On Tuesday, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) began work on a $39 million project that will ease traffic congestion and improve safety between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and the Interstate 5-Highway 50 interchange.
Funded by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Sacramento County, and SMF, the project aims to construct auxiliary lanes, ramp meters, and upgrade or install intelligent transportation systems or elements.
"Which will provide safer merging from on- and off-ramps and allow motorists to exit the main highway sooner to improve traffic flow and enhance safety along Interstate 5," said Tony Tavares, Caltrans director.
According to Caltrans officials, development in the area and airport expansion are prompting the project.
"Next year, the airport will launch a $1.3 billion expansion to accommodate more passengers that are projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.3% through the year 2041," Tavares said.
Approximately 175,000 motorists use I-5 daily, along with 21,000 trucks.
"It takes things like this these promises that we make people, that help with that economic development, that help with that economic development, that help with that attraction for businesses around the world," said Lee Ann Eager with the California Transportation Commission.
The project is expected to take 2 years to complete.
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Source: MSN.com
