Eastbound US-50 Closed Friday, March 14, 9 PM to Tuesday, March 18, 5 AM
(Weekday Causeway Bike Path Closure Also in Effect)
Released Wednesday, March 5
Caltrans Announcement:
“Caltrans is alerting motorists that this weekend’s extended connector closure for the ongoing Yolo Interstate 80 (I-80) and U.S. Highway 50 (US-50) Pavement Rehabilitation Project has been postponed due to the weather forecast for rain and cold temperatures. The work has been rescheduled for the following weekend.”
Annotations by Alan Hirsch:
- Clarification on Closure Details
What Caltrans means to say is that eastbound US-50 in West Sacramento, from the I-80 split to Jefferson Avenue, will be 100% closed from Friday at 9 PM through Tuesday at 5 AM (March 14–March 18)—one week later than previously announced. Motorists should use local streets in West Sacramento instead. Expect delays. (See detour details below.)
- Yolo Causeway Bicycle Path Closure
The Yolo Causeway bicycle path is also scheduled to be closed all next week for repair work. Caltrans is not providing a temporary shuttle or alternative for cyclists, but they should be offering a bus “bike bridge” during this period. This important closure is buried in their press release.
- Impact on Local Traffic
This closure was initially scheduled for this weekend but was delayed by Caltrans and its contractor. This decision will cause major inconvenience to local residents and those traveling to Tahoe, many of whom have likely made plans around the closure. Additionally, cut-through traffic will increase on local streets in all three Yolo County cities.
Caltrans even suggests using local streets in West Sacramento as an alternative to the three-lane freeway. See below for their official detour instructions.
- Public Accountability
If you believe Caltrans is not adequately considering public impact, contact the Chair and Members of the Yolo Transportation District (YoloTD) Board at the link below. The public has previously complained to the board about Caltrans’ lack of transparency regarding I-80 construction. YoloTD gave Caltrans $100 million to “fix” I-80 in May 2024.
📩 Submit public comments to: clerk YoloTD public-comment@yctd.org
Official Caltrans Release:
US-50 Eastbound Closure:
- Start: 9 PM Friday, March 14
- End: 5 AM Tuesday, March 18
Detour Instructions:
- Local traffic heading to West Sacramento can use Enterprise Boulevard (EXIT 81) or continue onto eastbound I-80 and use Reed Avenue (EXIT 83). (See detour map.)
Yolo Causeway Bicycle Path Closure:
- Start: 8 PM Wednesday, March 12
- End: 6 AM Friday, March 14
“The work zone extends from just west of the Yolo Causeway along I-80 and US-50 in West Sacramento. The speed limit has been reduced to 55 miles per hour 24/7 for the safety of workers and motorists. Work schedules are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather conditions, availability of equipment and materials, and other construction-related issues.”
“These extended lane closures will help minimize the duration of work and improve worker safety.”
Funding Details:
- This $280 million project includes $47 million from Senate Bill (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
- SB 1 funds $5 billion annually for transportation projects, split equally between state and local agencies.
- Road projects move faster with SB 1 funding.
📍 More information on infrastructure investments: RebuildingCA.ca.gov
- Not Part of the Yolo I-80 Widening Project
This construction project is separate from the $460 million Yolo I-80 widening project, which has not yet started.
Caltrans District 3 Reminders:
- Responsible for maintaining 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties.
- Motorists are urged to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow down in construction zones for the safety of workers and travelers.
📲 Follow Updates on:
- X (Twitter): @CaltransDist3
- Facebook: CaltransDistrict3
- For real-time traffic info: Caltrans QuickMap or download the QuickMap app.
Final Thoughts:
This delay affects thousands of drivers and cyclists, yet Caltrans has provided minimal public notice. If this closure significantly impacts you, consider contacting the Yolo Transportation District to demand better planning, communication, and mitigation measures.
Seems to me that the only way for routing to avoid surface streets is 80-505-5-80 or 50. Trips originating in Davis would likely be best served by 113-Main St-5 etc (also Dixon) or 102 -5 etc. origin points to the north and northwest of Davis would all use five etc and some to the south and west would ideally use 12 to 5 etc.
Amtrak and Capital Corridor should already have an emergency plan in place for situations where the rail surface is completely disconnected — It could use the above routing in the case of highway closures; unfortunately this would require a lot of long-distance buses and coaches.
TBODTE say: “Seems to me that the only way for routing to avoid surface streets is 80-505-5-80 or 50. ”
The only way to get where?
TBODTE say: “Amtrak and Capital Corridor should already have an emergency plan in place for situations where the rail surface is completely disconnected ”
When the what?
Right: 505 N to 5 S would have to route via 16 and/or – longer, but much safer – 6 (Just south of Dunnigan, crossing over 5 and back to 5 S). I don’t understand why there’s no permanent connector from 505 N to 5 S.
I don’t understand the lack of connector, either.
But it seems to me that the “preferred” route lately is to exit 505 at Road 29, then “try” to make a left onto busy/high-speed Road 102 up to I-5.
There’s sometimes miles-long backups on Road 102 before it reaches I-5, these days.
Well the goal should be to keep as many vehicles outside of built up areas and off of County roads.
If I was in charge I would close all the ski resorts in Tahoe for a week and compensate businesses and employees for lost work and income.
As it seems like authorities are not planning to do any hard interventions, this will just be sorted out in mapping apps.