Part of Highway 50 to close in Sacramento area for 3 days. Here’s when and where
Construction will once again close a key stretch of Highway 50 in West Sacramento for more than three days, according to the California Department of Transportation.
The 79-hour closure along the western portion of the Capital City Freeway, as well as ramps connecting Interstate 80, will coincide with an Athletics home game at Sutter Health Park, Caltrans’ District 3 said in a June 3 news release.
“Delays are expected from the Yolo Interstate 80-Highway 50 split to Jefferson Boulevard and west of Interstate 5,” Caltrans said.
The state road agency urged drivers to “plan, expect delays and use the designated, signed detour routes.”
Here’s what to know:
What is Interstate 80 construction project?
The Yolo Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 Pavement Rehabilitation Project aims to “rehabilitate and repair” the roadway in and around West Sacramento, Caltrans said, to “improve safety and ride quality.”
The construction zone on Interstate 80 stretches from eastbound Highway 50 from the Yolo I-80 ramp to Jefferson Boulevard in West Sacramento.
The $280 million project includes $47 million in funding from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, Caltrans said.
Which part of Highway 50 will be closed? When?
Eastbound Highway 50 will be closed from Interstate 80 through West Sacramento inlcuding the the exit ramps to Jefferson Boulevard from 9 p.m. Friday, June 13, to 4 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17.
Caltrans said the “full freeway closure” and others like it will “help to minimize the duration of the project and improve workers’ safety.”
What detours can I take to avoid roadwork?
According to Caltrans, eastbound drivers into West Sacramento can take a detour on Interstate 80 at Enterprise Boulevard then take a turn onto Industrial Boulevard.
Drivers can then take a left onto Harbor Boulevard before turning onto Sacramento Avenue and drive to their needed destinations.
Eastbound motorists on Highway 50 can also be detoured onto I-80 where they can take southbound I-5 until they can get back to Highway 50.
Those trying to get into Sacramento from the Yolo Causeway should to take I-80 to I-5.
Westbound drivers onto the Capital City Freeway should expect delays but will not see any road closures, Caltrans said.
How can I get to the A’s game in West Sacramento?
When the A’s play the Houston Astros on Monday, June 16, fans coming from Davis and points west can use a special detour to reach Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
Instead of using Highway 50, motorists should take Interstate 80 east to I-5 south, then travel southbound on I-5 through downtown back to westbound Highway 50 to access the ballpark, Caltrans said.
“Please allow for additional travel time on game day,” the state road agency said.
Do I have to slow down in work zones?
The speed limit for the work zone has been reduced to 55 miles per hour for the safety of workers and motorists, according to Caltrans.
According to California Vehicle Code 22362, it is illegal to exceed the posted speed limit in highway construction zones even if workers are not present.
Speed limits on highways are typically reduced by 10 mph from the normal limit when under construction. Some work areas can have speed limits up to 25 mph lower than usual.
Drivers caught speeding can be ticketed and fined, with the penalty depending on their speed.
Other tips for driving in work zones
Caltrans has helpful tips for driving safely in construction zones and avoiding high fine tickets. Here’s what to know:
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.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM.