September 2, 2026

 

Sacramento’s Highway 50 is a vital transportation corridor with tens of thousands of vehicles traveling between Watt Avenue and the downtown I-5 interchange every day. As the region’s population and travel demand continue to grow, so have congestion and safety concerns.

To address congestion, improve public safety, and support reliable transit service, Caltrans and the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) have collaborated on the Fix50 Project. The project adds 14 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes while rehabilitating the existing pavement. The new HOV lanes connect with existing HOV lanes in Sacramento and El Dorado counties, creating a continuous HOV connection for carpools and transit buses along the US 50 corridor and reducing travel delays for these users.

STA has been instrumental in funding the Fix50 Project along with the California Transportation Commission. Through taxpayer-supported Measure A funds, STA has contributed more than $52 million, helping leverage additional funding from the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) and Senate Bill 1 (SB 1).

 

Key Project Features:

• 14 miles of HOV lanes: Providing a more reliable travel option for carpools and transit buses during congested peak periods.
• Pavement improvements: Replacing deteriorated concrete to improve ride quality and reduce maintenance.
• Bridge and ramp upgrades: Widening bridges and ramps, increasing vertical clearance, and improving freight movement.
• Safety improvements: Building new sound walls, improving lighting, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access.

Benefits:

• Reduced travel delays: The new HOV lanes provide carpools and transit buses with a more reliable travel option during peak traffic periods.
• Improved transit reliability: Transit buses can use the new HOV lanes to provide more consistent travel times along the US 50 corridor.
• Continuous HOV connection: The project connects existing HOV facilities in Sacramento and El Dorado counties to improve regional mobility.

 

The Fix50 Project is a partnership among STA, Caltrans, and the public. By helping fund 14 miles of new HOV lanes, STA is putting taxpayer-supported Measure A dollars to work to address congestion and improve mobility. The result is a more reliable US 50 corridor with improved travel for carpools and transit users now and into the future.