Traffic Shift to New Structure on S.R. 92 at the I-880 Interchange

Beginning Saturday, May 16, 2009, motorists traveling eastbound on State Route 92 from the San Mateo Bridge will experience a major traffic shift. Motorists traveling eastbound on SR 92 to northbound Interstate 880 must use the new east-north connector. Motorists traveling to downtown Hayward from eastbound SR 92 must stay in the left lanes – there will be no access to downtown Hayward from the right lanes. Motorists traveling eastbound on SR 92 to southbound I-880 must use the right lanes. During this phase of construction, any traffic on eastbound SR 92 that is in the right two lanes will only have access to either north or southbound I-880 (see simulation).

Caltrans District 4 Director Bijan Sartipi stated, “This traffic switch is an important milestone to continue this project on schedule with the least impact to the traveling public. The great project success to date is a result of the continued partnership between Caltrans and the region.” Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Chair Scott Haggerty said, “We are pleased with the progress and looking forward to celebrating overall project completion in 2011.”

A second traffic shift will occur on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, and remain in place until 2011; this phase will shift all traffic to the right-hand lanes on the east-north connector. Traffic going to downtown Hayward and traffic heading to north and southbound I-880 will use the new east-north connector. At this point, access from eastbound SR 92 to downtown Hayward and beyond will be re-established.

The traffic shifts are necessary as part of the SR 92/I-880 Interchange Reconstruction Project so that Caltrans contractors can erect the new overcrossing and demolish the old structure. MTC’s Bay Area Toll Authority has budgeted $245 million for this project, with the bulk of that coming from Regional Measure 1 bridge tolls and the $9.6 million provided by the Alameda County Transportation Authority.

Changeable message signs will be in place to assist motorists with the new configuration.