Traffic Shift Scheduled Along Eastbound Interstate 80 in the Sierra

District: District 3 - Marysville
Sergio Aceves, District 3 Director
Contact: Jeremy Linder (530) 701-5209

Nevada County - Caltrans is alerting motorists about an extended lane closure scheduled along Interstate 80 (I-80) near the junction with State Route 20 (SR 20) as construction shifts eastbound I-80 traffic to the new bridge span as part of the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.

Starting Sunday, December 14 at 7 p.m., crews will reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction through the project area. During the extended closures, crews will move temporary barriers and perform additional tie-in work reconnecting the highway to the new bridge.

Motorists may experience delays up to 30 minutes and are encouraged to factor in additional travel times along the I-80 Sierra corridor. One lane of eastbound traffic will shift onto the new bridge span by Tuesday, December 16.

The extended lane closures will remain in place for additional work until 5 p.m. Friday, December 19. At that time both eastbound and westbound I-80 will reopen to two lanes in each direction with a shoulder. The Yuba Gap on- and off-ramps along eastbound I-80 and the eastbound I-80 to westbound SR 20 connector ramp will also reopen.

Motorists are reminded that the speed limit within the construction zone has been reduced to 55 mph and the California Highway Patrol will be present for traffic enforcement.

Additional work is anticipated to fully winterize the project before the end of the year. Crews are scheduled to return in the spring to demolish and rebuild the westbound bridge span.

The extended lane closures will help to minimize the duration of the work and improve workers' safety. The schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events.

Flatiron Construction of Concord is the prime contractor. The project will replace the current bridge and improve freight efficiency along I-80 by increasing the load carrying capacity for extra-legal load trucks. The project will also construct median barriers, upgrade drainage and install roadway weather information systems. The project is expected to be completed by winter 2027.

The project includes $13.4 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state.

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to "Be Work Zone Alert" and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.

The department issues construction updates on X @CaltransDist3and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans' QuickMapor download the QuickMap app from the App Storeor Google Play.

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