A week has passed since the first shovel full of dirt was turned at the "Fix I-5" project...and so far...Sacramento appears to be settling into a groove. We've been getting around the massive construction project with increasing ease each rush hour. In fact, The Sacramento Department of Transportation told KXJZ News Reporter Ben Adler it's going "amazingly well." But, things are about to change. Soon the northbound lanes of the downtown stretch of I-5 will be re-opened to traffic and within a week...work begins on the southbound side. Construction contractor C.C. Myers vows to hit his first important deadline by 5 a.m. Monday. That's when northbound lanes are supposed to be ready for travel again. At least for now.
Myers is quoted on the Associated Press wires today telling of the challenges his crews have faced in removing the top six inches of concrete so that new covering can be laid. Apparently when the road was created some 50 years ago...the materials they used back then...refuse to budge today. But, never fear...workers have developed a system to get the old stuff out and in with the new. Myers says he's even called in additional workers from Nevada to get things moving...in a focused attempt at making that Monday morning deadline.
So, here's what's happening this weekend: All northbound lanes of I-5 will remain closed from the Highway 50--Cap City Freeway interchange to "L" street on-ramp. Two lanes of I-5 will be open from "L" street to Richards Boulevard. And, the "Q" Street off-ramp will remain open on northbound I-5. Remember: As of 10 p.m to 6 a.m. tonight and Saturday night...one lane will remain open on the "P" street on-ramp. PLUS...The Sacramento City Council has approved an emergency ordinance allowing people to ride their bicycles on downtown pedestrian K street mall during the I-5 project. The ordinance allows a person to ride on 4th street between J and L streets and K street between 2nd and 4th streets AND on K between 7th and 13th streets. Feel free to ride away!
Monday...All Five Lanes of I-5 will be open for five days!! Wow, won't that be nice?! Then construction begins next Friday on the southbound lanes.
I'd like to encourage each of you--dear blog reader--to share your comments about the "Fix I-5" project. Maybe you have some ideas for additional reports...or perhaps you'd like to vent about what's been going on. Tell us about a lesser known alternate route you've found...or maybe you want to keep that a secret? Don't forget to register first in order to post your comments.
This morming we broadcast a story put together by KXJZ reporters Ben Adler and Steve Milne, who spoke with I-5 commuters in downtown Sacramento. You can listen to the story here. Folks we interviewed seem to be taking things in stride...however one person remarked about having to wake-up an hour earlier to make her commute. As a Morning Edition news anchor, I can relate. But you've gotta admit hearing those early morning birds chirp away at the crack of dawn can give a person a little extra zing in their step all day!
So, here's to a great weekend. I'll be taking life easy in the slow lane. Until next time, best to you. Steve Shadley