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Freeway closure could impact Sacramento airport traffic. How long will construction last?

Road work

A key stretch of Interstate 80 will close due to construction over the weekend, potentially affecting Sacramento International Airport traffic on Interstate 5, according to Caltrans.

Roadwork will close the eastbound Interstate 80 connector ramp to eastbound Interstate 80 toward north Sacramento and Roseville in Yolo County, the California Department of Transportation said in a news release.

Crews are working to build approach slabs, the release said.

Caltrans said motorists should plan for additional travel time and expect delays.

Construction will close eastbound Interstate 80 to the eastbound Interstate 80 connector will be closed from Friday, Oct. 18, to Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, according to
Construction will close eastbound Interstate 80 to the eastbound Interstate 80 connector will be closed from Friday, Oct. 18, to Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, according to Courtesy of California Department of Transportation

Where is Interstate 80 construction?

Construction on the Yolo Interstate 80 Pavement Rehabilitation Project spans from the Yolo Causeway to West Sacramento.

On Interstate 80, the project site stretches from 1.4 miles east of Mace Boulevard to the Sacramento River Bridge, according to Caltrans.

On Highway 50, the work zone ranges from Interstate 80 to the Jefferson Boulevard overcrossing, the agency said.

Which I-80 ramp will be closed? When?

The eastbound I-80 connector ramp from the Yolo Causeway to eastbound I-80 toward north Sacramento and Roseville will be closed from 9 a.m. Friday Oct. 18, to 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, according to Caltrans.

Which detours can I take to avoid roadwork?

Drivers heading to Sacramento International Airport should head east on Interstate 80 to Highway 113, Caltrans said.

Continue north to Main Street — exit 37 — to the southbound Interstate 5 on-ramp and continue to Sacramento International Airport.

Motorists traveling to north Sacramento and Roseville, should continue eastbound on I-80 to eastbound Highway 50, Caltrans said.

Take the north I-5 Redding exit — exit 4A — and continue north to the eastbound I-80 Reno exit, exit 522.

Slow down in work zone

Caltrans said drivers need to slow down in the work zone, which is from the Yolo Causeway through West Sacramento on Interstate 80 and Highway 50.

Speed limits in the construction zone will be reduced to 55 mph at all times for the safety of construction workers and drivers, Caltrans said.

Can I be ticketed for speeding in construction zone if no one is working?

California Vehicle Code 22362 says it is illegal to exceed the posted speed limit in construction zones, even when workers are not present.

On highways, the speed limit is reduced by 10 mph, and in some areas, it can be as low as 25 mph.

Motorists caught speeding can receive tickets, with fines varying based on their speed.

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Other tips for driving through a construction zone

Caltrans has several tips for driving safely in construction zones. They include:

  • Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts, and merge when directed to do so.
  • Watch for workers; drive with caution.

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This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 10:51 AM.

Sarah Linn
The Tribune
Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.
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