THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
In response to a rise in accidents through the “across the top” work zone on Interstate 80 in Natomas, the California Department of Transportation and the California Highway Patrol have reduced the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph.
Caltrans has also added more signage directing motorists to prepare to merge where on-ramps connect to I-80. In addition, all exit signs have been positioned to increase visibility.
“The primary types of traffic incidents were rear end collisions, primarily between Truxel and Northgate where motorists should slow down and stay alert,” said Caltrans District 3 Construction Safety Engineer Ed Yarbrough.
CHP data shows 29 of 38 traffic incidents were rear-end collisions. Three drivers had no license or were driving with a suspended license. Caltrans will continue to monitor collisions in the work zone to see if any more patterns develop.
“Slowing traffic in the work zone can help reduce the incidence of rear-end collisions by giving drivers more time to observe and react to traffic conditions,” Yarbrough said.
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Distracted driving also contributes to 93 percent of rear-end collisions, according to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
CHP officers will monitor traffic throughout the construction site and issue citations to motorists who exceed the 55 mile per hour speed limit.
The $133 million Across the Top project is adding bus/carpool lanes to I-80 between West El Camino Avenue and Watt Avenue, and adding one mile of auxiliary lanes in both directions of Interstate 80 from West El Camino Avenue to the Interstate 80/Interstate 5 interchange.
In an effort to reduce congestion in the area, Caltrans created two express lanes which extend four miles for motorists who are commuting through the area and do not need to exit the freeway. Another lane is provided for drivers who do need to exit.
What is the completion date?