NEWCASTLE – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is alerting motorists to anticipate delays beginning Monday, May 9 on westbound Interstate 80 (I-80) in Newcastle for freeway excavation under the Newcastle Union Pacific Railroad bridge as part of the $36 million vertical clearance project.
Motorists should anticipate delays of 30 minutes during the morning commute and delays of 45 minutes on Sunday afternoons as travelers to the Sierra area return home. Lane closures will begin on Monday, May 9 and are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, May 26. Two freeway lanes will remain open while one lane leading up to and under the railroad bridge will be closed to traffic. The lane closure will alternate between the #1, #2 and #3 lanes. Work will be performed around the clock in order to reduce the time required for lane closures.
The westbound I-80 exit to Newcastle Road will also be closed to traffic during the project’s construction. Motorists are advised to use the Highway 193 exit to access the town of Newcastle. The Newcastle Road overcrossing as well as the on-ramp from Newcastle to westbound I-80 will remain open.
The Newcastle Union Pacific Railroad bridge is the last structure to be addressed in the two-year, “Raise80” vertical clearance project that has nearly completed increasing the vertical clearance of nine freeway overcrossings on I-80 between Magra and Loomis in south Placer County.
Seven of the structures have had their bridge deck raised approximately two feet, and two of the structures will have the roadway lowered to achieve the necessary clearance. When complete, all structures will meet today’s 16 feet, 6 inches federal clearance standards for high-profile vehicles and national defense, eliminating the need for most high-profile vehicles to use local roads as detours.
Raise80.com is the central source for information about construction details, alternate routes, detours, maps and project updates. Updates regarding weather or other unexpected events that may prolong the work or cause construction activities to be rescheduled are also posted.
