Part of Highway 50 to close in Sacramento for nearly 2 days. See where and when
Construction will close part of Highway 50 for nearly two days in Sacramento, according to Caltrans.
Three lanes of westbound Highway 50 will be closed to traffic for 45 hours starting Friday night, the California Department of California said in a Thursday news release.
Crews are working to “remove and replace damaged concrete,” Caltrans said in an Instagram post.
Here’s what to know:
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 Highway 50 and Interstate 5 interchange to the Highway 50-Watt Avenue interchange, Caltrans said in a news release.
The $511.1 million project is expected to be completed in July 2026, according to the project website.
Which freeway lanes are closed? When?
Caltrans will shut down three lanes of westbound Highway 50 from 9 p.m. on Friday, July 11, through 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 13.
“The extended closure is necessary to remove and replace a 280-foot section of damaged concrete” in the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes, the state road agency said.
Caltrans said it will also close the No. 3 lane to “provide a safety buffer for workers and equipment.”
“Realignment for this work will begin around 26th Street and will end west of the 10th Street off-ramp,” Caltrans said in the release.
Part of westbound Highway 50 — the No. 4 and No. 5 lanes — will remain open to traffic, according to Caltrans.
What detours can I take to avoid roadwork?
Drivers traveling north on Highway 99 who were planning to take the Highway 50 connector ramp should use northbound Interstate 5 instead, according to Caltrans.
Motorists traveling south on westbound Interstate 80 to the Highway 50 connector can use southbound I-5, Caltrans said, while those traveling west on Highway 50 should plan to “use alternate routes to avoid extended delays.”
What’s the penalty for speeding in a work zone?
Caltrans said the speed limit in the work zone has been reduced to 55 mph, with the California Highway Patrol on hand for “traffic enforcement.”
“Motorists traveling through the work zone should expect lane restrictions and be aware of construction vehicles traveling in and out of the work area,” Caltrans said in the release.
According to California Vehicle Code, it’s 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.
Tips for driving in construction zones in California
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
This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM.
