State Route 20 Salt Creek Canyon

Project Description:

The State Route 20 Salt Creek Canyon Project is located near Williams, stretching from the Lake County line to Interstate 5 (I-5) in Colusa County. This project is focused on enhancing safety along the SR 20 corridor by implementing a series of roadway improvements.

To create a safer driving environment, the project will widen shoulders, providing additional space for vehicles and reducing the risk of run-off-road incidents. It will also upgrade guardrail and drainage systems, ensuring better roadside protection and improved water management. Additionally, rumble strips will be installed to help prevent lane departures by alerting drivers who veer off course. Lastly, new signage and striping will be added to enhance visibility and improve overall traffic flow. These upgrades aim to reduce collisions and create a safer roadway for all travelers.

 

Project Map Location:

Location map for Colusa county

Purpose:

The project aims to enhance safety for the traveling public and reduce the severity of collisions along this corridor.

 

Need: 
A Road Safety Audit was conducted along the SR 20 corridor from the Lake County line (PM 0.0) to I-5 (PM R22.1) in November 2021, with the final report issued in April 2022. The audit identified major safety concerns within the Salt Creek Canyon segment (PM 10.3 to 11.7), which experienced 23 collisions, including 4 fatalities, 2 serious injuries, and 7 minor injuries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. These findings were the primary reason for initiating this safety project. Other safety concerns throughout the corridor will also be addressed as part of the project.

 

Cost Estimate:

The project is programmed in the 2024 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) and is funded under the 20.XX.201.010 Safety Improvements Program.

Support Cost  $12,080,000 
Capital Cost   $34,540,000
Total Project Cost  $46,620,000

 

Schedule:

 Draft Environmental Documents  May 2026
Project Approval & Environmental Document   January 2027
Design Completed
May 2028
Advertise Project
 June 2028
Begin Construction September 2028
Complete Construction December 2029

 

Project Contacts:
Julio Torreiro-Casal, Project Manager, (530) 812-4818; Julio.Torreiro-Casal@dot.ca.gov
Megan Reese, Public Information Officer,  (530) 682-6145 megan.reese@dot.ca.gov