NEVADA COUNTY – Caltrans is alerting motorists about a scheduled extended lane closure along Interstate 80 (I-80) near the junction with State Route 20 as construction continues on the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.
Starting Friday at 7 a.m. crews will reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction around the clock to finalize the crossover construction. This configuration is scheduled to remain in place through 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3.
Motorists may experience delays up to 1 hour and are encouraged to factor in additional travel times along the I-80 Sierra corridor.
The work is necessary to prepare for the upcoming traffic shift. In the event of spring snowstorms, crews will remove lane closures and reopen the highway to two lanes in each direction.
Once work is complete, both lanes in each direction of I-80 will reopen and westbound I-80 will be shifted onto the eastbound span of the bridge as crews begin demolition of the existing westbound bridge and construction of the new bridge.
As a result of the crossover, the following closures will be in place starting Sunday, May 3 until the new westbound bridge replacement work is completed.
- State Route 20 on-ramp to westbound I-80: Motorists will detour eastbound I-80 to Eagle Lakes Road and head back westbound on I-80.
- Westbound I-80 off-ramp to Yuba Gap (Crystal Lake Road, Exit 160): Motorists will detour westbound I-80 to Emigrant Gap and head back eastbound on I-80.
The extended lane closures will help to minimize the duration of the work and improve workers’ safety. The schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events.
Motorists are reminded that the speed limit within the construction zone has been reduced to 55 mph and the California Highway Patrol will be present for traffic enforcement.
Flatiron Construction of Concord is the prime contractor. The project is replacing the current bridge and will improve freight efficiency along I-80 by increasing the load carrying capacity for larger trucks. The project work will also construct median barriers, upgrade drainage and install roadway weather information systems. The project is expected to be completed by winter 2027.
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.