The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is alerting I-80 travelers about the start of paving work on the Interstate 80 (I-80 closures) off- and on-ramps at Drum Forebay and overnight closures of the mainline at the Baxter Overcrossing in Placer County.
Beginning the week of August 1, construction crews will start grinding work on the ramps to remove the top layer of asphalt concrete. While the ramps are expected to remain open for local use, motorists may experience intermittent traffic control and short closures for construction activities. Following the grinding work, motorists should expect slight concrete grade differences and a coarse roadway texture prior to final paving work.
In addition, I-80 motorists should expect full nightly interstate I-80 closures between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 8 through Thursday, August 11 for placement of new concrete girders for the Baxter Overcrossing. During girder installation all passenger and commercial vehicles will be detoured off the highway at the off-ramps and back on via the on-ramps. Motorists should expect slight travel delays in the area.
The work is part of a $57 million project to replace four I-80 bridge overcrossings in Placer County: Crystal Springs, Baxter, Drum Forebay and Cisco Grove. The structures are being demolished and rebuilt due to cracking and spalling of the concrete decks and high corrosive chloride content in the deck surfaces. All overcrossings are being widened to include 8-foot shoulders, 6-foot sidewalks and will include ramps that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
The project includes $3.48 million in funding from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the 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. For more information about other transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit Rebuilding California.
Project construction began in April 2021 with completion expected in summer 2023. Walsh Construction of Concord is the prime contractor.
