Solano transportation officials brief Fairfield council on I‑80/I‑680/SR‑12 interchange work and I‑80 express lanes weekend pilot

Solano Transportation Authority project director Nick Burton told the Fairfield City Council that Package 5 of the I‑80/680/SR‑12 interchange — a partial interchange connecting Business Center Drive and Red Top Road with I‑80 — includes major structures, a roundabout and substantial right‑of‑way needs and is currently estimated at roughly $173 million. "This is a sizable structure," Burton said, describing columns up to 60 feet and extensive retaining walls and utility work.

Burton said earlier portions of the interchange (Packages 1 and 2) are complete, while packages 3 and 4 remain unfunded; he characterized Package 5 as a "bite‑sized" phase that could be built and later integrated into a full interchange. He also referenced a local connector component (discussed in the presentation as approximately $25 million) that would improve access for nearby neighborhoods and could be broken into smaller scopes if grant funding is available.

On the I‑80 express lanes, Burton and David Mann of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission described a three‑year weekend‑operations pilot that began after the lanes opened Dec. 16. Mann said early evaluation shows higher average speeds and reduced corridor congestion since opening, and that weekend use has been higher than weekdays but with lower peak tolls because trips are spread across the day. "We're seeing higher average speeds than prior to the express lanes," Mann said.

Officials listed funding sources used to deliver the I‑80 express lanes, saying $17 million in STIP funding leveraged roughly $123 million from an SB‑1‑related grant and about $85 million from Regional Measure 3 in the corridor. Burton said Caltrans has agreed to perform the project initiation document in‑house at no cost, which STA staff said should save time and money in environmental work.

Council members focused questions on funding, design progress and community outreach. Councilman Sander asked whether a city position could influence STA board decisions about weekend operations; Burton said municipal input is influential. Councilwoman Williams asked about signage, billing confusion in FasTrak disputes and the length of the pilot; Burton and Mann said a three‑year term is standard to collect sufficient data but that reporting and interim updates allow for earlier changes if the pilot underperforms. When asked about toll caps, Burton said there is no theoretical cap but a practical cap in the corridor around $5.50, with typical trips closer to $2.

Officials said evaluation metrics will include speeds, throughput, travel time and incidents, and that the pilot includes outreach and an income‑eligible discount program (Express Lane START) to reduce costs for qualifying users. The pilot will produce regular reports and a final recommendation before the three‑year period ends on whether to make weekend operation permanent, extend the pilot or terminate it.

Next steps noted to the council included pursuing grants for Package 5 design and right‑of‑way, continuing coordination with Caltrans on project initiation, and ongoing outreach about FasTrak enrollment and toll dispute processes. Council members asked staff to keep local design reviews and community input opportunities available as plans are finalized.