Accidents More Than Double After Across The Top Project Lane Shift On Interstate 80
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The accidents are piling up along a much-talked about construction zone through Sacramento.
For many drivers, the Across The Top project on Interstate 80 has been an exercise in frustration, and a stretch of road with even more accidents.
The bulk of the work on the $133 million project has now switched to the westbound side as crews smooth out and repave lanes while adding a carpool access to a 10-mile stretch from Watt Avenue to just east of the Sacramento River bridge.
RELATED: Recent Across The Top Project Crash Data Missing After CHP Computer Upgrade
Since the westbound switch was made in late July, viewers have been wondering how many accidents the California Highway Patrol has responded to after the lanes were changed.
We tried to get that answer in August, but instead uncovered a CHP computer problem that kept the numbers from being reported.
Now we've found from July 25 to Aug. 28, the CHP responded to 41 collisions in the westbound section of the project. Out of that total, 23 were just property damage while 18 involved injuries.
"In comparison to last year's numbers—same time frame—just the westbound side prior to the construction zone being moved there we had 18 crashes, which 9 of them were property damage only," said officer Martin Oliveros.
Does the more than doubling of accidents in the area have the CHP concerned?
"To us, one crash is one crash too many, especially in speaking of construction sites, construction areas," he said. "So the California Highway Patrol is going to take every step possible to be able to reduce these numbers."
That's why the CHP has specific units assigned to the area, especially during commute times, to respond quickly to accidents.
A Caltrans spokesman says safety is always a top priority and point out how the speed limit has been lowered to 55 through the construction zone. No changes are planned for the westbound configuration.
The CHP also says distracted driving may be playing a role in the number of accidents, as well as drivers heading to the Bay Area from out of town that may not be familiar with the road work.
