Caltrans Project Making Changes to Interstate 5
Changes are coming to the Interstate 5 corridor between Elk Grove and the downtown area of Sacramento through the latest Caltrans project. The planned improvements may save time for drivers and make travel safer. The enhancement project making improvements to this corridor is from the American River Bridge to about a mile south of Elk Grove Boulevard. The project is slated to cost $370 million and should be completed in December 2020. While improvements to our roadways are always welcome, it unfortunately increases the risk of a traffic collision. If this happens and negligence was the cause, consulting with an experienced injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need for your injuries.
Turning to an Injury Lawyer After an Accident
Roadway improvements are one way to lessen the number of traffic collisions. However, aside from the increased risk of accidents during construction, road work can add to a driver’s frustration. It is important that this work is done with the driver’s safety in mind by using cones, control signs, and barricades to filter traffic. This effort is often sidelined as construction companies fail in their duty. For example, traffic control devices may malfunction, or diversions may be confusing, especially at night. When accidents happen, it is important to call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. We dispatch our investigators to the accident scene to determine why the crash happened and who was at fault. This ranges from another driver who might be speeding to lack of clear roadway directions during construction. We also review the police reports for accuracy and interview witnesses. Armed with this information, our legal team builds a strong case to obtain the compensation our client deserves.
Aims of the Improvement Project
The director of the Caltrans project, Amarjeet S. Benipal, said that potholes, cracks and other damage to the roadway have occurred over the years. He also said that the best way to repair the damage is to just completely fix the roadway. Improvements are planned such as turning 23 miles of the shoulder into carpool lanes and making improvements to 88 ramps. In addition, 67 miles of concrete is being replaced, and a fiber optic line and soundproof walls are being added.
Improving Commuter Time
Caltrans believes that the changes to the roadway will improve travel time for commuters. Once the Caltrans project is completed, according to Benipal, commuters such as carpoolers and buses should shave off about 13 minutes each day in the time it takes them to get to their destinations. This means that those commuting from Elk Grove to Sacramento’s downtown area should save about seven minutes one way. The hope is that rideshares and use of public transit will increase due to the Caltrans project. Most of the work will be performed on weekends and during the nighttime hours, which should be reassuring to those currently driving along I-5. However, construction zones are most dangerous at night when drivers have less visibility, particularly when the area is not lit appropriately.
Sacramento Auto Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento auto accident attorney. Injuries caused by negligence, whether it is by an individual or other entity, may be entitled to compensation. Reach me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area. The long-distance toll-free number is (800) 404-5400 for others in Northern California. An online contact form is also available if you prefer.
I belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Forum. The first is by invitation and represents attorneys who excel in their practice with a high level of excellence. The second represents trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
For over 37 years, I’ve assisted clients in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries caused by negligence. This includes all kinds of traffic accidents to wrongful deaths and traumas such as brain injuries.
At the following links, you will discover comments and reviews by my prior clients and information about cases that my law firm has handled:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/asphalt-construction-road-work-3431322/
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