Interstate 5 lane closures this weekend to slow traffic through downtown Sacramento

Motorists should expect delays this weekend on Interstate 5 through downtown Sacramento as Caltrans crews close one lane in each direction for roadwork.

The lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday through midnight Saturday between Broadway and J Street for median and pavement work, according to a news release from the California Department of Transportation. Two northbound and southbound lanes on I-5 will remain open.

Caltrans encouraged motorists to use Interstate 80 and Highway 50 as alternate routes around the roadwork zone. Drivers who use I-5 during the lane closures should expect delays and plan for additional driving time.

Motorists could experience up to 30-minute delays and should be aware of commercial work vehicles traveling in and out of the area, Caltrans said. The speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph through the roadwork zone, and the California Highway Patrol will be patrolling the area and looking for speeders.

Nearby residents can expect to hear loud construction noises and beeping sounds from commercial trucks backing up during the day and night.

The roadwork this weekend is part of the Interstate 5 Corridor Enhancement (FixSac5) Project.

So far, construction crews have added sound walls in 2020 and are now working to repair 67-lane miles of road, build 23 miles of carpool lanes and improve the existing electrical and drainage systems along this corridor, according to the Caltrans news release. The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2022.