15-Year I-80 Improvement Project In Sierra Near Completion
TRUCKEE (CBS/AP) -- Motorists will soon find smoother sailing over the Sierra Nevada on Interstate 80.
A 15-year, $820-million rehabilitation project of the interstate between Auburn and the Nevada line is expected to wrap up by October 15.
Caltrans and local officials hailed the project's completion at a ceremony last week at the newly constructed Donner Summit rest area above Truckee.
Before the "Get Across 80" campaign began in 1998, the Sierra portions of I-80 were severely worn, with large ruts due to high traffic volume and the area's severe winters.
In addition to replacing worn pavement, Caltrans and its project partners upgraded drainage systems, rebuilt the Donner Summit and Gold Run rest areas, rebuilt or replaced several bridges and made other improvements.
An average of 170,000 vehicles travels I-80 over Donner Summit daily.
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