Caltrans' $484 million Fix50 Project in California is on schedule for completion by September 2025. The project aims to enhance mobility, encourage ride-sharing, and improve infrastructure through segment-focused construction efforts and partnerships with Flatiron Construction. Challenges include high traffic volumes, maintaining safety, and completing various components like sound walls and bridge work. Despite obstacles, community support remains strong as crews work diligently to realize the project's benefits.
Photo courtesy of Caltrans
A paving crew smooths a new surface.
In hopes of meeting a September 2025 deadline, construction crews in California are working night and day on Caltrans' Fix50 Project. The nearly $484 million effort will enhance mobility while providing incentives for ride sharing during peak period travel.
"This is the largest Caltrans project ever in the Sacramento region," Caltrans District 3 spokesperson Sergio Ochoa Sánchez said. "Construction is going well. It's on schedule, with no major delays. The design builder broke the project into five segments to manage the multiple stages required to perform all of the bridge, drainage and roadway construction while maintaining at least four lanes in each direction during the day."
Photo courtesy of Caltrans
Flatiron Construction serves as the project contractor. The Fix50 Project is funded by the SHOPP Roadway Rehabilitation Program, Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) and a sales tax program managed by the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA).
"Flatiron has the resources and experienced staff to take on such a large and complex project," Sánchez said, adding that completing all the work in a densely populated area on a freeway with high traffic volumes is a definite challenge.
The improvements will not only lower crews' exposure to live traffic but will also cut maintenance costs, reduce congestion and replace the Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement. The existing PCC pavement was built more than a half-century ago and has reached the end of its service life.
In addition, construction calls for increasing the vertical clearance at seven overcrossing structures in the project limits. This will lessen the frequency of "high load" hits and improve freight mobility in the corridor.
"Crews are currently working mostly night-time shifts to avoid causing too much hassle to motorists during the day and during peak times," Sánchez said. "Work is also being performed during the day behind temporary concrete barriers [k-rail] in areas where that's possible."
Overall, the community has been receptive to the work.
"Most of the public understands the complexity of this project and welcomes the addition of the HOV lane when the project is complete," Sánchez said. "Caltrans has received a couple of noise and dust complaints; however, when explaining that the work will only be for a couple of nights, neighbors have been tolerant."
Sánchez also noted that crashes can directly affect the construction process.
"We rely on drivers to obey the speed limit in the construction zone, to be aware of their surroundings, to avoid distractions when driving and not to drive when intoxicated. Caltrans will not stop stressing the value of being safe when driving, for the well-being and safety of the workers, motorists and everyone in general.
"When a project like this is seen from what it was, to how it is now, and how it will be when completed, everything is worth the satisfaction drivers will experience with an almost brand-new U.S.-50 in the Sacramento area."
According to Sánchez, the construction of sound walls from Stockton Boulevard to 65th Street is already finished, while bridge work is nearing completion. Current construction involves drainage, roadway excavation and concrete paving in Segments 1, 2 and 4.
More stages of roadway rehabilitation in Segments 2 and 4 and installation must be tackled, along with work tied to Intelligent Transportation System elements.
Regarding project milestones, bridge widening is finished, and concrete pavement is completed in Segments 1, 3 and 5.
Sánchez said widening ramps, connector ramps and bridges takes a great deal of effort.
"Essentially, a new bridge has been constructed between the east and westbound freeway bridges to connect them together. The ramps are reconstructed in a wider configuration, like building a new ramp."
Photo courtesy of Caltrans
Construction includes repairing 54 lane miles of pavement, which means all the concrete and asphalt pavement must be removed and replaced. Increasing the vertical clearance at seven overcrossing structures requires the roadway being lowered to allow over-height permit loads to better fit under the overcrossings.
Fortunately, the elements have not been an issue for crews.
"So far, weather has been cooperative," Sánchez said. "And the workers out there, even when it has been more than 100 degrees or freezing, have played a big role in keeping this project on schedule."
Several hundred thousand cubic yards of dirt will be moved during construction, while the most tedious part of the job involves shifting traffic.
"This takes time because of the number of lanes and the limited windows at night to complete the work," Sánchez said.
Still, he said the work involved will be worth it in the end.
"It's rewarding to be part of such a large infrastructure project that will serve the public for years to come." CEG
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