Fix 50 Project Will Shutdown Sections of U.S. 50 for 2 Months

Maybe you have heard about Fix 50 Project, if not and you are traveling through California in the near future, you need to be aware of upcoming lane and road closures.

A section of U.S. Highway 50, known as the  W/X Viaduct, is being remodeled. The Viaduct was built in 1968 and is made of 2 parallel 6 lane highways that carry traffic over the city streets of downtown Sacramento.

These structures  have extensive cracking on the deck and are in  need of rehabilitation in order to enhance safety, reduce recurring  maintenance costs, and increase the life of the concrete decks.

Fix Project 50 work includes:

• Placing a 4-inch concrete deck on top of the existing deck and tying it to the girders
• Repairing cracks in the existing deck
• Adding steel column casings for seismic strengthening
• Improved traffic operations throughout the project area

The  service life of the structure decks will be extended to about 20 years,  which will significantly reduce  maintenance expenditures. The completed project will also provide  widening at the shoulders, new joint seals, new concrete barriers and  railings, energy-efficient lighting standards, and enhanced safety.Sections of the highway will be closed from April 22 through June 25.

Eastbound Highway 50 – April 22 to May 21

Phase 1: April 22 to May 6 – the 11th St. on-ramp will be closed.

Phase 2: May 7 to May 21 – the following ramps will be closed: – 16th Street On-Ramp – Connector ramp from eastbound Highway 50  to southbound Highway 99 – Connector ramp from eastbound Highway 50  to eastbound Business 80

• At least 3 lanes will be open
• Westbound traffic will operate as normal

Westbound Highway 50 – May 27 to June 25

Phase 1: May 27 to June 10

Phase 2: June 11 to June 25 – 16th Street Off-Ramp – Connector ramp from westbound Business 80 to westbound Highway 50

• At least 3 lanes will be open
• Eastbound traffic will operate as normal

During work in the EASTBOUND direction (April 22 – May 21):

If traveling from Elk Grove/Laguna to Rancho Cordova/Folsom:

• Use Freeway-99 North to US-50 East
• Do not use I-5 North to US-50 East

If traveling from Davis to Downtown Sacramento:

• Use I-80 to I-5 South, to Richards Blvd or “J” Street off ramps
• Do not take I-80 to US-50 East

If traveling from Natomas/Davis to Rancho Cordova/Folsom:

• Use I-80 East to Watt Ave exit-South to Business-80 on-ramp to US-50 East.
• Do not use I-5 to US-50 East.

If traveling through the project area during Phase 2 (Closed connector ramps to Business-80 and Freeway-99):

• Use Hornet Drive (Howe/Power Inn exit) to turn around onto US-50 West

During work in the WESTBOUND direction (May 27 – June 25):

Traveling from Rancho Cordova/Folsom to Downtown Sacramento:

• Use US-50 West to Business-80 North to “N” or “H” Street off-ramps
• Do not stay on US-50 West after Business-80 interchange

Traveling from Elk Grove/Galt to Downtown Sacramento:

• Use I-5 North to “J” Street off ramp
• Do not take Freeway-99 North to US-50 Westbound

Traveling from Rancho Cordova/Folsom to Natomas/Davis:

• Use US-50 West to Business-80 North to Watt Ave North, to I-80 West.
• Do not use US-50 West to Davis or US-50 West to I-5 North to Natomas.

If traveling through the project area during Phase 2 (Closed connector ramps from Business-80 to US-50 West):

• Use Hornet Drive (Howe/Power Inn exit) to turn around onto US-50 West

* The state of California wants to drive home the point that everyone can help during this reconstruction process and help is exactly what is needed. You can do your part to avoid traffic delays by considering taking alternate transit, ride sharing, or biking to your destination.