What to expect during construction

• Construction takes place weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning the week of July 11, 2011 through the start of rains at the end of the year.

• Traffic delays during construction on Richards Boulevard and off-ramps to the freeway.

• Construction truck traffic, noise

• All hotels and businesses will remain open.

The Interstate 5/Richards to Railyards Access Improvements Project is an interim transportation improvement intended to provide traffic relief from the anticipated growth and redevelopment in this area. The improvements will:

Expand the I-5/Richards Boulevard interchange off-ramps;
Expand Richards Boulevard between Jibboom Street and Bercut Drive to improve capacity;
Add bike lanes to portions of Richards Boulevard, Bercut Drive and Jibboom Street;
Enhance pedestrian walkways and improve roadway crossings; and
Install landscaping and streetscaping for beautification.

The project coincides with the revitalization of the Richards Boulevard area, north of the City’s central business district. This redevelopment area encompasses the Sacramento Railyards Specific Plan area, as well as the River District and Township 9.

The Interstate 5/Richards to Railyards Access Improvements Project will provide the greatest level possible of access and circulation given the existing constraints posed by I-5, the existing interchange, and existing development. Significant upgrades to meet long-term capacity are currently being planned as a future, separate project.

Implementation of the Interstate 5/Richards to Railyards Access Improvements Project will:

Improve operations—Operation of the I-5 Richards Boulevard interchange off-ramps is currently deficient and will continue to degrade unless improvements are made. This project will correct existing deficiencies and accommodate for increases in traffic associated with area revitalization.

Increase Access—To improve safety within the interchange, Richards Boulevard and Bercut Drive will be designed to improve truck access and to reduce conflicts with other modes of traffic.

Improve Safety—To improve safety within the interchange, Richards Boulevard will be widened to facilitate trucks and reduce conflicts with other modes of traffic.

Provide a Pedestrian Friendly Environment—This project will provide additional bike lanes and improved pedestrian access within the Richards Boulevard area.

View the full project schedule.