Light rail and bus riders using the Watt/I-80 Transit Center may notice some changes. Construction began on July 15, 2024 on a variety of improvements that will help create a safer, more accessible environment at one of the region’s largest transit hubs.  

Rider Alert: The on-ramp from Watt Avenue onto the Auburn Blvd Loop has reopened as of Friday, March 7, 2025.

The next phase of construction began December 3, 2024 on the Watt/I-80 Transit Center. The SacRT bus stop located on the southbound side of Watt Avenue (upper level) is temporarily closed due to construction activity on Watt Avenue. The bus routes affected include 1, 26, 84 and 93. Riders can catch the bus at an existing bus stop in front of Sacramento Inn & Suites (formerly Red Roof Inn) located further down Watt Avenue toward Longview Drive.

To access the temporary bus stop from the light rail station: Take the northbound stairs or elevator to Watt Avenue, turn left down Watt Avenue and follow the pedestrian detour signs to cross Watt Avenue at the crosswalk at Longview Drive. PLEASE NOTE: The pedestrian crossing across Watt Ave near the freeway on-ramp is now closed due to on-ramp construction. Please follow signs for your safety and cross at Longview Drive. The temporary bus stop is in front of the Sacramento Inn & Suites (formerly Red Roof Inn).

During this stage of construction, the southbound elevator and stairs are closed during construction. Riders can use the northbound elevator or stairs to get to the upper level. The northbound bus stop is not impacted at this time. This stage of construction is expected to last into May 2025.  

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: 

• December 3, 2024– May 2025: Construction on west side of Watt Ave, bus plaza (upper deck on Watt Avenue) and stairs. Southbound bus stops will be temporarily relocated.
• January – April 2025: Construction to south on-ramp, lane and ramp closures expected. 
• May - July 2025: Watt Avenue median replacement, lane closures on Watt Avenue.  
• July 2025 - April 2026: Construction on east side of Watt Ave, bus plaza (upper deck on Watt Avenue) and stairs. Northbound bus stops will be temporarily relocated.
• July – September 2025: Construction to north on-ramp, lane and ramp closures expected.

The Watt I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project is expected to be completed in mid 2026. 

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

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

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