Construction is Coming Soon to Interstate 80 in South Placer

Published on June 06, 2014

Caltrans will begin work to raise the vertical clearance of nine structures in Placer County that cross Interstate 80. The overcrossings include eight vehicle bridges and one railroad trestle from the Brace Road overcrossing in Loomis to the Magra Road overcrossing east of Colfax. The vertical clearance of these structures is being raised to 16-feet 6-inches to meet current standards that improve access on I-80 through the Sierra for interstate commerce and national security.

Six structures will be raised using a complex system of jacks and reconstruction, while the roadway under the remaining three structures will be dug down to create the required clearance. Work will begin in the summer of 2014 and go through the fall of 2015. Each of the six raised structures will require I-80 to be completely closed overnight for two nights, and the overcrossings will be closed for up to 25 days. Structures requiring the highway to be dug lower will require multiple long-term lane and ramp closures.

Traffic detours will be in effect during the construction work in the communities of Loomis, Penryn, Newcastle, Weimar and Colfax. Eastbound and westbound traffic will be affected, alternate routes will vary depending on when and where motorists are travelling. There will be long-term closures for local traffic and short-term (2 night) complete closures of the structures. No one will be allowed to cross the overcrossing during this scheduled closure.

Schedule of closures will be coming soon, but you can still make sure you're prepared! Passenger and commercial motorists are highly encouraged to plan their alternate routes ahead of time. Find the alternate route that works for you and have a couple of other detours in mind. For detour routes for each of the overcrossings visit: Raise 80. SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE Drivers are reminded to slow their speed in the work zone. Workers are working within inches of live traffic. Traffic is unpredictable and sudden slowing or stopping may occur. Please do not peer into work zones as this can cause collisions if drivers are not paying attention to their driving.