The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is announcing the start of construction on a $65 million major improvement project on Interstate 80 near Soda Springs.

I-80 is a primary east/west corridor in northern California. It has served motorists since it was built in the 1960s and needs improvement. The project will rebuild a segment of this vital artery by replacing its aging pavement while improving safety by upgrading roadway facilities to present-day standards. All work is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2009.

Improvements included in the project are:

• Replacing the east and westbound bridges at Castle Peak

• Widening the outside westbound lane near the Boreal Ski Area

• Widening the eastbound shoulder

• New steel reinforced Portland Cement concrete up to 1 ft. (.3 m) thick in places

• New asphalt concrete pavement

• Replacing culverts and improving roadside drainage

• Establish a wetland and riparian area to mitigate environmental impacts

The majority of the construction work and traffic control on this project will coincide with the longer days and favorable weather conditions in the Sierra during late spring and the summer months.

The bulk of the construction work will be performed behind K-Rail (concrete barrier) and lane crossovers will be used to facilitate traffic during construction. Minimal delays are expected except for days when there is blasting. When the crossover is in effect, traffic will be monitored 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This will ensure a quick response to any vehicle emergency in the crossover area and clear any blocked lanes quickly.

The blasting work associated with this project, requires closing the road and holding traffic to set charges and clear the roadway of debris. Advance notification will be posted using portable message boards when blasting is scheduled. Motorists can expect 20 to 25 minute delays, when blasting occurs. Only one blasting event per day will be allowed.

The California Highway Patrol also will be on scene to enforce the speed limit in the construction zone.

Today's top stories

Make Eliminating Jobsite Distractions Company Safety Goal

Two Firms Give Burned Highway New Life

VIDEO: Komatsu Holds Demo Days at Cartersville Customer Center

ABC: Over Half of March State Construction Unemployment Rates Down From a Year Ago

Allen Engineering Hosts 60th Anniversary Celebration

Contractors' Plate Full On Interstate 35 in Texas

Space Coast Leaders, Residents Excited About Planned Brightline Rail Station in Cocoa

Attachments International Debuts Severe Service Demolition Grapple