Slow down to 55 mph in the Interstate 80 construction project in Natomas in Sacramento County.
That's the new speed limit, reduced from 65 mph, in the work zone. Caltrans is implementing the reduced speed limit in response to 38 crashes in the work zone, 29 of them rear-end collisions where drivers didn't stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front.
The California Highway Patrol will issue traffic citations to those found traveling over the 55 mph speed limit, Caltrans spokesperson Dennis Keaton said.
The "Across the Top" project is adding a lane in each direction to I-80 between West El Camino Avenue and the I-80/Interstate 5 exchange. Additionally, carpool/bus lanes are going in between West El Camino Avenue and Watt Avenue. The project costs $133 million and is expected to be fully completed in fall, 2016, according to Keaton. It began in 2012.
For those who don't need to exit I-80 in the construction zone, there are two, four-mile express lanes.
Caltrans reminded it is the law that when road workers are out, to move over when possible or slow to a safe speed when passing.
