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Westbound Highway 50 roadwork: Detours and other tips to get around lane shift traffic

Changes to Highway 50 taking effect Thursday night
Changes to Highway 50 taking effect Thursday night 02:32

SACRAMENTO -- A major construction project is starting along Highway 50 in Sacramento this week.

As part of the nearly half-billion-dollar "Fix50" construction project, lanes near downtown Sacramento will soon see a massive shift. 

Crews will split the westbound lanes after the 26th Street off-ramp. 

All drivers who usually get off between 10th to 16th or onto Interstate 5 will have to be in the far right lanes as the three left lanes will be separated by a concrete barrier. 

Caltrans is urging drivers to use the following routes to try and get around the expected traffic mess: 

-Northbound I-5 instead of NB Highway 99

-Southbound I-5 instead of SB Highway 51 (Business 80)

highway-50.png
Map of the planned traffic split.  Caltrans

Drivers should also take note that the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph in the area, like with all roadwork areas. 

The change takes effect from 9 p.m. Thursday night.

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