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Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project

This construction project began July 2024 and includes a variety of improvements that will help create a safer, more accessible environment at one of the region’s largest transit hubs.  

Northbound (east side) Bus Stop Closed

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, a partial construction shift started for the northbound (east side) of Watt Avenue.

  • The northbound bus stop (upper level) is closed
  • Northbound buses will no longer stop on the bridge
  • Riders should use the temporary bus stop near Wendy’s at Watt Avenue and Longview Drive
  • The northbound stairs and elevator will remain open to the public until December 15, 2025.
  • Bus routes affected include 1, 15, 26, 84, and 93

To reach the temporary stop from the light rail station:

  • Take the northbound stairs or elevator to Watt Avenue. (Note: the southbound stairs will be closed until December 15, 2025. 

        Reminder: The pedestrian crossing near the freeway on-ramp remains closed

Map showing both bus stops at Watt Ave closed an pedestrian travel to alternative bus stops.

Current Phase: Southbound Side Closed (Through December 15, 2025)

The southbound (west side) of Watt Avenue is currently closed due to construction. This impacts the SacRT bus stop on the upper level serving routes 1, 26, 84, and 93.

  • Riders can use the temporary bus stop located in front of Sacramento Inn & Suites (formerly Red Roof Inn), further down Watt Avenue toward Longview Drive.
  • To reach the temporary stop from the light rail station:
    • Take the northbound stairs or elevator to Watt Avenue
    • Turn left and follow pedestrian detour signs
    • Cross Watt Avenue at Longview Drive
      ⚠️ Note: The pedestrian crossing near the freeway on-ramp is closed. Please use the crosswalk at Longview Drive for safety.

During this phase:

  • The southbound stairs and elevator are closed
  • The northbound bus stop, stairs, and elevator remain open
  • This phase is expected to continue through December 15, 2025
Map showing the closed pedestrian crossing across Watt Ave by the freeway on ramp and the detour crossing which is at Longview Drive.

Southbound Side Reopens / Northbound Sidewalk and Stairs Close

Beginning Monday, December 15, 2025:

  • The southbound (west side) of Watt Avenue will reopen
  • Southbound bus stops and the west sidewalk and elevator will reopen
  • The new open-air stairway connecting Watt Avenue to the transit center will open
  • The east side sidewalk, stairs, and elevator will close

Bus Route 15 Riders – Detour Notice

Bus route 15 (to Watt/I-80) is currently detouring via Longview Drive to Watt Avenue and will serve bus stop 3098 (Wendy’s). This detour will remain in place until construction is complete in summer 2026.

Map of Watt Ave northbound bus stop closure showing southbound open, northbound closed and the pedestrian crossing at longview drive

Northbound Side Closed

Starting Wednesday, December 15, 2025, construction shifts to the northbound (east side) of Watt Avenue.

  • The northbound bus stop (upper level) is closed
  • The northbound stairs and elevator will close
  • Routes affected include 1, 15, 26, 84, and 93

Riders can use the temporary bus stop at Watt Avenue and Longview Drive near Wendy’s.

  • To reach the temporary stop from the light rail station:
    • Take the southbound stairs or elevator to Watt Avenue
    • Turn right and follow pedestrian detour signs
    • Cross Watt Avenue at Longview Drive
      ⚠️ Reminder: The pedestrian crossing near the freeway on-ramp remains closed

Route 15 Riders – Detour Notice

Route 15 (to Watt/I-80) is currently detouring via Longview Drive to Watt Avenue and will serve bus stop 3098 (Wendy’s). This detour will remain in place until construction is complete in summer 2026.

This phase will continue through summer 2026.

Image of Watt/I-80 construction efforts.

About the Project

The Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project includes widening of the Watt Avenue Bridge, construction of an open-air stairwell linking Watt Avenue and the transit center, a new bus/pedestrian plaza, improvements to on-ramps, and upgrades to the portion of the transit center located beneath Watt Avenue. Collectively, these improvements will help attract more riders, accommodate additional bus service from other regional operators, and enhance the overall safety of the transit center.  

Riders can expect temporary modifications in bus service during periods of construction, and drivers commuting to the transit center for bus or light rail service may also experience brief delays due to lane closures. SacRT will provide advance notice prior to any changes affecting bus service or access to the transit center. 

Anticipated Construction Schedule

Subject to Change

December 3, 2024 – December 2025

Construction on west side of Watt Ave, bus plaza (upper deck on Watt Avenue) and stairs. Southbound bus stops will be temporarily relocated.

March - June 2025 (Completed)

Construction to south on-ramp, lane and ramp closures expected.

May - December 2025

Watt Avenue median replacement, lane closures on Watt Avenue.

December 2025 - June 2026

Construction on east side of Watt Ave, bus plaza (upper deck on Watt Avenue) and stairs. Northbound bus stops will be temporarily relocated.

December 2025 - January 2026

Construction to north on-ramp, lane and ramp closures expected.

Mid 2026

The Watt I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project is expected to be completed.

Questions?

Project hotline: 916-566-5221 
Email: WattI80Project@sacrt.com

Project Documents

Factsheet

Factsheet

Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project - Fact Sheet

Master Plan

Master Plan

Re-image Watt/I-80 Transit Center Master Plan - March 2018