PLACER COUNTY – Caltrans announced the completion of the $33.2 million State Route 49 (SR 49) Safety Barrier Project in Placer County, which will improve operations and reduce crashes along the corridor.
The project is a result of several years’ worth of engagement with various community groups and state partners, including the California Highway Patrol, the Nevada County Transportation Commission and Placer County.
“This project showcases Caltrans’ commitment to the Safe System approach, prioritizing safety first and focusing on eliminating the most serious crashes,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Sergio Aceves. “It’s an important step in the department’s goal of reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries on all state highways by 2050.”
Improvements include a new concrete center barrier between Lone Star Road and Lorenson Road/Florence Lane to reduce the potential for cross centerline collisions. Roundabouts were constructed at each intersection along with new pavement, striping, curb and gutters, sidewalks, lighting and signage.
Additional safety enhancements planned along the corridor include the SR 49 Corridor Improvement Project within Nevada County, scheduled to start construction this year, and the SR 49 Grass Valley Wildfire Evacuation Route Project, scheduled for construction by spring 2028. For more information on these and other projects in the district please visit the Caltrans District 3 website.
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.
The department issues construction updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.