Construction to close Highway 50 ramps for 55 hours. Here’s when and where to expect delays
Driving in Yolo County? A pair of Highway 50 ramps will be closed for 55 hours due to construction, according to Caltrans.
The roadwork in West Sacramento is scheduled to kick off ahead of the weekend.
“The extended lane closures will help to minimize the duration of the work and improve workers’ safety,” the California Department of Transportation said in a news release.
“Caltrans urges motorists to plan for additional travel time and to expect delays,” the agency said.
Where is Highway 50 construction?
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.
“The condition of the pavement has degraded, resulting in a poor quality of ride and increasing maintenance,” the agency said on its website.
The construction zone on Interstate 80 stretches from 1.4 miles east of Mace Boulevard to Pioneer Bridge. Work is also being done on Highway 50, from Interstate 80 to the Jefferson Boulevard overcrossing.
The $280 million project includes $47 million in funding from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, Caltrans said.
Which ramps will be closed? When?
According to Caltrans, the work zone is from just west of the Yolo Causeway through Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in West Sacramento.
The Enterprise Boulevard on- and off-ramps to eastbound Highway 50 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, through 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13.
Which detours can I take to avoid roadwork?
Drivers can take the following alternative routes to avoid roadwork, Caltrans said:
Motorists driving eastbound on Highway 50 can exit at Harbor Boulevard, east of Enterprise Boulevard.
Motorists on West Capitol Avenue can continue to Industrial Boulevard, then Harbor Boulevard to Highway 50.
Do I have to slow down in work zones?
Caltrans said the speed limit in the construction zone has been reduced to 55 mph to protect “the safety of workers and motorists.”
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.
Other tips for driving through construction 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.
This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM.