Major Construction Along Highway 50
If you live or work within the city of Sacramento, you undoubtedly have noticed that big changes are being made to one of its main commuter arteries, Highway 50. All around the central city, there is road construction happening on the highway. Amid all the construction chaos of the Fix 50 Project, there has been a significant increase in the number of automobile accidents.
Significantly More Accidents on Highway 50 This Year
On westbound 50 from Watt Avenue to the Sacramento River, there have been more than 350 traffic collisions between March and August of this year, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). That number represents a stark increase of around seventy percent when compared to the same time frame in 2019.
Some of the lane closures, diversions, and detours are confusing. Many of the accidents have been caused by drivers being caught off-guard and swerving, or not knowing where to go.
The Fix 50 Project
The massive construction undertaking is part of a multi-year project run by Caltrans. It is known collectively as the Fix 50 project, and it is a widespread effort to revamp and expand portions of the highway.
Some Drivers Are Not Adapting
Despite the fact that the speed limit in the construction zones has been lowered to 55 mph, Caltrans officials say that cars have not slowed down – they are continuing to see vehicles traveling 70-80 mph and sometimes even faster.
Caltrans officials say they have implemented plenty of warning signs and lane markers to give motorists a heads-up in advance of lane changes, but that safety ultimately comes down to drivers paying attention and driving within the posted speed limits.
Enhanced Speed Enforcement Coming Soon
Local news channel CBS13 asked representatives from the CHP and Caltrans what efforts are being made to address the rise in accidents. They were informed that the two agencies are working in tandem to increase enforcement of speed limits. There will be more tickets handed out to drivers exceeding the 55 mph construction zone speed limit. A Caltrans representative indicated that the enhanced enforcement efforts will begin soon, and drivers will need to slow down or face costly speeding tickets.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is the news report from CBS13 regarding accidents during the Fix 50 Project.
The Dangers of Highway Construction Zones
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a page on its website that is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers associated with highway construction zones. The agency notes that freeway work zones are dangerous for motorists who must navigate through the confusing array of lane changes, barriers, and signs, as well as for the workers who are employed to repair, build, and maintain our roads, highways, and bridges.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers the following safety tips for traveling through highway construction zones:
- Plan ahead and research your route in advance.
- Slow down!
- Pay extra attention to road conditions.
- Make early moves into open lanes during traffic shifts and lane closures.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Sacramento
Welcome. Thanks for visiting our legal blog and our report on the Fix 50 project. I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. When construction zones disrupt the highways, motorists need to use extra caution. When a negligent driver causes an accident, in or out of a construction zone, they are responsible for the damages they cause. If you have been injured in a car crash caused by another motorist’s recklessness, call our injury attorneys for free and friendly advice. Our phone number is (916) 921-6400. We also provide a toll-free number for those that may call from other area codes: (800) 404-5400. Another option is to send your inquiry via our online form.
Visiting the links below will provide you with more information about our firm and our services:
Photo: by Ricardo Resende via Unsplash
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