Federal regulators approve Biological Opinions for Delta Conveyance Project | The Locally Times
The state project clears a federal hurdle while Caltrans schedules I-80 lane closures through June 13.
The California Governor’s Newsroom announced on June 5, 2026, that the Delta Conveyance Project, a water infrastructure system designed to move water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, received Biological Opinions under the federal Endangered Species Act. This federal approval clears a regulatory requirement for the project's construction. The state has not released a timeline for the start of physical work or a cost breakdown for taxpayers. ## I-80 Corridor Construction Caltrans District 3 scheduled lane and ramp closures on the I-80 Sierra corridor between June 7 and June 13, 2026. The agency reports that these projects, including pavement rehabilitation and culvert repairs, may cause cumulative travel delays of up to two hours for motorists traversing the entire corridor. Work zones include the Blue Canyon Pavement Rehabilitation Project, with closures scheduled from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. between June 7 and June 11. The Alta Pavement Improvement Project, located between Colfax and Dutch Flat, requires closures from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on June 8 and June 9. Near Gold Run, lane and ramp closures are set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 9 through June 11, with additional work scheduled for the morning of June 12. ## Traffic Disruptions The Monte Vista Pavement Rehabilitation Project requires around-the-clock lane closures from 6 a.m. on June 8 through 10 a.m. on June 12. The Crystal Springs and Drum Forebay on- and off-ramps remain closed until further notice. Emergency culvert repairs near Donner Lake Vista Point require a closure starting June 8, scheduled to last until the end of the month. Westbound traffic faces lane closures between the Sierra/Nevada County line and Farad, and between Floriston and Hinton Road, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily between June 8 and June 11. Caltrans records do not specify the exact traffic volumes used to calculate the two-hour delay estimate. ## State Infrastructure Projects The Delta Conveyance Project joins other state-level actions announced this week, including a five-year plan for 400 wildfire prevention projects and the addition of a fourth C-130 H airtanker to the state's aerial firefighting fleet. The provided records do not specify the projected tax or utility rate impacts for residents regarding these projects. Caltrans advises motorists to monitor the Caltrans QuickMap for real-time updates, as the construction schedule remains subject to change. ## Key Questions **How long will the I-80 construction delays last?** Caltrans scheduled lane and ramp closures through June 13, 2026, with some ramp closures remaining in effect until further notice. Motorists may experience cumulative delays of up to two hours. **What does the federal clearance mean for the Delta Conveyance Project?** Receipt of Biological Opinions under the federal Endangered Species Act removes a final federal hurdle for the project's construction. The state has not released a timeline for when construction will begin.