SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is warning drivers of a multi-day closure of a portion of SR-99, also known as Highway 99, starting June 11.
“This is actually a historic moment for Caltrans," Angela DaPrato, Spokesperson for Caltrans, said. "Probably one of the biggest closures that we’ve had in the department and in the Sacramento region."
And one of the fastest, DaPrato explained the closure is part of a plan to fix Highway 99 in 99 hours. Crews are completely closing a three and a half mile stretch of Hwy. 99 starting at 8 p.m. Friday June 11 to 4 a.m. Wednesday, June 16 due to the bridge deck on the highway needing repair from six decades of wear and tear.
“What this technique actually is, is assembling the bridge at different locations testing it making sure all the bridges fit correctly bringing it to location and assembling it then,” DaPrato explained.
This means drivers will have to find alternate routes.
The highway will be closed from 47th Avenue to the US 50 interchange. Caltrans advises drivers to avoid any trips to the area. If drivers need to commute, they should use the regional transit light rail system, the bus system, or I-5.
Click here to see a full list of closures and alternate routes.
“If you do need to take a trip please use Interstate 5. That’s going to be the designated route, however, there will be plenty of company on the corridor so plan extra time for your travel if you don’t it could take two hours,” Amarjeet Benipal from Caltrans said.
Caltrans is urging drivers to either telework or carpool during the closure. They are also partnering with SacRT to use the light rail for free, drivers just have to download a flyer off the RT website.
