Interstate 5 / Richards Boulevard Interchange Project

Project overview

The City of Sacramento, in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is evaluating improvements at the Interstate 5/Richards Boulevard interchange. The objective of the project is to provide long-term operational and circulation improvements to address future impacts resulting from high density development in the Central City. Project environmental studies began in September 2020 with the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Existing conditions

The Richards Boulevard I-5 Interchange provides primary access to the Railyards and River District redevelopment areas from Interstate 5. Full build-out of these locations will add numerous residences and businesses, resulting in a substantial increase of traffic in the area. Operation of the Richards Boulevard I-5 interchange ramps is currently deficient as indicated by lengthy traffic queues onto mainline Interstate 5 and Richards Boulevard during peak hours. The situation will continue to degrade as redevelopment occurs in the area unless improvements are made to the interchange.

Project benefits

The objectives of the project are to:

  • Reduce existing congestion on interchange ramps and local roadways that are adjacent to the interchange. 
  • Improve long-term traffic operations and circulation at the interchange and nearby local roads to address forecasted increases in travel demand anticipated from planned and approved developments. 
  • Improve safety of all modes of travel, including bicycling and walking, in the interchange area. 
  • Facilitate use by active transportation modes (e.g., people traveling by bicycle or walking) through the interchange. 
  • Accomplish the project’s transportation goals while minimizing effects on adjacent critical public facilities and not interfering with the proposed expansion of the Sacramento Regional Water Treatment Plant or planned improvements to I-5

Funding

The project is funded with a combination of Federal grants and Measure A funding.

Schedule

Winter 2024: Circulate Draft Environmental Document for public review

Contact

William Shunk, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
Public Works – Engineering Services
Funding and Project Development
wshunk@cityofsacramento.org

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