Caltrans has finished rebuilding 90 miles of I-80 between Auburn and the Nevada state line, infrastructure improvements that included rebuilding seven bridges, improving lighting and drainage and adding new traffic monitoring systems.

I-80 is a critical economic artery for California and the nation because it is one of only three continuous coast-to-coast highways, and it has served motorists well since the 1960s.  

The massive construction venture (“Get Across 80”) consisted of 15 separate projects featuring a wide range of improvements. In addition to rebuilding the highway:

• Caltrans rebuilt seven bridges and the Donner Summit and Gold Run rest areas.

• Several chain on/off areas were upgraded.

• New freeway cameras were installed, which Caltrans will use to monitor traffic incidents and weather conditions.

• New electronic highway message signs on I-80 will provide motorists real-time traffic and weather information.

• Caltrans enhanced safety for motorists by boosting the lighting around key interchanges.

• Drainage systems were improved and highway shoulders were widened to modern standards.

Proposition 1B, a 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, provided $76 million in funding. To date, nearly $17 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been put to work statewide for transportation purposes. This 90-mile upgrade was completed over a 15-year period for a cost of $821 million.