Work Begins On Project To Add Lanes, Improve Traffic On Interstate 5 Through Sacramento

Caltrans has begun work on a three-year, $370 million project to upgrade Interstate 5 between Sacramento and Elk Grove. 

The biggest change will be the addition of a carpool lane in each direction. 

"During the commute time, the bus and carpoolers should be able to save an average of 13 minutes on a daily basis,” Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet Benipal said prior to a groundbreaking for the project on Tuesday. Benipal says non-carpool users will also experience a shorter commute by seven minutes.  

Besides the new lanes, some on and off ramps will be lengthened. Fiber optic lines, ramp meters and sound walls will be replaced, as will a pedestrian overcrossing at Casilada Way.  

Caltrans / Courtesy

The project has been awarded to A. Teichert and Sons Inc. and Granite Construction. Benipal says a majority of the work is scheduled for nights and weekends and is due to be completed by December 2022. 

Funding is coming from three main sources:

• $42 million from Sacramento Transit Authority and federal highway funds through the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. 
• $48 million from voter-approved gas tax increases from Senate Bill 1/Proposition 69 
• $280 million from state highway funds

“Buses to the downtown should run much faster and be more reliable,” said Sacramento Regional Transit General Manager and CEO Harry Li, who noted his agency is increasing the number of bus routes beginning September 8.