CALTRANS NEWS
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Bold Fix for I-5 in Sacramento
By Mark Dinger
Director Will Kempton announced in March that Caltrans and its contractor, C. C. Myers Inc. of Rancho Cordova, have an innovative plan to repair a troubled three-quarter-mile stretch of Interstate 5 in Sacramento. Significant lane and ramp restrictions to each direction of I-5 from the Capitol City Freeway/U.S. Highway 50 interchange to Richards Boulevard in downtown Sacramento will allow construction to progress at a fast pace.
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“We are going to get in, get to work, and get out,” vowed Kempton on March 17 as he outlined the quick-fix plans for a section of Interstate 5 in downtown Sacramento. |
Caltrans expects to replace freeway drainage and concrete in two weeks and estimates one week to cure the concrete; after that, a polyester concrete sealant will be applied. While details are still being worked out, work should be completed months ahead of the original estimated schedule.
At a media kick-off event, Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo voiced her support for the project. Director Kempton provided details of the restrictions to affect nearly 190,000 drivers daily beginning May 30.
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District 3’s Sign Crew put up a banner on the Capitol Mall overcrossing of Interstate 5. The colorful banner invites passing motorists to learn more about the upcoming “Fix I-5” project. |
This section of I-5 was dubbed the “Boat Section” by Caltrans engineers when it had to be drained before construction in the late 1960s. At that time crews leveled and built the roadway below the nearby Sacramento River’s water level. Sand and silt have created blockages in the drainage system over the years, which forced water to the surface and led to cracks and pavement deterioration. This critical project will provide a clear drainage system and replace the pavement.
Kempton noted, “Innovative plans like this have worked to perform rapid repairs of the MacArthur Maze in the Bay Area and the Golden State Freeway’s truck tunnel in Southern California. During both projects we reached out to the public and got the word out. This outreach reduced traffic backups.”
A regional public outreach plan is currently under way for the I-5 project. Live traffic camera views, links to ridesharing and transit resources, answers to frequently asked questions, and historic photos can be found at www.fixI-5.com. Visitors to this site can also sign up for e-mail alerts for construction and lane closure updates.