Heads Up: Next stage Of Fix I-5 Moved To July 8

FixI5.Com

Caltrans announced today that the next stage of the Fix I-5 project will be moved to July 8 to allow time to properly prepare the new lanes for final sealing.

Caltrans, working closely with prime contractor C. C. Myers Inc., determined that moving the stage ahead will allow work crews more time to properly prepare these lanes for final sealing while keeping all lanes open through the busy July 4 holiday.

When crews began removing the old pavement – they discovered it was much thicker than anticipated. In some places, concrete was as thick as 48 inches.

This discovery means the prep process for the new, fast-setting slag-based concrete will take longer than anticipated.

“It is critical that this concrete be completely dry before applying the sealant and the final driving surface,” said District 3 Director Jody Jones. “To ensure a quality, long-lasting product, Caltrans and our contractor determined the safest course of action was to move Stage 3 to July 8 and avoid impacting the public and downtown area businesses during the busy July 4 holiday.”

Stage 3, which is now the closure of the southbound lanes between Richards Blvd. and the U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway Interchange is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. on July 8. Those lanes will remain closed until 5 a.m. on July 15.

After a short break, Stage 4 of the project, which is now the closure of northbound lanes, will take effect from 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17 to 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 24.

Crews will be allowed to begin smoothing out the new concrete in the overnight hours between stages 2 and 3. Nighttime closures, blocking various lanes in each direction, are being scheduled for next week.