I-80 work to involve delays, road closures

Caltrans will soon begin some unusual work to raise the vertical clearance of nine structures in Placer County that cross Interstate 80.

The overcrossings include eight vehicle bridges and one railroad trestles from the Brace Road overcrossing in Loomis to the Magra Road overcrossing east of Colfax.

The vertical clearance of these structures is being raised to 16-feet 6-inches to meet current standards that improve access on I-80 through the Sierra for interstate commerce and national security.

Six structures will be raised using a complex system of jacks and reconstruction, while the roadway under the remaining three structures will be dug down to create the required clearance.

Work will begin this spring and continue through fall 2015.

Each of the six raised structures will require I-80 to be completely closed overnight for two nights, and the overcrossings will be closed for two months. Structures requiring the highway to be dug lower will require multiple long-term lane and ramp closures.

Traffic detours will be in effect during the construction work in the communities of Loomis, Penryn, Newcastle, Weimar and Colfax.

Updates me be found online.