Interstate 80 drivers could face Sierra lane closures near Kingvale this week
Motorists on Interstate 80 could experience traffic delays in the Sierra Nevada starting Monday as crews close lanes for construction work.
Both eastbound and westbound lanes will be affected as crews continue a $21.35 million drainage restoration project between Drum Forebay and Troy Road near Kingvale, the California Department of Transportation said in a news release. The project includes replacing and rehabilitating drainage culverts beneath the highway to help preserve the roadbed and reduce flooding.
Starting at 6 a.m. Monday, crews will reduce eastbound I-80 from three lanes to one near the Caltrans Whitmore Maintenance Station, about 1 mile east of Drum Forebay. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 9 a.m. Friday.
About 17 miles farther east, westbound I-80 near Rainbow Road (Exit 168) will be reduced to two lanes from 7 a.m. Tuesday through 5 p.m. Friday, May 29.
Drivers could experience delays of up to 30 minutes and should allow extra travel time through the corridor, Caltrans said.
Caltrans District 3 officials said the extended lane closures are intended to “minimize the duration of the work and improve workers’ safety.” Temporary concrete barriers and traffic shifts will be in place.
In addition to culvert construction, contract crews are also working to upgrade traffic cameras and data technology systems, and construct maintenance vehicle pullouts. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, according to Caltrans.
