NEVADA COUNTY – Caltrans is alerting motorists about an extended lane closure scheduled along Interstate 80 (I-80) near the junction with State Route 20 as construction resumes on the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.
Crews are scheduled to reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction through the project area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 23 through Wednesday, April 15.
Motorists will experience delays up to one hour and are encouraged to factor in additional travel times along the I-80 Sierra corridor.
Starting Monday, April 20 at 7 a.m. crews will reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction again to finalize the crossover construction. This configuration is scheduled to remain in place around the clock through 5 p.m. Friday, April 24.
Once work is complete, both lanes 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 Friday, April 24 until further notice.
- 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 schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events.
The extended lane closures will help to minimize the duration of the work and improve workers’ safety. 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 will replace the current bridge and improve freight efficiency along I-80 by increasing the load carrying capacity for extra-legal load trucks. The project 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.