Apparently there has been some effective communication going on! There are very few major problems to report--so far--concerning the closure of the stretch of I-5 southbound lanes near downtown Sacramento. Commuters are reacting well to the publicity glitz surrounding the "Fix I-5" Project, according to CalTrans spokesman Mark Dinger, who's probably not getting a lot of rest these days. He's been telling anyone who will listen that drivers have been planning ahead and behaving well...using alternate routes...carpooling...or making use of rail services, bicycles...and your favorite walking shoes.
Quite a few state employees who work in the area have been taking some Mondays off during the project. This has helped keep traffic flows moderate on side roads surrounding the now famous freeway...as repairs unfurl. A three day weekend for state workers? Not necessarily. Those state employees are either working from home every other Monday...or they've been keeping longer hours than usual later in the week.
The southbound construction work continues to chug right along. I was looking at some media packet schedules on the massive project designed by Caltrans, the Fix I-5 team...and Sacramento Department of Transportation, and hey, we're almost half way done! The southbound side is still slated to re-open early next Monday morning...and traffic will be allowed to use both directions of I-5 from Richards boulevard to Cap City Freeway for a few days (June 24, 25, and much of 26th). Northbound then closes again for a shiny new coating of protective polyester coating that will be applied over the fresh concrete. Just think NO ironing!