California Transportation Commission Approves Funding to Construct Express Lanes on I-80 Across Yolo Causeway
California Transportation Commission Approves Funding to Construct Express Lanes on I-80 Across Yolo Causeway
Woodland, Calif. (May 17, 2024): The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has unanimously approved funding for Phase 1 of the Yolo 80 Corridor Improvements project, clearing the way for construction of a new express lane in each direction across the Yolo Causeway between Davis and West Sacramento.
At yesterday’s CTC meeting in Orange County, the Commission unanimously approved four separate actions to greenlight the project, including a $105 million grant award, certifying the environmental document, and authorizing local agencies to charge a toll in the new lane.
The new express lane will be free for transit and carpools with 3 or more people. Solo drivers and those with one passenger can use the lane by paying a toll. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the new lanes expected to open in 2028.
The plan calls for toll revenues to be reinvested in increased transit service across the busy corridor, discounted transit passes, and an equity program to assist low-income travelers and neighborhoods adjacent to the freeway. Construction of the new lanes is expected to begin this fall.
The I-80 Corridor Improvements Project is a joint project of the Yolo Transportation District (YoloTD), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG).
A contingent of Yolo County elected and appointed officials traveled to Orange County to give a presentation on the project and ask the CTC for their support.
“This project strikes the right balance of providing increased transit options, supporting working families and improving California’s economy,” said Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, who also serves on the Boards of Directors of YoloTD and the Capitol Corridor JPA.
“Rural communities like mine depend on I-80.” said Winters City Councilmember Jesse Loren, who also serves on the Board of the YoloTD. “Yolo County’s vibrant agricultural sector relies on this corridor to get goods to market. If our perishable goods can’t reach their destinations because trucks are stuck in traffic, we risk losing our agricultural lands. Currently, speeds at the bottleneck regularly drop below 15 mph, impacting the timely delivery of produce. Additionally, we’ve seen dangerous cut-through traffic on rural roads as drivers try to bypass the congestion.”
Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas, represents West Sacramento and also serves as the Chair of the new Capitol Area Regional Tolling Authority, which will oversee tolling on the new project. In his remarks, he emphasized the project’s regional benefits: “The Yolo 80 project will improve travel time across the region. Interstate 80 and the Yolo Causeway are vital links for commuters and goods moving from the Port of Oakland to the I-5 corridor and beyond. With the Sacramento region’s rapid population growth, investing in this project is essential for commuters and interstate commerce.”
The Commission voted unanimously to support all four action items on the agenda.
“We’re thrilled that the CTC voted unanimously to move this project forward,” said Autumn Bernstein, Executive Director of YoloTD. “The Yolo Causeway is one of the worst bottlenecks in Northern California. For too long, residents of Yolo County have borne the brunt of congestion, air pollution, and cut-through traffic.”
The project includes 17 miles of express (toll) lanes, intelligent transportation system (ITS) enhancements to alert drivers when there is an accident or severe congestion, and improved cycling and pedestrian facilities.
The Yolo 80 Corridor Improvements project is overseen by the Capital Area Regional Tolling Authority (CARTA), a joint powers authority formed by YoloTD, Caltrans, and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). For updates on this project, please visit and follow CARTA at captollauthority.org.