Steve Shadley's I-5 Closure Blog

Let The Party Begin!

sshadley — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:07:00 GMT

It's over. The "Fix I-5" Project is officially finished. Well, sort of. There are still a few minor construction tasks that will be done in the next few weeks, but certainly not of the scale we've seen in the past few months. There's a little ramp work left to do and a few tweaks in lighting and other projects that won't require road closures during rush hour. In fact we are told the remainder of the activity will take place at night or during the weekend to avoid closing down the main artery of traffic for downtown Sacramento.

Northbound lanes of I-5 officially opened one minute early, at 4:59 this morning. That means phase four of the massive project is done, and now we can return to our daily adventures down the concrete jungle to our daily detsinations. I've not had a chance to take I-5 through the "Boat Section" in some time so I'm curious to see the repair work firsthand. Since much of the work was completed by deadline local project manager C.C. Myers and crew are entitled to a portion of the more than 3-million dollars that were offered as bonuses. There were a few delays because of the thick concrete that was excavated on the northbound side at the start of the project. The breath-taking heat we had around the middle of July also required the project to go on a little longer than planned as sealant could only be applied onto the concrete late at night when it had cooled down a little.

Road closures and detours apparently didn't take a big bite of profits for Old Town Sacramento businesses during the project, as feared. Michael Ault, Executive Director of "The Downtown Sacramento Partnership" says mid-town merchants haven't reported any major losses because of I-5 construction. He told me during an interview for KXJZ news that it's much bigger than that: "It's not just an I-5 issue, I think we're seeing nationally, retailers and restaurants are taking a little dip in this market, and I think that now that the construction is over, things will pick up a little bit." And, over at the Sacramento Railroad Museum, there was actually a slight increase in visitors during the I-5 project. Museum Guide Alan Hope says that's probably because high gasoline prices are keeping people home and looking for inexpensive ways to re-discover their own community.

We've kept pretty busy covering the entire "Fix I-5" project in the KXJZ newsroom, and there will probably be more to tell you about as the project winds down. We'll keep you posted!

Roto-Rooter Inspects New I-5 Drains

sshadley — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:37:00 GMT

There are a lot of plumbing trucks parked at the “Fix I-5” construction site in downtown Sacramento. Roto-Rooter is testing the new drainage system…and you’ll be happy to hear--so far: NO CLOGS! Caltrans knew it had a major drainage problem at the “Boat Section” of interstate five for a long time and so that’s why they started the repair work. Finally, somebody picked up the yellow pages and called the experts. Roto Rooter technicians have been hired by contractor C.C. Myers to test the new drains. They’re pouring water into the system and watching with video cameras. Here’s Caltrans spokesman Mark Dinger told me in a phone interview: "They’re lowering those cameras into the pipes and they’re checking all of the connections. It’s really a great opportunity for the engineering staff to get a look at the new drainage components and make sure they’re all functioning” Good News: Roto Rooter hasn’t found any hair balls or cooking grease clogging those freeway drains. In fact, officials say the system is working very well. The entire I-5 project is still on scheduled to be complete by early Monday morning. But, Dinger says some late night follow-up work on the freeway will continue in downtown Sacramento through September or October…but only after midnight and he promises it won’t effect rush hour traffic.

Some Traffic Jams Around Northbound Closure

sshadley — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:53:00 GMT

You know the "Fix I-5" project is nearly complete when you receive a press release about landscaping in the median on the "boat section" of the freeway. Although the mulch is going in and the project has been underway since the end of May, there's apparently some confusion about the final stages of the road repairs in downtown Sacramento. Caltrans--and just about anyone who's been driving near midtown--will tell you there have been some frustrating traffic jams on I-5 northbound leading up to the closed lanes, particularly in the early morning. Seems some commuters are trying to push their way through the area even as roadwork continues on some of the lanes heading north...creating bottlenecks. Officials who monitor such things say they believe Sacramento area drivers are "letting their guard down"...and are returning to their routine commute paths, regardless of the well-publicized work on Interstate Five.

There's still about a week to go before the entire project is wrapped up. Repair crews under the management of local roadwork manager C.C. Myers, are applying a final layer of sealer to the concrete on the northbound side from Richards Boulevard...to the Capital City Freeway/Highway 50 interchange. The weather, although a little cooler the past few days, is to blame for a few delays in the project...which now is slated to end around July 28th. As you may already know, when the mercury hits the triple digits, the sealer doesn't set properly...so road work slows down some until it gets dark and cooler. Wow, because of this project, we've all learned so much about what goes into road construction, a lesson from a real life "Builder Bob"--you might say.

Some are concerned about an unpleasant smell the sealant has created in the construction zone. But, mostly the people directly involved in the project. I've been getting emails from the Myers camp and Caltrans telling that the fumes are not hazardous and that breezy conditions off of the nearby river have helped to clear the air a little. It's only a temporary. So, with all of that said...I suppose we're all counting the days until the I-5 closures are history...and at this point, we are talking only a few days. Hang in there!

Stage 3 Done, Stage 4 Begins...

sshadley — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:24:00 GMT

How things have changed with the "Fix I-5" project! Maybe progressed is a better word. Only a week ago, crews repairing southbound lanes of I-5 in downtown Sacramento endured triple digit afternoon temperatures to get the project done. But, the hot weather (not to mention how 105 degrees may feel while working on concrete surfaces outdoors all day) resulted in a few days delay. As you probably know by now, the southbound side of the freeway from Richards Boulevard to the Highway 50/Capital City Freeway was supposed to re-open on Tuesday, July 15th. However, a sealant applied to the top of the new concrete can't be done in temperatures over 90 degrees, so much of the work had to be done overnight. That led to a delay of about 48 hours or so. Yesterday, with some fanfare, the southbound lanes were opened again...and traffic is flowing as intended on that stretch of road.

Now it's time for the final phase: "Stage 4" as people-in-the-know call it. This part of the project involves closing northbound lanes of I-5 in roughly the same area of the "boat section" for about a week or more so sealant can be put onto the fresh concrete there. So, repairs on northbound lanes start after 8 p.m. tonight (Friday, July 18th) from the downtown interchange to L street. Those lanes are scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.

The entire project should be done July 28th. Then what are we going to talk about?

Have a remarkable weekend! Shadley.

Excessive Heat Is A Setback For Southbound Repairs

sshadley — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:19:00 GMT

I hope you haven't already hopped in the car expecting to drive down the southbound lanes of Interstate Five through downtown Sacramento this morning. Yesterday afternoon, Caltrans sent out a media release explaining that the re-opening of southbound I-5 has been delayed until Thursday afternoon around 1 p.m. Seems the hot weather last week slowed down the process of applying a polyester sealant to the top of new concrete. I kept receiving media releases that everything was on schedule until Monday afternoon, when officials made the announcement about the delay. Remember northbound lanes of I-5 in the same area known as the "Boat Section" near downtown will close again this Friday night around 8 as the final phase of this big construction project gets underway. The entire project is expected to wrap-up around July 24th, keep your fingers crossed!

Southbound Lanes Nearly Complete...

sshadley — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:32:00 GMT

If you've been waiting for the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 to re-open in downtown Sacramento, we're almost there. Caltrans reports today that despite the extreme heat last week, work crews have been able to apply a coating of polyester-blend sealer onto the top of the new concrete. The construction manager of the project, C.C. Myers of Rancho Cordova was concerned that the triple-digit afternoon temperatures would prevent the sealant from drying properly. So, most of the work was done at night or in the early morning when it was a little cooler. As a result the work is getting done on time and if all goes well today, the southbound side of I-5 in the "Boat Section" should open to traffic early tomorrow morning (Tuesday 7.15).

Myers says crews also have poured new concrete on the transition lane where southbound I-5 joins Highway 50 and the Capitol City Freeway. That should make for a smoother ride and certainly help that stretch of freeway drain in a timely manner as poor drainage over the years led to the repairs today. Some new signs are also going in and officials say there will be improved lighting telling drivers of upcoming streets and exits. In a week or so, the final work on northbound lanes of I-5 begin and should last about 7 or 8 days before the entire project wraps-up toward the end of July.

Stage 3 Begins As Temperatures Soar

sshadley — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:54:00 GMT

The Fourth of July weekend is behind us and that can mean only one thing: The "Fix I-5" project continues! Southbound lanes will be shut starting tonight at 8...as crews start to apply a sealant on concrete poured last month. That section of I-5 has been caputuring headlines for the past month or so as repairs are done to repair the "Boat Section" of the interstate just south of Old Sacramento from the Richards Boulevard, Capital City, Highway 50 interchange. Southbound lanes should be re-opened by the early morning hours of July 15th. But, dont' mark you calenders just yet. Apparently the unusually hot weather (even by Sacramento standards) could push back Phase 3. Construction managers say the polyester blend sealant and traffic lane markings to be installed this week...can't adhere to the concrete properly if temperatures are above 90 degrees. KXJZ's Steve Milne was told in a recent interview with Caltrans Spokesman Mark Dinger that the record high temperatures near 105 degrees or warmer in Sacramento this week will require most work to be done overnight or in the early morning hours when conditions are cooler. We're still not certain if the hot weather will ultimately push back next week's completion date for the southbound lanes.

Work on the northbound lanes of I-5 in downtown Sacramento has been delayed until later this month because the newly poured concrete needs more time to cure properly before sealant and lane markings can be applied on that side of I-5. That has delayed completion of the entire "Fix I-5" project until at least July 24th, and Phase Four of construction starts on the northbound side on July 17th. (It was originally scheduled to be done by July 15th). But, things happen and considering most Sacramento commuters have been cooperating with instructions to find alternate routes...only minor traffic jams have occurred due to the I-5 closures. Transportation officials hope that continues through the remainder of the project. Mark Dinger with Caltrans says he's concerned some motorists may have become complacent and have forgotten about the importance of trying to navigate through downtown without adding to congestion the I-5 project may have caused. The true test comes tomorrow morning (Wednesday, July 9) when rush hour commuters try to get to their destinations despite the I-5 closures. It's been a few weeks since Phase Two of the 37-million dollar project so some folks may have forgotten about the situation and might proceed down I-5 without thinking about the detour ahead.

The Survey Says...

sshadley — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:02:00 GMT

Not to forget the "Fix I-5" project! And, I'm certain you didn't. Seems things have been a little quiet as both directions of the interstate have been open to traffic the past few days, but there's another closure on the calender for early July. Construction crews will return to the southbound side on July 8th. That's when they'll start applying a sealant to the new concrete they've laid. That should take about a week or so...then the same process happens on the northbound side...another week of closures over there. The whole project should be finished somewhere around July 23rd.

So in the meantime...as the dog days of summer set in...there's a survey about the project that the state is asking commuters to take. This is a survey Governor Schwarzenegger has requested researchers at the University of California to conduct. The way I understand it (although I've not personally taken it) is this survey focuses on stages one and two of the construction project in downtown Sacramento.

Here's the website address: http://UCDFixI-5W3EP1.questionpro.com/?%responseCheck=false

It should take about 15 minutes to complete the on-line questionaire and the responses won't be shared outside the research team. If possible, UC Davis would like to get all of the responses by June 27th at close of business (5 p.m.) Sorry, for such short notice...but I've only learned of this important survey myself. If you're like me...and I hope you're not...you may typically wait until the last moment to get things done...and they may stretch a little on the deadline.

Southbound Lanes Open Early

sshadley — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:42:00 GMT

Southbound I-5 lanes in the construction zone of downtown Sacramento were re-opened early Sunday...nearly a full day ahead of schedule. People who regularly drive the "Fix I-5" stretch of freeway from Richards to the Cap City Freeway interchange will be glad to know that both north and southbound lanes will remain open until after the Fourth of July weekend. July 8th is the next date to remember. That's when Caltrans will close the southbound lanes in the "Boat Section" so a sealant can be applied over the top of the new concrete.

As you probably have heard, the overall project completion date has been moved. It will take a little longer to wrap the entire project up due to some unforseen circumstances, which happens with all construction work. The concrete removal process on the northbound side took a tad longer than planned and putting a sealant on that stretch was rescheduled to July 17th. That allows more time for the northbound concrete to dry and cure properly...since it was laid deeper than the southside lanes.

Phases one and two are done...now we await phases three and four. The entire project should be complete on or around June 24th. Caltrans says anyone driving through the "Fix I-5" project may notice a rough texture on the road surface. That will last another two weeks...until after the polyester blend sealer is applied...then it should be a smoother ride, according to a Caltrans news release.

The Caltrans public information office says the remaining repair work on I-5 will require only lane closures...not entire sections of freeway roadblocked as with phases one and two. So, while it may be slow going....apparently the traffic will be allowed to pass through the "Fix I-5" section over the next few weeks...although expect a lot of those orange safety cones...over the next few weeks both southbound and northbound.

Fortunately there have not been any serious traffic accidents or mishaps involving construction workers.

Note: I-5 Closure Schedule Has Changed

pconley — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:35:00 GMT

Thursday afternoon Caltrans announced a major change in plans for the Fix 1-5 project. The southbound lanes, which are currently closed, will reopen as planned on Monday. Then both lanes will remain open for 15 days. That's a change from the original plan of just 6 days. Caltrans says the additional time is necessary to prepare the lanes for extra sealing. Then, another big change will occur with Stage 3 of the project. Instead of the planned closure of northbound lanes, crews will shut down southbound lanes once again from July 8th through July 15th. Then on July 17th, in the final stage of the project, northbound lanes will be closed until July 24th, the newly projected date of completion.

Click here for Steve Milne's report.

We're Approaching the Half-Way Mark!

sshadley — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:02:00 GMT

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!

Speed Limit Reduced as Southbound Closes

sshadley — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:56:00 GMT

Caltrans officials have lowered the speed limit in construction zones in downtown Sacramento at the epicenter of the I-5 repairs. That announcement comes just moments before rush hour started this Monday morning. Apparently there were a few traffic accidents in the construction area over the weekend. So, as it stands now...the speed limit has been lowered to 45-and-1/2 miles per hour (Frankly, I've never seen a 1/2 mile an hour change in a speed limit...but there you have it). That's a change from the previous 55 miles an hour in that construction zone. Seems that both accidents involved people suspected of driving while drunk...and one accident happened when a car hit a construction truck...and another driver drove right into the construction area while work was underway. So keep that in mind...police will be enforcing a 45.5 mph speed limit there.

Southbound lanes of I-5 are getting repairs similar to what happened on northbound lanes...an updated sewage system is going in and new concrete will be laid at the "Boat Section" of the freeway. That's roughly from Richards Boulevard to the Capital City Freeway...with two lanes open to exit at J street going south on I-5. However...the Q Street southbound exit will be closed. Remember...ALL of the northbound lanes are open again. But, here's the challenge. Officials want to keep traffic to a minimum on the side streets...so what's a person to do? I wish I had a magic wand and could give you a satisfying answer. Here are a few tips to think about while trying to navigate through this area during construction: L street downtown could be pretty busy during this part of the project...so try to get around that road if you can. Rush hour traffic is expected to be very busy on J street at the exit lanes of I-5...but there may be no getting around that situation. That's where the southbound traffic to the north will be dumping into downtown Sacramento. Also, Caltrans says that on Richards Boulevard itself...authorities are allowing drivers to make left hand turns onto that road from both offramp lanes. And, finally on P Street...police officers may be around during the busiest part of the day...directing traffic near 7th and 3rd streets...to help move things along.

This phase of southbound construction is scheduled to be done on Monday, June 23rd. At that time...both south and northbound lanes of I-5 will be open for four days...until construction begins on the north side of the interstate again. More on that later. And, yes, there will be a test!

Southbound Lanes To Close Friday Night

sshadley — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:23:00 GMT

If you listen to KXJZ on a regular basis you probably have heard a variety of news stories this week about the upcoming closure of the southbound lanes of I-5 through downtown Sacramento. Officials say they plan to close I-5 from Richards to the Highway 50 interchange around 8 p.m. Friday night...as work gets underway on a new drainage system and new concrete. Actually, work already has started...as concrete cutters have been doing some initial work after midnight this past week. According to the contractor in charge of repairs, C.C. Myers...the prep work could cut about a day off of the closure over the long haul. As it stands now, I-5 southbound lanes are expected to re-open to traffic on June 23rd.

Caltrans has pointed out that soughbound lanes are typically less travelled than northbound I-5...so the construction may not create as much congestion as the northbound closures may before this is all over. The true test for commuters will come during Monday morning's rush hour. That's when people who come downtown from destinations like Yuba City, Marysville and Placer County...will have to contend with the "Must Exit" signs placed on the freeway. That will undoubtedly put a little more traffic on the side roads...and state and city officials say they're going to keep an eye on which side roads attract the most vehicles trying to navigate through the area. So for anyone coming down the southbound lanes of I-5 over the next ten days or so...take note: Caltrans has set up a designated "Truck Route" for the big rigs...encouraging the 18-wheelers to use I-80 into west Sacramento....then back east on Highway 50. Other drivers...in smaller cars and trucks...will be forced off of I-5 at either Richards Boulevard...or at J Street. Two lanes will be available for exit of I-5 there.

Here's something else to remember: The P Street onramp southbound to I-5 is expected to be very busy...so you may want to avoid that situation if possible. For anyone who works in the area or plans to park and ride light rail or Amtrak...there are still parking permits available from the city. You will be allowed to temporarily leave your vehicles at Discovery Park...until the construction project is over. But, again...you will need a permit...or get a ticket.

Wow, lots to remember...but based on how relatively smoothly things went with the first closure of I-5 northbound...this may be old hat...and there won't be any major problems with the southside of the interstate. We shall see. And, of course you can always listen to KXJZ's Morning Edition and All Things Considered broadcasts for regular traffic updates. The KXJZ newsroom also is out and about searching for any "breaking news" as the Fix I-5 project continues. We're always here for you with reports and updates...after all...we drive this stretch of road too. Until next time, have a wonderful and safe weekend. Here's to life in the slow lane! Steve Shadley

Prepare for Closure of Southbound Lanes

sshadley — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:00 GMT

We're only a few days away from the closure of the southbound lanes of I-5 and Caltrans is concerned about access to light rail and Amtrak trains. All southbound lanes of I-5 will shutdown for repairs in the "Boat Section" after commuter traffic dies down this Friday evening. Here's the challenge: for people who usually travel through downtown Sacramento from places north such as Yolo County...Yuba City...Marysville and other communities...you should set aside more time to get to your destinations Monday morning. That's because if you travel the southbound side of I-5 and plan to catch a train...you'll have to park on the southside and either walk or ride your bike to the train platforms on the other side of the freeway. You see, folks who travel on the northbound lanes have the convenience of having the train stations adjacent to their side of the road. It's the southbounders, if you will, that face a challenge of getting to the other side during the construction...especially during peak travel times.

I spoke with Rochelle Jenkins with Caltrans today and she says probably the best solution is to leave your vehicle at Discovery Park and hike it over to the trains. However, remember that you must have a permit to leave your car at Discovery Park...and you can get a permit by surfing over to the Fix-I-5 website.

Here's another situation that makes life interesting in these times of major freeway repairs in Sacramento. Caltrans officials say they're concerned that since so many people are walking or riding bikes around the construction work...more people may be at risk of heat stroke. With afternoon temperatures in the mid 90's this week, a lot of people could over extend themselves and suffer heat related illnesses...if we're not careful. So, the best advice is to plan ahead, allow more time to get to your destination, drink plenty of water, seek shade and try to plan your walking or bike rides when it's not so hot in the morning or evening hours...if possible.

Finally, there's been a lot of buzz about how fast the work has gone under the management of local contractor C.C. Myers. Now, there's even word that future Caltrans construction projects may be modelled around Myers' method of planning and working. Apparently he's been so effective in getting work done on time...or even under deadline...using concrete mixtures that cure at such zippy speeds...that Caltrans is taking notes for other works around the state. What had started as an experiment...is now becoming a template for other road projects. The lesson learned: When California drivers are given a lot of notice about upcoming projects...they pay attention...and do what it takes to avoid creating traffic jams around projects.

How do you view the "Fix I-5" project? Are things going better than you anticipated? Are you pleased with what's been done so far? How are you getting around? KXJZ would like to know...and so would our fellow listeners and blog readers. Please leave any comments or driving tips here for others to share. You'll have to register first, but it's easy. Click here for instructions.

KXJZ's INSIGHT Focuses on I-5 Art

sshadley — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:20:00 GMT

While we're in a lull between repair work on I-5 in downtown Sacramento, let me tell you about an upcoming topic on KXJZ's daily interview show "Insight" with Jeffrey Callison.

On Insight soon, we're planning to look at the public art process at Caltrans, motivated by the paintwork that's appearing in the rebuilt portion of I-5. How does Caltrans decide that a new project needs art? How do they decide what kind of art? And what artist to choose? "Insight" plans to talk with the decision-maker and the artist. We'd also like to have the public express views about the artwork on local freeways...particularly the "Boat Section" of I-5. If you have a strong opinion, for or against public artwork on the interstates or other California roads, and you'd like to be considered as a guest in this discussion, please write to "Insight" at insight@capradio.org. Thanks very much.