Caltrans completes massive I-80 road project

It no longer seems scary to drive on Interstate 80 between Auburn and the Nevada state line. Caltrans has finished the $821 million project.

This 90-mile upgrade was completed over a 15-year period.

Workers form new concrete on a segment of Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap and Cisco Grove. Photo/Caltrans

Infrastructure improvements included rebuilding seven bridges, improving lighting and drainage and adding new traffic monitoring systems.

Interstate 80 is one of three continuous coast-to-coast highways, and it has served motorists since the 1960s.

The massive construction venture consisted of 15 projects featuring a wide range of improvements. In addition to rebuilding the highway:

· Caltrans rebuilt seven bridges and the Donner Summit and Gold Run rest areas.

· Several chain on/off areas were upgraded.

· New freeway cameras were installed, which Caltrans will use to monitor traffic incidents and weather conditions.

· New electronic highway message signs on I-80 will provide motorists real-time traffic and weather information.

· Caltrans enhanced safety for motorists by boosting the lighting around key interchanges.

· Drainage systems were improved and highway shoulders were widened to modern standards.