2.2.
Description of Demonstration Project
The “Dana to Downtown Project” was chosen as the host construction project for the two-week showcase. The project is located on State Route 44 (SR44) and Interstate 5 in Redding, California, located in Shasta County, which is part of Caltrans District 2. The City of Redding is an urbanized area with approximately 109,000 residents. The purpose of the reconstruction project is to reduce congestion in the greater Redding area, help improve highway traffic safety, and enhance the access across the Sacramento River into downtown Redding. The project will entail the construction of an access ramp from Dana Drive to westbound SR44, widening the Sacramento River Bridge from a four-lane to a six-lane facility, and adding off-ramp lanes in the surrounding area. The ground-breaking ceremonies took place on April 22, 2008. Project completion is expected within three years.
During construction, delays are expected to increase as major arterials and intersections will be closed and restricted. The construction project had long been a top priority of the county’s planning committee. Figure 6 shows the highlighted areas of the “Dana to Downtown Project” under construction.