Drivers who use Highway 37 to travel between Vallejo, the East Bay and Sonoma County should plan ahead. Caltrans has announced a full closure of the route in both directions for 55 hours, part of the agency's preparation for El Niño storms.
The shutdown covers the stretch between Mare Island in Vallejo and Sears Point in Sonoma County. It begins at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, and is expected to last until 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.
Before the full closure, a first phase of work starts Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. During that phase, the westbound lanes of Highway 37 will be closed from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. The same overnight closure will be repeated the following evening, Thursday, Oct. 22. Caltrans notes that all of the road work depends on the weather.
During the full closure, traffic will be sent along portions of Highways 12, 29 and 121. The City of Sonoma says the shutdown will lengthen travel times and may add traffic to alternate routes in Sonoma and Sonoma Valley. Officials advise anyone heading into Sonoma from Vallejo to expect delays and to think through their route before setting out.
The City of Sonoma says the work is necessary because the roadway is prone to flooding and could be hit by storms linked to El Niño. Crews will raise portions of the road by approximately three feet. Caltrans says the project also includes median demolition and the installation of k-rail.
Motorists can check the Caltrans QuickMap for the latest road conditions, or consult 511 Bay Area.
More work is on the way after this weekend. Caltrans has scheduled secondary closures from 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, until 5 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. Crews will use that time to remove a temporary barrier on the westbound lanes and to install a temporary barrier on the eastbound lanes.
