Fix 5 Cascade Gateway/Cascade SHOPP Project on Interstate 5

The Project:

The Fix 5 Cascade Gateway (F5CG) and Cascade SHOPP projects will be combined into a single construction project on Interstate 5 in Shasta and Tehama counties. The project extends from the Hartnell Avenue Overcrossing to 0.8 mile north of the Union School Road Overcrossing, including work at the northbound Cottonwood truck scales.

The F5CG project is designed to improve goods movement through the Redding area by constructing part-time truck-only lanes, standard median shoulders, auxiliary lanes, bridge widenings, electric vehicle charging stations, and variable message signs.

The Cascade SHOPP project focuses on improving roadway safety through the installation of median barriers, guardrail, bridge infill walls, bridge railing upgrades, and increased vertical clearances. Additional improvements include drainage upgrades, new overhead signs, rock blanket installation, and replacement of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements.

 

Project Need:

The Fix 5 Cascade Gateway Project is needed to improve the traffic operations, including goods movement, through the Redding area. The mainline flow of traffic is currently degraded by merging and weaving traffic at consecutive interchanges. The presence of trucks in the right lane and lack of continuous auxiliary lanes between interchanges can make it difficult to navigate. Long backups, delays, and major detours through and around the project area are experienced during wildfires and winter storms, demonstrating the current lack of system resiliency. Interstate 5 through Redding, which includes the last remaining four-lane section of freeway on I-5 from the Tehama County line to Shasta Lake City, experiences restricted traffic operations and inter-regional goods movement. These factors can reduce safety of the facility as well. 

 

The Cascade SHOPP Project is needed to improve the safety and traffic operations within the project limits. The existing signing, lighting, median barrier, and bridge railing do not meet current standards. Existing structures are less seismically resilient due to a lack of in-fill walls. Existing ITS/TMS elements are in poor condition and are needed for daily freeway operations and during emergency events. Two structure locations within the project limits do not meet minimum vertical clearance standards. Some drainage systems within the project limits that have been assessed as having fair or poor health. All these factors reduce the safety and operational effectiveness of the facility. 

 

Community Partnership:

Caltrans District 2 and the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency are partnering to leverage multiple funding sources. Other agencies and organizations in support of the project include Shasta County, City of Redding, City of Anderson, City of Shasta Lake, the California Highway Patrol, and the Truckers' Association.

 

Project Benefits:

This project aims to improve operations on Interstate 5 by reducing merging conflicts and congestion, maintaining reasonable and efficient traffic operations, and improving safety for users and workers. 

 

Current Project Schedule:

There are 240 working days anticipated for this project. Approximately 200 working days are expected to require traffic control. Construction is scheduled to begin Spring 2027.

 

Construction Estimate:

STIP (Local Funds) - $81,000,000

SHOPP (Caltrans Funds) - $37,900,000

Total - $118,900,000

 

Contacts:

Project Manager: Kelly Timmons

Public Information Officer: Mario Montalvo