Yolo County is moving forward with a new roadway improvement project aimed at improving driver safety along South River Road — a corridor that has long faced shoulder erosion and visibility issues.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 3, Yolo County Public Works crews will start shoulder repair and traffic sign installation from the West Sacramento city limits to the Freeport Bridge. Work is expected to continue through late November, with the possibility of extending into December depending on weather conditions.
“Maintaining safe and reliable roadways is one of our top priorities,” said District 1 Yolo County Board of Supervisors member Oscar Villegas. “This work along South River Road will not only improve driving conditions but also help ensure the safety of everyone who travels this corridor. We appreciate the community’s patience as Public Works completes these important improvements.”
What the project includes
- Installation of new "No Shoulder" warning signs where space is limited
- Placement of new aggregate to stabilize and rebuild eroded shoulder areas
- Clear traffic control measures to protect workers and drivers
These improvements are designed to reduce roadway hazards — especially during rainy seasons when portions of the shoulder become unstable.
Traffic impacts for drivers
Crews will work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and intermittent lane and road closures will occur to maintain a safe work zone.
The roadway will fully reopen each evening, and local access to homes and businesses will remain available. Motorists can expect:
- Slower traffic flow
- Temporary detours
- Increased presence of workers and equipment
Flaggers and signage will direct drivers safely through the construction zone. Electronic message boards will continue alerting drivers to work activity and potential delays.
Officials encourage drivers to use caution, especially where shoulder width is limited, and to consider alternate routes whenever possible.
Schedule and Weather Considerations
The timeline aims to finish before Thanksgiving, but crews noted that wet conditions could extend work:
“If the work is not concluded before the week of Thanksgiving, installation of traffic signs and shoulder repairs may extend into early December.”
Community reporting and support
Residents noticing roadway concerns along the corridor — such as potholes, debris or erosion — can submit reports online by visiting the “Report A Concern” page at YoloCounty.gov and clicking “Request Road Maintenance or Clean Up.”
This section adds more background — NOT included in original reporting but enhances the story:
South River Road serves commuters, agricultural operations, and recreational visitors heading toward the Sacramento River bike trails and marinas. Local transportation planners view safety enhancements as critical to reducing run-off-the-road incidents — one of the most common crash types in rural areas.
The shoulder upgrades also support long-term planning efforts tied to:
- Increased cycling activity
- Freight movement related to nearby industrial zones
- Ongoing growth in West Sacramento and surrounding communities
County officials say these incremental upgrades reflect a broader plan to modernize rural and semi-urban corridors with more consistent roadside safety standards.
Originally reported by Yolo County.
.webp)
