‘Extended closure’ due to Highway 50 construction in Sacramento. Where to expect delays
Construction along Highway 50 in Sacramento will result in an “extended closure” lasting multiple days, according to Caltrans.
The roadwork kicked off Tuesday, Nov. 5, and will continue through the end of the week, the California Department of Transportation said on its website.
One freeway exit will be closed for an entire week.
Here’s where to expect delays:
Where is Highway 50 construction?
The Highway 50 Multimodal Corridor Enhancement Project, also known as Fix50, aims to rehabilitate pavement and add 14 miles of high-occupancy lanes from the interchange of Highway 50 and Interstate 5 interchange to the Highway 50-Watt Avenue interchange, Caltrans said in a news release.
The $483.5 million project is the largest in the Sacramento region, according to the project website.
Which freeway lanes and ramps will be closed? When?
The southbound 65th Street on-ramp toward westbound Highway 50 will be closed through Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 5 a.m, according to Caltrans.
Construction crews will work on the 26th Street off-ramp from the No. 1 lane on W Street from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 6.
In addition, various Highway 50 lanes and on- and off-ramps will be closed overnight on the following days, the state road agency said.
Nighttime work takes place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Caltrans said.
Wednesday, Nov. 6:
- Westbound No. 1 and No. 2 lanes from Stockton Boulevard to 26th Street
- Westbound No. 3, No. 4 and auxiliary lanes from Howe Avenue to 59th Street
- Westbound Howe Avenue on-ramp
- Westbound Hornet Drive on-ramp
- Westbound 65th Street on- and off-ramps
Thursday, Nov. 7:
- Westbound No. 1 and No. 2 lanes from Stockton Boulevard to 26th Street
- Westbound No. 3, No. 4 and auxiliary lanes from Howe Avenue to 59th Street
- Westbound Howe Avenue on-ramp
- Westbound Hornet Drive on-ramp
- Westbound 65th Street on- and off-ramps
- Northbound Stockton Boulevard lane under Highway 50
- Southbound 34th Street lane under Highway 50
Friday, Nov. 8:
- Westbound No. 1 and No. 2 lanes from Stockton Boulevard to 26th Street
- Westbound No. 3, No. 4 and auxiliary lanes from Howe Avenue to 59th Street
- Westbound Howe Avenue on-ramp
- Westbound Hornet Drive on-ramp
- Westbound 65th Street on- and off-ramps
- Eastbound No. 3 and No. 4 lanes from Howe Avenue to Watt Avenue
Which detours can I take to avoid roadwork?
To avoid roadwork, drivers can take the following detours, Caltrans said in a news release:
- Turn right onto S Street and go straight to the 59th Street on-ramp to westbound Highway 50.
- Take the loop on-ramp to eastbound Highway 50 and turn around at the Howe Avenue interchange to westbound Highway 50.
What else should drivers expect?
Drivers should prepare to slow down, the agency said.
According to Caltrans, the speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph in the construction area.
California Highway Patrol officers will be “patrolling the area to issue citations to motorists who exceed that limit,” Caltrans said.
“Caltrans does not anticipate heavy dust or noise impacts to nearby city streets,” the agency said.
Can I be ticketed for speeding in construction zone?
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.
READ MORE: Can I be ticketed for speeding in a California work zone if no one is working? Here’s the law
Other tips for driving through roadwork areas
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.
READ MORE: Breaking the law in California construction zones? Here are tips to avoid a $1,000 ticket
This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 11:21 AM.
