Q: What is the "Boat Section"?
A: A: The Boat Section is a three-quarter-mile section of I-5 from R Street to the Capital Mall overcrossing. Some additional repair work will be performed north of the Boat Section to Richards Boulevard. Caltrans engineers call this area the "Boat Section" because it is below the water level. It was named back the late '60s when it had to be drained as one of the last portions of Interstate 5 to be completed. Without pumps, the area would fill up with water during storms.
Q: Why does Caltrans need to fix the “Boat Section" on I-5?
A: The problem is underneath the surface. River silt and sand have blocked the drainage system that has been in place since the road was completed in the early '70s. As ground water has pushed through joints in the seals slab, the water has nowhere to go but up through the pavement. This is causing cracks, spalls and deterioration on the surface. The current drainage system requires regular visual inspection of each pump during rainy weather to make sure each one is working. Once the roadbed is replaced and a new drainage system is in place, an electronic monitoring system will manage the pumps - freeing up Caltrans personnel to do other work during rain storms.
Q: What is Caltrans doing to reduce congestion and delays during the project?
A: Caltrans and our contractors are doing everything in our power to reduce congestion and delays on I-5 during the construction. We're asking big rig trucks to detour around the area and alerting drivers to the changing traffic conditions. Each tractor trailer that chooses to take an alternate route is the same as taking four cars out of the traffic flow.
Q: How will commuters and other drivers know what’s going on?
A: The primary source of information will be our project website, www.FixI-5.com. It provides the latest updates on construction and traffic information, lane closures and alternate routes. It also allows visitors find out about alternate transit modes, sign up for email alerts and see live traffic camera views.
Q: I don’t have Internet access. How can I get information?
A: Drivers will be alerted by commercials on radio and TV in English and Spanish, radio traffic reports, through newspaper ads, posters in truck stops and roadside rest stops, and by direct mail. You can call 511 to get up-to-date traffic information over the phone in English or Spanish. Caltrans is also meeting with local businesses, civic groups and area leaders and residents to make sure everyone knows what to expect and is prepared for the effects of the project.
Q: Will the Fix I-5 project have any impact on shopping, dining and attendance at events downtown?
A: I-5 and all ramps are scheduled to be open for all major downtown events, such as the Jazz Jubilee. Caltrans is also supporting businesses in downtown and Old Sacramento with an "Open for Business" section on www.FixI-5.com. It allows restaurants and merchants to link to FixI-5.com to promote special offers they may have during the construction period.
Q: What if I’m already in my car and need to get alternate route information?
A: Drivers can call 511 for traffic information and updates on the project in English and Spanish.
Q: When do these "repairs" begin?
A: Repairs on the I-5 Boat Section will begin Friday evening, May 30.
Q: What can I do to plan around these repairs?
A: It is recommended that all commuters who usually take this portion of I-5 plan accordingly. If you normally use I-5 as your route, go ahead and keep using the highways to reach your destination. Drivers will be advised via signage regarding available off-ramps. For those using I-5 as a through route, take the Caltrans recommended detour via I-80.
Here are some simple options you can take to survive Fix I-5:
• Plan your trips. Allow plenty of extra time for any unexpected delays.
• Avoid driving during peak hours. Consider flexing your work schedule or telecommuting.
• Try public transit, car-pooling or bicycling. Not only are these options great for the environment, they will reduce the amount of vehicles on I-5. Any reduction will greatly ease the traffic volume that is expected.
Q: How much of the highway will be closed to motorists?
A: One mile of northbound and southbound I-5 will be closed to through traffic at different times. Certain off and on-ramps will be closed at varying times, however, motorists will have many options. Please reference the "What's Happening" page of the website. While the northbound J Street exit ramp is closed, Q Street will remain open to access downtown and will be the last available off ramp from northbound I-5. During the southbound closure, J Street will be open.
Once on the City's grid, motorists have a variety of options if they are planning to return to J or Q Street. For example, during the northbound closure, drivers will be exiting at Q Street, not J Street, and can get back to J Street via 5th Street. Signage will also direct motorists back to I-5 after exiting on Q Street.
Q: What is being done about traffic on City streets adjacent to the highway?
A: Sacramento Police and California Highway Patrol will be assisting with law enforcement during peak times at intersections with expected high volumes of traffic. These areas will mainly include the on/off-ramps adjacent to I-5. During the northbound closure, law enforcement will direct traffic along Q Street at 5th and 3rd streets. During the southbound closure, law enforcement officers will be stationed along Richards Boulevard and 7th and 3rd streets.
Q: It sounds like the City of Sacramento will be handling a lot of traffic. Is there anything else being done to handle such large amounts of traffic?
A: Yes! The City has temporarily restriped 5th Street to improve access into downtown. Some other improvements also include interim turn pockets and channeling traffic to avoid turning and weaving conflicts, especially around on/off ramps.
There is also going to be monitoring traffic signal timing from our Traffic Operations Center and adjusting accordingly during peak hours. Most corridors within downtown will have timing plans that differ from normal. The City has also added a host of new traffic cameras to view new intersections and to monitor traffic situations. Police and CHP will be monitoring traffic as well from the Traffic Operations Center.
Q: Is there anything else I should know about this project?
A: The most important thing to note is that I-5 will still provide access to downtown. The project schedule will vary so please refer to the schedule calendar for more precise information. It can be viewed under the "What's Happening" page of the website.
