A portion of southbound Interstate 680 in the East Bay will be shut down this weekend as part of an ongoing repaving project. Drivers should be aware that a detour will be necessary if their plans include the southbound lanes of I-680 in Pleasanton this weekend. According to Caltrans, a full closure is scheduled from September 20 through September 23, starting at 9 p.m. on Friday and lasting until 4 a.m. Monday morning. The closure will affect the stretch between Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon and the I-580/I-680 connector in Pleasanton.
The reason for the closure is a major pavement rehabilitation project aimed at improving the road surface and motorist safety. By knocking out the work over a single weekend, Caltrans aims to avoid what could otherwise necessitate an estimated 40 nighttime closures. For those looking to navigate around, Caltrans advises motorists to take alternative routes, and signage will be placed to guide the detouring traffic.
Detours and Impacts
Caltrans says all I-580/I-680 connectors will remain open through the right most lanes on southbound I-680. However, the southbound I-680 closure will affect all traffic traveling south between Alcosta Boulevard and the I-580/I-680 connector. Caltrans encourages motorists to take alternative routes to alleviate traffic congestion within the construction work zone.
While the southbound direction bears the brunt of the weekend's work, some northbound traffic will also be affected. The Express Lane and adjacent shoulder on northbound I-680 between Amador Valley Boulevard in Dublin and Alcosta Blvd in San Ramon will also be out of commission during the same period, according to Caltrans.
Construction and Future Plans
Crews will begin shutting down southbound I-680 at 9 p.m. Friday. Caltrans expects southbound I-680 to reopen by 4 a.m. Monday.
The I-580/I-680 interchange connector will keep flowing, albeit through the rightmost lanes on southbound I-680. Meanwhile, two additional partial weekend closures are on the October calendar, allowing continued travel through the work zone. Should the skies open up or unexpected issues arise, Caltrans has pledged to reschedule the work and alert the public accordingly.
A Big Project With a Big Impact
Caltrans said crews will replace a portion of the existing damaged roadway with new pavement. This weekend closure will accomplish the amount of work that otherwise would require an estimated 40 nighttime closures.
The closure of southbound I-680 this weekend will cause significant disruptions to traffic flow in the area. Motorists planning to travel through Pleasanton and San Ramon should plan their routes in advance and allow extra time for their journeys. The work will repair deteriorating existing pavement and enhance motorist safety while reducing the number of nightly closures needed on the project. This weekend closure will accomplish the amount of work that otherwise would require an estimated 40 nighttime closures. Caltrans is aware that the closures will impact the motoring public and measures are being taken to minimize inconvenience. Caltrans thanks the motoring public in advance for your patience as we work to improve I-680.
Keeping Informed
For more information, visit Caltrans' website. Portable changeable message signs will be placed prior to closure advising motorists of this closure and will remain in effect throughout the weekend while work is being performed. California Highway Patrol officers and message signs will be on hand to guide motorists. Detours for the closures are as follows:
