Caltrans closes northbound Capital City Freeway for 28-hour bridge work | The Locally Times
The $239.5 million American River Bridge project requires a full freeway closure from May 29 to May 31.
## Freeway Closure Details Caltrans will close the northbound Capital City Freeway, also known as State Route 51 and Business 80, from 11 p.m. Friday, May 29, until 3 a.m. Sunday, May 31. The closure spans the section from N Street to Exposition Boulevard to allow for the application of a polyester concrete overlay on the American River Bridge deck. This material requires a specific curing time that prevents traffic from crossing the bridge during the 28-hour window. ## Funding and Project Scope The American River Bridge Rehabilitation Project costs $239.5 million. The State Highway Operation and Protection Program, a state fund for highway repair and preservation, provides $236.8 million. The Active Transportation Program, which funds projects that increase the use of non-motorized travel, provides $2.7 million to install a Class I bike path connecting to the existing American River bike path. The project also includes installing sheet piles around bridge piers for structural reinforcement. ## Traffic Impact The closure blocks the eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 50 connectors to the northbound Capital City Freeway. Caltrans also scheduled the closure of northbound on-ramps at P Street, J Street, and E Street. The agency advises motorists to use alternate routes, though it has not provided a specific detour map. Caltrans District 3, which maintains 4,385 lane miles across 11 counties, states that weather, traffic incidents, or construction material availability could change the schedule. The department posts updates on its official X account and Facebook page. While the total project budget is $239.5 million, the records do not specify a completion date for the entire rehabilitation project. ## Key Questions **Will I be able to access the Capital City Freeway from U.S. Highway 50 this weekend?** No, the connectors from both eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 50 to the northbound Capital City Freeway will be closed starting at 11 p.m. Friday, May 29. **Why is the freeway closing for 28 hours?** Caltrans is applying a polyester concrete overlay to the American River Bridge deck, which requires an extended curing period that prevents the freeway from remaining open to traffic. **Where can I find a map of the recommended detour routes?** Caltrans has not provided a designated detour route or map in its public project release, advising motorists only to use alternate routes and monitor the Caltrans QuickMap app for real-time traffic conditions.