Key stretch of Highway 50 to close for 55 hours. Here’s when and where
Construction will close a key stretch of Highway 50 in the Sacramento area for 55 hours, according to Caltrans.
The “extended weekend full closure” will affect westbound Highway 50 from the north- and southbound Interstate 5 interchange connector ramps in Sacramento County to westbound Highway 50 in Yolo County,” the California Department of Transportation said in an Oct. 22 news release.
“Associated on- and off-ramps in West Sacramento” will also be impacted, Caltrans said.
In addition, the state roads agency has planned several overnight closures on westbound Highway 50.
“Motorists should plan for additional travel time and expect delays,” Caltrans said in the release.
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?
According to Caltrans, westbound Highway 50 will be closed overnight from the I-5 interchange to west of Jefferson Boulevard for a total of five days.
The closures began on Sunday, Oct. 26, and continue nightly through Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the state roads agency said.
What is alternate route during overnight road closures?
Drivers can “use the signed detour” to the I-5 interchange with Interstate 80 as an alternate route,” Caltrans said in the release.
Which freeway exits and connectors will be blocked to traffic?
According to Caltrans, the following freeway exits and connectors from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 through 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4:
- Westbound Highway 50 from I-5 interchange to Jefferson Boulevard
- Westbound Highway 50 connector from P Street on-ramp
- Westbound Highway 50 from Jefferson On-Ramp
- Southbound I-5 to westbound Highway 50 connector
- Northbound I-5 to westbound Highway 50 connector
- Route 275 (Cabaldon Parkway) on-Ramp to westbound Highway 50
- Route 275 (Cabaldon Parkway) off-ramp to Jefferson Street
Which detours can I take to avoid roadwork?
Caltrans has mapped out several suggested detours for motorists to take during the scheduled closures.
For instance, drivers can take southbound I-5 to the westbound I-80 connector ramp and continue on westbound I-80, according to Caltrans. Those traveling northbound on I-5 can likewise head to the westbound I-80 connector ramp and continue onto I-80.
To steer clear of construction on westbound Highway 50, take the highway to the northbound I-5 connector ramp, then take northbound I-5 to the westbound I-80 connector ramp, Caltrans said.
You can also take southbound I-5 to the westbound I-80 connector ramp.
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.
under California’s Vehicle Code, 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 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.
How to stay safe, avoid tickets in work zones
Caltrans has helpful tips for driving safely in construction zones and avoiding traffic tickets:
- 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 October 28, 2025 at 12:16 PM.
