Ironman California to close Sacramento roads, highway ramps. Here’s when & where
Roads across the Sacramento area will close as the Ironman California trialthlon returns to the region.
Thousands of competitors will swim, run and ride bikes bike ride their way through California’s capital city, directly affecting traffic in parts of Old Sacramento, downtown Sacramento and Capitol Mall as well as areas of Yolo and Solano counties.
The 2025 Ironman California triathlon kicks off Sunday, Oct. 19, with a 2.4-mile swiim through the American and Sacramento rivers.
Race competitors will then participate in a 112-mile biking portion and a 26.2-mile run.
“While the event is an exciting celebration of endurance and athleticism, it also brings road closures and traffic impacts, particularly in and around downtown Sacramento,” Sacramento Regional Transit said in an August news release.
Here’s what to know:
What is Ironman California?
Part of the VinFast Ironman North American series, the Ironman California triathlon is one of a handful of Ironman triathlons in the nation.
Sacramento hosted its first Ironman California in 2022 after a storm canceled the 2021 event.
The city is set to host the annual event through at least 2028 after signing a multiyear agreement with the Ironman organization in 2023.
Where are Sacramento streets closed for 2025 triathlon?
Several streets around the Sacramento region will be blocked to traffic due to the Ironman California triathlon — with closures in place before, during and after the event.
In some cases, road closures started on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
According to the city of Sacramento, here’s when and where to expect road closures.
The following roads are closed through 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20:
- Capitol Mall from Third to Fifth streets
- Fourth Street from Capitol Mall to L Street (parking garage access maintained)
These roads are closed from 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20:
- Capitol Mall from Fifth to Seventh streets
Which roads are closed in Sacramento on race day?
Several streets will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 19, for race day and reopen on Monday, Oct. 20, according to the city of Sacramento.
Here’s where and when:
- Tower Bridge from Riverfront Street to Front Street (east side): Closed 7 a.m. Sunday to midnight
- Neasham Circle from Front Street in Old Sacramento to Front Street: 12:30 a.m. Sunday to 12:30 a.m. Monday
- Southbound Front Street from Neasham Circle to R Street overpass: 2 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday
- R Street from Second Street to Sixth Street: 2 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday
- Fifth Street from R Street to L Street: 2 p.m. Sunday to 1:30 a.m. Monday
Where are Highway 50 freeway closures?
These Highway 50 exits will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, according to Ironman California organizers.
- Westbound Highway 50 off-ramp from Fifth Street
- Eastbound Highway 50: River Road on-ramp near 15th Street
Where will roads close in West Sacramento?
According to organizers, these West Sacramento streets will be impacted by the Ironman California race on Sunday:
- Cabaldon Parkway from Riverfront Street to Front Street
- Riverfront Street from Mill Street to Cabaldon Parkway
- Ballpark Drive from Fifth Street to Riverfront Street
- Mill Street from Riverfront Street to Fifth Street
- South River Road from Mill Street to Locks Drive
- Village Parkway from South River Road to Gregory Avenue
- Gregory Avenue from Village Parkway to South River Road
- South River Road from Gregory Avenue to Babel Slough Road
What about Yolo County? Solano County?
Roads in Yolo and Solano counties will also be impacted by Sunday’s race event from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to organizers, the following Yolo County roads will be closed due to the triathlon:
- Babel Slough Road from South River Road to Jefferson Boulevard
- Jefferson Boulevard from Babel Slough Road to Courtland Road
- Courtland Road from Jefferson Boulevard to Ryer Avenue
- Highway 84 and Ryer Avenue from Courtland Road to Oxford Road
In Solano County, these streets will be closed on Sunday:
- Ryer Avenue from Oxford Road to Holland Road
- Miner Slough Bridge from Holland Road to Ryer Road
- East Ryer Road from Miner Slough Bridge to Elevator Road
Will bus and light rail services be affected by race?
The Ironman California triathlon will have little to no impact on light rail service, with routes operating as scheduled throughout the day, according to Sacramento Regional Transit.
However, bus service in the Sacramento area will be affected by the race.
Bus Route 11 will be detoured in downtown Sacramento due to road closures, Sacramento Regional Transit said.
“Riders should plan for possible delays and temporary stop closures along the route,” the transit agency said.
“All other bus routes will operate normally,” Sacramento Regional Transit said, but commuters should expect “increased traffic and potential delays” due to the triathlon.
“Thank you for your patience as we support this major community event,” Sacramento Regional Transit said in its release. “Whether you’re cheering on athletes or just getting where you need to go, SacRT is here to help you travel safely and smoothly.
This story was originally published October 16, 2025 at 8:26 AM.
