Some Sacramento police officers are hitting the pavement---Literally. They've been assigned to direct traffic at key mid-town intersections because so many drivers are taking side streets to get around as repairs continue on northbound lanes of I-5. Since last Friday, when the project got started, people who live and work near downtown have been trying different routes in hopes of finding the road less traveled. That's caused pile-ups at some already busy intersections...so police will be there now blowing whistles and waving traffic through.
In another effort to ease congestion around the I-5 project...some downtown right-turn lanes are to be closed off by the city. This comes after drivers reported hour long waits to go short distances through the area. Caltrans reports we're still on schedule to get the northbound lanes finished by next Monday.
And, for those keeping tabs--Here's what's been done so far on I-5 northbound (from the Cap City Freeway to Richards):
Paving in lane #3 of the Boat Section is complete. Crews are finishing up the pavement removal in lane #1 where concrete is already being poured in the south end of the project. Pavement removal and preparation for concrete has begun in lane #4. Sawing of concrete in lane #2 is expected to begin today. Excavation and work to prepare the roadbed continues in the center median of northbound I-5 approaching the U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway interchange. Paving is being completed in the center median of northbound I-5 approaching Richards Blvd. Saw cutting to remove damaged pavement nearby has also begun.
Whew...and you thought all of this repair work would be easy?! Here's to life in the slow lane! Steve Shadley.