ENBlue Line Service Disruptions
Blue Line Station Construction Completed Early
Regular Light Rail Service Resumes Tuesday, August 11
SacRT is pleased to share that major station platform construction at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station and City College Station has been completed ahead of schedule. Work was originally planned through Saturday, August 15, but construction is now wrapping up on Monday, August 10, allowing us to restore regular Blue Line service nearly one week early.
Beginning Tuesday, August 11, 2026, trains will resume normal operations between Broadway Station and Fruitridge Station, and riders will no longer need to use the temporary bus bridge.
This early reopening means light rail service will be fully available for the first day of Sacramento City Unified School District classes, including students traveling to McClatchy High School via the 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station.
SacRT appreciates riders’ patience during this important construction work, which prepares the Blue Line for the arrival of new low‑floor Siemens S700 trains in 2027 and will make boarding easier for all riders.
Station Platform Construction at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and City College Stations
Blue Line light rail service is temporarily suspended between Broadway Station and Fruitridge Station to allow crews to complete major station platform upgrades at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and City College stations. These improvements are necessary to prepare the Blue Line for the launch of SacRT’s new Siemens S700 low-floor trains in 2027.
Note: The service disruption will end on Monday, August 10, 2026 and regular light rail service will resume on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Tuesday, July 28 – Monday, August 10,2026
- Bus bridge on the Blue Line between Broadway and Fruitridge stations
- Note: light rail service will continue to operate from Broadway Station (north) toward Watt/I-80 Station, and from Fruitridge Station (south) toward Cosumnes River College (CRC) Station
To support riders, a bus bridge (shuttle bus) will operate between Broadway Station and Fruitridge Station throughout the construction window. Shuttle buses will operate during all hours that trains normally operate, with frequent intervals and staffed assistance at key transfer stations to serve all impacted stations.
Construction Timeline and School Impacts
Regular Light Rail service will resume on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, before the start of school for SCUSD.
How to Use the Bus Bridge
Traveling north from Cosumnes River College Station:
- Train service is available between Cosumnes River College and Fruitridge stations.
- Exit the train at Fruitridge Station and board the shuttle bus traveling toward Broadway Station. The bus will stop at City College, 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and Broadway stations. To continue heading north, board light rail at Broadway Station to head toward Watt/I-80 Station.
Traveling south from Watt/I-80 Station:
- Train service is available between Watt/I-80 and Broadway stations.
- Exit the train at Broadway Station and board the shuttle bus traveling toward Fruitridge Station. The bus will stop at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren, City College and Fruitridge stations. To continue heading south, board light rail at Fruitridge Station to head toward Cosumnes River College Station.
Note: Each Saturday night at 6 p.m. through Sunday night, trains will pass through the stations, but not stop. If riders don’t need to board or exit at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren or City College stations, they can stay on the train. If they do need to use those stations, the shuttle bus service is available.
Shuttle Bus Times
Shuttle bus operate every 20 – 30 minutes.
First bus at Broadway Station: 4:19 a.m.
Last bus at Broadway Station: 11.23 p.m.
First bus at Fruitridge Station: 5:14 a.m.
Last bus at Fruitridge Station: 12:14 a.m.
Bus Bridge Locations
Travel toward Watt/I-80: Light rail service available headed inbound
Travel toward CRC: Stop on westbound Broadway at bus route 51 bus stop in front of station
Travel toward Watt/I-80: Stop at northbound Freeport at the bus route 62 bus stop in front of the station
Travel toward CRC: Stop at southbound Freeport Blvd just past Vallejo Way
Travel toward Watt/I-80: Stop at bus loop at station
Travel toward CRC: Stop at bus loop at station
Travel toward Watt/I-80: Stop on westbound Fruitridge at bus stop across from station
Travel toward CRC: Light rail service available headed outbound
Why the Blue Line Needs This Construction Work
SacRT is raising station platforms by eight inches along the Blue Line so they meet the height requirements for the new low-floor trains. These upgrades will make boarding significantly easier for all riders, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with strollers, and passengers using mobility devices. This work requires temporarily shutting down the track segment so crews have safe access to the platform areas. Unlike many Gold Line stations, Blue Line stations are bordered by active Union Pacific Railroad tracks or nearby buildings, leaving no space to safely stage heavy equipment while trains continue operating. As a result, this work can only be completed when trains are not in service.
Why Closures Are Short and Targeted
Even with the complexity of Blue Line construction, SacRT is using one of the fastest turnaround schedules in the transit industry:
- Multiple stations completed within 15 to 21 day construction windows
- Shorter closures than those used by comparable agencies
- In contrast, when Los Angeles Metro modernized its Blue Line, the system experienced nine months of closures across two segments
SacRT deliberately designed the construction schedule to minimize long-term disruptions while completing the required upgrades quickly and safely.
Light Rail Modernization Project
SacRT’s light rail system first opened in 1987 and is now aging, with train cars reaching the end of their useful life and stations in need of upgrades. This modernization project will improve accessibility and reliability for all riders. Historically, ADA access was limited to the front train car, requiring most passengers to climb stairs to board. The modernization will allow boarding from any car for riders of all abilities.
Progress so far: All stations along the Gold Line have been modified to support two-car low-floor trains, and in 2026, additional work will begin to prepare for future three-car train operations on the Gold Line. On the Blue Line, four stations have been completed, and the remaining fifteen stations are scheduled for upgrades.
SacRT understands that these temporary light rail closures can be frustrating for riders. We recognize the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience as we modernize the system to support the new Siemens S700 low‑floor trains. These upgrades will make the system significantly more accessible, reliable, and safer for decades to come.
During each closure, SacRT operates robust bus bridges to keep riders connected. Shuttle buses run during all hours that light rail normally operates, staffed with personnel at key stations to assist with wayfinding and transfers. While buses help riders move through the construction zone, they operate in mixed traffic and carry fewer passengers than trains, which may increase travel time. Riders are encouraged to allow extra time when closures are in effect.
Blue Line construction is more complex than earlier Gold Line work. All Blue Line stations must be upgraded for future three‑car trains, which requires substantially more demolition and reconstruction. Many Blue Line stations also have limited construction access due to adjacent Union Pacific Railroad tracks and surrounding buildings. Because contractors cannot safely stage equipment while trains are running, certain work can only be completed when rail service is temporarily paused.
Even with these challenges, SacRT is using one of the fastest construction schedules in the industry. Multiple stations are upgraded within single 15‑ to 21‑day windows—far shorter than major shutdowns used by other transit systems. For example, Los Angeles Metro’s Blue Line modernization required closures lasting up to nine months. SacRT intentionally designed its schedule to avoid long-term disruptions and minimize impacts to riders.
Safety Reminder
Many station platforms have been raised eight inches to meet the height requirements of the new low-floor trains. Riders are reminded to watch their step when traveling through stations and to cross at the ends of platforms rather than in the middle for safety.
Thank you for your patience as we work to make the system more accessible, reliable, and ready for the future.
Stay Informed
Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the Blue Line to provide a more accessible, reliable, and modern transit experience. For real-time updates, download the free Alert SacRT app or visit sacrt.com/alerts.
The AlertSacRT app is an essential tool for Sacramento transit users, offering real-time rider alerts and a discreet, effective way to report safety and security concerns directly to Regional Transit Police Services (RTPS). Users can send anonymous messages, including text, photos, or six-second videos, to report suspicious activities.
By downloading AlertSacRT, passengers not only stay updated on service disruptions but also play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and security of the transit system.
