Drivers in Yolo County should brace themselves for delays, as an extended ramp closure announced by Caltrans is set to disrupt traffic on a key transportation route. According to a recent release from Caltrans District 3, the westbound Interstate 80 connector to U.S. Highway 50 will be inaccessible starting from 9 p.m. Friday, September 13, due to the ongoing I-80 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
The stretch will remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday, September 23, a measure taken to guarantee the repaving work's effectiveness. As motorists plan through downtown Sacramento, they can expect additional travel time and are urged to use alternative routes, such as exiting to southbound I-5, Enterprise Boulevard or Reed Avenue, for eastbound and westbound accesses to US 50. Considering the proximity to well-traveled downtown regions, the impact of this construction may greatly affect the usual flow of daily commutes.
Caltrans District 3 has been committed to the safety of motorists and workers, reducing the speed limit to 55 miles per hour along the work zone, which extends from the Yolo Causeway through West Sacramento on both I-80 and US 50. They remind drivers to "Be Work Zone Alert," encouraging a slower pace through the construction area.
This major project, totalling $280 million, is partially funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. As listed but subject to change, work is scheduled to begin due to a variety of factors including traffic incidents and weather conditions—SB 1 alone contributes approximately $47 million to the project. The efficiency and safety of the workers has been the focus of these extended closures.
Detailed updates on the project are provided by Caltrans District 3, responsible for over 4,000 lane miles across the Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. For those looking for real-time traffic information, Caltrans suggests using their QuickMap app, available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.
