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Caltrans is planning to close three lanes of southbound Interstate 680 between Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon and the I-580/I-680 connector in Dublin on two different weekends later this month as part of its overall southbound I-680 rehabilitation project.
According to the transportation agency, the first partial closure that will affect mostly the cities of San Ramon and Dublin is set to take place from 9 p.m. next Friday (May 17) to 4 a.m. the following Monday (May 20). The second partial closure will be during the same hour timeframe but on May 31 to June 3.
“During the closures, the contractor will replace a portion of the existing deteriorated roadway with new pavement on southbound I-680,” the transportation agency stated in a press release last week. “The work will repair deteriorating existing pavement and enhance motorist safety while reducing the number of nightly closures needed on the project. Each weekend closure will accomplish the amount of work that otherwise would require an estimated 40 nighttime closures.”
In case of rain, the agency said the closures will be rescheduled and the public will be notified.
Unlike the previous full closures the transportation agency carried out recently between Pleasanton and Sunol, these two new partial closures will keep two right lanes open throughout construction.
“Though lanes will be open, it’s best to avoid the area if possible,” according to Caltrans. “If you do access the freeway, please be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the construction zone and slow (down) for the cone zone.”
That’s why Caltrans stated it encourages drivers to take alternative routes in order to alleviate traffic congestion during each weekend.
Motorists going westbound on I-80 from Vacaville and Fairfield will be advised to remain on I-80 to southbound I-880. Those going south on I-680 near the Benicia-Martinez Bridge will have to take I-780 west to the I-80 and then to southbound I-880.
Caltrans also said I-680 southbound drivers in Concord can go on Highway 4 to I-80 to southbound I-880. Those on southbound I-680 in Walnut Creek can take State Route 24 to I-80 to I-880.
Apart from the three lanes being closed on southbound I-680, the far-left express lane and the left shoulder on northbound I-680 between Amador Valley Boulevard in Dublin and Alcosta Blvd in San Ramon will also be closed.
The southbound Saint Patrick Way onramp onto southbound I-680 in Dublin will also be fully closed.
However, the northbound I-680 and I-580/I-680 interchange connector will remain open and unaffected by the partial closure.
“Caltrans is aware that the closures will impact the motoring public and measures are being taken to minimize inconvenience,” the transportation agency stated. “Caltrans thanks the motoring public in advance for your patience as we work to improve I-680.”