Delays Expected Along State Route 49 for Safety Barrier Project

PLACER COUNTY - Caltrans is alerting motorists about various lane closures and delays along State Route 49 (SR-49) between Auburn and Grass Valley as work continues on a $38 million safety barrier project.

Lane closures are scheduled along southbound SR-49 between Lorenson Road/Florence Lane and Lone Star Road from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until the end of October. Motorists can expect delays during peak travel times between 15 and 20 minutes.

Additional lane closures are scheduled for both northbound and southbound SR-49 for drainage work from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until the end of October. The schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events.

Motorists are reminded to slow for the cone zone and reduce their speed for the safety of workers and the traveling public.

DeSilva Gates Construction of Dublin is the prime contractor. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2025. At that time, the 1.3 miles stretch along SR-49 will include a concrete median barrier and roundabouts at the Lorenson Road/Florence Lane and Lone Star Road intersections. Additional work will include new pavement, striping, curb gutters, sidewalks and signage.

This is the third recent project in the Auburn area to improve safety on the SR-49 corridor in Placer County. The $12.3 million American Canyon Roundabout project is currently in construction at the intersection of SR-49 and Lincoln Way/Borland Avenue. In spring 2022, Caltrans completed a $47.4 million roadway improvement and complete streets project between the Interstate 80 separation and Dry Creek Road.

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to "Be Work Zone Alert" and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.

The department will issue construction updates on X @CaltransDist3and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans' QuickMap or download the QuickMap app from the App Storeor Google Play.