'Emergency repairs' on Interstate 80 could soon lead to 2-hour delays between Colfax, Nevada state line

By Helen Barrington

Caltrans is undertaking what it’s calling “emergency” pavement repair on Interstate 80 between Colfax and the Nevada state line. 

The repairs are on sections of I-80 damaged by chain wear during successive storms this past winter and spring. 

“Caltrans performed an extensive field review of the I-80 corridor earlier this year and found an unprecedented amount of damage. Several areas were identified as needing immediate repair and would not hold up through another winter season,” according to the agency. 

Caltrans started the work on Sept. 1 and paused for the Labor Day weekend, but will start back up Tuesday. The agency describes this next phase of work as taking place in five locations in Placer, Nevada and Sierra counties.

A map of areas Caltrans plans to do pavement repairs along Interstate 80.Caltrans

When work is underway across all five locations, delays for drivers could extend up to two hours.

While Caltrans has not provided a definitive timeline for the work to be completed, it says there is a limited weather-related opportunity to get these repairs done, estimated to cost $84.4 million.

Other road projects in the Sacramento region also continue

Back in the Sacramento Valley, there are other ongoing road projects underway. 

Fix50, which began in November 2020, is continuing, with a sequence of westbound lane splits. The project also includes the addition of carpool lanes, bridge widening, utility upgrades, drainage enhancement, among many other improvements. 

Highway 50 construction: What’s left and how long it could take

The nearly half-a-billion dollar project, $388.8 million of which comes from California Senate Bill 1, has led to a variety of changes in lane configurations to the busy corridor. The project is slated to conclude in late 2024 or early 2025.

There’s also a roadway rehabilitation project underway from east of Davis to West Sacramento. This paving and repair work is anticipated to continue through December 2027.

This work comes as many area schools, colleges and universities are back in session, and some people are back to work in person.

So, that’s what you have to look forward to. Good luck and be careful out there.