Plan Ahead and Don’t Let Too Many Vehicles, Construction Projects, or Extreme Weather Spoil Your Time Off
REDDING—As thousands of private citizens are ready to celebrate Labor Day Weekend by taking a road trip to visit friends and family or to enjoy the outdoors, Caltrans District 2 reminds the traveling public to plan ahead for a stress free and safe drive throughout Northern California.
Here are some challenges ahead as well as our recommendations:
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
“We have dozens of construction projects going on major State Routes such as Interstate 5, SR36, SR70, or SR299 just to name a few,” says Construction Manager Shari Re. “Although most construction activities will be off this weekend, a couple of major projects will have work going and traffic control operations will still be in place.”
This Labor Day Weekend, Caltrans and its contractors plan to stop working from Friday, August 30th at 3:00 PM through Monday, September 2nd. Work will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7 AM.
In some cases, work will begin the evening of Monday, September 2nd at 8PM for scheduled night work.
Two exceptions:
I-5, Dunsmuir Grade Project in Siskiyou County: Crews will be working intermittently this weekend, with only one lane open northbound for a short length in the northern part of the project which may cause delays from 30 to 45 minutes or longer during peak hours; most of northbound is currently two lanes open, and one lane open southbound for this project.
SR299, Emergency Project between Helena and Big Bar in Trinity County:Crews will be working on Saturday, August 31st, with anticipated delays up to 20 minutes during daytime hours. Crews won’t be working on Sunday and Monday (9/1-9/2), one-way traffic control will be in effect with minimal delays.
TRAFFIC DELAYS AND SPEED LIMITS
Both, construction work and high vehicle-volume contribute to traffic delays, particularly during peak hours. This Labor Day Weekend, peak hours are deemed Friday, August 30th and Monday, September 2nd from 11 AM to 6PM. At all times, motorists are asked to slow down and drive safely.
“We kindly ask the public to remain patient if they encounter traffic delays. More importantly, we remind motorists to respect the 55mph speed limit throughout construction zones, still in place over the Holiday, whether construction activities are taking place or not.” says Traffic Manager Joe Baltazar.
CONSTRUCTION SOUTH OF ASHLAND, OREGON
Interstate 5 travelers this Labor Day Weekend can expect longer than normal delays during peak holiday travel periods due to road construction south of Ashland.
I-5 is narrowed to a single lane in each direction for two miles between mile post 9 and 11, as part of a three-year repair project between the California border and Ashland. During peak travel times, delays through the corridor have been more than 20 minutes. That’s expected to increase by 25 percent, according to ODOT traffic analysts. For more information please contact Oregon DOT PIO Gary Leaming (541) 774-6388.
OTHER CHALLENGES
Hot Weather — Weather authorities have advised of high temperatures in our area this time of the year. It is strongly recommended to have plenty of water and snacks with you, specially if you are traveling with children and/or pets. Cars must be checked before hitting the road to avoid overheating and other problems. Please check their website for specific information.
Fire Danger –Forest Service authorities are urging recreationists to be vigilant this long weekend due to hot temperatures, dry wildlands, and winds. Fire Restrictions are in place. Please check their website for specific information.
California Highway Patrol Officers will be on site and along District 2 monitoring speed limit and ensuring travelers slow down for a safe Holiday for all.
Please be respectful to our flaggers and traffic coordinators working this Holiday.
REDDING—As thousands of private citizens are ready to celebrate Labor Day Weekend by taking a road trip to visit friends and family or to enjoy the outdoors, Caltrans District 2 reminds the traveling public to plan ahead for a stress free and safe drive throughout Northern California.
Here are some challenges ahead as well as our recommendations:
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
“We have dozens of construction projects going on major State Routes such as Interstate 5, SR36, SR70, or SR299 just to name a few,” says Construction Manager Shari Re. “Although most construction activities will be off this weekend, a couple of major projects will have work going and traffic control operations will still be in place.”
This Labor Day Weekend, Caltrans and its contractors plan to stop working from Friday, August 30th at 3:00 PM through Monday, September 2nd. Work will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7 AM.
In some cases, work will begin the evening of Monday, September 2nd at 8PM for scheduled night work.
Two exceptions:
I-5, Dunsmuir Grade Project in Siskiyou County: Crews will be working intermittently this weekend, with only one lane open northbound for a short length in the northern part of the project which may cause delays from 30 to 45 minutes or longer during peak hours; most of northbound is currently two lanes open, and one lane open southbound for this project.
SR299, Emergency Project between Helena and Big Bar in Trinity County:Crews will be working on Saturday, August 31st, with anticipated delays up to 20 minutes during daytime hours. Crews won’t be working on Sunday and Monday (9/1-9/2), one-way traffic control will be in effect with minimal delays.
TRAFFIC DELAYS AND SPEED LIMITS
Both, construction work and high vehicle-volume contribute to traffic delays, particularly during peak hours. This Labor Day Weekend, peak hours are deemed Friday, August 30th and Monday, September 2nd from 11 AM to 6PM. At all times, motorists are asked to slow down and drive safely.
“We kindly ask the public to remain patient if they encounter traffic delays. More importantly, we remind motorists to respect the 55mph speed limit throughout construction zones, still in place over the Holiday, whether construction activities are taking place or not.” says Traffic Manager Joe Baltazar.
CONSTRUCTION SOUTH OF ASHLAND, OREGON
Interstate 5 travelers this Labor Day Weekend can expect longer than normal delays during peak holiday travel periods due to road construction south of Ashland.
I-5 is narrowed to a single lane in each direction for two miles between mile post 9 and 11, as part of a three-year repair project between the California border and Ashland. During peak travel times, delays through the corridor have been more than 20 minutes. That’s expected to increase by 25 percent, according to ODOT traffic analysts. For more information please contact Oregon DOT PIO Gary Leaming (541) 774-6388.
OTHER CHALLENGES
Hot Weather — Weather authorities have advised of high temperatures in our area this time of the year. It is strongly recommended to have plenty of water and snacks with you, specially if you are traveling with children and/or pets. Cars must be checked before hitting the road to avoid overheating and other problems. Please check their website for specific information.
Fire Danger –Forest Service authorities are urging recreationists to be vigilant this long weekend due to hot temperatures, dry wildlands, and winds. Fire Restrictions are in place. Please check their website for specific information.
California Highway Patrol Officers will be on site and along District 2 monitoring speed limit and ensuring travelers slow down for a safe Holiday for all.
Please be respectful to our flaggers and traffic coordinators working this Holiday.
