway, replacing nonstandard median concrete barriers, and upgrading various electrical systems, among other improvements.
While the detours outlined for northbound and southbound SR-87 will keep traffic flowing, it is essential for commuters to brace for potentially significant delays during the designated weekends.
